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!
