Portable Appliance Testing (Test & Tag)
- Quote Within 2 Business Hours
- Locally Based Technicians
- Digital Compliance Reports & Certificates
- Automated Compliance Reminders
- National Police Clearance Check
- Most Awarded Test & Tag Company in Australia
Portable Appliance Testing (Test & Tag)
- Quote Within 2 Business Hours
- Locally Based Technicians
- Digital Compliance Reports & Certificates
- Automated Compliance Reminders
- National Police Clearance Check
- Most Awarded Test & Tag Company in Australia
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Portable Appliance Testing & Test and Tag Australia
Portable appliance testing, commonly known as test and tag, helps Australian businesses identify electrical equipment that may be unsafe to use. The Local Guys provides workplace test and tag services in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2022, with technicians servicing businesses across Australia and providing digital testing records and compliance reports.
Our team has tested more than 1 million appliances across Australian workplaces, including offices, warehouses, retail stores, construction sites and other commercial environments.
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What Is PAT Testing (Test and Tag)?
Portable appliance testing, commonly known as test and tag, is the process of checking portable electrical equipment to identify damage, faults or other safety risks. This can include extension leads, power boards, printers, tools, kitchen appliances and other equipment that plugs into a power point.
The process generally includes two parts: a visual inspection and an electrical test using a portable appliance tester. The visual inspection checks for issues such as damaged plugs, cords, insulation or casing, while the electrical test checks whether the equipment is operating within safe limits.
If the appliance passes the required checks, it is recorded and tagged with the relevant testing information. If it fails, it is identified as unsafe so it can be removed from service, repaired or replaced as appropriate.
The Local Guys carries out portable appliance testing in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2022, the Australian and New Zealand standard for the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
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Who needs test and tag done?
Australian businesses have a duty to provide a safe workplace and manage electrical risks. The exact legal requirements vary between states and territories, with most jurisdictions operating under Work Health and Safety laws and Victoria operating under its Occupational Health and Safety framework.
Portable appliance testing is commonly used to help businesses identify electrical faults, manage workplace risks and maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition. Testing and tagging is carried out in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2022, which provides guidance for the in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
Testing requirements depend on the type of workplace, how the equipment is used and the level of risk. Higher-risk environments such as construction and demolition sites generally require more frequent testing, with applicable portable electrical equipment commonly tested at three-month intervals.
For lower-risk workplaces such as offices, retail stores and other controlled environments, testing intervals can be longer and should be determined based on the equipment, workplace conditions and applicable safety requirements.
How often do I need test and tag done?
How often electrical equipment should be tested and tagged depends mainly on:
- the environment in which the equipment is used
- how frequently the equipment is moved, handled or exposed to damage
AS/NZS 3760:2022 provides guidance on inspection and testing intervals based on the level of risk in the workplace. Typical intervals include:
- 3 months: building, construction and demolition environments
- 6 months: factories, warehouses and production environments
- 12 months: workplaces where equipment or supply cords are regularly moved, flexed or exposed to damage
- Up to 5 years: low-risk environments where equipment is stationary and unlikely to be damaged, such as some office or server-room equipment
These intervals are a guide rather than a single schedule that applies to every workplace. The appropriate testing frequency depends on the equipment, how it is used, the workplace environment and any applicable state or territory safety requirements.
What equipment needs test and tag?
Portable electrical equipment that is connected to mains power by a flexible cord and plug can generally be inspected and tested. Common examples include extension leads, power boards, kettles, microwaves, printers, chargers, power tools and other portable workplace appliances.
Electrical equipment is commonly grouped into:
- Class I equipment: earthed appliances such as kettles, toasters, microwaves and some power tools.
- Class II equipment: double-insulated appliances, usually identified by the square-within-a-square symbol, such as many drills and hair dryers.
Equipment brought into the workplace by employees may also need to be included in the workplace's electrical safety program if it is being used for work.
Whether an item requires testing, and how often, depends on the type of equipment, how it is used, the workplace environment and the applicable safety requirements.
What's included in a test and tag service?
When you book a test and tag service with The Local Guys, your technician will:
- Conduct a visual inspection: Check the appliance, cord and plug for visible damage, wear or defects.
- Complete the electrical test: Use a portable appliance tester to check relevant electrical safety measures such as insulation resistance, earth continuity and polarity where applicable.
- Identify failed items: Clearly record and tag any equipment that does not pass and explain the recommended next steps.
- Provide a detailed report: Record each tested item, its location, class, pass or fail result, test date and next due date. This can also assist with asset management.
- Provide testing documentation: Supply records of the services completed and relevant next due dates.
- Send future reminders: Keep your testing details on file so you can be reminded when your next inspection and testing cycle is due.
How Much Does Test and Tag Cost?
Test and tag pricing depends on your location, the number of items being tested and the type of workplace.
As a guide, pricing may be charged per item, with a minimum service or call-out fee applying in some locations. For example, our Sydney service currently charges between $2.20 and $3.90 per item + GST, with a $125 + GST minimum call-out fee.
Rates vary by location, so for accurate pricing, view your local test and tag service page or request a quote for your workplace.
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- Enjoy the flexibility of customising the scheduling of your electrical safety service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Portable appliance testing, commonly known as test and tag, involves visually inspecting and electrically testing portable equipment to identify faults or safety risks. If the item passes, it is recorded and tagged with the relevant testing information.
Testing and tagging helps businesses identify electrical faults, reduce workplace risks and maintain equipment in a safe condition. Requirements vary depending on the workplace, equipment and applicable state or territory safety laws.
Testing intervals depend on the type of workplace, how the equipment is used and the level of risk. Higher-risk environments may require testing every three or six months, while some lower-risk equipment may have longer intervals.
Portable appliance testing should be carried out by a competent person with the training, knowledge and equipment required to perform the inspection and electrical tests correctly.
New equipment does not always require immediate electrical testing before first use, provided it is new, undamaged and supplied in a safe condition. Workplace policies or specific site requirements may still require it to be inspected, tagged or recorded.
If an appliance fails inspection or testing, it should be clearly identified as unsafe and removed from service until it is repaired, replaced or otherwise made safe.
Usually only minimally. Appliances generally need to be disconnected briefly while they are inspected and tested, and technicians can often work around your business operations to reduce disruption.
