In this guide, we4’re going to explain a little bit about the topic of “test and tag”, one of Australia’s requirements for electronic devices. No matter what you’re using, if it’s an electronic appliance, Australia’s requirements on electrical items are required to be tested and tagged according to their 3760 Standard. Some people don’t realize this and when they get audited, they end up having to have their products tested and tagged. To avoid these problems, we’re going to explain testing and tagging some, and give you a guideline on how often you should do it.
The Timeframe of Test and Tag
This timeframe between each test and tag audit is important because it actually varies depending on what type of equipment you are going to use. It’s also important that each test and tag color is chosen for the right type of appliance, and that every item is tested and tagged on a regular basis. For example, you may end up having to test and tag construction, building, and demolition electronic tools and items every 3 months, industrial, factory, and production machines and tools every 6 months, and each year when the environment is going to be changing to cause the electronic cord to be prone to flexing (such as a power strip for a computer office equipment that is moveable).
If you have stationary wiring in which the supply cord isn’t going to flex or be open to strain, you can get away with testing and tagging about every 5 years. Operation on portable items or commercial cleaning items should always be tested daily (buttons work, machines work, and check to ensure safety mechanisms work)
How a Test and Tag is Performed
A quality professional will end up testing and tagging your electronic items by first testing the physical integrity of the electronic wire or functions of an appliance. Even a toaster in a break room has to be tested and tagged. This means that someone has to physically test it out, make sure there’s no damage to the wiring, and ensure the operation of it.
Next, depending on what type of appliance it is, the tester will end up testing the electrical connection of the item, by not only ensuring it works, but with some items using a voltmeter or other device to ensure a solid electrical connection. They then tag it, write their name on it in the inspector’s section, mark it with a date and the next test and tag date to ensure it gets done when it should.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Getting items tested and tagged isn’t actually a hard process, and some companies may have their own risk assessment guidelines in place that are less than the standards of testing and tagging. At the same time, it may be possible that if you’re nominated for a test and tag procedure and there is a conflict between yours and the previous test date, you may want to speak with your supervisor or visit https://electricaltesting.com.au. It could mean that the company has their own risk assessment program, or that the person who tested and tagged an item recently didn’t do it right, and the company is relying on you. Otherwise, you may even find some companies that offer testing and tagging services for a small price per item.
