TLDR: Test and Tag in NZ
Not always mandatory in every workplace
You must still make sure electrical equipment is safe and maintained
Test and tag is the most practical and widely recognised way to show this
Applies to most NZ businesses using plug-in equipment
Helps you find faults early and keep clear records
Testing frequency depends on risk and environment
If your business uses electrical equipment, you should have a system in place.
Test and tag is the simplest way to do that.
What is Test and Tag?
Test and tag is a way to check that plug-in electrical equipment is safe to use in your business.
It involves:
Checking the item visually for damage
Testing it with specialised equipment
Applying a tag that shows it has been checked and when it is due again
It is simple, but effective. It gives you a clear, visible record that your equipment has been inspected and tested.
The simple way to think about it
Test and tag is really about proof.
Your equipment might look fine. But if something goes wrong, the key question becomes:
“What did you do to manage electrical risk?”
A current test and tag record helps answer that clearly.
Does this apply to your business?
If you use plug-in electrical equipment, it likely applies.
This includes most workplaces in New Zealand, such as:
Offices (computers, monitors, powerboards, chargers)
Warehouses and factories (tools, extension leads, machinery)
Retail and hospitality (kitchen equipment, POS systems)
Schools and childcare (appliances, teaching equipment)
Gyms, clinics, workshops, and service businesses
If your staff or contractors are using electrical equipment, you should have a way of showing it is safe.
Is test and tag legally required in NZ?
Not in every situation.
New Zealand law requires that:
Electrical equipment is safe
It is maintained in a safe condition
There are different ways a business can meet this obligation.
However:
Test and tag is one of the most practical and widely recognised ways to show you are doing this properly.
Under the Electricity (Safety) Regulations, equipment used in a workplace can be considered electrically safe if it has a current test tag applied in line with AS/NZS 3760.
That is why many businesses choose it. It is clear, structured, and widely accepted.
Why businesses use test and tag?
1. It helps find faults early
Not all electrical faults are visible. Testing can pick up issues before they cause harm or failure.
2. It shows you are managing risk
Businesses have a duty to manage risks to staff and others. Test and tag helps demonstrate that electrical risks are being actively managed.
3. It gives you clear records
You get a record of:
What was tested
What passed or failed
When items are due again
This makes ongoing safety much easier to manage.
4. It creates consistency
Instead of guessing what should be checked and when, test and tag gives you a structured system.
How test and tag works?
A typical process looks like this:
1. Identify equipment
All relevant plug-in items are identified and recorded.
2. Visual inspection
The item is checked for:
Damaged cords or plugs
Cracks, wear, or exposed wiring
Signs of overheating
Many faults are found at this stage.
3. Electrical testing
A portable tester checks things like:
Earthing (for safety in a fault)
Insulation (to prevent leakage)
Polarity (correct wiring)
4. Tagging
If the item passes, a tag is applied showing:
Test date
Next due date
Tester details
5. Failed items
If something fails, it is removed from use until repaired or replaced.
6. Reporting
You receive a record of all tested equipment and results.
How often should equipment be tested?
There is no single rule that applies to every business.
The right testing frequency depends on:
The type of workplace (office, warehouse, construction site)
How the equipment is used
How likely it is to get damaged
As a practical guide used across New Zealand:
Every 3 months – mining, construction sites, outdoor use, or harsh environments
Every 6 months – workshops, factories, warehouses
Every 12 months – offices, retail, hospitality, and general workplaces
Up to 5 years – low-risk equipment that is not moved or handled often
These timeframes come from common industry use of AS/NZS 3760.
The key point: your testing schedule should match the level of risk in your business.
If equipment is used heavily, moved often, or exposed to damage, it should be tested more frequently.
Who can do test and tag?
It does not need to be a registered electrician.
However, the person must be:
Competent
Trained
Using the correct equipment and procedures
If an item needs repair, that must be done by a qualified electrical worker.
Where test and tag fits into your safety system
Test and tag is not the only control, but it is a strong one.
It works alongside:
Staff awareness
Visual checks
Safe use of equipment
RCD protection where required
For many NZ businesses, it becomes the foundation of how electrical safety is managed and documented.