FEMPOWER and
Test & Tag Services
Trusted and Certified Test and Tag Technician in Sydney, NSW
What is included with my testing?
Fempower test and tag services will include;
- Conduct a visual inspection: The whole appliance will be examined, looking for any damage or defects to the cord, appliance or plug.
- Complete the electrical test: Using a PAT tester, the insulation resistance, earth continuity and polarity of the appliance will be tested. If everything passes the test, the item will be recorded as a pass and will be tagged. If the appliance fails any of the tests, it will be recorded as a failure and removed from service.
What is Test & Tagging / Portable Appliance Testing?
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is a process commonly known as “Test and Tagging” and is used to check the safety of electrical appliances. It is conducted in workplaces, shops, and rental properties to ensure that electrical equipment is safe for use and preventing electrical hazards
Test and Tagging is made up of a two-step process of visual inspection and electrical testing. After successfully passing the inspection and testing, the appliance is labeled or tagged with information indicating the date of the test, the next test due date, and the inspector’s details. This helps keep track of when the appliance was last tested and when it requires retesting to ensure continued safety.
The frequency of testing and tagging varies based on the type of appliance, its environment, and usage. Generally, higher-risk environments or equipment used in harsher conditions may require more frequent testing
PAT is crucial for maintaining a safe working or living environment by reducing the risk of electrical accidents, such as electric shocks, fires, or equipment malfunctions caused by faulty appliances. Compliance with PAT standards ensures that businesses and individuals meet legal requirements regarding electrical safety regulations.
Who needs to have Portable Appliance Testing completed?
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004), it’s a legal requirement for all businesses to uphold their duty of care. Employers must take reasonable measures to ensure a safe, hazard-free workplace. This involves implementing an electrical maintenance program that identifies, assesses, and controls or eliminates electrical hazards.
The Australian Standard AS/NZ 3760:2010 clearly advocates for regular testing and tagging of portable electrical appliances to establish a safe work environment.
How often do I need to have my testing completed?
The two factors determining the frequency for testing and tagging electrical equipment are:
The location or environment in which the item is used.
The type of appliance and its susceptibility to movement or damage.
According to the AS/NZ 3760:2010 standard requirements, the following minimum testing frequencies are recommended:
- Every 3 months for building, construction, and demolition settings.
- Every 6 months for factories, warehouses, and production environments.
- Annually for environments where the equipment or supply cord is prone to flexing or subjected to abuse.
- Every 5 years for environments where the equipment or supply cord is not typically subject to flexing or abuse, such as a company’s server room.
It’s essential to acknowledge that these frequencies serve as recommendations. For precise timeframes tailored to your workplace, it is advisable to consult your technician or a qualified professional.
What type of equipment needs testing?
In essence, any appliance with a removable plug that can be connected to a power point is eligible for testing. Electrical devices are typically categorized into:
Class 1: Earthed appliances like kettles, toasters, microwaves, and powerboards.
Class 2: Double-insulated appliances, often recognized by a symbol (square within a square), including most electric drills and hair dryers.
Lead Class: Including extension leads, IEC leads and powerboards.
All items used in a workplace, regardless of ownership, should undergo testing. This encompasses personal items brought into the workplace.
What is included with my testing?
Fempower test and tag services will include;
- Conduct a visual inspection: The whole appliance will be examined, looking for any damage or defects to the cord, appliance or plug.
- Complete the electrical test: Using a PAT tester, the insulation resistance, earth continuity and polarity of the appliance will be tested. If everything passes the test, the item will be recorded as a pass and will be tagged. If the appliance fails any of the tests, it will be recorded as a failure and removed from service.
- Notify you if there have been any failed items and advise you what to do with them.
- Provide you with a comprehensive report: The report states each item that has been tested, its location, class, pass/fail, date of testing and next due date.
- Provide you with a certificate of compliance: Your certificate of compliance outlines the services completed and their next due date.
- Notify you when your test and tag is due again.
Do I need to have new equipment tested?
New equipment does not require testing as it is expected that the manufacturer ensures the initial safety of the appliance.
What happens with failed items?
If an item fails the visual inspection or the electrical PAT test, the item will be deemed as a failure. The technician will place a ‘failed item’ sticker on the appliance and record this on your comprehensive report. Your technician will notify you of the failed item at your business so you can have these removed, repaired, or replaced.