Advertising
What to Expect When Getting Equipment Tested & Tagged?
-
We are surrounded and enshrined by technology. Don’t agree? Well, have a look around you, look into each room of your house, or peek into every cubicle/workstation and not one of them will be free of the gadgets that have become indispensable to our daily life!
With such an extensive use of electrical appliances, it is absolutely vital for us to take measures to warrant our safety and of those around us. This can be done by ensuring that regular electrical tag tests are performed on electrical equipment being used.
What is meant by testing & tagging of electrical equipment?
Test and tag refer to the process by which it is determined whether electrical equipment around us is safe for use. The testing itself involves two aspects:
- Visual inspection:
Visual inspection refers to the observation of equipment to determine whether any perceptible defects such as frayed cords etc exist.
- Electrical inspection:
Electrical inspection then ensues which involves the use of appliance testers.
After inspection by certified practitioners, the condition of electrical equipment is then evaluated and it is suitably tagged.
What type of equipment is tested and tagged?
Generally, any equipment being used ought to be tested and tagged. Electrical appliances usually fall into two broad categories.
Class I: earthed appliances such as kettles, irons, and toasters, etc.
Class II: double insulated appliances such as electric drills and hair dryers.
New equipment does not need to be tested.
How is equipment tested?
These are performed by the use of equipment tailored for the purpose. Portable appliance testers are used to test equipment and determine whether equipment is suitable and safe for use. A range of tests are performed which include:
- Current leakage tests
The test measures the undesirable leakage current that flows through or across the surface of the insulation.
- Insulation tests
Insulation test or insulation resistance test measures the total resistance an electrical appliances’ insulation.
- Portable and fixed RCD tests
These tests determine the safety of Residual Current Devices (RCDs).
- Earth continuity tests
Earth continuity test is performed by measuring the resistance between ground and outside metal body of the product under test.
“Tag” and all the information it holds!
Once tests have been performed, the equipment is tagged by the practitioner. This involves attaching a tag to the equipment holding the following information:
- When was the equipment tested or re-tested,
- When is the equipment due for a re-test,
- The name of the person performing the test,
- The tag might also be color-coded to indicate the level of risk.
Colors of “tags”
Tagging of electrical equipment generally follows a color coding system, laid down preferably by the national laws or at least adhering to industry norms. The uniformity of color coding holds considerable significance as this would lead to established routines and thus easy identification as well as comprehension of the faulty equipment. This, in turn, would lead to fewer accidents and a safer working environment for all.
An example of color codes being followed can be explained by the example of routine laid down by national legislation in Australia and New Zealand. There are four colors that are being used primarily on a quarterly basis:
- Red: December, January, February
- Green: March, April, May
- Blue: June, July, August
- Yellow: September, October, November
These colors are used for tagging of equipment in construction, mining or demolition industries. Other colors such as orange, white, black, burgundy and grey can also be used, however, they aren’t used as frequently.
After the performance of electrical tests, professionals appropriately tag equipment and also update log books. Log books serve the purpose of a comprehensive record for all tests being performed as well as their outcomes. The logbook also typically includes a re-test date for each appliance.
It is essential for all business owners to ensure the safety of their employees. Testing and tagging of electrical equipment should be incorporated into safety plans.
Electrical tag tests when performed properly can help in the timely detection and hence repair/removal of faulty equipment. It is a logical conclusion, therefore that punctual tag tests can aid in reducing accidents in the workplace by significant numbers.
