A Guide for Electrical Test and Tag Colours

As part of the testing and tagging process, tags showing the overall FAIL/PASS outcome should be attached to your appliance. These tags should include the date they were checked and, of course, when it’s due to reset, among other important details.

A colour-coded system might be used, though, in many situations, it is not a must. But the main idea behind using this coding system for colour is that it makes it easier and faster to identify all the appliances which were checked on a particular date.

Regulations for Test & Tag Colours

These colours are used for every individual working in mining, demolition, or construction areas under the AS/NZS 3012 guidelines. Everyone who is not in these industries doesn’t have to use specific test & tag colours.

But these test & tag colours should be used on building construction worksites. Every tradesperson must have all their tools tested and tagged so as to display the right corresponding colour. This will allow the tradesperson to go to the construction site anytime.

Test & Tag Labels and Colors

Many vital details should be included in the process of testing and tagging. A skilled test and tag team will look at the workplace to determine which skills to apply. In general, their testing and expertise and skills will include tagging, which is:

One-off usage: Important details on the test and tag labels must be specific to pieces of equipment or appliances for a specific period.

So now the question is, what do test and tag colours NZ mean?

Well, this depends on the workplace environment and different industries. When it comes to mining, demolition, and construction worksites, every electrical appliance should get tested after three months. Usually, this is the recommended interval as per the AS/NZA 3012:2010 Standard. This is called RGBY, which basically represents the red, green, blue, and yellow colours.

  • Red: February, January, and December
  • Yellow: November, October, and September
  • Blue: August, July, and June
  • Green: May, April, and March

These colours are commonly used in mining worksites as well as in the marine sector. Experts recommend that you test every item at the onset of the colour change to ensure tags are used for three months.

For instance, if you test items just four weeks before the end of the colour period, the same item should be retested when the new tag colour takes effect.

How about Using Your Test & Tag Colours?

Companies beyond demolition, construction, and mining are free from use tests as well as tag colours. If these companies prefer following the same colours as construction sites, they can as well do so. Alternatively, they use a different tag colour as they see fit.

Other than tag colours, their tags should as well include inspection details on those labels. These may include inspection date, technician’s name, company’s logo, and scheduled data for testing.

Final Say!

For every person not working in those aforementioned industries, it is not a must they use special tag colours for different months.

While it comes down to your personal choice, you should consider designating various test & tag colours for different retesting times.