Test and tagging
Encyclopedia
Test and tagging is a generic name given to the process of visually inspecting and electrically testing in-service electrical equipment for personal use and/or safety. Colloquially, it is also referred to as; tagging, test tag, test and tag, electrical tagging, appliance testing, portable appliance test or lead tagging.
The aim of test and tagging is to determine if the appliance is electrically safe for personal use. The appliance undergoes a visual inspection for defects such as damage or missing components and a number of electrical tests to measure earth continuity
, insulation resistance
and polarity
.
In Australia
and New Zealand
, this is done using the Standard; AS/NZS 3760:2010
“In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment” as a reference document.
Because there is a document published on this topic by a reputable source, regulatory bodies that enforce State and Federal Occupational Health and Workplace Safety Acts and Electrical Safety Acts and Regulations within Australia
and New Zealand
, may list or encourage the use of this Standard as a minimum requirement.
Test and Tagging is sometimes referred to as PAT Testing (UK). This terminology was first used in the United Kingdom
A Portable Appliance Test or PAT, is a process by which electrical appliances are routinely checked to see whether they are safe. The term PAT - PAT Testing
- more accurately describes the actual test equipment used by technicians (not the appliance being tested) as it is generally hand held and/or portable.
In the United Kingdom
, the law requires is that the appliances are safe (as far as is reasonably practicable). Guidance from the Institution of Electrical Engineers
(IEE) and the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) suggest initial intervals for combined inspection and testing that range from three months (for construction equipment) to five years for inspection and never for testing (certain types of appliance in schools, hotels, offices and shops).
However the original United Kingdom
term PAT (Portable Appliance Testing
), is somewhat misleading as test and tagging can involve inspection and testing of fixed appliances, such as wall mounted air-conditioners that are not "hard wired" etc. Possibly a more accurate term for the whole process is In-service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment.
The Standard also notes a Competent Person is not required to be a registered or licensed electrical practitioner (i.e. electrician). However local Legislations, Industry Standards and/or Codes of Practice may have different requirements and therefore the better practice should be adopted.
The aim of test and tagging is to determine if the appliance is electrically safe for personal use. The appliance undergoes a visual inspection for defects such as damage or missing components and a number of electrical tests to measure earth continuity
Ground (electricity)
In electrical engineering, ground or earth may be the reference point in an electrical circuit from which other voltages are measured, or a common return path for electric current, or a direct physical connection to the Earth....
, insulation resistance
Electrical insulation
thumb|250px|[[Coaxial Cable]] with dielectric insulator supporting a central coreThis article refers to electrical insulation. For insulation of heat, see Thermal insulation...
and polarity
Electrical polarity
Electrical polarity is present in every electrical circuit. Electrons flow from the negative pole to the positive pole. In a direct current circuit, one pole is always negative, the other pole is always positive and the electrons flow in one direction only...
.
In Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, this is done using the Standard; AS/NZS 3760:2010
AS/NZS 3760
AS/NZS 3760 is a standard created by Standards Australia that outlines a testing method and frequency for electrical appliances. It was created to minimize electrical hazards in the workplace. Appliances are inspected for damage, and various measurements are made to the appliances' earth...
“In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment” as a reference document.
Because there is a document published on this topic by a reputable source, regulatory bodies that enforce State and Federal Occupational Health and Workplace Safety Acts and Electrical Safety Acts and Regulations within Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, may list or encourage the use of this Standard as a minimum requirement.
Test and Tagging is sometimes referred to as PAT Testing (UK). This terminology was first used in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
A Portable Appliance Test or PAT, is a process by which electrical appliances are routinely checked to see whether they are safe. The term PAT - PAT Testing
PAT Testing
Portable appliance testing is a process in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia by which electrical appliances are routinely checked for safety...
- more accurately describes the actual test equipment used by technicians (not the appliance being tested) as it is generally hand held and/or portable.
In the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, the law requires is that the appliances are safe (as far as is reasonably practicable). Guidance from the Institution of Electrical Engineers
Institution of Electrical Engineers
The Institution of Electrical Engineers was a British professional organisation of electronics, electrical, manufacturing, and Information Technology professionals, especially electrical engineers. The I.E.E...
(IEE) and the Health and Safety Executive
Health and Safety Executive
The Health and Safety Executive is a non-departmental public body in the United Kingdom. It is the body responsible for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare, and for research into occupational risks in England and Wales and Scotland...
(HSE) suggest initial intervals for combined inspection and testing that range from three months (for construction equipment) to five years for inspection and never for testing (certain types of appliance in schools, hotels, offices and shops).
However the original United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
term PAT (Portable Appliance Testing
PAT Testing
Portable appliance testing is a process in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia by which electrical appliances are routinely checked for safety...
), is somewhat misleading as test and tagging can involve inspection and testing of fixed appliances, such as wall mounted air-conditioners that are not "hard wired" etc. Possibly a more accurate term for the whole process is In-service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment.
Who can test and tag?
Test and Tagging shall be conducted by a “competent person”;“A Competent Person is one who the Responsible Person ensures has the necessary practical and theoretical skills, acquired through training, qualification, experience or a combination of these, to correctly undertake the tasks prescribed by this Standard.”
The Standard also notes a Competent Person is not required to be a registered or licensed electrical practitioner (i.e. electrician). However local Legislations, Industry Standards and/or Codes of Practice may have different requirements and therefore the better practice should be adopted.