AS/NZS 3760:2010 is a standard created by Standards Australia that outlines a testing method and frequency for electrical appliances. It was created to minimize electrical hazards in the workplace. Appliances are inspected for damage, and various measurements are made to the appliances' earth continuity, insulation, polarity, and physical condition.

After testing has determined a pass, a should tag is attached to the appliance lead indicating when it was tested, when the next test is due, and a tracking code. Retesting intervals of equipment can vary from daily, 3 months to 5 years, depending of the environment where the equipment is located.

For the most common environments, the following frequencies are recommended:

• 3 months - building, construction and demolition
• 6 months - factories, warehouses and production
• 12 months - an environment where the equipment/supply cord is prone to flexing or open to abuse
• 5 yearly - an environment where the equipment/supply cord is not prone to flexing or open to abuse

The inspection and testing specifications for RCD's are also covered by the Standard.

Electrical appliances are generally classed as either:

• Class I – this is an earthed appliance i.e. kettles, irons and toasters
• Class II – double insulated appliances, which are usually identified with a symbol (a square within a square) or with the words ‘Double Insulated’ i.e. most electric drills and hair dryers

Exclusions

The standard excludes the following item:-

• Fixed or hard-wired items
• Items higher than 2.5 metres
• Items that require dismantling to establish safety of operation
• Demonstration items, sample items or new stock in a retail or warehouse environment

Required Tests

The following basic tests, may be conducted on each appliance:- 

• Visual inspection
• Insulation resistance
• Earth continuity
• Polarity
• Earth leakage

Record Keeping

It is mandatory, to comply with the standard, that the following information is recorded to establish the history of tests:

• A test tag attached to each item indicating date, item, person performing the test, the status (pass/fail) of test and the retest date


• An asset register and historical record of all test items and test results


• A record of results including faulty item and repair action

Man and Terry are both certified to conduct Testing and Tagging. We are very happy to offer this service to you at very competative rates.

For more comprehensive information and range of services we recommend that you contact Appliance Testing Services