Test and Tag Colours

The correct test and tag colour depends on where the electrical equipment is used and the requirements of the workplace or site.

On many construction and demolition sites, a quarterly red, green, blue and yellow system - commonly called RGBY - helps make the current testing period easy to identify.

Other workplaces generally do not need to follow this quarterly colour rotation. They may use their own consistent colour-coding system, provided it meets any applicable state, industry, workplace and client requirements.

There are therefore two common situations:

• Construction and demolition sites may use the quarterly RGBY system under AS/NZS 3012 and applicable site requirements.
• Other workplaces can generally select their own tag colours and rotation system.

Always check the requirements of the state, industry and individual site before choosing your test tag colours.

RGBY Test and Tag Colours for Construction and Demolition

Electrical equipment used on construction and demolition sites must be inspected and tested at the intervals applicable under AS/NZS 3012 and local requirements.

Many sites follow the quarterly RGBY colour system:

• Red: December, January and February
• Green: March, April and May
• Blue: June, July and August
• Yellow: September, October and November

The rotating colours make it easier to see whether equipment has a current test tag.

NSW previously followed a separate monthly colour-coding system. Current SafeWork NSW guidance states that colour-coded tags for each testing period are optional, so always check the requirements of the individual site.

The RGBY system may also be adopted by some mining, marine and industrial workplaces. However, requirements can vary by industry and site.

Where a quarterly system applies, testing equipment near the beginning of the colour period provides the longest practical period before the next colour change. Always follow the required testing interval and site rules rather than relying on colour alone.

You can also download and print our Test and Tag Colour Chart.

Choose Your Own Test Tag Colours

If you're not working on a construction or demolition site, you generally don't need to follow the quarterly RGBY system.

The colours you use will usually depend on your client's or employer's requirements. If they don't have an existing system, you can choose a colour for each testing period and change it when the equipment is tested again.

We recommend assigning different test tag colours for the various retesting periods, then rotating the colours with each test. As a result, when it's time to re-test, you'll know immediately which appliances need testing.

The most common tag colours people use are red, green, blue, yellow, orange, white, black, and burgundy.

Outside a prescribed colour system, these colours do not have standard meanings - you decide what each colour represents.

Best Practices for Using Test Tag Colours

A clear and consistent colour system makes test tags easier to recognise and manage. Some practical steps include:

• Document your system: Record which colours correspond with each testing period.
• Apply it consistently: Follow the same system across relevant equipment, teams and locations.
• Keep complete records: Record the test date, result, tester and next test date where required. Do not rely on tag colour alone.
• Explain it to your team: Make sure everyone responsible for inspecting, testing or managing equipment understands what each colour means.
• Check applicable requirements: Confirm any state, industry, client and site-specific rules before selecting tag colours.

If you have a question about selecting or managing test tag colours, call us on 1300 848 302 (8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday) or send us an email.

Need to Learn How to Test and Tag?

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