Test and Tag Glossary – Everything you need to know

Understanding electrical safety can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with all the technical jargon involved. If you're confused by terms like "Class II," "RCD," or "Leakage Current," you're not alone and we're here to help. This article serves as a quick guide to help you understand technical terms that might be unfamiliar. Let's dive in and master electrical jargon like a pro.
 

• Adaptor: In the context of testing and tagging, this is like a connector tool that helps the tester connect to different electrical appliances for testing.
• AS/NZS3012: AS/NZS 3012 refers to the Australian and New Zealand Standard for Electrical Installations - Construction and Demolition Sites. It outlines the safety and compliance requirements for electrical installations in construction and demolition environments.
• AS/NZS3760: AS/NZS 3760 is a safety standard used in Australia and New Zealand that outlines guidelines and procedures for the testing and tagging of electrical appliances. It's a crucial reference for ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This Standard was updated in 2022. 
• Calibration: Calibration is the process of regularly adjusting and testing testing equipment to ensure it provides accurate and reliable results. This ensures the accuracy of the testing process.
• Class 1, Class II: These are classifications for electrical appliances based on their safety requirements. Class 1 appliances have a protective earth connection, while Class II appliances rely on double insulation to ensure safety.
• Clover Adapter: A Clover Adapter is a specific adaptor designed for testing certain types of appliances, making it easier to connect them to a PAT tester.
• Competent Person: A Competent Person in the test and tag industry is someone who has received appropriate training and is qualified to perform electrical testing and tagging as per the Australian Standards. 
• Earth Continuity Test: This is a safety test that checks if an electrical appliance's metal parts are effectively connected to the earth. A good earth connection is important for diverting electrical faults safely away from users. 
• Electrical Appliances: These are machines or devices that rely on electricity to function, such as computers, kitchen appliances, power tools, and more.
• Encapsulated Earth: Encapsulated earth refers to a safety feature in some appliances where the earth connection is enclosed and protected to prevent accidental contact or damage.
• Figure 9: In testing, Figure 9 is a specific test for identifying earth resistance in some electrical appliances. It ensures that the Earth connection is reliable.
• Fixed Equipment or Stationary Equipment: This refers to electrical appliances that are not meant to be moved, such as built-in ovens, fixed lighting, or permanent machinery.
• Gen Sets/Generators: Gen Sets or generators are devices that generate electricity. They are often used as backup power sources in case of power outages.
• Hire Equipment: Hire equipment are appliances or devices that are temporarily rented or borrowed for a specific purpose. They need to undergo testing and tagging to ensure their safety.
• IEC Connection: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) connections are standardized plugs and sockets used in many electrical appliances. Understanding how these connectors work is crucial for accurate testing.
• Lead Class: Imagine there are different types of electrical cords. These labels tell you what each cord is for and how safe it is to use.
• Leakage Current Test: This test verifies that an electrical appliance doesn't leak electrical current, which could be a potential hazard to users. It's a critical safety check. 
• PAT Tester: A PAT Tester (Portable Appliance Tester) is a device used to perform electrical safety tests on appliances and equipment. It helps identify potential faults or issues that could be hazardous. Read More.
• Power Boards: Power boards are devices with multiple electrical outlets, allowing multiple appliances to be connected to a single power source.
• RBGY: RBGY is a colour-coding system used on test labels. It stands for Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow, and each colour corresponds to a different testing date. This system simplifies the process of identifying when an appliance was last tested.
• Surge Protected: Surge-protected devices guard your electrical appliances from power surges, like when there's too much electricity all of a sudden. They stop your appliances from getting damaged.
• Switchboards: Switchboards are panels or boxes that control the flow of electricity in a building. They distribute electricity to different circuits and ensure safe operation.
• Test and Tag Labels: Test & Tag labels attach to an electrical appliances to indicate their testing status. These labels provide a clear visual reference, showing whether an appliance has passed its safety checks.
• Test & Tag Equipment: Testing equipment refers to the tools and devices used to assess the safety of electrical appliances. This includes PAT testers, adaptors, and other testing devices.
• Three Phase Testing: This involves checking the electrical safety of machines or equipment that use three electrical power lines or extra-strong electricity. It ensures that these machines are safe to use and won't pose a risk of electrical shock or other hazards.
• Visual Fault: If something is broken or not working properly, and you can see the problem without needing any special tools, it's a visual fault. Like a loose or damaged wire, you can see the issue without testing it.
• Visual Inspection: A visual inspection is a basic examination of an electrical appliance. It’s like giving your electrical appliances a good look. It helps identify obvious defects such as damaged cords, broken wires, or exposed electrical components. It's the first step in assessing an appliance's safety. 

Important Electrical Terms 

• AC/DC: AC (Alternating Current) is like electricity that keeps changing its flow direction, like a swinging pendulum. DC (Direct Current) is like electricity that flows in one direction, like water moving through a pipe. 
• Circuit: A circuit is the path that electricity follows from the source to an appliance and back. Understanding circuits is vital for electrical safety and troubleshooting.
• Closed Circuit: When a circuit is closed, it's like removing a roadblock. Electricity can flow freely because the pathway is complete.
• Conductor: A material that permits the flow of electric current, commonly referred to as a wire. Generally, copper is used for electrical wiring. (Gold, Silver, Copper, Aluminum, Iron, Steel). 
• Continuity: Continuity is about making sure the path for electricity is clear. If there's a break or interruption, it's like a roadblock for electricity. 
• Current – It is the movement of electrons in a conductor (like the water flow in a pipe) It is measured in Amperes (I). (Abbreviated to Amps/A). 
• De-energized: When something is de-energized, it means it's been turned off, like unplugging a device or removing its batteries to make it safe for repairs. 
• Earth Leakage: This is when some electricity accidentally escapes into the ground, which can be dangerous. It's like a leak in a water pipe; you don't want it. 
• Earthed – Earthing is the process of connecting electrical devices and systems to the ground. It's a safety measure that helps dissipate electrical faults, ensuring the safety of users and preventing damage to appliances.
• Electric Portable Outlet Device (EPOD) – or Multiple Socket Outlet Power Board (called Multiboard) is a device, other than an extension lead having a single plug intended to engage a power outlet socket and a sheathed flexible cord and an assembly of two or more outlet sockets.
• Energized: When something is energized, it's like a device that's turned on and actively using electricity. It's "live" and running. 
• Fuses: Fuses are safety devices designed to break the electrical circuit if too much current flows through it. This prevents overheating and electrical fires. 
• Insulator – A material that will not permit the flow of electric current through it e.g. the plastic insulation surrounding a cable. It works like a wall that’s blocking the water (Glass, PVC, Rubber, Bakelite, Cotton, Paper, Plastic, Wood). 
• Live - When an appliance is live, it means it has electricity running through it, like a turned-on light. You need to be careful around it. 
• Live Test: It's testing something when it's switched on and running. For example, checking if the kettle or a laptop works when it's turned on.
• Low Voltage - Low voltage means it's not a super strong push. It's more than a tiny bit of electricity (like a small battery) exceeding extra-low voltage (50VAC or 120 VDC), but not exceeding 1000 VAC or 1500 VDC.
• Not Live (Dead) – An appliance, electrical circuit or an electrical component in a circuit that has no electricity at all (zero voltage). It’s completely safe. 
• Open Circuit: An open circuit is like a roadblock for electricity. It's when the pathway is broken, and the electricity can't move through. 
• Polarity: Polarity refers to the direction of electrical current flow in a circuit. Correct polarity is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of appliances. 
• Powerboard: A powerboard is like a power-sharing device. You plug it into one socket, and it gives you more places to plug in your devices, like a power extension. 
• Protective Device –Typically a fuse or a circuit breaker. The protective device is normally located at the origin of an electric circuit and is generally referred to as the weakest link in the circuit. 
• Residual Current Device (RCD ) – also referred to as a Safety Switch. Can be either an electronic or electromechanical switching device designed to carry or break currents under normal service conditions, and to cause the opening of the contacts when a residual current attains a pre-determined value under specified conditions. In simple terms, this is like a safety switch that can turn off the electricity if it senses something wrong, helping prevent accidents.
• Resistance – It is the opposition to the flow of current in a conductor (like a restriction in a water pipe). It is measured in Ohms (Ω).
• Single Phase – This is like a standard electrical supply for everyday devices. It has two wires: one for electricity and one for the return path. A 230 VAC supply (2 Wire System – Active/Neutral).
• Socket Outlet– commonly known as a power point or GPO (General Power Outlet). It's like your regular power point where you plug in your devices. 
• Socket: A socket is where you plug in your electronic devices to get power. It's like the slots where you plug in your charger.
• Three Phase /Polyphase – More than one phase, typically 400 VAC supply (4 wire system - three active wires having 400 VAC active to active and earth, and/or 5 wire systems – three actives, one neutral and earth, having 400 VAC active to active and 230 V between each active and the neutral). 
• Voltage – This is the push (pressure) that causes the current to flow, like water pressure in a pipe. It is measured in Volts (V).
• Wires: Wires are like the highways for electricity. They carry the electrical current from one place to another.