Electrical Test Tags Guide: Tag Types & Requirements

Electrical test tags are durable labels attached to electrical equipment to confirm it has been visually inspected and tested. They provide a clear record of the equipment's testing status and when its next inspection and test are due.

Equipment that passes is fitted with a compliant test tag. Equipment that fails must be removed from service and clearly marked with a warning against further use.

AS/NZS 3760:2022 specifies the minimum information required on test tags used in Australia. Many tags also include optional fields that can make equipment identification and record-keeping easier.

This guide explains:

• what must appear on a test tag
• which additional details are useful
• how failed equipment should be identified
• when to use new-to-service tags
• the benefits of custom tags
• the requirements applying to second-hand electrical equipment

Note: A test tag shows that the equipment passed inspection and testing on the date recorded. Because damage can occur at any time, it should still be visually checked before use - even when the tag is current.

What Information Must Be on a Passed Test Tag?

Under AS/NZS 3760:2022, a test tag must be durable, legible, non-metallic and non-reusable.

For equipment that passes inspection and testing, the tag must include:

1. Who completed the test: The name of the person, business or organisation that carried out the inspection and testing.
2. Test or inspection date: The date on which the equipment was inspected and tested.
3. Next test due: The date the next inspection and test are due. This is determined by the equipment, operating environment and applicable test and tag interval.
4. Reference to AS/NZS 3760: The tag must include a reference to the Standard under which the equipment was inspected and tested.

Most commercially produced tags already contain the AS/NZS 3760 reference. Check older or imported tags before use to ensure they contain the required information.

Useful Additional Information

Test tags often include extra fields that are not part of the minimum information but can improve equipment identification and record-keeping.

These may include:

• Tester or certificate number: Helps identify the person who completed the test
• Plant or asset number: Links the equipment to its testing history, location and other records
• Tag number: Provides a unique reference for the individual tag or test
• Barcode or QR code: Allows the item to be connected to a digital asset register or testing system
• Business contact details: Makes it easier to identify and contact the testing provider

These additional fields do not replace the minimum required information. Detailed test readings and equipment history are normally stored in the testing register or asset-management system.

Failed Equipment Tags

If equipment fails either visual inspection or electrical testing, it must be removed from service immediately and clearly identified as unsafe.

A failed or out-of-service tag should provide a clear warning such as:

• Danger
• Do Not Use
• Out of Service

After identifying a failed item:

1. Remove or isolate it from use
2. Attach a clearly visible failed-equipment tag
3. Record the fault and test result
4. Notify the person responsible for the equipment
5. Arrange for appropriate repair, replacement or disposal

The equipment should return to service only after the necessary work is completed and it has been inspected and retested.

New-to-Service Test Tags

New electrical equipment does not normally require electrical testing before it is first put into service, provided it has been visually inspected and has no obvious damage.

In Australia, a new-to-service tag must include:

• the wording "New to Service"
• the date the equipment entered service
• the date its first inspection and test are due
• the statement "This appliance has not been tested in accordance with AS/NZS 3760"

A new-to-service tag does not mean that the equipment has been electrically tested. It identifies when the item entered service and when its first test will be required.

Learn more about whether new electrical equipment needs to be tested and tagged.

Do Test Tag Colours Matter?

AS/NZS 3760 allows colour-coded tags, but it does not impose a universal colour system for every Australian workplace.

Colour coding is commonly used to make the testing period easy to identify. Construction and demolition sites often use the red, green, blue and yellow system, although applicable state, industry or site requirements should always be checked.

The tag colour does not replace the required written information and does not prove that the equipment remains safe.

See our complete guide to test and tag colours.

Ready to Learn How to Test and Tag?

Our nationally recognised courses teach you how to inspect electrical equipment, perform the required tests, select the correct tags and maintain testing records.

Face-to-Face Test & Tag Course

Online Test & Tag Course

Custom Test Tags

Custom test tags are useful for businesses and testers handling a large volume of equipment.

They can:

• include the tester's or business's details
• reduce the amount of information that must be written by hand
• improve consistency and legibility
• include an asset number, barcode or QR code
• connect equipment to digital testing records
• make the testing provider easy to identify

Before ordering custom tags, ensure the design includes all mandatory information and that the tag material is durable, legible, non-metallic and non-reusable.

Learn about the benefits of custom test tags.

Second-Hand Equipment Tags

Second-hand electrical equipment offered for sale can be subject to AS/NZS 5761:2011 and the electrical safety requirements applying in the state or territory where it is sold.

Equipment that passes the required inspection and testing is commonly labelled with a dedicated second-hand equipment tag. This generally records:

• that the item is second-hand
• who performed the inspection and testing
• the test date
• whether the necessary operating or safety instructions were provided

Different labelling requirements may apply when second-hand equipment has not been tested or is being sold only for parts or repair.

See our complete guide to testing and tagging second-hand electrical equipment.

<< Product Recalls: Staying Up-To-Date

Which Electrical Test Tag Should I Use? >>