What Is AS/NZS 3760:2022?

AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the Australian and New Zealand Standard for the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and residual current devices (RCDs).

It provides requirements and guidance covering:

• visual inspection of electrical equipment
• electrical testing procedures
• recommended inspection and testing intervals
• test tags and record keeping
• actions to take when equipment fails
• the knowledge and skills required of a competent person

The Standard primarily applies to electrical equipment connected to the electricity supply by a flexible cord and plug, including portable appliances, power tools, extension leads, power boards and portable RCDs.

AS/NZS 3760 supports workplace electrical safety, but it does not operate on its own as national legislation. Businesses must also follow the workplace health and safety or electrical safety laws applying in their state or territory, together with any industry-specific and site requirements.

For a general explanation of the process, see What Is Test and Tag?

Who Is a Competent Person?

AS/NZS 3760:2022 requires inspection and testing to be carried out by a competent person. Competency is not determined by a job title alone. A person must have acquired the necessary knowledge and practical skills through training, qualifications, experience or a combination of these.

A competent person must be able to:

• visually inspect electrical equipment
• identify Class I and Class II equipment
• select and perform the appropriate electrical tests
• use a portable appliance tester safely
• interpret test results
• identify and remove unsafe equipment from service
• maintain the required testing records

You do not generally need to be a licensed electrician to perform basic test and tag work. Completing a nationally recognised Test & Tag Course is a practical way to develop and demonstrate the required competency.

Note: Test and tag competency covers inspection and testing. It does not permit electrical installation or repair work.

Testing Intervals Under AS/NZS 3760

AS/NZS 3760 does not specify a single testing interval for every item. Recommended intervals depend on the equipment, how it is used and the environment in which it operates.

Equipment that is frequently moved or exposed to moisture, dust, heat, vibration, chemicals or physical damage generally requires more frequent inspection and testing than equipment kept in a lower-risk environment.

For example, equipment in many factories and workshops is commonly tested every six months, while longer intervals may apply to equipment that is not frequently moved or exposed to damage.

Construction and demolition sites are also subject to AS/NZS 3012 and generally require plug-in electrical equipment to be inspected and tested every three months.

See our complete guide to test and tag intervals for common workplace frequencies.

Test Tags and Record Keeping

AS/NZS 3760 includes requirements for recording inspection and testing results. Depending on the applicable workplace requirements, you may keep records on a test tag, in a written register, or using an electronic testing system.

Testing records generally include:

• who completed the inspection and test
• the test date
• the outcome
• details identifying the equipment
• when the next inspection and test are due

Equipment that fails must be removed from service and clearly identified as unsafe. It should not be returned to use until the appropriate action has been taken by a suitably qualified person.

A current test tag does not guarantee that equipment remains safe until its next scheduled test. Users should still check equipment for visible damage before use and remove it from service if a fault or defect is found.

How Does AS/NZS 3760 Apply Across Australia?

AS/NZS 3760 is a national Standard, but it is not legislation by itself. Each Australian state and territory has its own workplace health and safety or electrical safety laws that determine when inspection and testing is required.

The Standard may also be referenced by codes of practice, industry rules, contracts and individual workplace procedures.

Queensland has an additional licensing requirement. A business offering test and tag services to others must hold an electrical contractor licence that permits this work, and ensure the person performing the testing is competent.

See our test and tag regulations by state and territory and our list of Australian electrical safety authorities for more specific information.

Ready to Learn How to Apply AS/NZS 3760?

Our nationally recognised courses teach you how to visually inspect electrical equipment, use a portable appliance tester, interpret results and maintain testing records.

Face-to-Face Test & Tag Course

Online Test & Tag Course

The AS/NZS 3760:2022 Update

AS/NZS 3760:2022 was published in June 2022 and replaced the previous 2010 edition and its amendments.

The Standard underwent a complete revision, including changes to its title, scope, definitions, inspection and testing procedures, recommended intervals and record-keeping guidance. Residual current devices are now expressly included in the title: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs.

Anyone working from older training material, testing procedures or workplace documents should ensure that their information reflects the current edition.

See our summary of the changes introduced in AS/NZS 3760:2022.

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