Adelaide’s 2026 Test and Tag Colour Guide
Having the right test and tag colours is a simple but important part of compliance and workplace safety in Adelaide. At The Local Guys, we're here to help you understand the colour coding system and AS/NZS 3760:2022 testing and tagging standards. If you want to know everything there is to know about Adelaide test and tag colours, then read our easy guide!
Do you know how test tag colour coding works? Each tag colour represents the time when an item was last tested, so one look can tell you if your electrical appliances are safe and up to date.
For construction and demolition workplaces, colour-coded tags are used in line with the applicable testing requirements and AS/NZS 3012. In other workplaces, tag colours may be used to help identify testing periods, but the required schedule can vary depending on the workplace and equipment.
The 2026 SA Test and Tag Colour Chart
In South Australia, high-risk environments follow the national RGBY (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow) rotation for test and tag colours.
Does your electrical equipment have a tag colour that doesn't match its month? That could mean the inspection date has passed, and that your electrical appliance is overdue for testing.
Here’s the Adelaide colour rotation for 2026:
| Months | Tag Colour |
|---|---|
| December – February | Red |
| March – May | Green |
| June – August | Blue |
| September – November | Yellow |
Outside of Adelaide? See our helpful test and tag colour guides for Melbourne and Sydney.
Why Adelaide Workplaces Use Colour-Coded Tags
In high-risk industries like construction, demolition, and mining, colour-coded tags are mandatory to meet compliance with Australian industry standards. From a practical standpoint, these colourful tags help people quickly check whether items like extension cords, power tools, and other portable electrical appliances are safe for use.
Even in offices, schools, and retail businesses in Adelaide where the colour of the tag is more flexible, colour-coding is an easy way for people to track their compliance test schedule. All tags have important information like the previous and next test date, the safety status of the item, and the technician's details.
How Test & Tag Services Work in Adelaide
When you book an Adelaide Test & Tag service with The Local Guys, you can have peace of mind knowing your safety inspections are being handled by professionals! Our technicians provide full safety testing services to meet compliance with Australian standards.
The 5 steps to an Electrical Test and Tag service:
- Visual inspection: for clear signs of damage, defects, or wear to the device
- PAT testing with a professional Portable Appliance Tester: to detect hidden electricity faults
- Tagging: applying an updated compliance test tag on each item that the PAT Tester passes
- Applying fail tags: for unsafe items, ensuring dangerous equipment is not used by mistake
- Reporting and documentation: via a detailed service report and Certificate of Compliance issued for your records
Our testing and tagging services cover everything from power tools on a construction site to residual current devices (RCDs) in offices. We also test fire safety equipment like fire extinguishers and fire blankets, ensuring your Adelaide business can tick all the boxes for safety testing.
How Often Should Equipment Be Tested in Adelaide?
Testing intervals can vary depending on the workplace, equipment type, level of risk and the requirements that apply to the site. Higher-risk environments may require more frequent inspection and testing than lower-risk workplaces.
AS/NZS 3760:2022 provides guidance on inspection and testing intervals, while construction and demolition sites may also need to follow additional requirements under AS/NZS 3012.
Businesses should confirm the testing schedule that applies to their workplace rather than relying on one universal interval.
What Should Adelaide Businesses Check When Choosing a Test and Tag Provider?
When choosing a test and tag provider in Adelaide, businesses should check relevant qualifications, insurance, reporting processes and experience with their type of workplace. It is also worth confirming what testing is included and whether the provider can support the required testing schedule.
For full service details and booking information, see our test and tag services in Adelaide page.
Frequently Asked Questions in Adelaide
What are the test and tag colours for 2026 in South Australia?
Adelaide workplaces needing 3-monthly testing follow this colour rotation:
Yellow (Sep–Nov)
Red (Dec–Feb)
Green (Mar–May)
Blue (Jun–Aug)
How often should my electrical equipment be tested?
Testing intervals depend on the workplace, equipment type, level of risk and the requirements that apply to the site. Higher-risk environments may require more frequent inspection and testing than lower-risk workplaces, so businesses should confirm the schedule that applies to their equipment and workplace.
Are there fines for not complying with test and tag requirements in SA?
Yes. In South Australia, individuals can face fines of over $400, and businesses can face penalties exceeding $2,000 for non-compliance. SafeWork SA also highlights the broader risks of injuries, property damage, and legal action if unsafe electrical equipment causes harm.
Can anyone complete a test and tag service?
No, only a competent person with the right training and licensing can provide a testing and tagging service in Adelaide. Technicians from The Local Guys are licensed and trained to meet AS/NZS 3760:2022 compliance requirements.
How long do I need to keep test records in Adelaide?
Testing records need to be kept until the next test or removed from service. On construction sites, records must be stored onsite and kept for at least 5 years.
Key Takeaways
Adelaide uses the RGBY colour coding system for quarterly test and tag services. The red, blue, green, yellow colour rotation makes it easy to confirm if an item is safe and within its testing interval. The Local Guys provide full safety testing services, including PAT testing, RCD testing, and portable appliance testing. Choosing The Local Guys means staying compliant with South Australian industry standards and keeping your workplace safe.
Need Help Understanding Your Adelaide Testing Schedule?
Test and tag colour requirements can vary depending on the workplace, equipment and testing schedule. If you need full service details, testing options or booking information, visit our test and tag services in Adelaide page.
