Testing and tagging involves more than just putting a tag on a lead. It is a detailed procedure where every step is important.
Inspection and testing for external and internal damage
In the testing and tagging procedure, the most important step is the visual inspection. During this stage we find most fails. For example, exposed wires, damaged cables and burn marks.
Tests with our Portable Appliance Tester detects internal damage and degradation caused by ageing. Depending on what type of device, we test the earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity and earth leakage.
Test limits
Testing limits described in the AS/NZS 3760 and AS/NZS 3012 (Testing and tagging on construction sites) passes or fails an appliance. For example, the earth continuity resistance must be lower than 1 ohm, the insulation resistance must be higher than 1 megaohm and earth leakage on a Class I device must be lower than 5 mA.
Detailed test and tag report and assets register
The report as shown in image A (below) gives us a basic summary. According to WorkSafe NSW guidelines, the minimum requirements that must be specified are:
the name of the person or the company that carried out the inspection and testing
the date of the testing
the outcome (in other words, pass or fail)
the date by which the next testing must be carried out
Image A: Basic test and tag report
In the example above there are no details provided on the PASS-equipment. Some electrical devices could be close to failure. For this reason, we provide all test-measurement details as shown in image B (below). Later, at the retest date, we compare those results. This way, clients can set up a pro-active maintenance program to service or replace a tool or appliance before it fails and become dangerous.
Image B: Detailed test result, showing all measurements
Monitoring ageing via the test and tag report results
Over the years, we have seen test results getting closer to the limit. Accordingly, we notify our customers. With this information, clients are stocking new equipment before equipment fails, preventing production losses.
Every appliance, tool, lead, etc. has a unique number, an asset ID. This makes it easy to locate a specific asset and check its history. In the test and tag report, sent as PDF, you can search for the appliance ID and find all detailed results for that specific electrical device or lead.
When an appliance fails a test, following a visual inspection or via the PAT, we add a comment in the test and tag report. For example, insulation resistance fails x < 1Mohm. Another example could be a damaged earth pin. In addition, we make a suggestion about what to do with the failed item. For instance, for a fridge with an insulation resistance fail, we recommend disposal. We also highlight this fail an extra time in the email and, depending on the kind of fail, provide n picture overview of all test and tag fails.
In conclusion, with a detailed test and tag report, you can track the ageing of your appliances and prepare yourself in case of a ‘near’ fail.
If you have any further questions about the test and tag report, or you want to receive an example file, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
You install a new plug on an electrical lead for different reasons. For example, you have visible wires coming out of the plug or the plug pin insulation is damaged. Or it was not damaged, but you cut the lead because you want to feed the cable through a small hole.
Who can install a new plug or socket on a lead?
Only licensed electricians or competent persons can change a plug. A competent person is someone who is trained, assessed and found qualified to fit plugs and sockets. While testing and tagging, we come across a lot of wrongly installed plugs. Reversed polarity, not connected according to the manufacturer instructions and a wrong current rating are the most common fails.
Altered 15A plug so it can fit a 10A socket. The insulation on the active and neutral pin is also missing.
What are the dangers of a wrongly installed plug or socket?
There is a reversed polarity when the active and the neutral wire are swapped. This means the appliance is still charged, even when switched off.
A plug that is not installed according to the manufacturers instructions can be potentially very dangerous. Wires can became lose or exposed and can cause an electrical shock.
Different ratings on plugs have different pins. A 15A plug will have a larger earth pin. This way, it will not fit into a 10A socket. The main reason for this is to protect the internal wiring. There are adapters on the market that allow you to use a 15A appliance on a 10A socket. Those adapters have a built-in protection mechanism avoiding higher than 10A currents. It’s Illegal to change a 15A plug into a 10A or mechanically change the earth pin so it will fit a 10A socket.
Recall reminder: Bunnings Group Limited — Heller 2000W fan heater supplied by GAF Control Pty Ltd (FHH20A)
PRA No.: 2015/14545 Date published: 16 Jan 2015 Product description: Heller 2000W fan heater with oscillating base Identifying features: Date Code 0514
What are the defects?
The heater does not comply with the flammability requirements of the Australian standard. Also, the internal wiring is not routed as approved and lose wires may come into contact with oscillating/moving parts.
What are the hazards?
The risk of fire and burns.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately cease using the Heller Fan FHH20A and contact their nearest Bunnings store for a full refund. To locate your nearest Bunnings store, please call (03) 8831 9777 or go to www.bunnings.com.au.
Supplier
GAF Control (Sales) Pty Ltd (link is external)
Traders who sold this product
Bunnings Australia and Bunnings New Zealand
Where the product was sold: Nationally Dates available for sale: 1 April 2014 – 1 November 2014
For more information and source, please visit https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/bunnings-group-limited-heller-2000w-fan-heater-supplied-by-gaf-control-pty-ltd-fhh20a Energy Safe (VIC) is the responsible regulator for this recall.
In 2016, Product Safety Australia launched a major recall covering the two-prong plug portion of the Apple AC power supply (wall plug adapters). Apple determined that the two-prong AC wall adapters designed for, amongst other countries, Australia and New Zealand may break and create a risk of electrical shock if touched.
We still come across this power adapters almost every week during our testing and tagging. We recommend our customers to take those adapters to the closed Apple store for a free exchange.
These wall plug adapters shipped from 2003 to 2015 with Mac and certain iOS devices and were also included in the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit.
The affected adapters can be identified with a 4 or 5 characters or no characters on the inside of the slot where it attaches to an Apple power adapter:
Affected Apple AC Wall Plug Adapter
Customers should stop using affected adapters and exchange them at no charge for a newly redesigned model that is currently shipping.
Visit http://www.apple.com/au/support/ac-wallplug-adapter/ for information about how to identify the affected adapters and the exchange process. Fill out a web form with their shipping address, email and product serial number and Apple will send you the new adapter.
You can also visit an Apple Retail or an Apple Authorised Service Provider location to exchange the affected adapters.
To this day we still come across these adapters in schools, offices and factories while testing and tagging.
