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Which Electrical Test Tag Should I Use?
With three main test tags to choose from, it's important to pick the correct one that suits the type of environment you're working in. There's also other tags that should be used in particular circumstances.
If you're using the wrong type of label, you run the risk of wearing out the tag prematurely, or potentially paying too much for what you need.
All-Purpose / Light Duty Test Tags
All Purpose tags (otherwise known as Light Duty) are perfect for low traffic and indoor environments and are the most economical solution to testing and tagging.
An office type area is the typical type of environment these electrical test tags could be used for.
These are ideal for someone that:
- Wants the cheapest tag available
- Test and Tag mostly in indoor and low-risk environments
Heavy Duty Test Tags
Heavy Duty Tags are manufactured using a high density synthetic material, which effectively give them superior tear resistance. These are usually the most popular choice for people regularly testing and tagging.
This extra durability makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, which happens to make them the most common tag used today. They also come with a Laminated Security Flap to help protect the information that you store on the tag.
These are ideal for someone that:
- Wants an 'all-rounder' tag that can be used in most environments
- Wants that added protection the Light Duty tags lack
- Needs tag numbers printed for record keeping purposes
- Wants their printed/hand-written data to be protected
Industrial Strength Test Tags
Although Heavy Duty tags can be used in practically any environment, the Industrial Strength ones are more suited to high risk or harsh environments.
This is typically used in industries such as construction, mining and marine. Its extra strong adhesive is specially formulated to withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures, making it perfect for those type of industries. These are undoubtedly the strongest and most robust tag on the market.
These are ideal for someone that:
- Want the strongest tag available
- Test and Tag mostly in high-risk or harsh environments
Tags for New Equipment
Any equipment that is new to service needs to be visually inspected and placed with a 'New to Service' test tag. Although you're not electrically testing this appliance, it's still important to use this tag to communicate that it has not yet been tested, but will in fact require a test in the future.
New to Service tags are usually highly durable and fall under the same category as 'Heavy Duty'.
Tags for Second Hand Equipment
When dealing with second-hand equipment, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive visual inspection, and electrical testing if necessary. Once the equipment successfully passes both the visual inspection and any required electrical tests, it is marked with a smaller label known as the 'Second-Hand Equipment Label’, which is slightly different from the standard test tags. This label indicates that the equipment has passed the necessary inspections and tests, and it is safe to use.
Fail Test Tags
If an appliance fails a test, it needs to be withdrawn from service immediately and placed with a High Visibility Failed Tag.
These tags help ensure that the appliance can be easily identified as a ‘failed item’ and clearly be seen by everyone. If you prefer, you can also use regular Failed Tags as an alternative, but we recommend using Hi Vis tags as they’re more prominent. Either way, both of these tags will conform to New Zealand Standards.
The information we've written here relates to our own test tags which we manufacture ourselves. Please see our Appliance Testing Supplies website to see the full range.