Difference Between Electrical Inspection & Test and Tagging?

1. Understanding general electrical inspections vs. test and tagging

When you book a general electrical inspection, it involves a thorough assessment of your property’s overall electrical system. This inspection ensures compliance with safety regulations and helps you avoid code violations by guaranteeing everything is safe and up to standard.

On the other hand, testing and tagging focus on electrical appliances and equipment. It uses a combination of visual inspections and electrical testing equipment to confirm it’s safe to use so businesses comply with workplace safety requirements.

Let’s now dig deeper into what each process involves and the key differences between the two.

2. What Is an Electrical Inspection?

Electrical inspections are comprehensive assessments of a property’s electrical system. This inspection guarantees the property meets safety standards and that everything operates efficiently. Licensed electricians conduct these inspections and they involve examining the following:

• Fixed wiring
• Switchboards
• Power outlets
• Safety switches

The electrician scrutinises these to detect faults, signs of wear, and potential shock and fire hazards. These inspections often happen during property sales, renovations, or routine safety audits to prevent electrical failures and ensure compliance with regulations. When an electrician detects issues early, it helps protect occupants from electric shock, fires, and system malfunctions.

3. What is test and tagging?

Test and tagging is a safety process that ensures the safety and reliability of portable electrical appliances (appliances and equipment with a power cord). The tester will first perform a visual inspection, followed by electrical testing. The tester will then attach a label to the appliance stating the result of testing – pass or fail.

Under AS/NZS 3760, workplaces must regularly test and tag electrical equipment to prevent hazards like electric shocks or short circuits. The test and tag process applies to:

• Tools
• Extension cords
• Kettles
• Laptops
• All plug-in devices

As a business owner, by maintaining compliance, you reduce risks and create a safer work environment for your employees, customers, and visitors.

4. Electrical inspection vs. test and tagging: key differences

Feature	Electrical Inspection	Test and Tagging
Scope	An electrical inspection covers the entire electrical system, including wiring, switchboards, outlets, and safety switches.	Test and tagging focuses on portable electrical appliances like tools, cords, kettles, and laptops; and equipment like photocopiers, powered machinery, etc.
Purpose	Ensures the overall electrical system is safe, functional, and compliant with the law.	Confirms individual appliances are safe to use and meet workplace safety standards.
Process	Visual assessment, testing of circuits, and checking compliance with rules and regulations.	Visual inspection, electrical testing, and tagging of appliances.
Who conducts the test?	A licensed electrician.	A trained professional or competent person under AS/NZS 3760.
When is it required?	During property inspections, renovations, or safety audits.	Regularly in workplaces as per compliance regulations.
Regulation standard	Governed by local electrical safety laws and codes.	Required under AS/NZS 3760 for workplace safety.

5. When do you need each one?

Both electrical inspections and the test and tag process are essential for ensuring electrical safety, but they apply to different situations.

Electrical inspection

You need an electrical inspection when evaluating the overall electrical system of a property. For example, homeowners planning renovations might require an inspection to guarantee wiring and switchboards meet safety standards. In office settings, business owners or landlords may schedule an electrical inspection to comply with safety regulations and prevent electrical failures.

Test and tag

The test and tag process is crucial in workplaces where employees use electrical equipment. For instance, a construction site requires frequent testing of power tools and extension leads due to its high-risk environment. In an office, you must test computers, chargers, and other appliances periodically to maintain workplace safety compliance.  In a workshop or factory, you must test all the above, and powered machinery.  

While these processes both serve different purposes, they are complementary, not interchangeable. Property owners, businesses, and workplaces should implement both processes to ensure compliance, minimise risks, and create a safe environment for everyone.