Test & Tag Regulations NSW
If you're testing and tagging in New South Wales, the main thing to understand is that NSW now generally follows the same test and tag framework used across the rest of Australia.
However, NSW does have one important practical difference:
Some construction sites still refer to the older NSW monthly test tag colour system and intervals, while many now use the national quarterly colour system. SafeWork NSW states that colour coding for each testing period is optional, and individual sites may specify their own requirements.
That means if you're working on a NSW construction site, you may come across either system. The key is understanding what is currently expected, what the older system was, and what the individual site requires.
SafeWork NSW
SafeWork NSW is the workplace health and safety regulator in New South Wales. It provides guidance on electrical safety, workplace obligations and the inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
In July 2025, SafeWork NSW also became an independent workplace safety regulator. While this did not result in any major changes for the test and tag industry, it does show that workplace safety enforcement and compliance remain a strong focus in NSW. Businesses, site supervisors and technicians should make sure they are following current requirements rather than relying on outdated site practices.
If you’re unsure about your legal obligations, you should check directly with SafeWork NSW or refer to the relevant Australian Standards.
AS/NZS 3760 and AS/NZS 3012 Standards
In NSW, testing and tagging is guided by two main Australian standards:
- AS/NZS 3760:2022 - used for the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
- AS/NZS 3012:2019 - used for electrical installations and equipment on construction and demolition sites.
The AS/NZS 3760 applies more broadly across general workplaces, while AS/NZS 3012 is more specific to higher-risk environments such as construction and demolition.
For construction and demolition sites, SafeWork NSW refers to AS/NZS 3012 and states that electrical equipment (such as power tools and extension leads) must be inspected and tested at intervals not exceeding three months.
Need more information? Read our simple guide to the AS/NZS 3760 Standard.
Who Can Test and Tag in NSW?
Under NSW workplace safety laws, electrical equipment that requires inspection and testing must be tested by a competent person.
SafeWork NSW defines a competent person as someone who has acquired, through training, qualification or experience, the knowledge and skills needed to inspect and test electrical equipment correctly.
Completing a nationally recognised Test & Tag Course is a practical way to develop and demonstrate these skills, including how to use a portable appliance tester correctly.
You do not need to be a licensed electrician to perform basic test and tag work. However, test and tag competency does not authorise electrical installation, repair or modification work.
NSW Test and Tag Colours
For construction and demolition sites in NSW, the commonly used quarterly test tag colours are:
- Red: December to February
- Green: March to May
- Blue: June to August
- Yellow: September to November
This colour system makes it easier to identify when electrical equipment was tested and whether it is approaching its next testing date.
The Older NSW Monthly Colour System
NSW construction sites previously used a different monthly test tag colour system. Under the older approach, electrical equipment was commonly tested every month instead of every three months. Each month was linked to a specific tag colour.
Under the older system, the NSW monthly colours were:
- Red: January and September
- Green: April and August
- Blue: February and July
- Orange: March and November
- White: May and December
- Yellow: June and October
This system was used for many years, so some NSW sites, contractors and supervisors may still be familiar with it. You may still see it referenced in older documentation, internal procedures or by people who have worked in the industry for a long time.
Those responsible for a construction site may choose to require monthly testing and specify which colours are used.
Monthly testing is not necessarily wrong. In fact, more frequent testing can be appropriate where a site has higher risks, stricter internal procedures, client-specific requirements, or equipment exposed to heavy wear and tear.
The important point is that the testing system must be clear, consistent and properly recorded.
Test and Tag Intervals NSW
Testing frequency in NSW depends on the type of workplace and the risk level of the environment.
As a general guide:
- Building, construction and demolition: every 3 months
- Factories, warehouses and production environments: every 6 months
- Environments where equipment or cords are prone to flexing or damage: every 12 months
- Lower-risk environments where equipment is not prone to flexing or damage: up to every 5 years
These intervals are a general guide and should be considered alongside the relevant standard, workplace risk assessment and any site-specific requirements.
Some workplaces may choose to test more frequently based on internal safety policies, client expectations or the condition of the equipment.
What Our Students Say
Ready to Start Test & Tag Training in NSW?
Complete our nationally recognised one-day course and develop the practical skills and knowledge needed to inspect, test and tag electrical equipment confidently.
Prefer to train remotely?
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.