As of the 1st of July 2013, all businesses in New South Wales that use or supply electrical equipment must comply with the new testing and tagging standards. The changes to the standards were made to help improve safety for workers and the public, and to ensure that businesses are using safe and up-to-date electrical equipment.
Some of the key changes to the standards include:
- All electrical equipment must be tested and tagged before it is used.
- Equipment must be retested and retagged at regular intervals, depending on its type and level of use.
- A log must be kept of all testing and tagging activities.
- Only qualified personnel can carry out testing and tagging.
If you are a business owner or manager in NSW, it is important that you ensure your business is compliant with the new standards. Failure to do testing & tagging in Sydney could result in heavy fines, and could also put your employees and customers at risk.
Manufacturing & Workshops
Test & Tag
- Require a test and tag every 6 months by qualified personnel
Fixed RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test every 6 months
- Require an Operating Time test every 12 months
Portable RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test before each use
- Require an Operating Time test every 12 months
Other Higher Risk Operating Environments
Other Higher Risk Operating Environments include kitchens, bathrooms and meeting rooms where equipment is moved.
Test & Tag
- Require a test and tag every 12 months by qualified personnel
Fixed RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test every 6 months
- Require an Operating Time test every 12 months
Portable RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test every 3 months
- Require an Operating Time test every 12 months
Lower Risk Operating Environments
Lower Risk Operating Environments include areas where equipment is never moved, such as general office areas.
Test & Tag
- Require a test and tag every 5 years by qualified personnel
Fixed RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test every 6 months
- Require an Operating Time test every 2 years
Portable RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test every 3 months
- Require an Operating Time test every 2 years
Commercial Cleaning
Test & Tag
- Require a test and tag every 6 months by qualified personnel
Fixed RCD Test
- No requirements for a Fixed RCD Test
Portable RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test before each use
- Require an Operating Time test every 3 months
Hire Equipment
Test & Tag
- Require a test and tag every 3 months by qualified personnel. The equipment should also be inspected before each hire
Fixed RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test before each hire by the hirer
- Require an Operating Time test every 12 months
Portable RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test before each hire by the hirer
- Require an Operating Time test every 3 months
Accommodation
Test & Tag
- Require a test and tag every 2 years by qualified personnel
Fixed RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test every 6 months
- Require an Operating Time test every 2 years
Portable RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test every 6 months
- Require an Operating Time test every 2 years
Construction and Demolition
Test & Tag
- Require a test and tag every 3 months by qualified personnel
- It is optional to include colour coded tags
Fixed RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test every month
- Require an Operating Time test every 12 months
Portable RCD Test
- Require a Push Button test before each use
- Require an Operating Time test every 3 months
New Equipment
- New equipment is required to be inspected for any damage
- Require a "New To Service" tag that specifies it has not been tested and the date it will be tested
Applicable Legislation
- WHS Regulations
- NSW Electrical Safety Code of Practice
- NSW Electrical Inspection and Testing
- NSW Residual Current Devices
- Electrical Practices for Construction and Demolition Sites
- Construction Work - Code of Practice
- AS/NZS 3760:2022
- AS/NZS 3012:2010
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