What the test actually covers
A test and tag is two jobs in one. The visual inspection comes first, because most faults are found by eye rather than by meter — cracked plug tops, cuts or crush damage in the flexible cord, missing strain relief, scorching around the pins, damaged sockets on powerboards, and equipment that has been modified or repaired badly.
The electrical test then uses a calibrated portable appliance tester to measure earth continuity on Class I equipment, insulation resistance, and polarity on leads and powerboards. Anything that passes both stages is tagged. Anything that fails is tagged out, removed from service, and listed on your report so it does not quietly go back on the floor.
Who is allowed to do it
AS/NZS 3760:2022 requires testing to be carried out by a Competent Person — someone with the knowledge and experience to use the test equipment correctly and to interpret the results. Our technicians work to that standard, and every job is recorded so you can show an auditor exactly who tested what, and when.
What you get afterwards
A tag on each item showing the test date, next test date and technician. A written report listing every item by description and location, its class, its pass or fail result, the test date and the retest date. Most clients use that report as their electrical asset register, and we send a reminder before the next round falls due.
Typical interval: 3 months – 5 years. We confirm the right frequency for your site when we quote.
Get moving
Ask about appliance test and tag
Tell us roughly how many items you have and where. We come back with a fixed quote, usually the same day.
Or email
info@mastertestandtag.co.nz
Common questions
About appliance test and tag
How often does test and tag need to be done in New Zealand?
It depends on the environment, not the appliance. AS/NZS 3760:2022 sets shorter intervals where equipment takes more punishment — three months on construction and demolition sites, six to twelve months in factories, workshops and warehouses, twelve months where gear is regularly moved or the cord is flexed, and up to five years for office equipment that stays in one place. Hire equipment is tested before every hire. We will confirm the right interval for your site when we quote.
Is test and tag a legal requirement in New Zealand?
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 requires a PCBU to provide and maintain a safe work environment, which includes electrical equipment. Testing and tagging to AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the recognised way of demonstrating you have done that. Some sites, insurers and head contractors also make current tags a condition of entry.
Do you have to test brand new equipment?
New equipment does not need a full electrical test before first use, but it does need to be visually inspected and tagged with the date it entered service so it enters the retest cycle correctly.
Also available
Other services
Three Phase Testing
Testing of 415V three phase equipment, leads and distribution boxes on industrial and construction sites.
Read more →
RCD Testing
Push-button and trip-time testing of residual current devices, portable and fixed.
Read more →
Lead and Plug Repairs
On-the-spot repair of failed leads, plug tops and sockets, plus custom-made braided extension leads.
Read more →
Exit and Emergency Lighting
Six-monthly testing of emergency and exit lighting to AS/NZS 2293.2, including the 90 minute discharge test.
Read more →
Microwave Leakage Testing
Annual microwave radiation leakage testing to AS/NZS 60335.2.25:2020, with a recorded leakage figure.
Read more →Find out what compliance actually costs.
Send us an item count and we will come back with a fixed quote — usually the same day.