Category: Latest News

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You’re Invited To Meet Metrotest At Facilities Integrate

Every year, all the major players in the facilities management and system integration industries in New Zealand gather in one place. Facilities Integrate is a trade exhibition for architects, building operators, electrical service contractors, electrical engineers, property developers, system designer, facility managers, installers and integrators, and professionals in related fields.

On September 25th and 26th, everyone is once again expected to gather at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland for another unique showcase.

The highly anticipated event offers a chance for all the key players to experience the latest technologies firsthand, showcase their products, participate in relevant seminars and workshops, explore networking opportunities and grab special trade-only deals.

Last year, the show covered an extensive showcase for businesses involved in the operation, maintenance and upgrade of buildings, infrastructure and facilities, as well as those that design, install and integrate ICT and AV systems.

According to their website, this year’s event will “attract large numbers of quality exhibitors, showcase the latest products and services, and cover a variety of public and commercial spaces: including airports, convention centres, defence facilities, municipal buildings, hospitals, hotels, motels, entertainment facilities, office buildings, parks, places of worship, schools, universities, shopping centres, sports stadiums, manufacturing facilities, and more.”

Among the facility management and system integration products, services and technologies included are building management systems, building automation and control, energy management services, grounds care equipment, video project and display, unified communications, HVAC systems, maintenance supplies and technologies, storage solutions, fire protection systems, audio systems and entertainment, and more.

We’re excited to announce that the Metrotest team will be attending this year! If you’re looking to try and buy the latest tools, source the best supplier or stay on top of trends in electrical safety and compliance, come and meet us at the Facilities Integrate 2018. We have so many exciting things to share with you!

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How Was The Test And Tag Training Course?

If you are considering taking our test and tag training course, you will no doubt have some questions as to what you will learn, what you can expect and whether it’s worth it. While we can answer those questions for you, it would be much better to let others who have taken the course  to answer them.

So here is a video we have put together with testimonials from participants of our test and tag course. Let’s see what they have to say:

All these participants took the course, some having taking it several times, and still found the course valuable. We believe the course is truly valuable to anyone who wants to learn to test and tag electrical equipment safely and correctly.

What will you learn?

The AS/NZS3760:2010 course will teach you:

Electrical Regulations
• Standards
• Non-Prescribed Activities
• Competency Requirements
• Safety Before Testing
• Current Legislation/Requirements

Visual/Mechanical Testing including:
• Classes of Equipment
• Electrical Symbols

Testing including:
• Earth Testing
• 500 Volt Insulation Resistance Testing
• Earth Leakage Test
• Other Optional Tests
• Correct Use of PAT Testers
• Practical Testing
• RCD Testing Requirements and Use
• 3 Phase testing upon request
• Necessary actions following successful test results
• Necessary actions following unsuccessful test results
• Interpretation of test periods ie Table 4 AS/NZS3760:2010, Table 3 AS/NZS3012:2010

You can book this test and tag training course on our website or contact us on 0800 638 768 to book your seat.

 

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AlphaPAT Mi2142 Review

The AlphaPAT Mi2142 is by far the best portable appliance tester (PAT) Metrel has ever made. It’s been a top seller in the UK, NZ & Australian markets since 2004.

Although time moves forward and it has much newer competition today, it remains a good choice if you are looking for a tester that does real safety testing, not just compliance testing.

There’s a big difference here. A real safety testing PAT has the ability to really test the protective earth on Class 1 (earthed) equipment at a high current, ideally 10 or 25 amps. On the other hand, a compliance PAT tester tests with a maximum current of 200 milliamps (0.2 amp). Suppliers often won’t tell the uninformed about this, but rather just say it does an earth test. But a test current of 200 milliamps is almost a pointless test!

This low-current-only ability is like testing life jackets by attaching a 20 kg weight – it might be good for a child’s size but not much point if the wearer weighs 90 kg!

More about the AlphaPAT Mi2142

Firstly, it’s a reliable and cost-effective tester which offers downloadable memory and packs an extensive list of additional testing features including touch leakage current, substitute leakage current and low range PE leakage test.

It is powerful yet lightweight. It can store up to 1000 items (test data and results) in its inbuilt memory, which can be downloaded into the default Metrel PATLink software. It also allows you to scan barcode tags (appliance ID field only. There’s also an option for creating PAT reports, writing invoices and exporting data in different formats when you upgrade to SimplyPats 7 Software (purchased separately).

A Brief History

AlphaPAT got its name from Alphatek, the Metrel distributor in the UK at the time. Around the same time it was introduced in 2004, it was changed at the request of Metrotest NZ and an ingenious 3-digit auditable code was introduced. The code started with either a 1 or a 2 depending on the safety class of the equipment to be tested, i.e. Class 1 earthed or Class 2 double insulated.

This coding system is so simple yet so effective when building an auditable system that it is still used today by Metrel and Sonel – the common denominator here being the trademarked SupaPAT, which is available from Metrotest.

Apart from the coding, other things like the ability to perform powered up 3-Phase testing and an automated label printing were also introduced. When used with the printer, the AlphaPAT became a very quick and auditable real safety PAT testing system.

It was eventually to be superseded by the DeltaPAT, which in our opinion isn’t a patch on the AlphaPAT. The Delta has proven popular but most people using the Delta PAT are unaware it is really a compliance only PAT, and those selling it likely just don’t care!

Pros

In many respects, when it was released onto the NZ and AU market, the AlphaPAT was ahead of its time. Even today, there are only a few devices like the AlphaPAT that offers 3-phase appliance testing compatibility – not even big brands like Megger!

The AlphaPAT can perform various auto tests suited for electrical appliances of different types and construction classes. It is well built and mostly easy to work on, unlike another brand starting with an S, which shall remain anonymous. We like the fact that there’s no need to squeeze it in a vice to get it back together.

Calibrations and adjustments are generally easy. Some AlphaPATs tend to drift but usually not between calibrations.

Drawbacks

Admittedly, the AlphaPAT is not perfect. For one, its alphanumeric keypad makes data entry a bit of a drag. This is arguably the biggest reliability issue which is fortunately very simple to fix – you just replace all 23 switches with a better quality switch and problem is solved! Interestingly, the manufacturer never acknowledged the problem even when it became very obvious. Apart from the switches, it has only the normal common part failures like relays, transformers and other electronic components.

To resolve this inherent issue, Metrotest developed an after-market modification whereby another PCB was installed internally to support a QWERTY keyboard.

The fact that the AlphaPAT cannot do the required RCD testing in NZ and AU is another downside. Moreover, the tester downloads via a RS 232 port, which many modern computers don’t have anymore.

Despite all these limitations, there are still multiple users out there with a hundred plus AlphaPATs – we know of one company that has close to 400 of these testers still in use! So we suspect that they’ll still be around for a while!

Final Thoughts 

Summing up, the AlphaPAT is probably Metrel’s best PAT. It joins the list of the best PATs ever built – by any manufacturer!

Metrotest haven’t had more than a handful written off as “can’t be fixed” and, considering their age, that’s pretty impressive.

Should you consider another comparable tester, we believe the best real safety testing PAT alternatives would be the EasiPAT 10, the Alpha SupaPAT and the Ipat SupaPAT. The latter two both draw their DNA from the AlphaPAT and are leading the market of real safety testing devices.

Finally, it’s time to give it a score from a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest:

  • When it was first released in 2004: 8
  • How it compares now to other PATs on the market: 7

Test well and stay safe!

For more information about safety, click here.

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Who Can Test and Tag Electrical Equipment?

Although test and tag procedure is not mandatory in New Zealand, it is a useful way for employers to meet the legal requirement of ensuring the safety of all plug-in electrical equipment. Testing and tagging involves two parts: first is a visual inspection to check for any signs of damage, and the next is an electrical check using a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT).

Electrical inspection is done on a regular basis, the frequency of which is primarily determined by the type of environment where the equipment is used. For instance, equipment in the construction, demolition and mining sector are required to be tested and tagged every three months. This is due to the harsh nature of the work (i.e. high use, high risk), which is likely to damage the equipment faster.

Which equipment needs to be tested and tagged?

Any device that has a removable plug, a flexible cord and is not low voltage, e.g. extension leads and portable RCD’s.

Portable electrical appliances are classified as either:

  • Class I – earthed appliances such as irons, kettles and toasters
  • Class II – doubled insulated appliances such as hair dryers and electric drills.

New fittings and appliances must be visually inspected and tagged before first use, and consequently at a frequency based on risk assessment and understanding. Used appliances are deemed electrically safe if it is tested, inspected and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 5761. Used electrical medical devices are specifically test and marked in accordance with AS/NZ 3551.

Who can test and tag?

Contrary to common belief, you do not need to be a registered electrician to test and tag electrical equipment. However, you do need to have the required knowledge and skill in carrying out the procedure.

Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010 requires that inspection of electrical equipment must be done by a ‘Competent Person’. As per the AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment, a test and tag personnel must have the following competencies:

  • Knowledge and skill to carry out a visual examination of portable electrical devices
  • Ability to distinguish between double insulated and protectively earthed electrical equipment, and identify the correct test for each class
  • Ability to perform the earthing continuity tests on electrical appliances in a compliant manner
  • Ability to perform the insulation resistance tests in accordance with the standards
  • Ability to test residual current devices or safety switches as per the standards
  • Knowledge in the proper use of relevant testing instruments and interpreting results
  • Understanding of any electrical safety regulations or legislation that may apply in the jurisdiction where testing and tagging is performed.

In other words, the person carrying out the task must have a clear understanding of what to look for and what to do.

Test and tag competency can be achieved by completing training, gaining qualifications, or having experience (or a combination of these) in using a PAT tester and tagging equipment properly. There is currently no recognised or formal registration system for test and tag technicians, although you may receive a “test and tag certificate/licence” after completing a test and tag course.

What this means for you

Whether you are an employer or a self-employed person, you are responsible for ensuring that the person who is inspecting, testing and tagging electrical equipment in your workplace is competent.

You can hire a third-party service to carry out the task. Alternatively, you can purchase your own PAT tester and train one of your workers to use it. Many companies go with the second option for a number of reasons:

  • It allows them to schedule the test and tag procedure around regular work hours, and thus
  • It minimises disruption to the workflow, and
  • It does not hamper productivity

It is also more economical if you have a huge number of portable appliances to be tested and if your equipment is open to abuse. By abuse, it means your equipment is constantly in use or exposed to high heat, moisture, chemical corrosion, or mechanical wear and tear.

Should a device be found to be faulty, it must be tagged as out of action and only a registered electrical worker must fix it.

It is an offence under ES Regulations to tag or mark a fitting or appliance with an incorrect or false tag relating to electrical safety. The person who commits this offence is liable on conviction to a level 2 penalty.

A certificate of conformity or test report that shows that a low-voltage fitting or appliance meets all required standards serves as conclusive evidence that the equipment is safe to use. It is also proof that an employer took steps to ensure an electrically safe worksite.

For test and tag product supply and training, send us a line at help@metrotest.co.nz or call us on 0800 638 768.

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AS/NZ3760:2010 Test and Tag Training Course

Anyone can test and tag portable electrical equipment given that they have undertaken the required competency training and qualification as per AS/NZS 3670:2010. This means you don’t need to be a registered electrician to legally inspect electrical appliances.

What is AS/NZS 3760:2010?

This Standard provides a process for the safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment at various workplaces. It covers portable electrical appliances with a flexible cord and plug (or a connecting device) that connect to the mains supply. Its scope extends to any devices or equipment that is brought into the workplace, such as battery chargers, electric drills, etc.

Safety inspection is a must for new equipment before first use and all other low-voltage, single phase or polyphase equipment in service or is offered for hire. The frequency of the test depends on a preset schedule, as well as on a risk analysis or the environment in which the equipment is exposed.

AS/NZS 3760 puts a lot of emphasis on the test and tag work being carried out by a ‘competent person’, and stipulates the requirements a person needs to fulfil to be considered competent. Working with electrical devices poses a high risk of electrocution and other potentially fatal accidents. Test and tag training not only ensures the equipment is safe to operate but also ensures the protection of the person conducting the in-service inspection.

Test and Tag Training Course

This course provides instruction on how to test and tag electrical devices correctly and safely, as well as how to operate the test equipment which is typically a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT). Additionally, the course teaches regulatory requirements such as tag information, testing intervals, record keeping, different types of equipment and appropriate testing, and other general guidelines.

This course is designed to give you all the skills and knowledge required to being testing and tagging. It also useful for those who are actively testing and tagging, as it contains up-to-date information about relevant regulations and any changes to AS/NZS 3760. It also touches on the standards and regulations that organisations must comply with to prove they are taking all practicable steps to provide a safe working environment for their employees.

Some topics stated in the Standard can easily be misunderstood, which is why test and tag training exists to interpret them clearly. The training must be done by a registered training organisation like Metrotest NZ. By training with us, you can have the confidence of learning from the best. Our trainers have carried out thousands of tests and have a wealth of knowledge to draw on. You’ll also have full lifetime support from one of the longest established test and tag companies in New Zealand.

We conduct trainings in various locations around the country to help as many organisations as possible to become test and tag ready and competent. Many companies are now enjoying the benefits of training their in-house staff. They spend less on testing and have the assurance of a compliant and safe workplace.

View the AS/NZS 3760:2010 Training Courses on our website to find out the available slots and schedules near you. For inquiries, call us on 0800 638 768 or drop us a line to metrotest@metrotest.co.nz.

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Test and Tag Frequency in NZ

Working near electricity or using electrical appliances is dangerous, and accidents such as electrocution or arc flashes can lead to fatal consequences. To ensure a safe workplace, employers are obligated to have electrical appliances on site inspected and labelled properly.

As per standards and regulations, all electrical equipment, tools and leads sold in New Zealand must be tested on a regular basis – a procedure we know as ‘test and tag’. This reduces the risk to workers using the equipment. Testing and tagging must be carried out by a trained professional, using proper testing tools.

How often electrical appliances should be inspected depends mainly on the type of environment where they are used or located. The general guidelines are as follows:

  • New appliances – before initial use
  • Building sites –every three months
  • Factories – every six months
  • Commercial workplaces, offices and most other applications – yearly or up to 5 years in some situations.

The AS/NZ 3760:2010 (Table 4) sets the minimum required standard interval for test and tag frequency in New Zealand. The frequencies may vary according to each workplace’s specific risk management practices and OHS planning.

Table 4: AS/NZ 3760 Test and Tag Intervals

Type of Environment and/or Equipment
(a)
1. Factories, workshops,places of manufacture,assembly, maintenance or fabrication
2. Environment were the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a hostile environment
3. Environment were the equipment or supply cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use and si NOT open to abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment
4. Residential type areas of: hotels, residential institutions, motels, boarding houses, halls,hostels, accommodation houses, and the like
5. Equipment used for commercial cleaning
6. Hire equipment: Inspection Test and tag
Interval between inspection and tests
Equipment including
Class I equipment, Class II
equipment, cord sets, cord
extension sets and EPODs
(b)
6 months
12 months
5 years
2 years
6 months
Prior to hire
3 months
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
Push-button test – by user
Portable (c)
Daily, or before every use, whichever is the longer
3 months
3 months
6 months
Daily, or before every use,whichever is the longer
Including push-button test by hirer prior to hire
N/A
Fixed (d)
6 months
6 months
6 months
6 months
N/A
Including push-button test by hirer prior to hire
N/A
Operating time and push-button test
Portable (e)
12 months
12 months
2 years
2 years
6 months
N/A
3 months
Fixed (f)
12 months
12 months
2 years
2 years
N/A
N/A
12 months
7. Repaired, serviced and second-hand equipment
After repair or service which could affect electrical safety, or on reintroduction to sercie, refer to AS/NZS 5762
Type of Environment and/or Equipment (a)
1. Factories, workshops, places of work or repair, manufacturing, assembly, maintenance or fabrication
Interval between inspection and tests
Equipment including Class I equipment, Class II equipment, cord sets, cord extension sets and EPODs (b)
6 months
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
Push-button test – by user
Portable (c)
Daily, or before every use, whichever is the longer
Fixed (d)
6 months
Operating time and push-button test
Portable (e)
12 months
Fixed (f)
12 months
Type of Environment and/or Equipment (a)
2. Environment were the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a hostile environment
Interval between inspection and tests
Equipment including Class I equipment, Class II equipment, cord sets, cord extension sets and EPODs (b)
12 months
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
Push-button test – by user
Portable (c)
3 months
Fixed (d)
6 months
Operating time and push-button test
Portable (e)
12 months
Fixed (f)
12 months
Type of Environment and/or Equipment (a)
3. Environment were the equipment or supply cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use and si NOT open to abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment
Interval between inspection and tests
Equipment including Class I equipment, Class II equipment, cord sets, cord extension sets and EPODs (b)
5 years
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
Push-button test – by user
Portable (c)
3 months
Fixed (d)
6 months
Operating time and push-button test
Portable (e)
2 years
Fixed (f)
2 years
Type of Environment and/or Equipment (a)
4. Residential type areas of: hotels, residential institutions, motels, boarding houses, halls,hostels, accommodation houses, and the like
Interval between inspection and tests
Equipment including Class I equipment, Class II equipment, cord sets, cord extension sets and EPODs (b)
2 years
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
Push-button test – by user
Portable (c)
6 months
Fixed (d)
6 months
Operating time and push-button test
Portable (e)
2 years
Fixed (f)
2 years
Type of Environment and/or Equipment (a)
5. Equipment used for commercial cleaning
Interval between inspection and tests
Equipment including Class I equipment, Class II equipment, cord sets, cord extension sets and EPODs (b)
6 months
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
Push-button test – by user
Portable (c)
Daily, or before every use,whichever is the longer
Fixed (d)
N/A
Operating time and push-button test
Portable (e)
6 months
Fixed (f)
N/A
Type of Environment and/or Equipment (a)
6. Hire equipment: Inspection Test and tag
Interval between inspection and tests
Equipment including Class I equipment, Class II equipment, cord sets, cord extension sets and EPODs (b)
Prior to hire
3 months
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
Push-button test – by user
Portable (c)
Including push-button test by hirer prior to hire
N/A
Fixed (d)
Including push-button test by hirer prior to hire
N/A
Operating time and push-button test
Portable (e)
N/A
3 months
Fixed (f)
N/A
12 months
Type of Environment and/or Equipment (a)
7. Repaired, serviced and second-hand equipment
Interval between inspection and tests
Equipment including Class I equipment, Class II equipment, cord sets, cord extension sets and EPODs (b)
After repair or service which could affect electrical safety, or on reintroduction to sercie, refer to AS/NZS 5762
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
Push-button test – by user
Operating time and push-button test
Portable (c)
Fixed (d)
Portable (e)
Fixed (f)
After repair or service which could affect electrical safety, or on reintroduction to sercie, refer to AS/NZS 5762

The hostile environment referred to in the table include exposure to conditions of heat, moisture, vibration, corrosive chemicals and mechanical damage.

Electrical testing standards

In addition to following the standard inspection time intervals, you need to make sure that the procedure meets all requirements set out by AS/NZS 3760:2010 for:

  • testing the equipment,
  • tagging equipment once they have been tested, and
  • recording the test results of the expected life of the appliance.

Schedule 4 of the Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010 lists recognised standards for all commonly available electrical products. All other standards not specifically stated can be found on Schedule 2 of the Regulations under AS/NZ 3820 – Essential Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment.

Where an appliance is found to be faulty, it should immediately be tagged as “out of action” until necessary repairs are done by a professional.

What kind of equipment must be tested?

  • All equipment that are plugged into the low voltage power supply
  • Portable outlet devices or power boards
  • Portable transformers
  • Portably heavy-duty tools
  • Residual current devices
  • Battery chargers
  • Flexible cords that are connected to equipment in high-risk environments, such as laboratories

Other devices or appliances that fall under the following conditions don’t require testing:

  • Equipment that is fixed or wired directly into the wall.
  • Equipment that would require dismantling to be tested.
  • Light fittings suspended from the ceiling or similar electrical products that are unlikely to get anyone electrocuted upon touching.
  • LAN cabling or mains outlets.

How much does testing cost?

Test and tag specialists typically charge an hourly rate or by the item. You can check online to get a feel for how much is a reasonable fee. Alternatively, you can control your costs by buying your own portable appliance tester (PAT)  and having a staff member trained to do the testing.

Only a ‘competent’ person can carry out in-service inspection and testing of electrical appliances. In order to become competent in test and tag work, a person must be able to prove competency through training, knowledge or a combination of both. The best way to do this would be to attend a test and tag competency course.

If you have a lot of equipment to be tested every so often, having a staff member take a test and tag training course is a small investment that will save you a lot of money later on. Furthermore, you will not only ensure the safety of your employees but you’ll also avoid the risk of non-compliance.