WorkSafe NZ – MegaTest & Electrical Safety
Last updated: October 2026
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Understanding workplace electrical safety requirements and best practices in New Zealand
Electrical equipment is used in almost every New Zealand workplace, from offices and retail stores to workshops, factories and construction sites.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), businesses have responsibilities to manage electrical hazards and ensure equipment is maintained in a safe condition.
However, the appropriate inspection and testing arrangements depend on the equipment, its operating environment and the risks involved.
What Does WorkSafe Require?
WorkSafe New Zealand provides guidance on managing workplace electrical safety.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) establishes general duties for managing workplace risks, while the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 contain specific electrical safety requirements.
Businesses must ensure electrical equipment is safe to use and maintained in a safe condition.
This may involve visual inspections, electrical testing, RCD protection, appropriate maintenance and removing defective equipment from service.
The approach should reflect the risks associated with the workplace.
Does WorkSafe Require Electrical Test & Tag?
Not automatically. WorkSafe explains that there is no universal legal requirement for every electrical appliance in every workplace to undergo periodic Test & Tag inspections.
What is required is that electrical equipment remains safe.
AS/NZS 3760:2022 provides a recognised method for inspecting and testing in-service electrical equipment and RCDs.
Testing and tagging is one way businesses can demonstrate that equipment has been assessed for electrical safety.
However, a current test tag does not guarantee that equipment will remain safe until its next inspection.
→ Read WorkSafe – Testing and Tagging Electrical Appliances
What Is AS/NZS 3760:2022?
AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the Australian and New Zealand Standard covering in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and residual current devices.
It provides procedures for visual inspections, electrical safety testing, identification of equipment and inspection intervals.
The Standard is widely used throughout New Zealand as a recognised framework for managing portable electrical equipment safety.
However, following a standard does not automatically satisfy every workplace health and safety obligation.
→ Read our AS/NZS 3760:2022 Guide
How Do Workplace Environments Affect Electrical Testing?
Different working environments expose electrical equipment to different levels of risk.
Offices and Retail – Generally lower-risk environments where equipment such as computers, monitors and printers may remain stationary for extended periods.
Workshops and Factories – Equipment may be exposed to dust, vibration, moisture, physical damage and more frequent handling.
Construction Sites – Portable tools, extension leads and temporary electrical installations can be exposed to demanding conditions.
Additional requirements may apply under AS/NZS 3012.
Commercial Kitchens and Hospitality – Equipment may be exposed to heat, moisture, cleaning chemicals and frequent use.
Schools and Public Facilities – Shared equipment, frequent movement and public access can increase the likelihood of damage or misuse.
The inspection and testing approach should reflect the actual risks associated with the equipment and its use.
How Often Should Electrical Equipment Be Tested?
There is no single inspection interval suitable for every workplace.
AS/NZS 3760:2022 provides inspection and testing intervals based on equipment type and operating environment.
Common examples include:
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3-monthly: Equipment used in construction environments, subject to applicable site requirements.
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6-monthly: Certain higher-risk environments involving frequent movement or harsh operating conditions.
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12-monthly: Many workshop, factory and general workplace applications.
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Up to 5-yearly: Certain low-risk office equipment that is not subjected to frequent movement or damage.
These are examples only. The applicable standard, equipment classification, workplace conditions and other legal requirements must be considered.
Are Visual Inspections Enough?
In some lower-risk workplaces, appropriate visual inspections and equipment management may form part of a suitable electrical safety programme.
WorkSafe recognises that stationary office equipment may not require the same testing arrangements as portable tools used in demanding environments.
Visual inspections can identify damaged leads, broken plugs, exposed wiring, overheating and other obvious defects.
However, some electrical faults cannot be identified visually and may require specialised testing equipment.
The appropriate approach should be determined by the risks involved.
What About RCD Protection?
A Residual Current Device (RCD) is designed to disconnect the electrical supply when certain earth leakage faults occur.
RCDs provide an important additional level of protection against electric shock.
WorkSafe identifies circumstances where electrical equipment requires RCD protection, including certain outdoor or damp working environments.
However, an RCD does not eliminate every electrical hazard and should not be treated as a replacement for equipment inspection or maintenance.
RCDs should also be checked and tested as appropriate to their installation and operating environment.
Who Can Carry Out Electrical Test & Tag?
WorkSafe explains that electrical Test & Tag does not necessarily have to be carried out by a registered electrician.
However, the person performing the inspection and testing must have the necessary knowledge, skills and competence to undertake the work correctly.
This includes understanding the relevant standards, testing procedures, equipment limitations and interpretation of results.
Electrical repairs and other prescribed electrical work must be undertaken by appropriately authorised personnel.
Why Are Electrical Inspection Records Important?
Inspection and testing records provide useful information about the condition and management of workplace electrical equipment.
Records may include equipment identification, inspection dates, test results, identified defects and future inspection dates.
Maintaining appropriate records helps businesses monitor equipment condition, identify recurring problems and plan ongoing inspections.
A test label provides a convenient indication of an inspection, while supporting records can provide more detailed information.
Who Is Responsible for Workplace Electrical Safety?
The Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) has duties relating to the health and safety risks associated with workplace activities and equipment.
A business may engage a specialist provider to inspect and test electrical equipment.
However, using an external contractor does not remove the business's underlying health and safety responsibilities.
Businesses must still act on identified defects, remove unsafe equipment from service and maintain appropriate risk-management arrangements.
Where Can I Find Official Electrical Safety Information?
For further information about workplace electrical safety requirements, refer to the following resources.
WorkSafe NZ – Testing and Tagging Electrical Appliances – Official guidance on Test & Tag and workplace electrical safety.
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 – New Zealand's electrical safety regulations.
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 – Workplace health and safety legislation.
For further information about electrical inspection and testing procedures, see our related guide:
→ AS/NZS 3760:2022 – Explained
For a broader explanation of workplace health and safety responsibilities:
→ WorkSafe NZ – A Plain English Guide
Need Help With Workplace Electrical Safety?
MegaTest – Appliance Electrical Testing
Through MegaTest, NZ Test Group provides workplace electrical equipment inspection and testing solutions based on AS/NZS 3760:2022.
Our services help businesses identify potential electrical safety issues, maintain inspection records and manage ongoing equipment testing requirements.
If you're unsure which electrical testing requirements apply to your workplace or would like assistance managing your equipment inspections, talk to our team.