Electrical Test Tags Guide
Test and Tag Labels are an essential test and tag accessory. They attach to an electrical appliance and they indicate whether that appliance has passed or failed its safety checks.
Once you've tested an item and you're ready to place the correct test tag on, certain information must be written on the tag as a minimum according to Australian standards AS/NZS 3760.
Although not every box on the test tag needs to be filled out, some will aid with data logging and are highly recommended.
Let's start by explaining what information is and isn't necessary and what each box means.
Minimum Information Required
The following information must be on your electrical test tag and this is actually specifically mentioned in the AS/NZS 3760 Standards.
1) "Tested to AS/NZS 3760" - This reference to the Australian standard is usually printed on the test tag itself. Although this is compulsory, ensure you check any test tags that are either more than two years old, or were imported from overseas.
2) "Tested By" - This can either be the person conducting the test and/or the company. If you're getting Custom Tags made up, this can essentially be the logo of the company (or your name printed).
3) "Test Date" - The date of the test.
4) "Next Test Due" - When the next test is due according to the environment (or validity period). Ensure you're aware of the test and tag intervals and how to use them.
Not Required (But Recommended)
5) "Certificate/Licence No." - This particular number refers to your individual test and tag certificate/licence number.
6) "Plant Item No." - This number is the one that stays for the life of the appliance and basically references to the items entire test history. By using this field properly, you can easily refer to your logbook or other reports and check the items previous test history i.e. test values.
7) "Tag Number" - Test and Tag professionals use tag numbers to help with their own records and to log history. Tag numbers are usually pre-printed, but can be hand written as well.
Failed Test Tags
If the item your testing fails the tests (including visual inspection) we of course use our old faithful Fail Test Tag.
On this particular tag, it needs to have the following information:
- It must state the appliance has failed an electrical safety test
- It needs to be clearly visible and show "DO NOT USE" and "DANGER"
To ensure you're doing everything correctly, you would need to:
- Withdraw the electrical item from service
- Tag the item with a Failed Tag (or Hi-Vis Failed Tag)
- Logging the fault
- Notifying the responsible person
New to Service Test Tags
These particular tags are used for any new equipment and this does in fact require certain information to be shown on the tag.
- It must included the wording "New to Service" on the tag
- Date when the next test is due (this is critical as new equipment is just visually inspected)
- Date of entry to service
- It must include the wording "this appliance has not been tested in accordance with AS/NZS 3760
If you're using any New to Service Tags that don't include the above, they will not comply to Australian Standards.
Custom Test Tags
A lot of the above information is assuming that the test tag will need information written manually. Another option is to have Custom Test Tags made up for you, with huge benefits especially for anyone testing in high volume.
There are some benefits with Custom Test Tags:
- Have your information pre printed on every tag - this saves a lot of time
- Include your company logo and contact details - free exposure for you
- It is usually financially cheaper to have custom test tags manufactured - if buying a certain minimum amount
- You can include QR codes and barcodes to track your items
Still not convinced? See our article 3 Reasons to use Custom Test Tags to learn more.
See our Appliance Testing Supplies website for a full range of test and tag labels to purchase.
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