Portable Appliance Testing (Test & Tag)
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Competitive Pricing
- Full Report & Certificate of Compliance
- Peace of Mind
Portable Appliance Testing (Test & Tag)
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Competitive Pricing
- Full Report & Certificate of Compliance
- Peace of Mind
What is Portable Appliance Testing? (Test & Tagging)
Portable appliance testing (also known as test and tagging) is the process of checking the safety of portable electrical appliances. A portable appliance is an electrical appliance that can be moved from one place to another (e.g. extension cords, printers, electric drills, fridges, etc.)
Portable Appliance Testing is completed in a two-part test (visual inspection and an electrical test using a Portable Appliance Tester). This allows the technician to conduct an electronic test to ensure the appliance is safe by providing a pass or fail result.
Electrical test and tagging is completed as a safety measure to protect the people in the workplace that come into contact with the appliance and prevent an electrical hazard (i.e. electrical fires, shocks, etc.). Test and tagging also encourages the longevity of devices.
All electrical test and tagging is completed in line with the AS/NZS 3760:2022 Australian Standards.
Who needs to have Portable Appliance Testing completed?
As per the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004), all businesses have a legal obligation to maintain their duty of care. Employers are required to take all reasonable steps to provide a safe, hazard-free workplace. This includes having an electrical maintenance program that identifies electrical hazards, conducts appropriate risk-assessment and controls, or eliminates these risks.
The AS/NZS 3760:2022 Australian Standard clearly outlines that regular testing and tagging of portable electrical appliances is optimal for creating a safe workplace.
If you work in construction, demolition and mining, all electrical equipment must be inspected, tested and tagged every three months, as per the AS/NZS 3760:2022 Standard. In fact, if you arrive to your job without tagged equipment, you can be turned away from the site until you have had your equipment completed. There are specific colour-coded tags that correspond to specific months of the year to outline if the equipment has been tagged in line with the three-month intervals.
How often do I need to have my testing completed?
There are two main determining factors as to how often you should have your electrical equipment tested and tagged:
- the location/ environment of the item
- the type of appliance it is and how prone to movement/ damage it is
As per the AS/NZS 3760:2022 standard requirements, we recommend the following frequency as a minimum:
- 3 months: building, construction and demolition
- 6 months: factories, warehouses and production
- 12 months: an environment where the equipment/ supply cord is prone to flexing or open to abuse
- 5 years: an environment where the equipment/ supply cord is not prone to flexing or open to abuse (a typical example of this might be a company’s server room).
It is important to note that these are the recommended frequencies; however, it is best to speak to your technician for exact timeframes specific to your workplace.
What type of equipment needs testing?
In short, any appliance that can be plugged into a power point (flexible cord and a removable plug) can be tested. Generally, electrical devices are classed as either:
- Class 1: This is an earthed appliance, i.e. kettles, toasters, microwaves, powerboards.
- Class 2: This is a double-insulated appliance (usually identifiable by a symbol – square within a square), i.e. most electric drills, hair dryers.
Any items used in the workplace should be tested, even if they are not company-owned. This includes any personal items that are brought into the workplace.
If you are unsure whether or not the items you have can be tested, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss your testing with you.
What is included with my testing?
When you have your testing completed with The Local Guys – Test & Tag, your technician will:
- Conduct a visual inspection: The whole appliance will be examined, looking for any damage or defects to the cord, appliance or plug.
- Complete the electrical test: Using a PAT tester, the insulation resistance, earth resistance and polarity of the appliance will be tested. If everything passes the test, the item will be recorded as a pass and will be tagged. If the appliance fails any of the tests, it will be recorded as a failure and will be tagged with a ‘failed item’ tag.
- Notify you if there have been any failed items and advise you what to do with them.
- Provide you with a comprehensive report: The report states each item that has been tested, its location, class, pass/fail, date of testing and next due date. This report can also be used as an asset register.
- Provide you with a certificate of compliance: Your certificate of compliance outlines the services completed and their next due date.
- Notify you when your test and tag is due again: Your testing information is recorded in our database and CRM, so your technician will remind you when your testing is due again.
Speak to a Real Person Immediately
- Instant, personalised assistance from a friendly voice.
- Tailored recommendations based on your budget and requirements.
- Enjoy the flexibility of customising the scheduling of your electrical safety service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Portable Appliance Testing, also known as Test and Tag, is the process of visually inspecting and electrically testing portable appliances to ensure they’re safe to use. Each item is then tagged with a pass or fail label according to AS/NZS 3760:2022 standards.
Test and Tag helps prevent electrical shocks, fires, and equipment failures. It also ensures your workplace meets Australian safety compliance laws under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The testing frequency depends on your work environment:
- Every 3 months: Construction, mining, demolition
- Every 6 months: Factories and workshops
- Every 12 months: Offices and retail spaces
- Every 5 years: Low-risk areas (e.g., server rooms)
Your technician will recommend the correct schedule for your business.
Only trained and licensed Test and Tag technicians who follow the AS/NZS 3760:2022 standards can legally perform this service. The Local Guys – Test and Tag technicians are fully qualified, insured, and police-checked.
New items don’t need immediate testing but must be fitted with a “new to service” tag showing the purchase or first-use date. We still recommend testing them for safety, as manufacturing faults can occur.
If an item fails the visual or electrical test, it will be clearly marked with a ‘Failed’ tag and must be removed from service. We’ll include full details in your report and advise on repair or replacement options.
Not at all. Our technicians work efficiently and can schedule testing outside business hours to minimise disruption. Each test only takes a few minutes per item.
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