Test and Tag Colours

If you’ve been called out to test appliances, knowing which test and tag colour you should be using can be a confusing concept for particular industries. After all, you want to know what is and what isn't required by Australian standards.

As of 2024, VIC, WA, NSW, SA and QLD all follow the same Standard for testing and tagging AS/NZS 3760. This means the colours will be the same across these states

There are essentially two scenarios:

  1. If you work in construction, demolition or mining you are required to use the specified test tag colours.
  2. If you don't work in those industries, you can use your own colour coding system.
Test and tag colours RGBY

Test and tag colours (RGBY system) for construction and demolition

For anyone that works in demolition or on construction sites - there are particular tag colours you are required to use in different months of the year according to AS/NZS 3012. It is referred to as RGBY, which represents the colours red, green, blue and yellow.

  • Red Tag - December, January and February
  • Green Tag - March, April and May
  • Blue Tag - June, July and August
  • Yellow Tag - September, October and November

These test and tag dates would apply to all states around Australia (NSW used to have a separate colour coding system, but has since now aligned with the other states). These colours are also commonly used on mining sites and in the marine industry which are considered harsh environments.

We recommend you test an item at the beginning of a colour change so that the tag gets the full three months of use. If for example you test an item just three weeks before the end of a colour period, that same item will need to be re-tested again when the new tag colour takes affect. You can also learn more from our full blog on testing and tagging construction sites.

If you would like to have a cheat sheet on hand, you can download and print our full page colour coding breakdown.

Choose your own test tag colours

For everyone else not working in those particular industries, it is not legislatively required to use any special tag colour for the different months.

It really comes down to your own personal choice as to which electrical tagging colours you choose to use.

We do recommend that you designate different test tag colours for the various re-testing periods and then rotate the colours with each test. As a result, when it comes time for re-testing, you'll know immediately which appliances need to be tested.

The most common tag colours people tend to use are red, green, blue, yellow, orange, white, black and burgundy.

If you would like to discuss test and tag colours further, you can call us on 1300 848 302. Alternatively, if you're looking for a complete tag range, you can also view our Appliance Testing Supplies website.

Best Practices

Remember, implementing a colour coding system is essential for ensuring safety and compliance. Here are some best practices you should be aware of:

  • Be consistent by developing a straightforward procedure that outlines your colour coding system, specifying the colours used for each testing period and corresponding dates. Then ensure you're being consistent across all sites and teams to ensure everyone is on the same page
  • Documentation - keep detailed records of all test and tag activities, including a record of the colour rotation.
  • Training - make sure that all employees involved in the test and tag process understand the colour coding system and the importance of consistency and compliance.
  • Compliance - ensure you're fully aware of industry-specific requirements, such as construction, demolition, mining and marine industries.

Additional Test & Tag Colour Resources

  • Cheat sheet - download and print our cheat sheet that provides a quick reference to the RGBY system and other specific requirements for different industries.
  • Complete test tag range - visit our Appliance Testing Supplies website for a complete range of test tags. This includes standard test tags, printable test tags and custom test tags.

If you would like to discuss test and tag colours further, you can call us on 1300 848 302.

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