Testing Second-Hand Electrical Equipment Before Sale

Selling second-hand electrical equipment involves more than checking that it switches on. Before offering an item for sale, the seller should consider its condition, electrical safety, product recalls and the information provided to the buyer.

AS/NZS 5761 covers the inspection and testing of second-hand electrical equipment before sale. However, legal requirements differ between states and may also depend on whether the seller is a business or a private individual.

This guide explains the main checks to complete, when electrical testing may apply and how tested or untested equipment should be identified.

Visible damage on a second-hand electrical appliance during inspection

What Is AS/NZS 5761?

AS/NZS 5761 provides guidance for inspecting and testing second-hand electrical equipment before it is offered for sale.

The process may include:

checking the equipment for visible damage
confirming that plugs, cords, switches, covers and safety guards are in suitable condition
carrying out the required electrical safety tests
identifying recalled, prohibited or unsuitable equipment
correctly labelling tested, untested or defective items

AS/NZS 5761 applies specifically to second-hand equipment before sale. It should not be confused with AS/NZS 3760, which covers the ongoing inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs already in service.

Passing the inspection and testing process means the item was considered safe at the time it was tested. It does not guarantee that it will remain safe indefinitely.

Who Can Test Second-Hand Electrical Equipment?

The person inspecting and testing the equipment must have the knowledge and practical skills needed to carry out the correct tests, use the testing equipment safely and interpret the results.

Completing a nationally recognised Test & Tag Course is a practical way to develop these core skills. However, state-specific licensing requirements may also apply.

Test and tag training does not cover electrical repairs or plug replacement. Replacing plug tops or extension sockets requires separate training and competency, while licensed electrical work must be completed by an appropriately qualified person.

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State Requirements Can Differ

The rules for selling tested or untested second-hand electrical equipment are not identical throughout Australia.

Queensland

In Queensland, sellers are not required to have second-hand in-scope electrical equipment tested before offering it for sale. However, the prospective buyer must be told if the item has not been tested.

If the seller chooses to have the equipment tested for electrical safety, the testing must be completed by a licensed electrical worker. Businesses must also provide information explaining how to use the item safely.

Victoria

In Victoria, second-hand in-scope electrical equipment must either:

be inspected and tested in accordance with AS/NZS 5761 and appropriately tagged; or
be labelled as second-hand or used and accompanied by information stating that it has not been tested for electrical safety.

Requirements in other states and territories may differ. Check with the relevant electrical safety authority before selling or testing second-hand equipment.

What to Check Before Selling Second-Hand Electrical Equipment

Before offering an electrical item for sale:

Record its make, model, serial number and electrical rating where available.
Check whether it has been recalled, banned or affected by a mandatory product safety standard.
Complete a thorough visual inspection of the plug, supply cord, enclosure, switches, controls and safety guards.
Look for exposed wires, loose connections, cracked components, overheating, corrosion or previous unauthorised repairs.
Check that the plug and insulated pins meet the applicable requirements.
Remove or clearly replace old test labels that could mislead the buyer about the equipment's current condition.
Find the manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety information where possible.
Complete the required electrical tests if the item is being sold as inspected and tested.
Apply the appropriate label and provide the buyer with accurate information about the item’s condition.

Check our product recall guide if you are unsure how to find recalled electrical equipment.

Equipment that fails inspection or testing must not be sold as safe, working equipment. If an item is being supplied for parts or repair, it should be clearly identified as such and must still comply with any applicable selling restrictions.

Comparison of an older uninsulated plug and a plug with insulated active and neutral pins

Equipment That Should Not Be Resold

AS/NZS 5761 includes additional safety checks and identifies equipment that should not be offered for second-hand sale.

Product bans and recalls can also change over time. Do not sell an item if it:

is subject to a current product recall or prohibition
does not meet an applicable mandatory safety standard
has a serious electrical or mechanical safety defect
cannot be made safe by an appropriately qualified person

Always check the current Standard and applicable product-safety requirements rather than relying on an old list of prohibited products.

Labels for Tested and Untested Equipment

Labels used for second-hand electrical equipment are different from the standard retest tags commonly applied to equipment already being used in a workplace.

Appliances inspected and tested under AS/NZS 5761 should carry the appropriate label showing its testing status and the required test details.

Where an item is offered for sale without testing, state legislation may require it to be clearly labelled as used or second-hand and accompanied by a warning that it has not been tested for electrical safety.

Equipment sold only for parts or repair should be clearly labelled so that the buyer does not mistake it for safe, working equipment.

AS/NZS 5761 second-hand electrical equipment test label attached to an appliance

What PAT Tester Is Needed for Second-Hand Equipment?

There is no single portable appliance tester suitable for every second-hand business.

The PAT must be capable of performing the tests required for the types of equipment being assessed. For many common Class I and Class II appliances, a straightforward tester with the appropriate earth-continuity, insulation-resistance and leakage-testing functions may be sufficient.

The most suitable model will depend on:

the types of appliances being tested
how many items are tested
whether test results need to be stored
whether printed labels are required for other testing work
whether the tester will also be used for workplace test and tag services

Higher-volume businesses may benefit from a PAT with result storage and reporting features. Regardless of the model, the tester must be suitable for the required tests and used by someone who can correctly interpret the results.

Need the Skills to Inspect and Test Electrical Equipment?

Our nationally recognised training covers visual inspection, using a portable appliance tester, interpreting results, applying test tags and maintaining testing records.