Electrical Test & Tag
What is test and tag?
Test and Tag is a safety check for electrical appliances that plug into a power point. Each appliance is visually examined and subjected to safety tests (earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, etc.) before being labelled (“tagged”) with the test result, date, and next due date. This ensures every device plugged into power, from power tools and extension leads to
computers and kitchen appliances, is safe to use and compliant with Australian safety standards.
A well-tested appliance is less likely to cause shocks, fires or equipment failure. For business owners, facility managers and landlords in Tasmania, Portable Appliance Testing is a practical way to meet legal safety obligations and avoid costly accidents.
Regular testing helps prevent:
Electric shocks
Electrical fires
Euipment failures
Why is Test and Tag important?
Test and Tag helps find electrical faults before they become dangerous.
Faulty or worn electrical equipment is a leading cause of shocks, fires and downtime in homes and businesses. Regular testing uncovers hidden defects (like damaged cords or internal failures) that are not visible on a cursory check. By catching these issues early, Test & Tag reduces the risk of electric shock, fire and injury to employees, customers or residents. It also helps avoid costly unplanned outages: well-maintained appliances run reliably, minimising downtime and expensive repairs.
Is Test and Tag legally required in Tasmania?
Test & Tag also keeps you on the right side of the law. Australian regulations (for example AS/NZS 3760:2022 and AS/NZS 3012 for construction sites) require businesses and landlords to routinely inspect and test electrical equipment. Even when there isn’t a specific rule for your exact situation, general workplace health and safety laws mandate that all electrical devices remain safe to use.
This Standard specifies testing methods (visual inspection, earth continuity, insulation resistance, etc.) and requires records of all tests (including the person who tested, the date, and the result). In short, AS/NZS 3760:2022 exists to ensure “workplaces are safe by setting recommendations in relation to testing”
Which electrical items and appliances need testing?
Test & Tag covers virtually all plug-in devices that could pose an electrical hazard. Our technicians can inspect and test any portable or cord-connected appliance used in your home, office, warehouse or rental property. Common items include:
Handheld power tools:
Drills, saws, sanders, nail guns and similar equipment
Office and IT equipment
Computers, printers, monitors, photocopiers.
Household and kitchen appliances
Microwaves, toasters, kettles, coffee machines, fridges.
Cleaning equipment
Vacuum cleaners, steam mops, polishers
Extension leads and power Boards
Multi-outlet cords used for lighting, TVs, machinery, etc.
Portable heating and cooling
Fans, portable air conditioners, heaters.
What happens during Test and Tag?
The process combines careful inspection with electrical testing to certify safety. Mance Electrical’s trained electricians follow a structured process for every Test & Tag job:
Visual inspection
Each appliance is examined for obvious defects, frayed cords, damaged plugs, cracked casings, missing earth pins, etc. Faulty items are noted for repair or replacement.
Electrical Testing
We use calibrated test equipment to perform the required electrical tests on every device. This typically includes earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity and (where relevant) earth leakage tests. These tests verify that the appliance is wired correctly and that insulation is intact.
Tagging
After testing, we attach a durable tag to the appliance. The tag records whether the item passed or failed, the date of the test, the tester’s name, and the next due date. Failed items are clearly marked for immediate attention.
Reporting
All results are logged in a written report (or digital record), creating an asset register of your tested equipment. This report is yours to keep and shows inspectors or auditors that each step was completed per AS/NZS 3760.
Mance Electrical utilises only industry-standard PAT testers and adheres to the latest safety guidelines. We take the guesswork out of testing, ensuring nothing is missed. After our service, you receive clear documentation, effectively an electrical safety certificate for all tested appliances.
Why choose Mance Electrical for Test and Tagging?
Mance Electrical brings over a century of Tasmanian electrical expertise to every job. As a fourth-generation family business, we’ve been “lighting up Launceston since 1920”, earning a reputation for craftsmanship and reliable service. Our electricians are fully licensed and insured, and they undergo
continuous training in the latest safety standards. We invest in high-quality test gear and follow rigorous procedures, so every Test & Tag inspection is thorough.
We provide services around Invermay, Newstead, South Launceston, Kings Meadows, Trevallyn, Prospect, Ravenswood, Norwood, Youngtown, Mowbray, West Launceston and the wider Tamar Valley/Northern Tasmania.
A long history
Our team has worked in Launceston homes for decades. We know how different houses are put together, from older builds to modern renovations, and how to carry out the work without turning your week upside down. That experience shows in the planning, the detail, and the finish.
Fully licensed
Your job is carried out by licensed electricians who keep up with current Australian Standards. Test instruments are calibrated, paperwork is supplied and you can reach us if you have a question later. It is electrical work done right, with clear accountability.
Trusted by locals
Most of our work comes from people telling friends and family. We keep things simple, turn up when we say, and clean up before we leave. If something needs a tweak after the fact, we come back and sort it.
Our clients speak for us
Would highly recommend Mance Electrical.
Thanks guys.
They turned up got the job done and was non stop until everything was done as expected. I Will use this company again in the future. Well deserved 5 stars.
On the day the job was completed quickly with advice on what will need doing down the track to maintain our electricity efficiency.
He was too helpful, brought my bins in for me & took care of me like I was family, he delivered quality craftsmanship & even had time to help me put my slippers on when the afternoon cooled off.
Great bloke & I hope to one day call him a mate.
Have a question?
What is test and tagging?
Test and Tag is the process of visually inspecting and electrically testing portable appliances to ensure they are safe to use. After testing, a tag is attached to the appliance indicating its safety status, the test date, and the next due date.
Is test and tag mandatory in Australia?
Yes. Test and Tag is mandatory in Australia for workplaces where portable electrical equipment is used in environments that could damage it. This requirement is outlined in the AS/NZS 3760:2022 standard and enforced through Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws.
What happens if an appliance fails testing?
If an appliance fails Test and Tag, it is immediately removed from service, clearly tagged as “Failed. Do Not Use,” and recorded in the compliance report. The item must be repaired and retested or replaced
What equipment requires testing and tagging?
Any portable appliance with a flexible cord and a plug requires testing and tagging. This includes power tools, computers, kettles, fans, extension cords, and other plug-in electrical equipment used in workplaces or rental properties.
Who can perform test and tag services?
Test and Tag must be carried out by a “competent person.” In Tasmania, this includes licensed electricians or individuals with formal training in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2022.
What is the process for test and tag?
The Test and Tag process involves four steps: (1) visual inspection for damage, (2) electrical testing with a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT), (3) tagging the appliance with test results and retest date, and (4) recording all data in a compliance report
How often is testing required?
Testing frequency depends on the environment:
? Every 3 months for construction sites
? Every 6 months for workshops
? Every 12 months for offices or retail
? Up to 5 years for low-risk fixed equipment
Can I do test and tag myself?
No, unless you are a licensed electrician or a formally trained “competent person.” Australian law requires Test and Tag to be carried out by someone qualified to understand and apply AS/NZS
3760.