Changes to Test & Tag Standard in 2022

Recently the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3760 went through a makeover and has now officially changed. We’ve done the hard work and summarized everything you need to know about the changes relating to the test and tag industry and how it affects your work. We've also summarised everything below for a quick summary.

AS/NZS 3760 has a New Name

Some simple but notable changes include the Standard now including the words ‘RCD’ in the title of the Standard, along with the year changing it to AS/NZS 3760:2022 (formerly 2010).

This isn't of course going to affect how you test and tag or anything close to it, but it's important to be aware of this change when referring to the most recent Standard.

Documenting Measurements

For people in New Zealand, it is now a requirement to keep records of testing and inspection with a register of all equipment that is inspected/tested. This essentially means everyone testing and tagging must keep a register of all equipment that is tested.

For anyone offering test and tag as a service provider (as a 3rd party) they will be required to document exact test measurements for every test performed, rather than a simple pass or fail. It then specifically mentions examples of Earth continuity resistance, Insulation Resistance and Leakage Current.

This is especially important when buying a new PAT Tester, as you'll want to make sure it complies with the new reporting requirements, which some of the basic level appliance testers can't perform.

For anyone in Australia, the above point is highly recommended, but not compulsory based on how it’s worded differently. For people in Australia it states that records “should be kept”, as opposed to New Zealand which says “records shall be kept”.

Variable Speed Drives (VSD's)

Another noteworthy alteration is that there is an extra mention of VSD’s (variable speed drives), which indicates that extra support will be required when dealing with VSD’s.

This is mentioned in the Leakage Current table 2.1 on page 15. It specifically states "For equipment containing a variable speed power drive system, alternative requirements to leakage current requirements that may be accepted are included IEC 61800-5-1 Edition 2.1 Advanced technical support may be required for assessment.

Competent Person

When discussing a Competent Person (which is someone who is able to test and tag in Australia or New Zealand), AS/NZS 3760 2022 now specifically mentions that skills and knowledge should be maintained and updated, essentially going into more detail when compared to the previous version. It also uses the words 'should be maintained' as opposed to "may need to be updated".

This is a significant point as this is an area we've been pointing out for many years now and really trying to make sure our students are constantly staying up-to-date with the most recent skills and know-how. Because if you've completed a course years ago, it's most likely that you're not fully up-to-date with everything.

In this same section, it now mentions that a Competent Person should have an understanding of the risks associated with electrical equipment, something which is brought up during our test and tag course.

General Wording Changes

It’s worth pointing out that majority of the changes in the Australian and New Zealand Standard aren’t critical elements when testing. Instead, the changes mostly involve actual wording changes within the booklet, such as it being easier to read, extra dot points and breaks, more images of PAT Testers and a better flow of content. As a result, there are now an addition 13 pages in the Standard compared to the previous version.

Likewise, table numbers have been changed, which at first glance isn’t a big deal. It’s more noticeable for highly used and referred to tables such as the test and tag intervals which was previously Table 4 and has now become Table 2.4. The bottom section that previously mentioned both repaired and second hand testing in the same line have been split and their associated standards listed.

For anyone that would like clarification on any of the changes or extra support, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime with any questions.

Calibrations

The 2022 Standard has made calibration requirements for appliance testers more specific. Previously, it simply stated that routine verifications should be done at regular intervals to ensure accuracy. It didn't specify 'how' or 'when' though. 

Now, it goes a step further. For the updated Standard, it specifically states:

• Verification must be carried out against a calibrated source
• It must be done within the timeframes set by the manufacturer

It would seem that calibrations has become more of a requirement, not just a general recommendation.

Summary of AS/NZS 3760 Changes

• Additional 13 pages in new Standard
• It is now referred to as AS/NZS 3760:2022
• The name of the Standard now includes the words "and RCD"
• Test Tag service providers in NZ will need to document exact measurements
• Test Tag service providers in AU are advised to keep exact measurements
• Added a mention of VSD’s
• It now explicitly mentions that a Competent Person should keep their skills up to date
• In the Competent Person section it now mentions that people need to understand the risks
• The wording and numbering has been changed throughout
• Tables now have different numbers
• Makes specific mention now that insulation tape shouldn’t be used to repair a damaged cord
• Class I equipment has been added to the Insulation Resistance table
• The section about RCD’s has been expanded on, specifically with regards to Type I and II RCD's
• Testing of arc welders section has been expanded on
• Calibrations is more a requirement now, as opposed to a recommendation