What Is RCD - Residual Current Device?
Residual Current Device (RCD), also known as Safety Switch or ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) is a device that can be on switchboards, power points, or even portable devices. It is a life-saving device that stops the flow of electricity before causing risk to the person involved.
A Little bit about RCD's
RCDs detect electrical flow disruptions through electrical circuits and switch the power off. Electrical flow disruptions are associated with electric shocks, which may be fatal.
The Local Guys technicians visually inspect then test and tag your Fixed and portable RCDs according to the Australia Standard AS/NZS 3760:2022. They make sure that RCDs are working properly and within the time frame by conducting a simple push-button trip test and operating time test.
RCDs are designed to prevent disasters and save lives. It is essential to make sure that they are going to work properly when you need them.
WHS Regulations oblige workplaces to install, inspect, test, and tag RCDs for all circuits, especially in hostile work environments.
Why do I need to test RCD's?
You are required under AS/NZS 3760:2022 to test all RCD that are in a commercial building. So you aren't required to test them at home under this standard, however it is highly recommended! However, you also need to test them as you have an obligation to keep your staff, visitors & sub contractors safe at work. RCD's are very sensitive pieces of equipment, which means they are prone to fail.
What is involved in the RCD Test?
The test has 2 components. These are listed below:
- Push Button Test: This is simply pushing the button on the RCD to make sure it trips. Because RCD's are designed to be so sensitive, it is very easy for the to become faulty. By simply pushing the test button frequently, it will ensure that they will work when you need them to. Quite often this tests fails, but after working the switch back and forward a couple of times it works again. This can be due to a small amount of dust built up in the RCD resulting in it not tripping.
- Timed Test: For this test we will find an outlet on the circuit and plug in our RCD tester. This will send a pulse down the circuit above the rating of the RCD. This will cause the RCD to trip & the RCD tester is timing how long it takes to trip. If it's within the safe time frame, the RCD passes the test.
Who can test an RCD?
RCD’s are required to be tested by a competent person who has been trained in how to properly and safely conduct the test.
If you need more information, The Local Guys technicians are here for you. Contact us if you have any questions.