Sometimes we can take our electricity systems for granted. However, there are many safety features built into the electricity network in your home or business, and they must be regularly tested, including your residual current devices (RCDs).
In addition to monitoring the flow of electricity from the main switchboard into a building, RCDs also measure the capacity of the building. The device cuts the power to detect an imbalance in the circuit to prevent severe injury or electrocution.
RCDs are responsible for shutting down electricity automatically in the event of a fault and preventing electrocutions and fires due to earth faults.
An RCD will engage to prevent you from suffering a potentially fatal electric shock if, for instance, you accidentally cut a live wire and touch it or a faulty appliance overheats, causing electricity to flow to Earth.
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Why do we test RCDs?
An RCD is safely tested by a trained professional and deliberately tripped to ensure it will respond quickly if an electrical incident occurs. Your RCDs are also referred to as safety switches, and this testing process is the same thing.
RCDs are designed to trip or shut off all power to a circuit. A competent technician will determine whether your RCD is tripping quickly enough based on the Australian and New Zealand standards.
Individuals receive less of an electric shock when an RCD trips quickly. However, if the RCD does not trip in a timeframe in line with the Australian and NZ standards, the shock can be potentially fatal, which is why regular inspections are vital.
A licensed and insured RCD technician from O’Brien Electrical Dubbo will examine, test, and tag your device so they meet the standards and ensure safety.
How often should RCDs be tested?
According to AS/NZS 3760, RCDs must undergo an integral trip button test every six months and an injection test every twelve months. These are the requirements for domestic homes only. Each workplace has individual standards that need to be adhered to, which can be found on the NSW Government SafeWork site.
Is RCD protection a legal requirement?
The requirement for residual current devices on power circuits in Australia began in 1991, and for light circuits, in 2000. Domestic installations require at least two RCDs.
To stay compliant, RCD testing must be completed every three months. On the device, there is a test button that must be pressed to determine if the switch is functioning correctly. It is working properly if the power is turned off.
How long does RCD testing take?
Power must be provided to the RCD during testing. Therefore, the power supply to the circuit being tested will be interrupted for up to one minute during testing.
Do I need any more RCD safety switches if I already have one?
It is recommended that safety switches be installed on all circuits in your house, including power outlets, lights, air conditioning, oven, hot water, and pool equipment circuits, even if they are on different tariffs.
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If you’re looking for RCD testing in Dubbo for your home or business, you can contact our expert electricians in the region today.
Call us (02) 6885 1477
