Free test and tag checklist - electrical testing (AU/NZ)
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A test and tag checklist is a register used to record the visual inspection and electrical testing of portable electrical equipment - also called portable appliance testing (PAT). This page explains what test and tag involves under AS/NZS 3760, what the template includes, and offers a free PDF-ready test and tag register you can download and use straight away. No sign-up required.
Last updated: 2026-02-20 · MapTrack
Commercial Director
How to use: Fill tester and site details → inspect each item visually → conduct electrical tests → record readings and result → attach pass/fail tag → complete declaration → save as PDF (Print → Save as PDF in your browser).
- ✓ PDF-ready. Open and print to PDF
- ✓ Covers visual inspection, IR, earth continuity and test limits reference (AS/NZS 3760)
- ✓ Free to use with or without MapTrack
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See the first part of the checklist below. Enter your email above to download the full test and tag register (PDF-ready, 2 pages).
What is test and tag?
Test and tag (or portable appliance testing) is the process of inspecting and electrically testing portable electrical equipment to confirm it is safe to use. In Australia and New Zealand, test and tag is governed by AS/NZS 3760, the standard for in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. The process involves two stages: a visual inspection (checking the plug, cable, body and previous tag) and electrical testing using a calibrated test instrument (typically insulation resistance, earth continuity and polarity).
Passed items receive a tag showing the test date, tester ID and next test due date. Failed items must be taken out of service and tagged accordingly until repaired and retested. Testing must be performed by a competent person, typically a licensed electrician or a person trained and authorised to inspect and test electrical equipment per the requirements of AS/NZS 3760. A test register recording all results must be maintained.
Benefits of using a test and tag checklist
- Safety: identify faulty equipment before it causes electric shock, fire or injury to workers.
- Compliance: demonstrate due diligence under WHS/OHS legislation and AS/NZS 3760.
- Recordkeeping: maintain the test register required by AS/NZS 3760 for the duration of the asset's life or as specified by the standard.
- Accountability: link test results to each item and each tester, so responsibility is clear.
- Consistency: standardise the inspection and testing process across all testers and sites.
- Insurance and audit evidence: documented test history can support insurance claims and regulatory audits.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you move from paper or static PDFs to digital forms in MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
- Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
- Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
- Ability to share forms digitally.
- Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
- Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
- Electronic signatures.
- Edit forms later without reprinting.
- Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
- Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Book a demo to see digital test and tag records and compliance tracking in MapTrack.
What to include in a test and tag checklist
Our free test and tag register includes:
- Tester & site details: company, site/location, test date, retest frequency, tester name and certificate/licence number, test instrument make/model and calibration due date.
- Visual inspection reference: a compact checklist reminding testers what to inspect visually before testing each item: plug, flex/cable, equipment body, switches/controls, earth pin (Class I) and previous tag removal.
- Test register table (24 items, 2 pages): per item: equipment description/asset ID, location, equipment class (I/II/III), visual inspection result (P/F), insulation resistance reading (MΩ), earth continuity reading (Ω), overall pass/fail result, next test due date, and notes.
- Test limits reference (AS/NZS 3760): minimum pass requirements by equipment class: IR (Class I ≥ 1 MΩ, Class II ≥ 2 MΩ, Class III ≥ 0.25 MΩ), earth continuity (Class I ≤ 1 Ω), polarity, and visual inspection.
- Failed/non-conforming items table: record faults, action taken and who cleared the item.
- Declaration: statement that tests were conducted by a competent person using a calibrated instrument, with failed items taken out of service.
- Signatures: tester signature, print name, certificate/licence number and date; plus an optional supervisor/client acknowledgement.
How to conduct test and tag
- Confirm your test instrument is within its calibration date and set up per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Fill in the tester and site details at the top of the register (company, site, date, retest frequency, tester name and cert number, instrument details).
- For each item: perform a visual inspection using the reference checklist on page 1. If the item fails visually, do not test it electrically - mark it Fail, tag it out-of-service and record the fault.
- If the visual inspection passes, conduct the electrical tests appropriate to the equipment class: insulation resistance (IR) test and earth continuity test (Class I only). Record the actual meter readings in the register.
- Determine the overall result (Pass or Fail) by comparing readings against the test limits reference (AS/NZS 3760). Record the result and next test due date in the register.
- Attach the appropriate tag: a pass tag showing the test date, tester ID and next retest date; or an out-of-service tag for failed items.
- Complete the declaration, sign, and retain the test register for the period specified in AS/NZS 3760.
In MapTrack, test and tag compliance can be tracked per asset so you always know which items are due for retest. Book a demo to see how.
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Back to download formRetest intervals (AS/NZS 3760)
How often equipment needs to be tested and tagged depends on the environment in which it is used. AS/NZS 3760 Table 4 sets out typical retest intervals. The following is a general guide. Always verify against the current edition of AS/NZS 3760 and your state or territory WHS/OHS regulator's requirements.
| Environment / application | Typical retest interval |
|---|---|
| Construction sites, demolition and mining | 3 months |
| Manufacturing and workshop environments | 6 months |
| All other hostile environments (e.g. outdoors, high humidity) | 6 months |
| General commercial, office and retail | 12 months |
| Hire equipment (cord sets and portable RCDs) | Before / after each hire |
| Low-risk IT equipment and fixed appliances | 5 years |
Note: intervals above are a general guide from AS/NZS 3760. Actual obligations depend on the current standard edition, your site risk assessment and applicable state/territory regulations. When in doubt, test more frequently or seek advice from your state WHS regulator or a licensed electrician.
Frequently asked questions
- What is test and tag in Australia and New Zealand?
- Test and tag (also called portable appliance testing or PAT testing) is the process of visually inspecting and electrically testing portable electrical equipment to confirm it is safe to use. In Australia and New Zealand, it is governed by AS/NZS 3760, which sets out requirements for visual inspection, electrical testing (insulation resistance, earth continuity, polarity), tagging, and record-keeping. Testing must be performed by a 'competent person', typically a licensed electrician or someone trained and authorised to inspect and test electrical equipment.
- How often does equipment need to be tested and tagged?
- Retest intervals depend on the environment and risk level. AS/NZS 3760 Table 4 sets out typical frequencies: construction, demolition and mining sites require testing every 3 months; manufacturing and workshop environments every 6 months; general commercial and office environments every 12 months; hire equipment before and after each hire; and low-risk IT or fixed equipment every 5 years. Always verify the applicable interval against AS/NZS 3760 and your state or territory WHS regulator's requirements, as obligations can vary.
- Can I use a digital or mobile app for test and tag records?
- Yes. Digital test and tag records on phone or tablet keep evidence, test results and reminders attached to each asset. MapTrack lets you track test and tag compliance per asset - receive alerts when retests are due, view the full testing history per item, and attach evidence to each asset record. Book a demo to see how.
- Is the template free to use without MapTrack?
- Yes. You can download and use the test and tag checklist template for free. Open the file and use your browser's Print → Save as PDF to keep a copy. No MapTrack account required. If you later want digital test records tied to each asset with automated reminders and audit trails, we'd be happy to show you MapTrack.
Need digital test and tag records attached to each asset?
Track test and tag compliance per asset in MapTrack. Get alerts when retests are due, view the full testing history per item, and attach evidence, all tied to the asset record.