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Electrical equipment and tools testing and tagging

Specified electrical equipment and safety switches need to be tested at intervals according to their class of work. For construction work this information is in AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations - Construction and demolition sites (non-Queensland Government link).

For manufacturing, service, office, amusement and rural industry work, the information is in the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002.

Who can test electrical equipment?

Only a person appointed as competent by their employer can test and tag electrical equipment.

It is an offence under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 to repair electrical equipment unless you have the appropriate electrical work licence.

Competence is based on knowledge and skills gained from training, experience, qualifications or a combination of these.

Tagging electrical equipment

A durable tag must be attached after inspecting and testing to clearly show the test date and the next scheduled test and inspection date.

Photo - Working around web 04

A tool showing the inspection and testing tag (blue impact drill with tag off handle)

Intervals for testing are determined by consulting the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 and AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment (non-Queensland Government link).

Test and tag requirements for hire electrical equipment

There are specific requirements for inspecting, tagging and testing hire equipment.

Intervals for testing

The class of work determines how often specified electrical equipment and safety switches are tested.

Class of work Portable/specified electrical equipment Type 1 or 2 safety switch (fixed) Type 1 or 2 safety switch (portable)
Construction work At least 3 monthly intervals by a competent person.
  • Use the inbuilt test button (at least monthly).
  • An operating time/current test by a competent person at least annually.
  • Use the inbuilt test button – immediately after it is connected and immediately before it used, first time each day.
  • By a competent person, at least every 3 months.
Manufacturing work
  • If equipment is double insulated, at least every 12 months by competent person.
  • If not double insulated, at least every 6 months by competent person.

and connected to a safety switch.
  • Use the inbuilt test button – at least every 6 months.
  • An operating time/current test at least every 12 months by competent person.
  • Use the inbuilt test button – daily or before each use, whichever is longer.
  • By a competent person, at least every 12 months.
Note: From 1 March 2008, portable safety switches are not to be used in manufacturing work. Installed safety switches must be used.
Service work At least 12 monthly intervals by a competent person or connected to a safety switch.
Office work At least 5 yearly intervals by a competent person or connected to a safety switch.
  • Use the inbuilt test button at least every 6 months.
  • An operating time/current test by a competent person, at least every 2 years.
  • Use the inbuilt test button at least every 3 months.
  • An operating time/current test by a competent person at least every 2 years.
Amusement work (specified electrical equipment)
  • If equipment is double insulated, at least every 12 months by competent person.
  • If not double insulated, at least 6 months by competent person and connected to a safety switch.
Amusement work (amusement rides and devices) Inspected and tested each after each onsite assembly, and every six months.
Rural industry work (all plug in equipment) Visual examination before each use.
Rural industry work (Specified electrical equipment used under stated electrical risk factors) Either: test and inspect every 12 months or protect with a safety switch. Recommended push button test every three months. Recommended push button test every three months.

For construction work, refer to AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations - Construction and demolition sites (non-Queensland Government link).

For all other work, refer to the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002.

Equipment that fails testing should be immediately taken out of use and a durable tag must be attached warning people not to use the equipment.

If the equipment is safe you must attach a durable tag which shows when the next test is due.

Contacts

Electrical safety infoline

1300 650 662 (local call charge within Australia, mobiles charged at applicable rates)

SmartLicence

Contact SmartLicence on 1300 363 711 for applications for licences, permits and registration information and assistance

Trades Recognition Australia

Visit Trades Recognition Australia (non-Queensland Government link) for more information on national recognition of your electrical trade skills.
Last reviewed
28 March 2011
Last updated
24 November 2011

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