EOFY may be done and dusted, but there’s still plenty happening in test and tag. This month, we’re covering an office power-hub recall, the latest PAT tester software changes, our feature in The Australian Mining Review, and a new printable tag colour chart to keep handy.
In-Desk Power Hubs Recalled Over Fire and Electric Shock Risk
A recall has been issued for Trione in-desk power hubs after an internal fault caused some units to overheat, burn and melt.
The affected hubs are designed to be installed directly into office desks and workstations. They include a general power outlet, USB-A and USB-C ports, along with a wireless charging pad.
Because the units are built into furniture, businesses may not immediately recognise them as plug-in electrical equipment. They could be installed in individual desks, shared workstations, meeting-room tables or training rooms.
The recalled units were sold nationally by JasonL between 1 April 2025 and 6 July 2026.
Anyone with an affected unit should stop using it immediately, disconnect it from the power supply and contact JasonL regarding the available remedy.
View the Trione in-desk power hub recall
Test & Tag Software Changes
We discussed test and tag software recently following the launch of PATGuard Cloud a few months ago, which replaced Seaward’s older PATGuard 3 Elite desktop software.
Since then, the software landscape has continued to shift. Cloud-based platforms from Wavecom and Seaward are becoming more common, while many of the free or basic programs once available have been replaced by either ongoing subscriptions or one-off paid licences.
Appliance Testing Supplies has now updated its 2026 Test & Tag Software Comparison to make the main options easier to understand.
The updated guide compares:
- WinPATS
- PATGuard Cloud
- Metrel aPAT
- Metrel PATLink
- Metrel Electrical Safety Manager
- FASTtag
It covers compatibility, reporting, record storage, retesting and scheduling, along with the differences between subscription-based software and one-off licences.
Choosing a PAT tester increasingly means choosing the software system that comes with it, so it is important to understand how each option fits the way you actually work.
View the updated Test & Tag Software Comparison 2026
Industry Growth Could Stretch Test & Tag Resources
Construction already employs around 1.37 million Australians, and the latest projections indicate that workforce could reach approximately 1.51 million by 2035. Health Care and Social Assistance is also projected to grow strongly, while mining and renewable-energy development continue to create activity across equipment-heavy and often remote workplaces.
These sectors may look very different, but they share a common challenge: more workers, more sites and more electrical equipment to manage.
We already know that many businesses are under-resourced when it comes to test and tag. The responsibility is often left to a small number of employees or outsourced entirely, making it difficult to stay ahead of testing, retesting and record keeping.
More workers, more sites and more equipment will require more people trained to manage the test and tag workload.
Construction is an obvious example. More activity means more portable tools, extension leads, chargers, site appliances and facilities being used across changing work environments. Mining, healthcare and renewable-energy projects bring similar challenges, often across large or remote sites.
As these industries grow, both businesses and test and tag service providers will need enough properly trained staff to keep up with the increased workload.
While industry growth does not automatically translate into new test and tag jobs, it is likely create a larger compliance workload and greater demand for people who can test equipment correctly.
Test & Tag Training Featured in The Australian Mining Review
Test & Tag Training has been featured in The Australian Mining Review (AMR), discussing why more remote sites and businesses with large equipment fleets are considering bringing test and tag in-house.
For equipment heavy businesses, training internal staff can sometimes provide greater control over testing schedules, equipment downtime and when appliances are returned to service.
The feature also explains why purchasing a PAT tester is only part of the process - staff still need practical training in visual inspections, testing procedures, record keeping and the relevant requirements.
Read the Australian Mining Review feature
Download Our Printable Test Tag Colour Chart
Not sure which test tag colour applies or when the colour needs to change?
We’ve created an updated Test Tag Colour Chart that can be downloaded, printed and kept as a quick reference.
The chart provides an easy way to check the commonly used test tag colours and testing periods where industry colour coding applies.
Print a copy for your workplace, workshop, office or testing vehicle and keep it near your test equipment for easy access.
Always confirm the specific requirements applying to your workplace, industry and location.
