FAQ
What is AS/NZ 3760?
AS/NZS 3760 is a document created by Standards Australia that specifies the testing method and frequency for electrical appliances. It was created to prevent electrical hazards in the workplace. Appliances are inspected for damage, and various tests are made to the appliances' earth continuity, insulation, polarity, and physical condition. After testing has determined a pass, a tag is attached to the appliance lead indicating when it was tested, when the next test is due, and a tracking code. Retesting intervals of equipment can vary from 3 months to 5 years depending of the environment where the equipment is located.
How frequently do I need my equipment tested?
Every workplace environment differs and the frequency of testing depends on the harshness of the environment. Most electrical appliances are tested yearly. However, if the surrounding environment is less detrimental to the appliance itself, retest dates may extend to a period of 5 years. But if the environment where electrical appliance is located which is in extreme usage like workshops, electrical items will be tested every 3 to 6 months.
What equipment does M.E.T.S. uses for electrical appliance safety testing and tagging?
Magnitude Electro-Tech Services (M.E.T.S.) uses modern equipments currently available in the market, the Seaward Supernova XE Portable Appliance Tester and Protag Printer is very efficient to do the task. Our qualified technicians are well- trained to perform testing of all your electrical appliances so there will be minimal disruption to your daily task.
What electrical items need to be tested in my workplace?
Portable electrical appliances located in your workplace and plugged into a power point situated less than 2.5meters from the ground require visual inspection & testing. These are some of the electrical items which require testing and tagging:
- Desktop computers and monitors
- Laptop Computers & notebooks
- Scanners & Printers
- Photocopiers
- Fax machines
- Kitchen appliances
- Power tools
- Extension cords
- Power boards
- IEC Leads
- All double insulated appliances
- Audio/visual equipment
- Portable air conditioners and heaters
- Power supply, adaptors & transformers
- Desk lamps
- Vacuum cleaners/ Floor polishers
Do we need to test the newly purchased electrical appliances?
- Newly purchased electrical items do not need to be tested; however they should be tagged upon introduction to the workplace to indicate they are newly purchased.
- We can provide you with New to Service tags to serve this purpose.
What electrical items excluded from testing and tagging under AS/NZ 3760?
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The following items are excluded from testing under AS/NZ 3760:
- Fixed or "hard wired" items
- Electrical items at a height exceeding 2.5mtrs
- Electrical items which need to be dismantled to establish safety of operation
- Sample items, demonstration items or new stock items in a retail or warehouse outlet
What is the common procedure of Electrical Appliance Safety Testing & Tagging?
The standard procedure of electrical appliance safety testing: Visual Inspection: The visual inspection of the electrical appliance or device like for instance flexible cords should be absolutely secure in plugs, connections made firmly with no worn ends. Electrical Appliance Testing Using Supernova XE Tester: The appliance will be tested with various test equipment to test for any unseen electrical faults. These tests include; an insulation resistance test; earth continuity, earth bond test; a polarity test; and an earth leakage test. Tags: A safety tag must be placed on the electrical appliance verifying its safe approval. This tag must clearly display:
- The name of the qualified tester
- The date tested and the next test date.
