The importance of electrical equipment testing and tagging
Posted on: 3 January 2019
Businesses using any type of electrical equipment on a regular basis are required to have this equipment tested regularly by the government. Non-compliance can result in heavy fines and other consequences affecting business operation. There are different testing and tagging requirements based upon the industry you are operating in.
However, even if it is not required, you should ensure that all the electrical equipment used in your business is tested regularly for various reasons.
Detect electrical hazards early: Electrical equipment can have malfunctioning components without signs that an unqualified person can identify. This equipment needs to be regularly checked by a qualified electrician to identify any issues and replace or fix the item accordingly. The frequency of electrical equipment testing also depends upon the environment in which the equipment is operating. Electrical equipment used in industrial applications such as factories and workshops needs to be checked once every 6 months, whereas electrical equipment used in residential buildings such as hostels and retirement homes can be checked every two years. A number of construction equipment pieces are also required to be tested every three months based upon how dangerous a malfunction can be.
Maintain business productivity: By ensuring that equipment is tested and replaced through early detection, you will save money in lost productivity. If a piece of electrical equipment breaks down suddenly, then business activities can come to a halt and affect efficiency.
Making safety a priority: Breakdown of electrical equipment can cause explosions and fires, severely compromising the safety of those around. Regular testing will keep electrical equipment from becoming a safety hazard. For instance, testing can uncover things such as damage to electrical insulation and plugs that can be dangerous. A range of electrical equipment is also sensitive to fluctuations in power supply such as a power surge. This equipment includes computers, visual appliances and printers.
Who can test electrical equipment?
Testing can only be carried out by competent personnel. These are individuals who have been appropriately trained and qualified to test and tag equipment. It is an offence under the law for a non-competent individual to carry out testing. Electrical equipment tagging is an important component of routine testing. This involves attaching a durable tag on the equipment that shows the date the test was conducted and the date of the next scheduled test.
A number of businesses offer these services and will maintain all records for you. This ensures that all tests are up to date and that your equipment is performing optimally.
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