FAQs About Power Tool Testing
Power Tool Testing
Faulty power tools can cause injuries, accidents, fires, and property damage. Regular inspections are essential if you want to reduce electrical risk factors and maintain a safe environment. Leave it to The Local Guys! Our Test and Tag technicians provide professional power tool testing for clients across Australia.
How often do power tools need to be tested? How should power tools be inspected? Our easy guide to power tool testing will answer any question you might have!
What Type of Power Tools Can Be Tested?
The Local Guys can test Class 1 and Class 2 electric power tools with a power cord or a battery pack.
Common electric power tools include:
- Angle grinders
- Belt and disk-type sanders
- Electric drills
- Impact drivers
- Impulse type wrenches
- Nail guns
Items with power cords and a regular Australian plug can be connected directly to our PAT machines for power tool testing. Our technicians will carefully check the cord for damage during the visual inspection, because even on high-quality power tools, the cords can be weak points.
Lithium-ion battery technology is becoming increasingly common, since cordless power tool batteries are lightweight and easy to recharge. Cordless products and power tools are also more portable. The Local Guys will assess the battery safety & performance during power tool testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
A PAT machine is a Portable Appliance Tester. The Local Guys use this advanced testing equipment to make sure your power tools meet electrical requirements and that any critical safety functions are working as needed.
The 3 main tests:
- Earth continuity/earth resistance: To check that your power tools have a secure earth connection. Unstable earth connectors can allow electricity to escape and causing accidents.
- Insulation resistance: To measure the effectiveness of the insulation in your power tools. Poor insulation is a problem because it will not have enough resistance to stop dangerous energy surges.
- Lead polarity: To make sure electrical conductors are connected properly. Incorrect polarity can cause power tool failures, fires, and electrocutions.
The PAT machines our technician use can inspect a wide range of Class 1 (earthed) or Class 2 (double-insulated) electrical equipment. Power tools are typically Class 2 devices, while most portable electrical appliances are Class 1. That means these versatile testing devices are perfect for power tool testing!
How Often Should Power Tools Be PAT Tested?
Under AS/NZS 3760:2022 safety standards, most workplaces or businesses that use electric power tools require 3-monthly or 6-monthly power tool testing. However, the frequency of power tool testing required will depend on what they type of industry or environment they are used in.
What is the Australian standard for electrical testing?
AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the current Australian standard. The Local Guys base all safety inspections of power tools on these official electrical safety standards.
Electrical testing intervals:
- 3 months: building, construction, mining and demolition sites
- 6 months: warehouses, factories, and production environments
- 12 months: schools and corporate offices
- 5 years: server rooms etc.
How to Test a Power Tool
How do you test and tag power tools? There are four main steps to power tool testing with The Local Guys. You can think of it as our power tool inspection checklist!
The 4 steps of power tool testing
- Visual inspection: The technicians will check your power tools for any signs of damage to ensure it can be tested by a PAT machine safely. If the extent of damage presents a clear electrical risk, the device has failed the visual check and will not progress to the power tool testing phase.
- Electrical testing: The Local Guys will connect the power tool (or battery) to a PAT machine for electrical safety testing. PAT testing power tools includes checking the insulation resistance, earth continuity, and lead polarity. Each device will receive a pass or fail result.
- Tagging items: Items that undergo power tool testing will be tagged by a technician. This tag will show the most recent date of testing. If you part of an industry that requires 3-monthly power tool testing, this tag will also be colour-coded.
- Documenting results: The technician will record all the results of your power tool testing in a detailed service report.
Who Can Test and Tag Power Tools?
Power tool testing must be completed by someone deemed "competent" and to AS/NZS 3760:2022 safety standards. If you want comprehensive power tool inspections, then leave it to The Local Guys! Our Test and Tag technicians are fully licensed and professionally trained.
What to expect from our technicians:
- Complimentary Reminder Services: Our team will keep track of your power tool testing. When your next appointment is due, or technicians will send you a reminder!
- $20,000,000 in Public Liability Insurance
- A Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- Current Police Clearance
- A First Aid Certificate
- A $5 donation to World Vision Australia for every job
Key Takeaways
Power tool testing is important because it's the best way to assess whether your electrical devices are safe for use. Since they're mainly used in industries linked to construction, demolition, and production, power tools usually require 3-monthly or 6-monthly testing under AS/NZS 3760:2022 safety standards. Power tool testing should only be completed by competent person with the proper license and training, like a professional technicians from The Local Guys!
Want to organise power tool testing with The Local Guys? Get in touch with our Test and Tag technicians today!
- About the Author
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Jarrad has been working in the service industry for more than 10 years and has managed clients from very small hair dressers to national clients with sites all over Australia. Over the decade, Jarrad has proudly won and managed many large tenders with government bodies and commercial businesses nationally. Additionally, Jarrad has trained and supported many franchise partners over the years.
