TOP 3 REASONS WHY YOUR ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ARE SPARKING
One of the challenges of owning and using electrical equipment is that you cannot instantly tell the condition of the equipment. It predisposes you to accidents if the equipment develops defects during use. Electrical testing and tagging are viable interventions to help you assess the condition of various electrical appliances. Below is an extensive guide on electrical testing and tagging.
What is Electrical Testing and Tagging
Electrical testing and tagging is an electrical device maintenance protocol that ensures appliances are in excellent condition. Ideally, the electrician examines and tests machines and applies tags to ensure users know whether the equipment is safe. Ideally, they apply a “passed” tag if the equipment is in excellent condition and a “failed” tag if it needs urgent repairs or decommissioning.
You may notice different types of tags, as the electrician uses different colours for each quarter. This way, you know whether the equipment requires urgent testing and tagging. Tags can also be light-duty, heavy-duty, or industrial-strength, depending on the working environment.
What Are the Benefits of Electrical Testing and Tagging?
The Australian government expects businesses to test and tag at specified intervals. As a best practice, you should assess these standards to ensure your business remains compliant. Remember, you risk penalties if your business disregards these regulations.
Electrical appliances pose various threats to your employees. For instance, frayed cabling could cause electrocution. Moreover, electrical defects could cause life-threatening injuries when using equipment such as drills, grinders, jackhammers and saws. Such injuries can lead to liability claims and increase your annual insurance premiums.
Some manufacturers expect consumers to conduct regular testing and tagging to keep the purchased appliance at optimum operating conditions. It prevents chronic problems caused by poor maintenance. In some cases, the warrant becomes void if you do not tag and test the equipment at the specified intervals.
Who Can Test and Tag Electrical Equipment?
The Australian standards expect you to hire a competent individual to test and tag electrical appliances. The best practice is to conduct due diligence to establish companies that perform testing and tagging work within your locality. Assess the company’s speciality. For instance, assess whether they have previously worked with clients in your industry.
Consider testing and tagging companies that offer comprehensive services such as parts sourcing and repairs. It prevents the inconvenience of hiring third parties to repair electrical appliances with a “failed” tag. Moreover, the company must be willing to form long-term relationships with your business. This way, you have one company keeping track of your electrical appliances.
What Should You Expect during Testing and Tagging?
Ideally, the company examines your electrical appliances to determine which devices are due for testing and tagging. All appliances running over 50 volts with a plug or flexible cord need testing and tagging. However, new equipment does not require testing and tagging. Most manufacturers state how long you can use the appliance before it needs testing and tagging.
The electrician uses a portable appliance tester to establish the condition of the various electrical equipment. Nevertheless, each appliance has its unique testing and tagging protocols. For instance, when testing and tagging computers, the electrician must examine the monitor, CPU and IEC cables independently.
Conversely, when testing and tagging welding machines, the professional examines the casing and earth pins. Moreover, they must check whether the equipment has electrical leakages. When testing home appliances such as electric kettles, the professional tests the earth bond and the insulation resistance.
Testing and tagging is an essential maintenance practice for businesses that use electrical equipment. The protocol keeps the equipment in excellent condition and prevents accidents when using the appliances. At Smart-Safe Electrical Services we are market leaders in electrical appliance testing and tagging. Contact us today for testing and tagging services and various other electrical services.