If you've ever had your workplace appliances tested and tagged, you've seen the reference: AS/NZS 3760:2022. It appears on compliance reports, on technician tags, and in health and safety documentation across New Zealand workplaces. But what does it actually mean?
AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the joint Australian and New Zealand standard for the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. In plain terms, it's the document that defines how portable appliance testing must be carried out, who can do it, how often it must happen, and what records must be kept. For New Zealand employers, understanding this standard, even at a basic level, is important. It's the benchmark against which your electrical safety compliance is measured.
What "AS/NZS" Means
The "AS/NZS" prefix indicates the standard is jointly published by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand. Both countries use the same standard for in-service electrical equipment testing, though some application details differ between jurisdictions. In New Zealand, the standard is published by and available through standards.govt.nz. The 2022 version is the current edition and superseded the 2010 version.
What AS/NZS 3760:2022 Covers
The standard applies to the in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment that is connected to a low-voltage electrical installation via a flexible cord and plug, in other words, portable appliances that are plugged into power outlets.
Equipment within scope includes hand tools such as drills, grinders and sanders, extension leads and power boards, kitchen appliances in commercial settings, IT equipment including computers, monitors and printers, cleaning equipment like vacuums and floor polishers, and portable heaters, fans and lighting.
Equipment outside scope includes fixed (hardwired) equipment and fixed wiring, equipment connected by permanent wiring to the installation, and motor vehicles.
The standard covers equipment in all New Zealand workplaces, not just high-risk environments. An office kettle and a construction angle grinder are both within scope, they just have different testing intervals.
The Core Requirements: What the Standard Specifies
Visual Inspection
Every test and tag inspection begins with a visual examination. The technician checks the appliance body for signs of damage, burns, or modification; the flexible cord for cuts, abrasion, cracking, or exposed wires; the plug for damage, discolouration, or overheating; strain relief fittings and cord anchorage points; and any evidence of liquid ingress or contamination. A significant proportion of electrical faults are detectable through visual inspection alone, and the standard requires this step before any electrical testing proceeds.
Electrical Testing
Where visual inspection alone is insufficient to determine safety, electrical tests are required. The specific tests depend on the appliance class. Earth continuity testing verifies that the earth path is intact and provides adequate protection against fault current. Insulation resistance testing measures the resistance of insulation between live conductors and the appliance body, identifying degraded or compromised insulation. Additional tests may be required depending on the appliance type and the technician's assessment.
Testing Equipment
AS/NZS 3760:2022 specifies requirements for the test equipment used. Testing must be carried out with instruments that meet appropriate accuracy and performance standards, and calibration of test instruments is required.
Competency of the Tester
The standard requires testing to be carried out by a "competent person", someone who has the training, knowledge, and experience to conduct in-service inspections correctly and interpret results accurately. This is not a licence category in New Zealand, but it does require more than simply owning a PAT tester. Competency involves understanding the standard, correctly classifying equipment, applying the right tests, interpreting results, and making sound pass/fail judgements.
Testing Intervals
One of the most practically important elements of AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the specification of testing frequency by work environment:
| Interval | Environment |
|---|---|
| 3 Months | Construction, building and demolition |
| 6 Months | Factories, production and warehouse |
| 12 Months | Schools, offices, office kitchens (equipment prone to flexing or abuse) |
| 5 Years | Server rooms and low-use environments (not prone to flexing, not open to abuse) |
These intervals represent the maximum allowable period between inspections. For a full explanation of what environments qualify for each interval, see: How Often Does Test and Tag Need to Be Done in NZ?
Tagging
After a successful inspection, appliances receive a tag showing the date of the inspection, the date the next inspection is due, and identification of the person or company who conducted the test. Tags must be durable enough to remain legible for the full testing interval. Appliances that fail testing must be removed from service immediately and tagged out of service.
Documentation and Records
AS/NZS 3760:2022 requires that inspection and test results be recorded. Records must include identification of the equipment tested, its location, the date of inspection, the result (pass or fail), the date the next inspection is due, and the identity of the person who conducted the test. These records are your compliance evidence and are what a WorkSafe NZ investigator will request following an electrical incident.
AS/NZS 3760:2022 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
The 2022 standard does not appear in the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 by name. New Zealand legislation works by setting general duties, the obligation to manage risks so far as is reasonably practicable, and allowing standards and codes of practice to define what meeting those duties looks like in practice. AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the accepted standard for meeting electrical equipment safety obligations under HSWA. Following it demonstrates due diligence. Not following it, and having an incident, makes it very difficult to argue that you acted reasonably.
For a full explanation of the legal picture, see: Is Test and Tag a Legal Requirement in New Zealand?
What Changed in the 2022 Update
The 2022 edition updated and replaced the 2010 version of the standard. Key changes included clarification of testing requirements for certain equipment classes, updated guidance on competency requirements for testers, refinements to testing intervals and conditions, and updated documentation requirements. If your business has been following the 2010 standard, confirm your testing programme reflects the current edition.
Common Misunderstandings About AS/NZS 3760:2022
One of the most common misunderstandings is that if equipment looks fine, testing isn't necessary. Visual condition is one part of an inspection, but electrical faults, particularly insulation degradation, are often invisible to the untrained eye. The standard requires both visual inspection and electrical testing precisely because visual inspection alone is not sufficient.
Another common assumption is that small offices are exempt. The standard applies to all workplaces with portable electrical equipment. There is no minimum size threshold. An office with six employees and twelve plugged-in devices is within scope.
Some businesses also assume that staff doing their own visual checks satisfies the requirement. Visual checks by staff are valuable but do not replace formal in-service inspection and testing by a competent person.
And finally, testing is not a one-time event. Each interval must be completed to maintain ongoing compliance.
How The Local Guys Test and Tag Works to AS/NZS 3760:2022
Our technicians are trained to the current AS/NZS 3760:2022 standard and carry calibrated test equipment to every job. After each inspection, we provide full compliance reports listing every appliance tested, results, and next due dates, along with compliance certificates for your records and automated reminders when your next testing period is approaching. Every technician carries a police clearance check and we operate across New Zealand with locally based technicians in every region.
You can learn more about our portable appliance testing service or our RCD safety switch testing service.
We operate in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, Dunedin, and all major NZ regions.
Request a Quote or call us anytime on 0800 733 858.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AS/NZS 3760:2022?
AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the joint Australian and New Zealand standard for the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. It specifies how portable appliance testing must be conducted, including testing procedures, intervals by work environment, competency requirements for testers, and documentation requirements.
Where can I access AS/NZS 3760:2022 in New Zealand?
The standard is available for purchase through standards.govt.nz, which is the New Zealand Standards publisher.
When was AS/NZS 3760 last updated?
The current edition is AS/NZS 3760:2022, which replaced the 2010 version. All current testing in New Zealand should be conducted to the 2022 edition.
Does AS/NZS 3760:2022 apply to all businesses in NZ?
The standard applies to any workplace in New Zealand that uses portable electrical equipment, which includes virtually every commercial business. There is no industry or size exemption.
What is the difference between AS/NZS 3760 and AS/NZS 3012?
AS/NZS 3760:2022 covers the in-service inspection and testing of portable electrical appliances across all work environments. AS/NZS 3012 specifically covers electrical installations and construction work sites, including additional requirements for residual current devices and wiring on construction sites. Construction businesses must comply with both standards.
Is the NZ version of AS/NZS 3760 different from the Australian version?
The core standard is joint, meaning both countries use the same document. Application may vary slightly due to differences in national electrical regulations and compliance frameworks. The NZ version is published through standards.govt.nz. Content relating to legislation references reflects each country's own legal framework, in New Zealand, this means the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
