FAQ

At Test, Tag, and Repair, we understand that you may have questions about our electrical compliance testing, tagging, and repair services. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision while addressing the relevant legislation and your responsibilities as a customer.

Why is electrical equipment testing and tagging necessary?

Testing and tagging are crucial for ensuring the safety and compliance of your electrical equipment in accordance with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010. Regular testing helps identify potential issues before they become hazardous, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and equipment damage, and ensuring your compliance with your legal responsibilities as a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU).

What standard do Test, Tag, and Repair follow for testing electrical equipment?

A: At Test, Tag, and Repair, we adhere to the AS/NZS 3760 Standard for testing and tagging electrical equipment. This standard provides a comprehensive guideline to ensure the safety and compliance of your electrical appliances and tools, offering a reliable benchmark for our testing services.

How often should electrical equipment be tested and tagged?

The frequency of testing and tagging electrical equipment primarily depends on the environment the appliance is subjected to. According to the AS/NZS 3760:2010 standard, specific test and tag intervals are recommended, which can be found in Table 4 of the standard.

Here are the main intervals in NZ you should be aware of:

3 months for construction, building, and demolition
6 months for factories, production, and warehouse
12 months for environments where equipment/cords are prone to flexing or open to abuse, such as schools, offices, and office kitchens
5 years for environments where equipment/cords are not prone to flexing or open to abuse, such as server rooms

Please note that some businesses may conduct their own risk assessments and choose to test and tag more frequently than the specified intervals. This approach is acceptable, while testing less frequently is not recommended. It is essential to consider the specific conditions your appliances are exposed to when determining the appropriate testing and tagging frequency.

What types of equipment do you test and tag?

At Test, Tag, and Repair, we can test and tag a diverse range of electrical equipment for both commercial and residential settings. Common items include appliances, tools, machinery, office equipment, and audiovisual equipment. Additionally, we test RCDs for trip times and microwave ovens for leakage. Our expertise allows us to handle various types of electrical devices with ease. If you’re uncertain whether we can test a specific piece of equipment, please don’t hesitate to contact us for clarification.

Can you repair any electrical equipment?

At Test, Tag, and Repair, we have extensive experience in repairing a wide variety of electrical equipment. Our expertise covers whiteware, stereos, amplifiers, computers, tools like welders and plasma cutters, small electronic goods, LED light fittings, and commercial lighting systems. While we are well-equipped to handle most repair needs, there may be some limitations depending on the make, model, or complexity of the issue.

Our founder’s keen interest in microcontroller projects allows us to explore innovative workaround solutions using microcontrollers when necessary. We will assess your equipment and provide an estimate for repair or recommend alternative solutions to ensure your equipment functions safely and efficiently.

What do we check for when testing and tagging equipment?

To certify an appliance as safe, Test, Tag, and Repair conducts a series of tests in accordance with the AS/NZS 3760:2010 standard. These tests ensure the proper functioning and safety of the appliance, including:

Visual inspection: A thorough examination of the appliance, plug, and lead for any visible signs of damage or wear, such as cracked casing, frayed cords, or bent pins.
Earth continuity test: This test checks the effectiveness of the protective earth conductor to ensure that it provides a reliable path for fault current in the event of an insulation failure.
Insulation resistance test: This test measures the resistance between live parts and accessible conductive parts to ensure that the insulation is effective and prevents electric shock.
Polarity test: This test confirms that the active, neutral, and earth wires are correctly connected within the plug and the appliance.
RCD testing (if applicable): We test RCDs for proper trip times to ensure they provide effective protection against electric shock.
Microwave oven leakage test (if applicable): This test checks for any leakage of microwave energy outside the oven, ensuring that it operates within the safe limits set by the relevant standard.

After successfully passing all the necessary tests, the appliance is certified as safe and is tagged with the test date, retest due date, and a unique identification number.

What sets Test, Tag, and Repair apart from other testing and tagging companies?

Our founder is a registered Electrical Service Technician with a current practicing license from the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). We have advanced repair skills and electrical engineering knowledge, ensuring that your equipment is thoroughly assessed and accurately tested. Additionally, we offer onsite repairs and provide eco-friendly repair solutions to minimize our environmental impact.

How does Test, Tag, and Repair have a positive effect on the environment?

Test, Tag, and Repair actively contributes to a greener environment through various initiatives and practices. We use a fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle for our on-site services, which reduces emissions and conserves fuel. We also partner with a third-party electrical and electronic goods recycling company to ensure responsible disposal and recycling of any waste generated during our testing and repair processes. By keeping machines in service for longer through our repair and refurbishment services, we reduce electronic waste and minimize the need for new resources. These combined efforts help lessen our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

How do you handle my personal information and privacy?

A: At Test, Tag, and Repair, we are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring compliance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020. For detailed information on how we collect, use, and secure your data, please read our Privacy Policy.

What are your terms of trade, and where can I find more information?

At Test, Tag, and Repair, we have a comprehensive set of terms of trade outlining our service agreements, payment terms, warranties, and other important information. To ensure a smooth and transparent experience, we encourage you to review our terms of trade before engaging our services. You can find more details and a complete overview on our terms of trade page. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

If you have any additional questions or require further information about our services, your obligations, or any other related concerns, please feel free to reach out to us through our Contact Us page. Our team at Test, Tag, and Repair is always ready to provide assistance and ensure a safe and compliant experience for you. Your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities.