Test and Tag Intervals: How Often Should You Test and Tag?

Test and tag intervals for office, factory, warehouse and construction environments

How often electrical equipment needs to be tested and tagged depends mainly on where and how it is used, and how easily it could become damaged.

For example, a power tool used on a construction site will generally need testing more often than a computer kept in an office or server room.

Moisture, dust, heat, vibration, chemicals, frequent movement and rough handling can all increase the risk of damage.

State laws, industry and site rules, manufacturer instructions and workplace risk assessments must also be considered.

Common Test and Tag Intervals

The most common inspection and testing intervals include:

3 months: Portable tools, extension leads and similar items used on construction and demolition sites. These sites are covered by AS/NZS 3012.
6 months: Equipment used in factories, workshops, manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and fabrication. This interval also commonly applies to commercial cleaning machines.
12 months: Items and supply cords that are regularly flexed, handled roughly or used in harsh conditions.
2 years: Appliances used in residential-style areas of hotels, motels, boarding houses, hostels and similar accommodation.
5 years: Items that are not regularly moved or exposed to damage and remain in a low-risk area, such as some equipment kept in a server room.

These are general intervals. Always check the requirements that apply to the particular item, industry, site and state or territory.

AS/NZS 3760:2022 Test and Tag Interval Table

Table 2.4 of AS/NZS 3760:2022 recommends testing intervals for common situations, but no single schedule applies to every electrical item.

The table also covers:

push-button and operating-time tests for portable and fixed RCDs
equipment used for commercial cleaning
hire equipment
repaired or serviced equipment
second-hand items

Use the table as a general guide and check whether legislation or industry-specific rules apply where you are working.

AS/NZS 3760:2022 test and tag intervals for electrical equipment and RCDs

Why Some Items Need More Frequent Testing

A different testing schedule does not automatically mean the previous tester got it wrong.

More frequent testing may be needed because:

the item is moved or used frequently
it is exposed to moisture, dust, heat, chemicals, vibration or rough handling
previous inspections have found regular damage
the manufacturer recommends a shorter interval
the client or site has additional rules
a risk assessment has identified a higher level of electrical risk

A business may introduce more frequent testing as part of its WHS and electrical risk management procedures. Its schedule must still meet all applicable legal, industry and site requirements.

Testing may also be needed after a repair or service that could affect electrical safety, before using a second-hand item, or when there is no reliable record of a previous test.

If you are unsure which test and tag interval applies, call us on 1300 848 302 (8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday) or send us an email.