Author: k-yhp

Electrical Safety Inspections, When Do I Need Them?

Your home’s electrical system is one of the important things that you need to check to ensure it is safe and functioning optimally. This is where electrical safety inspections take place. These inspections, conducted by qualified electricians using test and tag equipment, are important for identifying potential electrical hazards and preventing electrical fires, shocks, and other dangers. But when exactly should you schedule one?

It’s time for an inspection if:

• Your home is getting older. Electrical codes and safety standards are constantly changing. If your home is over 25 years old, there is a high chance the electrical system might not meet current safety codes. An inspection can determine any outdated wiring or components that need to be upgraded.
•  You are in a home flipping business – Electrical safety inspections are often required during real estate transactions. A clean bill of health from an inspection can give you peace of mind as a buyer and increase the property’s selling value as a seller.
• You’ve renovated your house – Adding new appliances, rewiring rooms, or installing a pool can all impact your electrical system. An appliance check and wiring inspection ensures everything is properly integrated and functioning safely.
• You’ve experienced electrical issues – Flickering lights, buzzing outlets, or tripping circuits are all problems that shouldn’t be ignored. An inspection can diagnose the problem and prevent it from escalating into a bigger problem.
•  You suspect faulty wiring – If you notice any exposed wires, burning smells near wiring or outlets, or sparks when plugging in appliances, get an inspection immediately. 

 

Knowing your electrical system is safe reduces stress and allows you to focus on enjoying your home and sleep well. Early detection of electrical problems can save you money in the long run by preventing them from becoming big damage that can cause major repairs or fire damage. This is also a way to protect your investment, a well-maintained electrical system can contribute to the overall value of your property. Additionally, for your own home, regular inspections can help prevent electrical fires, shocks, and other dangers, protecting your loved ones. 

How to Choose an Electrician for an Inspection? 

 

• Look for Licensed and Insured Professionals to ensure the electrician is licensed in your area and carries proper insurance. 
• 
  Ask for references from friends, family, or neighbours for recommendations. 
• Get quotes and ask questions to compare different electricians and inquire about their inspection process. 
• Check online review platforms to see what other customers have experienced. 

 

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: 

Electrical safety is not a laughing matter. By scheduling regular electrical testing and inspection, you can ensure your home remains a safe and comfortable place for you and your family. Remember, a proactive approach is always better than a reactive one. So, take control of your home’s electrical health and schedule an inspection today!

 

Electrical safety should be taken care of seriously, from homes and workplaces to public spaces, to prevent accidents and protect lives. In New Zealand, a set of standards and regulations rule electrical safety to ensure that installations, appliances, and systems follow safety requirements. 

New Zealand follows strict electrical safety standards such as AS/NZS 3000:2018 and AS/NZS 3760:2010 to ensure the safety of its residents. Electricians and test and tag professionals play distinct yet complementary roles in ensuring the safety of electrical systems. The boundary between electrician and test and tag responsibilities is important for ensuring comprehensive electrical safety. Both roles contribute to the overall safety of electrical systems, but each of them focuses on different aspects of electrical structure. 

Here’s a detailed explanation of their respective responsibilities and where their boundaries lie:

Electrician Responsibilities	Test and Tag Responsibilities
Installation and Maintenance	Inspection and Testing
System Design	Tagging and Documentation
Repairs and Troubleshooting	Fault Identification
Compliance with Wiring Rules	Ongoing Safety

The boundary between Electrician and Test and Tag Responsibilities

Installation vs. Equipment Safety – Electricians focus on the installation and maintenance part of the electrical structure, while test and tag professionals concentrate on the ongoing safety of individual electrical appliances and equipment. 

System Design Vs. Equipment – Electricians design and execute the entire electrical systems, whereas test and tag professionals specialise in checking and testing individual devices within those systems.

Preventive Measures Vs. Reactive Measures – Electricians work on preventing hazards through proper installation and maintenance, while test and tag professionals adopt a more reactive approach to identify and address potential hazards in individual pieces of equipment. The electrician ensures that electrical installations comply with the relevant standards, such as AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules), to minimise the risk of electrical hazards. Test and tag professionals follow guidelines outlined in AS/NZS 3760:2010, conducting regular electrical safety testing to identify potential faults or hazards in specific devices.

Boundary Clarification

System-wide vs. Device-specific Focus – Electricians mainly focus on the entire electrical system, while test and tag professionals concentrate on individual devices inside the system. 

Installation vs. Inspection and Testing – Electricians are responsible for the installation of the entire electrical structure and test and tag professionals focus on the post-installation inspection and testing of the parts of the devices. 

Understanding and respecting these boundaries ensure that both electricians and test and tag professionals contribute effectively to an effective electrical safety strategy, covering both the infrastructure and individual devices.

After understanding the crucial roles of electricians and test and tag professionals, it’s time to strengthen your understanding of electrical safety. Check our test and tag courses or contact us for more questions.

The test and tag procedure involves a meticulous examination of electrical appliances to ensure their safety by a licensed electrician. Typically, this testing is carried out using a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT). However, it is not strictly required to be performed exclusively by a licensed electrician, as long as the individual conducting the test is capable of meeting the necessary testing standards.

In New Zealand and Australia, a designated standard exists for inspecting equipment in businesses, aiming to minimize the risk of fatal accidents and ensure the safety of all electrical equipment. Referred to as AS/NZS3760, this standard serves the purpose of providing guidance on conducting tests and tags to mitigate the risk of electrical accidents. For those interested, an AS/NZS3760 Training course is available at a cost of $428, GST included. Explore our test and tag training courses for more details.

Once you learn how to test and tag and wish to do DIY, the equipment that you need is the following:

Test equipment – PAT (Portable Appliance Tester) – to perform tests that are required by the standard on all different types of equipment. 

Label Printer – Some handwritten tags are being used but legitimate professionals use them and know that printing labels directly from the PAT is the professional way to do it. 

Labels/Tag – Tags are colour-coded, sometimes multicoloured. It indicates whether your type of equipment passed the electrical safety test. 

If you are a business owner seeking the assistance of licensed electricians for test and tag services, feel free to get in touch with us. At Metrotest, our team comprises fully trained professionals with Electrical Registration. Additionally, our staff members possess the necessary clearances, including CAA, Defence, Police, etc., and adhere to H&S Accredited Programmes such as Site Safe. Contact us to book a test and tag service with our qualified team.

Test and Tag Services Include:

Site Inspection – A thorough visual inspection of all electrical equipment to identify visible signs of damage or wear. 

Test and Tag Testing –  Testing involves using a PAT to assess the electrical safety of the appliances. 

Tagging/Labelling – After testing, a durable tag is attached to the appliances. This tag indicates information about the test date, the person/company that conducted the test, and the result if the equipment passed the electrical safety test. 

Record Keeping – The record of the test and tag results is maintained. This documentation is required for compliance and safety purposes. 

Regular Inspections – This depends on the type of equipment and the industry. There are some specific intervals of testing and tagging. Regular inspections help identify and address potential issues beforehand. 

Damaged Equipment Removal – If an appliance fails the testing, it is usually taken out of the service until it is repaired and passes a required safety test.