Test & Tag Frequency Requirements
In Australia, the test and tag frequency (also known as test and tag intervals) refers to how long is needed before an electrical appliance must be tested and tagged.
The AS/NZS 3760: 2022 Standard recommends electrical testing and tagging frequencies via Table 2.4 - a sort of 'bible' for everything test and tag related. At the very least, it should be seen as a minimum requirement for everyone in VIC, NSW, QLD, WA and SA.
Here are the main intervals you should be aware of:
| Intervals | Environment | |
| 3 months | construction, building and demolition | |
| 6 months | factories, production and warehouse | |
| 12 months | where equipment/cord is prone to flexing (or open to abuse) i.e. schools, offices, office kitchen | |
| 5 years | where equipment/cord is not prone to flexing (or open to abuse) i.e. server rooms |
AS/NZS 3760: 2022 Standard - Table 2.4
The Australian Standard AS 3760 specifies that the period between testing and tagging is based on the environment in which the appliance is located.
It's also important to remember that some businesses undertake their risk assessment, meaning they might have a different test and tag frequency, which is more frequent than specified. It is, of course, absolutely fine, whereas testing less frequently is not acceptable.
All testing and tagging are accomplished via a portable appliance tester (PAT tester), along with a visual inspection.
It's worth mentioning that the Test & Tag Standard was changed in 2022, with one of those changes affecting the test and tag frequency table (below), which used to be referred to as Table 4.
Frequency for building, construction and demolition
Due to their sheer hostility, the most strict industries require testing every three months. These include people working on building and construction sites or demolition. Often, marine is also included in this list of harsh environments.
A lot of the information relating to these environments falls under the AS/NZS 3012 Standard. In addition to stricter intervals, you must also use particular test tag colours at certain times of the year. These colours will change every three months, coinciding with your periodic testing.
Frequency for hired equipment
The electrical equipment needs to be:
- visually inspected before being hired
- tested and tagged every three months
Who does the testing depends on a couple of factors. If the hirer has the equipment for at least 3 months, it will be their responsibility (otherwise, it lies with the hirer when it is in their possession).
Frequency of second-hand equipment
Second-hand equipment is specifically mentioned within the intervals table. Although, it's now covered under the separate Standard 5761, the testing procedures remain the same as per 3760. Essentially, there is no retest period for used equipment as it's being sold to an end user. The Second Hand Equipment Tags look different compared to standard test tags.
Frequency for Commercial Cleaning
Commercial cleaning equipment has a standard 6-month interval. Typical electrical equipment in this category includes vacuums, pressure hoses, floor scrubbers and polishers, sweepers, and steam cleaners.
It's also worth mentioning that many floor polishers or larger cleaning machines run on 15amps. If you come across these devices, you'll require a PAT Tester capable of performing a Leakage Test. This kind of test is available on all major PAT Tester brands, including Metrel, Seaward, Wavecom and Kyoritsu - but make sure you check the specific model.
| << Test Tag Colours Guide | Test & Tag Software Comparison: Free vs Paid >> |
