RCDs (Residual Current Devices) are electrical safety devices that protect people and property from potential hazards. RCDs are also called safety switches. These protective devices act as a safeguard between people and faulty appliances or electrical faults. If RCDs detect an irregular or harmful level of electricity, they will trip and cut off the supply of electricity. Without the protection of a safety switch, that unchecked energy could cause dangerous electrical shocks or Class F fires.
RCDs are essential safety devices in both residential and commercial settings, and offer an extra level of protection beyond traditional fuses or circuit breakers.
Common items that require RCD protection include:
- Electrical equipment
- Electrical appliances
- Power socket outlets
- Power boards
RCDs play an important role in electrical safety, so regular maintenance and electrical testing of safety switches is crucial if you want to manage potential electrical risks effectively.
What is an RCD and How Does it Work?
If you want to understand the actual process, then let us explain how an electrical safety switch functions in real-time.
RCDs work in 3 key stages:
- Current monitoring
- Detecting electrical imbalances
- Tripping to cut power
Current monitoring: Electrical currents run through a circuit. These electrical circuits supply power to electrical devices. RCDs monitor the currents to ensure the flow of electricity is safe.
- When you turn on an electrical device, electricity travels from the power source to the device along the live wire.
- The returning current of electricity flows back from the device to the power source along the neutral wire.
- Modern electrical devices usually have a ground wire too, which is there to maintain balance and stop current leaks.
RCDs are constantly monitoring the flow of electricity in the live and neutral wires of the circuit. When things are working properly, the flow of electricity will be perfectly balanced.
Detecting electrical imbalances: RCDs are designed to detect electrical imbalances. Imbalances can be caused when electricity travels along an unintended path, connects to the wrong wire, or when the electricity supply surges. Damaged or faulty wiring is also a leading cause of electrical accidents and injuries. When an imbalance is detected, RCD safety switches quickly disconnect the circuit. This process is called tripping.
Tripping to cut power: RCDs provide instantaneous protection from electric hazards by tripping the electrical circuit. RCD tripping is what happens when the safety switch cuts off the flow of electricity. Essentially, RCDs cut off the power so dangerous electricity cannot escape and spark problems. Without a safety switch there to trip the power in a bad situation, anyone exposed to or in contact with electricity is at risk of serious injury or even death.
Why are RCDs Important?
RCD safety switches are important because they offer a great degree of protection. Accidents with electricity are a serious threat to people’s health and safety, and incidents happen more often than you’d like to think. A faulty appliance with frayed electrical wiring could simply stop working, but the worst-case scenario is that anyone in contact with equipment is in serious danger of electrocution. At best, the risks of electrocution are painful shocks or burns. At worst, a severe electric shock carries the risk of death.
Do RCDs Need Testing?
Yes, RCDs need regular testing to ensure that they are still working properly and providing electrical protection. Essential safety features like RCDs can be put under a lot of strain during their lifetime. Without routine maintenance, you could have faulty safety switches right now without knowing it. Don’t neglect these life-saving devices!
The Local Guys provide comprehensive safety switch services and RCD Testing. You can have peace of mind knowing that our RCD testers will inspect your safety switches thoroughly.
The 5 Steps of RCD Testing
- Turning off Power
- Visual Inspection
- Push Button Test
- Timing Test
- Service Reporting
Turning off Power: All electrical equipment, devices, and systems connected to RCDs will be turned off. This is an electrical safety measure to ensure test results are correct and the technician is safe.
Visual Inspection: The technician will inspect the RCDs for signs of damage or wear. They will also check that the safety switch installation has been done correctly.
Push Button Test: Our technician will manually activate the RCD by pressing a button. This simulates the conditions of an electrical fault. If the RCD doesn’t trip during the push button test, then it is no longer functioning.
Timing Test: Our technicians will time the RCDs response to the push button test. This may be done with a PAT Tester (Portable Appliance Tester) or an RCD Tester. Quick reaction times are essential, because a slow response from a safety switch can mean all the difference during a dangerous electrical situation. If your RCDs don’t trip during the required time limit (300 milliseconds for 30ma RCDs, and 40 milliseconds for a 10ma safety switch), they will fail testing.
Service Reporting: After your RCDs have completed testing, your Test and Tag technician will record the results. Each safety switch that is tested will receive a pass or fail. Any failures or potential safety issues will be documented, along with recommended actions you can use to address the problems. Once our RCD testers are satisfied, they will issue you with a Certificate of Compliance as evidence of your recent safety switch testing.
How often do RCDs need to be tested?
RCD safety switches in workplaces and commercial properties need to be tested on a regular basis. The Push Button Test for RCDs should be completed every 6 months. A comprehensive RCD test involving both the Push Button Test and RCD Timing Test should be done every 12 months.
During any RCD Testing with The Local Guys, you can expect Test and Tag technicians to follow the AS/NZS 3760:2022 standards. Our RCD testers will help you maintain electrical safety standards, and prevent potential hazards.
Schedules for RCD Testing:
- Simple Push Button Test: every 6 months
- Push Button Test & RCD Timing Test: every 12 months
At The Local Guys, we provide service reminders for returning customers. Instead of struggling to remember your electrical safety testing schedule, you can leave it to us! When your RCDs are due for testing, a member of our friendly team will contact you. The Local Guys will ensure you maintain compliance with safety standards and electrical safety laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the regulation for RCD testing?
RCD testing requirements are specified in the AS/NZS 3760:2022 Australian Safety Standards. This regulation sets the standard for the regular testing intervals for services like push button testing and timed testing. The Local Guys follow these guidelines for RCD Testing to ensure the reliability of safety switches.
Businesses, workplaces, and commercial properties in Australia have a duty of care towards employees, customers, and visitors to their premises. You are legally required to have a routine maintenance schedule for electrical devices like safety switches. RCD Testing is a proven method that ensures people on your property have an adequate layer of protection from electrical hazards and the risk of electrocution.
Can I do my own RCD Testing?
In Australia, RCD Testing can only be completed by a someone deemed competent. While you do not need to be a licensed electrician, a competent person is someone who has the correct Test and Tag training and license. Unless you’ve been trained to use RCD testers and conduct inspections to AS/NZS 3760:2022 Australian standards of safety, you should not do your own RCD Testing. Leave RCD Testing to professional technicians from The Local Guys!
What does RCD stand for?
RCD stands for Residual Current Device. RCD is an acronym and an abbreviated version of the official name. Basically, that means RCD is a quicker and shorter term for it. When you’re talking with a Test and Tag technician, they tend to use the slang when discussing RCDs, RCD testing, and RCD testers.
What is a safety switch?
A safety switch is the same thing as an RCD. When Test and Tag technicians talk about RCDs and safety switches, they’re just using different names for the same type of device. Most Test and Tag services prefer to say RCD Testing over Safety Switch Testing.
Top Takeaways
RCDs are essential because they safeguard people and property from electrical hazards. When a surge or imbalances in electricity flow is detected, the safety switch swiftly disconnects the inner electrical circuits and cuts off power. Understanding the mechanics behind RCDs can help you understand the vital role these devices play in stopping electrical accidents like fires and fatal electrocutions.
Regular RCD testing and maintenance will help you uphold electrical safety standards and maintain a safe environment. Do you want superior protection from the dangers caused by electrical faults and defective electrical equipment? Get in touch with The Local Guys and make sure your life-saving safety switches are ready for action! We offer a wide range of Test and Tag services, so you know your RCDs are in excellent hands.
