To guarantee all your electrical devices and appliances are safe to use, it’s important to get them checked by a professional who can test and tag them for your peace of mind. Whether you have appliances at home you want to get checked or you are in charge of a workplace or public space’s test and tagging requirements, here’s what you need to know before hiring a test and tag electrician.

What does test and tag mean?

Test and tag describes the testing and labelling of electrical equipment for health and safety purposes. This is typically done by a specialised electrician, who can identify faulty items and repair them if necessary. The testing is undertaken using dedicated equipment, which can identify any insulation deficiencies as well as earth leakages. A pass or fail vinyl label is then attached to the appliance or equipment. Examples of dangerous equipment include exposed wiring, broken casing, missing buttons and faulty insulation.

Electricians are required by law to be accredited and licensed to operate in Australia. This includes familiarity with current wiring regulations and national standards applicable to the electrical field.

Who can do test and tag work in Australia?

Test and tag work in Australia can only be conducted by professionals who have completed the necessary training and hold relevant qualifications. This includes:

1. Licensed electricians: Licensed electricians are qualified to perform test and tag work, as they possess the required electrical expertise and training. They can inspect and test electrical appliances to verify their safety and compliance with Australian standards.
2. Registered test and tag technicians: In some states and territories, registered test and tag technicians who have completed a recognised training course can conduct test and tag work. They will typically hold certifications like the ‘Test and tag license’ in Queensland.
3. Competent persons: Some states, such as New South Wales, allow competent persons within organisations to conduct test and tag work. These people must receive proper training to qualify as competent persons and be knowledgeable in AS/NZS 3760 and AS/NZS 3012 standards.

It's important to note that the specific requirements for test and tag work can vary between states and territories. Individuals and businesses must therefore adhere to the regulations and guidelines established by their respective jurisdiction. To ensure compliance and the ongoing safety of electrical equipment, it’s Important that you always use qualified professionals, such as licensed electricians or registered test and tag technicians, to perform this essential task.

What are the most common items that need test and tagging?

Some of the more common items that might require test and tagging in workplaces and public spaces, for example, include:

• Power cords and extension leads: Regularly used power cords and extension leads are susceptible to wear and tear over time.
• Portable electrical tools: Handheld power tools, like drills and grinders, are frequently subjected to harsh conditions and may require more regular testing.
• Office equipment: Office environments house lots of different electrical devices, including computers, monitors, printers, photocopiers and more, all of which should be tested and tagged.
• Kitchen appliances: Electrical kitchen appliances in commercial spaces, like microwaves and toasters, need to be tested for safety.
• Residual current devices (RCDs): Safety switches, or RCDs, need testing because they are relied upon to ‘trip’ correctly in the event of a fault.
• Heavy machinery: Industrial equipment and machinery with electrical components, such as forklifts and manufacturing machines.
• Construction and building tools: Electrical tools used in construction and building sites, such as electric drills and saws.
• Medical equipment: In healthcare facilities, electrical medical equipment like defibrillators, ECG machines and infusion pumps need test and tagging to guarantee patient safety.
• Appliances in public spaces: In places like schools, gyms and event venues, electrical appliances including sound systems and vending machines are frequently tested.
• Residential electrical items: While not as common, some homeowners like to test and tag their electrical appliances and equipment for added safety.

What’s involved in testing and tagging an electrical appliance?

Here’s a brief overview of the four main steps involved:

1. Visual inspection: The first step is a visual inspection of the appliance. Your technician will check for any visible signs of damage or loose components. This includes examining the power cord, plug and casing for cracks or exposed wires.
2. Electrical testing: Your technician will use testing equipment to assess the appliance's electrical components. This could involve conducting tests for earth continuity, insulation resistance and polarity, which will determine if the appliance is electrically safe or not.
3. Tagging and documentation: If the appliance passes the inspection and testing, it will be labelled with a vinyl tag that includes key information: the date of the test, the technician's name and the date for the next scheduled test. The results of the tests will also be documented for future reference.
4. Failures and repairs: If an appliance fails any part of the testing, it will be removed from service and marked as ‘failed’. Repairs can then be carried out to fix the issues, followed by a retest. If the appliance passes after repairs, it will be tagged as safe.

How long does it take to test and tag?

It generally only takes a few minutes to do test and tag work, depending on the appliance in question. However, your technician will be able to give you a clearer indication of time once they are on-site and have inspected what needs test and tagging done.

How to ensure safety at home

Electrocution can be potentially fatal, so follow these guidelines to avoid an incident in your home or on your premises:

• Ensure all your equipment is tested and tagged regularly.
• Avoid using untested imported products.
• Ensure power points and plugs are not overloaded
• Make certain that electrical products are not used near water
• Educate your family and/or workforce to the potential dangers of electricity
• Call emergency services in the event of an accident

Find an electrician on hipages who can take care of any test and tag jobs for your workplace, home or a public space.

Why is licensing and insurance important for test and tag electricians?

Licensing ensures your test and tag electrician has all the necessary training and knowledge, while insurance protects both the electrician and their clients in case of accidents or damage during testing and tagging work.

How much does it cost to hire a test and tag electrician?

If you have a portable device or appliance that you can bring directly to a qualified test and tag professional, then the cost will be quite minimal. According to ElectroTechnics, tests for a single item start at $4.80 – however there will be an additional $150 call-out fee for an on-site visit, which includes 10 appliance tests.

For workplaces who need hundreds – or even thousands – of devices and appliances tested and tagged, it’s best to get a bulk fee for the entire job so you can set aside enough of a budget.

How to find a reputable local test and tag electrician

Make sure you ask any test and tag electrician a few questions to better understand their capabilities – and whether they are the right tradie to hire for your job:

1. Are you a licensed electrician or a registered test and tag technician, and can you provide your license or certifications for verification?
2. What training and qualifications do you have for test and tag work?
3. Do you use calibrated testing equipment, and can you explain the testing methods you use?
4. What’s your pricing structure for test and tag services, and does it include testing, tagging and any potential repairs?
5. Will you provide a detailed report for each appliance tested?
6. Are you insured for liability and damage coverage?
7. Can you accommodate after-hours or weekend testing?
8. Can you explain the tagging system you use and provide a sample of the tags you would use to mark both compliant and non-compliant appliances?