Testing and tagging is not just putting a tag on a lead; it is a 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. In this part, we find most fails. For example, exposed wires, damaged cables and burned spots.
Tests with our PAT-tester detect internal damage and degrading caused by ageing. Depending 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 the appliance. To illustrate, 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 gives us a basic summary. According to WorkSafe NSW, 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 on which the next testing must be carried out
Image A: Basic test and tag report
In this example, there are no details provided on the PASS-equipment. Some electrical devices could be close to a fail. For this reason, we provide all test-measurement details as shown in image B. Later, at the retest date, we compare those results. This way, the customer can set out a pro-active maintenance program and 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 see test results getting closer to the limit. Accordingly, we notify the customer. With this in mind, patrons are stocking new equipment before it fails and prevents production loss.
Every appliance, tool, lead, … has a unique number, an asset ID. Therefore, we created an easy way 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 or other query and find all detailed results for that specific electrical device or lead.
When an appliance fails a test, which can be visual or via the PAT-tester, we add a comment in the test and tag report. For example, insulation resistance fails x < 1Mohm or another example could be damaged earth pin. In addition, we make a suggestion about what to do with the failed item. For instance, a fridge with an insulation resistance fail, we recommend disposing of it. We also highlight this fail an extra time in the email and, depending on what kind of fail, an picture overview of all the 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!
