COMPLIANCE
Electrical Test & Tag: Complete Guide (NSW)
A practical, plain-English guide to electrical test and tag in NSW: what must be tested, how often, pricing factors, common failures, and how to stay audit-ready.
Published 3 June 2026
Reviewed by Fadi Raslan, licensed technician (TTT69067)
Non-compliant electrical equipment isn't just a paperwork problem — it's a real safety risk. In NSW, businesses have a duty of care to keep electrical equipment safe for workers and customers. Electrical test and tag is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk and prove compliance.
This guide covers what electrical test and tag is, who needs it, how often it's required, what gets tested, common failures we see on-site, and how to choose a provider.
What is electrical test & tag?
Electrical test and tag (portable appliance testing / PAT) is a process that includes:
- ✓A visual inspection for damage (cords, plugs, casings)
- ✓Electrical testing using calibrated equipment
- ✓A safety tag applied to each item showing test date and next due date
- ✓A digital compliance report/certificate for your records
Who needs test and tag in NSW?
If your workplace uses portable electrical equipment, you likely need test and tag. Common examples include:
- ✓Construction sites (tools, leads, portable RCDs)
- ✓Offices (computers, monitors, kettles, chargers)
- ✓Retail (POS systems, signage, fridges)
- ✓Gyms (treadmills, sound systems)
- ✓Warehouses (chargers, tools, portable equipment)
- ✓Childcare/education (kitchen appliances, admin equipment)
- ✓Medical (portable devices, admin equipment)
- ✓Strata/common areas (portable equipment and shared appliances)
How often is test and tag required?
Testing frequency depends on the environment and risk level. As a practical guide:
| Environment | Typical interval | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Construction / hostile | 3 months | Tools, leads, RCDs |
| Commercial / medium | 6 months | Gyms, warehouses, hospitality |
| Low-risk | 12 months | Offices, retail |
If you're unsure, we'll confirm the right schedule for your site and set you up with automatic reminders so you don't miss a due date.
What gets tested?
We test portable, plug-in electrical equipment. Common items include:
- ✓Power tools (drills, grinders, saws)
- ✓Extension leads and power boards
- ✓Kitchen appliances (kettles, microwaves)
- ✓Computers, monitors, printers
- ✓Portable heaters and fans
- ✓Chargers and adaptors
- ✓Portable RCDs (safety switches)
What happens during a test and tag visit?
- 1We identify all portable electrical items on-site
- 2We visually inspect each item for damage
- 3We electrically test each item with calibrated equipment
- 4We tag each item with pass/fail and next due date
- 5We issue a digital compliance certificate/report
Common failures we find
- ✓Damaged cords and plugs (cuts, fraying, burn marks)
- ✓Faulty earth connections
- ✓Insulation breakdown (often from moisture or wear)
- ✓Failed RCDs or slow trip times
- ✓DIY repairs and unsafe adaptors
Pricing factors (what affects cost)
Test and tag starts at a $120 + GST minimum, covering your first 30 items. Beyond that, cost depends on item count, site access, urgency, and whether you're bundling fire safety compliance — call for an accurate quote.
For a fast quote, tell us your approximate item count and site type.
One-stop compliance: electrical + fire
Most workplaces also need fire safety checks (extinguishers, emergency/exit lights, fire blankets). We can bundle electrical test and tag with fire safety compliance in one visit — one provider, one appointment, one set of certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does electrical test and tag need to be done in NSW?
What gets tested during electrical test and tag?
Do you provide compliance certificates?
Need Test & Tag or Fire Safety Compliance?
We come to your Sydney workplace. Same-day certificates. Automatic reminders.