In Aotearoa, the safety of our Whānau and Hapori is paramount, and schools play a vital role in maintaining safe environments for Tamariki and Kaiako. According to the Ministry of Education - Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, schools are required to regularly test and tag their electrical cords and equipment.
The Ministry’s Guidance Manual for New Zealand Schools (April 2017, p. 11) states:
AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment requires all mains-powered electrical equipment in a classroom to have an annual safety check. This includes plugs, sockets, extension leads, and borrowed equipment used for short periods.
MegaTest note:
AS/ NZS 3760 has been superseded and is now AS/NZS 3760:2022, this means further requirements to remain compliant
While some office equipment can be tested every five years, classroom and kitchen equipment must be inspected annually.
The Challenges of Managing Compliance Internally
Compliance can be complex, especially for schools trying to manage it in-house. Common challenges include:
Staff Training: Ensuring staff are trained and competent in testing procedures.
Equipment Costs: Purchasing and calibrating testing equipment annually.
Time Constraints: Balancing testing responsibilities with other duties.
Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate registers of equipment and testing schedules.
Many schools find it difficult to stay on top of compliance, risking lapses that could impact health, safety, and insurance coverage.
How MegaTest Simplifies Compliance
At MegaTest, we take the hassle out of electrical compliance. Here’s how:
1. Five-Colour Tag System
We visit schools during each term break to test equipment, spreading costs and ensuring compliance is consistently maintained. Our tag system makes it easy to track:
Term 1: Green
Term 2: Blue
Term 3: Yellow
End of Year: Red
Office Equipment (5-Year): White
This frequent testing captures new equipment more efficiently than a once-a-year check.
2. Comprehensive Reporting
Each test includes a detailed report of all equipment, with location, make, model, and serial numbers (where applicable). This register supports:
Health and safety documentation.
Insurance claims.
Asset verification.
3. Cost-Effective Solutions
We ensure schools get the best price with our transparent pricing model. MegaTest guarantees to charge the lower of our per-tag or hourly rate. If the hourly rate is more affordable, we apply an additional 10% discount.
4. Fast, Reliable Service
Our experienced team works efficiently to minimize disruption, ensuring your school remains compliant without unnecessary delays.
Why Electrical Testing Matters
Keeping electrical equipment compliant isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting the people who rely on this equipment every day. Regular testing reduces the risk of electrical faults, injuries, and damage, giving your school peace of mind.
Let MegaTest handle the complexities of electrical compliance so your staff can focus on their core mission: educating our Tamariki.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist your school in meeting its compliance obligations.
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