Information on Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Test & tag in New Zealand
and how to choose a competent AS/NZS 3760 testing company
© 2007 Bruce Gordon Registered Electrical Inspector Wellington
Background Check test and tag electrical appliances.
Electrical regulations have always required that appliances are tested for safety from fire and electric shock.
The standard AS/NZS 3760 is sited by OSH as the means of compliance for all New Zealand businesses.
An accident with an untagged appliance means that OSH is likely to prosecute management personally.
Penalties are up to $500,000 and two years imprisonment.
To protect you, your staff, and clients from shock and fire, it is compulsory to test and tag.
How Safe are Your Appliances?
Safety Testing & Tagging of your electrical appliances to AS/NZS 3760 means:
Safety from fire and electric shock when your staff and clients use electrical appliances.Compliance with Electrical Regulations and OSH that `all practicable steps' are taken to ensure Safety.To have a defence against personal prosecution in the event of an accident to staff or the public.To comply with your insurance policy regarding reasonable care. You have a visible, professional point of difference from other businesses regarding safety.Safety certificates may be displayed at your reception and staffroom.What to test?
Test all appliances that use a plug to connect to the power supply.
How to test?
All testing is done in accordance with Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 3760
or for Medical Equipment: AS/NZS 3551 by a Registered Electrical Inspector.
How often to test?
Depending on the environment of the appliance, up to 5 yearly as specified in the standard.
What is the minimum qualification required?
Anyone who deems him or herself confident to test. ( Be careful who you choose.)
Cowboys are out there tagging but not testing!
Considering that management take personal responsibility for the correctness of the testing,
what qualifications would be prudent for your testing Technician to have?
A registered electrical inspector or someone working under the supervision of a registered electrical inspector,
who also has the required training and experienced of testing many appliances.
Key Points Testing is compulsory
Cowboys are tagging
You take personal responsibility
Safety is at stake
Quality economic testing is available from:
How do I choose a good appliance testing company to do our testing?
Ask these questions:
Does the company -
Have a registered Electrical inspector responsible for testing ?
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Y / N
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Use experienced inspectors and technicians to test competently ?
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Y / N
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Provide friendly free advice & quotes ?
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Y / N
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Use the latest certified test equipment ?
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Y / N
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Provide police vetting for all staff ?
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Y / N
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Provide a no charge if not satisfied guarantee ?
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Y / N
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Work after hours if required at no extra cost?
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Y / N
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Provide asset management for appliances & general assets ?
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Y / N
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Have direct access to management via 0800 number any time ?
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Y / N
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Protect you legally by maintaining records for seven years ?
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Y / N
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Appliance testing 3760 Ltd answer Yes to all of these.
Links to other relevant sites:
Appliance Testing Franchise or business opportunity in New Zealand and Australia.
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Comprehensive testing information
Registered electrical inspectors
Nationwide appliance testing service
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For Electrical Acts & Regulations
Electricity Act 1992
Electricity Regulations 1997 and Amendments (Nov 2005)
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For AS/NZS 3760 General appliances
For AS/NZS 3551 Medical appliances
For AS/NZS 3012 Construction sites
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For Electrical Registration and
References to AS/NZS 3760
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All Practicable steps (statement)
References to AS/NZS 3760
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Appliance Safety
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References to AS/NZS 3760
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Testing for Schools
References to AS/NZS 3760
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Basics of appliance testing
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Dangers of Electricity web sites:
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More information and FAQ's are available at www.3760.co.nz
TOP Updated 18th Oct 2009 © 2007