Test and tag is one way New Zealand businesses can check whether plug-in electrical equipment is safe to use, but it is not mandatory for every workplace.
What the law requires is that electrical equipment is electrically safe and maintained in a safe condition. WorkSafe New Zealand recognises testing and tagging to AS/NZS 3760:2022 as one option a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking, or PCBU, can use to help demonstrate that electrical equipment is being appropriately inspected and maintained.
How often equipment should be inspected or tested depends on the type of equipment, how it is used and the conditions in the workplace. Equipment used on a construction site, for example, is exposed to very different risks from a computer that remains on an office desk.
This guide explains how test and tag fits into New Zealand electrical safety requirements, who can carry it out, how testing frequency is determined and what businesses should do when equipment fails.
If you need testing carried out at your workplace, you can also learn more about our professional test and tag services in New Zealand.
Key Takeaways
- Test and tag is not mandatory for every New Zealand workplace.
- Businesses must ensure electrical equipment is electrically safe and maintained in a safe condition.
- AS/NZS 3760:2022 is one recognised method businesses can use to inspect and test in-service electrical equipment.
- Testing frequency should reflect the equipment, how it is used and the risks in the workplace.
- Equipment used in construction and demolition environments may also need to be considered alongside AS/NZS 3012.
- The person carrying out testing must have the knowledge and skills needed to perform the task correctly.
- Electrical repairs identified during testing must be carried out by an appropriately qualified electrical worker.
Not Sure How Often Your Equipment Needs Testing?
Testing intervals depend on your environment, from every 3 months on construction sites to every 5 years for low risk areas. Tell us your workplace type and a local technician will confirm your schedule and price within 2 business hours.
Is Test and Tag a Legal Requirement in New Zealand?
What Is AS/NZS 3760:2022?
AS/NZS 3760:2022 provides guidance for the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
It covers areas such as:
- visual inspection of equipment
- electrical testing procedures
- identification of unsafe equipment
- recording test results
- tagging tested equipment
- determining appropriate inspection and testing intervals
The standard is commonly used by businesses that choose testing and tagging as part of their electrical safety system.
It is important to understand that using AS/NZS 3760 does not remove the need for regular visual checks or other safety controls such as RCD protection where required.
How Often Should Electrical Equipment Be Tested and Tagged in NZ?
There is no single testing interval that applies to every New Zealand workplace.
The appropriate frequency depends on factors such as:
- how often equipment is moved
- whether cords and leads are regularly flexed
- exposure to moisture, dust or chemicals
- physical wear and damage
- the type of workplace
- how heavily the equipment is used
- previous faults or damage
Equipment used in harsher environments generally needs more frequent inspection than stationary equipment used in a low-risk setting.
For example, equipment on a construction site may be exposed to rain, dust, movement and physical damage, while office equipment may remain in one place for long periods.
Businesses should base their testing and inspection schedule on the risk associated with the equipment and environment.
For a more detailed explanation, read our guide on how often test and tag needs to be done in New Zealand.
Test and Tag Requirements for Construction Sites
Construction and demolition sites have additional electrical safety considerations because equipment is frequently moved and may be exposed to moisture, dust, impact and other harsh conditions.
AS/NZS 3012 provides guidance for the safe use of electricity on construction and demolition sites.
WorkSafe advises that electrical equipment on construction sites should be checked regularly for visible damage and faults. Equipment that fails inspection or testing should be removed from service.
Portable socket-outlet assemblies and other site equipment can also have specific inspection and testing requirements.
Businesses operating on construction sites should therefore consider both AS/NZS 3760 and the relevant requirements of AS/NZS 3012 rather than relying on a general workplace testing schedule.
Who Can Carry Out Test and Tag in New Zealand?
Testing and tagging does not necessarily need to be carried out by a registered electrician.
The person performing the work must have the knowledge and skills required to carry out the inspection and testing correctly and understand the relevant standards.
A business may train a suitable worker to perform testing or engage a third-party provider.
However, if testing identifies an electrical fault that requires repair, that repair must be completed by an appropriately qualified electrical worker.
If you are comparing providers, our guide on how to choose a test and tag provider in Auckland explains the qualifications, documentation and questions worth checking before booking.
Can Businesses Test and Tag Their Own Equipment?
Yes, provided the person carrying out the testing has the knowledge and skills needed to perform the task correctly.
Businesses can purchase suitable testing equipment and train a worker, or they can engage a third-party test and tag provider.
The important consideration is competence rather than whether the person works internally or externally.
For businesses without trained staff, using a professional provider can make it easier to maintain consistent testing records and manage future retesting dates.
What Equipment Should Businesses Check?
Electrical safety responsibilities can apply to a wide range of plug-in equipment, including:
- portable appliances
- power tools
- extension leads
- powerboards
- chargers
- office equipment
- kitchen appliances
- cleaning equipment
- other portable electrical items used in the workplace
The level of inspection and testing required should reflect how the equipment is used and the conditions it is exposed to.
Equipment should also be visually checked for obvious problems such as damaged plugs, exposed wiring, cracked casings, cuts in leads or signs of overheating.
What Happens if Equipment Fails a Test?
Equipment that fails inspection or testing should be removed from service so it cannot be used accidentally.
The item should be clearly identified as unsafe and either:
- repaired by an appropriately qualified electrical worker
- replaced
Once repaired, the equipment should be checked before being returned to normal use.
Keeping a record of failed items also helps businesses track recurring problems and maintain a clearer electrical safety history.
Do Businesses Need to Keep Test and Tag Records?
Keeping clear testing and inspection records is good practice and can help businesses demonstrate how electrical safety is being managed.
Records may include:
- equipment identification
- test date
- test result
- person or company completing the test
- failed equipment
- repair or replacement actions
- next inspection or testing date where applicable
WorkSafe recommends documenting electrical equipment test and inspection results, particularly on construction sites.
Records can be stored digitally or on paper as long as they are accessible when required.
Is RCD Protection Still Required if Equipment Has Been Tested and Tagged?
Testing and tagging does not replace RCD protection.
WorkSafe makes it clear that equipment may still need to be RCD protected in certain circumstances even if it has been tested and tagged.
This is particularly important in environments where electrical equipment is used outdoors, around moisture or in other higher-risk conditions.
Testing provides a snapshot of the equipment's condition at the time of the test. It does not guarantee that the equipment will remain safe afterward.equency tailored to the unique needs of different environments and electrical equipment in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can conduct DIY testing on electrical equipment, but ensure you possess the necessary knowledge and skills. For more complex tasks or repairs, hiring a qualified professional is advisable. Prioritise safety, compliance with regulations, and regular inspections to maintain workplace safety.
School safety is paramount in the education sector. Test frequency for equipment used in schools must adhere to compliance standards. Regular testing procedures, inspection standards, and risk assessment help mitigate electrical hazards. Equipment maintenance ensures safety regulations are met.
Non-compliance with recommended test and tag intervals in New Zealand can lead to safety risks, legal implications, maintenance costs, reduced equipment reliability, workplace accidents, lack of insurance coverage, increased electrical hazards, operational downtime, and regulatory fines.
Exemptions and regulations in NZ may apply to certain electrical equipment regarding test and tag requirements. Special considerations and guidelines should be followed. DIY testing versus professionals, school equipment requirements, compliance consequences, seasonal use testing, safety precautions, electrical standards updates, testing intervals, and legal implications of non-compliance are crucial aspects to consider.
Test and tag refers to the process of visually inspecting and electrically testing appliances to ensure they are safe for use. It helps prevent electrical accidents, protects employees, and ensures compliance with NZ safety standards.
Testing frequency depends on the environment. For example, construction sites require testing every 3 months, factories every 6 months, offices every 12 months, and low-risk environments such as server rooms every 5 years.
While not legally mandatory in all cases, test and tag is a highly recommended method for meeting the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 obligations to ensure all electrical equipment is safe to use.
A PCBU is a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking, the legal term the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 uses for any business, sole trader, or contractor in New Zealand. If you employ people or run a commercial operation, you're a PCBU with a duty to manage health and safety risks so far as reasonably practicable.
It's the legal test used throughout the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. It means weighing the likelihood and severity of harm, what you knew or should have known, the availability of controls, and their cost, to decide what a reasonable business would do to manage a risk.
Testing and tagging must be carried out by a Competent Person — someone who has completed the appropriate test and tag training or holds an electrical qualification.
Non-compliance can lead to workplace accidents, legal penalties, equipment damage, loss of insurance coverage, and potential prosecution under workplace safety laws.
Businesses should perform risk assessments to determine appropriate testing intervals. Equipment exposed to harsh environments, frequent movement, or heavy use may require more frequent testing.
A compliant tag should display the tester's name or company, test date, retest due date, and a clear "passed" or "failed" indication.
Portable appliances, power tools, extension leads, RCDs, and cord sets are examples of equipment that should be tested and tagged regularly.
You can contact professional providers like The Local Guys Test & Tag for certified electrical safety testing, risk assessments, and compliance advice across New Zealand.
