FAQ's

Why does my Electrical Equipment need Testing?
As an employer or business owner it is your responsibility to ensure that your staff and visitors to the workplace or business premises are protected from injuries and health risks. Using electrical appliances and working with electricity can pose a risk. Inspection and Testing of the electrical equipment is one way of reducing the risk. Safety switches or RCDs also require inspection and testing. You must handle any safety risks associated with electrical hazards in compliance with WHS Acts and Regulations. A structured Risk management approach can be used to minimise or monitor the risks of electrical hazards.
 
Following a risk evaluation, a variety of control steps can be introduced:

• Routine visual checks

• Regular Inspection

• Maintenance

• Repair

• Replacement

• Use of Residual Current Devices (RCD’s)

• And Testing of Identified Equipment

 
How often does my equipment need to be tested?
The frequency of inspection and testing of equipment depends on a number of factors. The Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760:2022 defines the specific requirements for the test and inspection of electrical equipment.
The main intervals are:

• 3 Months - Construction, building & Demolition

• 6 Months - Factories, Production and Warehouses

• 12 Months - Where the Equipment/cord is prone to flexing or (open to abuse) – e.g., schools, offices, office kitchens

• 5 Yearly - Where the equipment/ cord is not prone to flexing (or open to                           abuse) i.e., server rooms

 
What happens if an item fails to pass the test?
From time to time an item can malfunction and it is the technician’s duty to report the faulty item and mark it appropriately. The item should be taken out of service, and depending on the nature of the fault, further testing or repairs by a qualified person may be required.
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What is a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT)?
As specified by AS/NZS 3760:2022 a PAT is an electronic testing instrument designed to perform a variety of automated tests on plug in type equipment
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Does the Equipment need to be turned off to be tested?
Yes, they do. It is an electrical hazard to perform the test with live equipment. This is to protect both our technicians and customers. The equipment can be switched back on once the examination is completed.
 
What is and RCD Test?
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a device that prevents you from getting a fatal electric shock if you come in contact with a live object such as a broken light switch or an exposed wire. A regular fuse or circuit breaker cannot provide the same degree of personal security as an RCD. The test ensures that the RCD complies with the standard.
 
How long does the testing take?
The time it takes to test and tag an appliance varies depending on the device, but generally it only takes a few minutes at a time. A visual inspection is conducted first, which assists the technician which electrical tests are needed. Once passed the item is tagged with the date it was tested and the next test date due.
 
Will an appliance tester identify a faulty electrical appliance
Not always. An appliance tester is generally only designed to check the electrical safety aspects of the equipment. It cannot identify functional faults in the appliance.