The AS/NZ 3760 : 2003 is document written by Standards Australia that specifies the procedures and criteria for the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment which is designed for connection by a flexible cord. It also applies to cord extension sets, portable outlet devices, portable residual current devices. Appendices include detailed test methods.1.
Visual Inspection.The most important test is a Visual Inspection of the device, especially its lead/s. Cords should be firmly anchored in plugs, connections made solidly with no frayed ends. Copper terminals should be clean and not pitted.There should be no sign of heat or melting of plugs. Leads should be visually inspected for their entire length to ensure that there are no cuts, cracks or breaks.
This test alone represents 80% of the testing process. 2. Polarity.A Polarity test is done on leads, power boards, etc, and is functional check that Active, Neutral and especially Earth are not incorrectly wired.
3. Insulation Resistance.This test is important on appliances which come in contact with water such as pumps, cleaning and cooking appliances etc, but must be performed on all items. This will reveal if there are any hairline cracks or cuts in the lead which will result in a low insulation resistance.4. Earth Resistance.
This test will pass a larger current (up to 25 Amp) through the lead to ensure the earth wire has a strong connection. 5. Earth Leakages/ Touch Leakage.A leakage test must be preformed on a circuit that must be energizing to be switched on. i.
e. circuits with electronic switches. The appliance is tested under load and the amount of current that leaks from the circuit is tested. 6. The Tag Itself.A tag will be applied to the plug end of the appliance's lead.
It will clearly state the date of the test, date it is due to be retested, and who tested it.7. Database .A complete test record will be databased, including; the asset id; test results; sites and locations; retest date; asset description, make, and serial number; and any additional notes that our test and tagging specialists wish to include.
.Mark Grech
All Safe Workplace Inspections Technical Director
http://www.allsafett.com.au.
All Safe are Melbourne based electrical testing and tagging specialists, servicing Victoria wide, with a range of Occupational Health and Safety services in accordance with Australian Standards AS3760.
By: Mark Grech
