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RCD Testing

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RCD Testing

What is a Residual Current Device, and Why Does It Matter?

A Residual Current Device (RCD) is also commonly called a "safety switch." These RCDs are essential safety devices, and they offer high levels of protection from fires and electric shock. Normally an RCD would be found at the switchboard, but they can also be used portably.

If you are not sure whether you have sufficient RCDs installed in your workplace, it is time to call Rotric. We can survey your workplace and determine if it complies with the latest safety standards or if changes need to be made in order to create a proper environment for your workers.

Why Are RCDs and RCD Testing
Requirements Important?

When someone receives an electric shock it is usually due to making contact with the energised parts of electrical equipment and the earth at the same time. That creates a "grounding" effect that allows electrical current to travel through the person's body. Serious harm or even death can come from that, and having an RCD in place can reduce the risk of the shock happening at all.

As soon as the RCD detects that electricity is "leaking" to the earth at a level that could be harmful, the supply of electricity is immediately switched off. That can reduce the damage to the electrical circuit, but most importantly it can reduce or eliminate the harm that could come to the person who came into contact with the energised electrical equipment.

Because an RCD is such a vital and important part of the electric circuit, it is important that it be tested following proper procedures, on the right schedule of frequency, and by a competent professional. That can provide a higher level of safety, but it also gives peace of mind.



How does an RCD work?

An RCD is a serious safety device, and one that you do not want to be without when you are working around the energised parts of electrical equipment.

With an RCD you can expect the following:

The RCD will immediately disconnect the electrical supply when harmful leakage is detected.

The RCD is set to acknowledge that 30 milliamps is "harmful."

The RCD will disconnect electricity within 0.3 seconds of detection of a 30 milliamp leak, when working correctly.

This is why an RCD testing procedure is so important. It helps to ensure that the RCD is working properly, and that it will cut off the electrical supply as rapidly as it is supposed to and with the correct number of milliamps detected.

Useful Data

Why Should You Choose Rotric?

At Rotric, all of our electricians understand and follow the latest safety standards. We have the knowledge and ability to ensure that your business remains compliant, and you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are providing your workers with a safe, secure environment.

Safety in the workplace is paramount and we make sure you have that. It is not worth trusting the well being of your workforce to anyone but a professional with years of experience in this exact field.

As Rotric have been one of Sydney's leading electrical contractors since 1973 you can be assured our work is of the highest standard. You do not stick around in this game for more than 45 years without being excellent at your job.

Rotric offers the following services

Workplace safety audits

Replacement and upgrade services

Supplying and installing new devices

Inspection and testing

You can also take advantage of Rotric's Planned Preventative Maintenance Programs, and our service team will handle your every need. We provide a transparent schedule of rates, so there are no hidden costs. In partnering with Rotric, you can ensure you meet your safety obligations and protect the people in your workplace from the potential for electric shock and serious harm.

Contact the RCD Testing experts in Sydney, Rotric, and let us help your business remain in compliance with safety standards and protect your employees at the same time.


What is an RCD?

RCD's are an essential safety device installed in every workplace and household. RCD or Residual Current Device is also known as a safety switch. An RCD provides protection against the most frequent cause of electrocution - a shock from electricity passing through the body to the earth. It can also provide some protection against electrical fires.

How does an RCD work?

The Safety Switch constantly monitors the flow of electrical current in a circuit, when it detects an imbalance in the flow of current it immediately disconnects the supply of electricity in the circuit. This prevents exposure to harmful levels of electrical current and can save lives and prevent serious injury when an individual is exposed to electric shock.

What is RCD Testing?

RCD's are maintained through periodic testing of the device to simulate the imbalance in current and to ensure it immediately disconnects power within the required time frame. Workplace injuries and fatalities can be prevented by the use of properly installed and maintained residual current devices.

How often should an RCD be tested?

The frequency of testing depends on the type of environment and equipment.  In general, for Office Spaces its every 12 months but for factories and workshops its every 6 months. This is determined by whether the environment is deemed to be a 'hostile environment' or not.

What happens if an RCD Fails?

If an RCD fails to disconnect the supply of electricity in the circumstances its designed too, the risk of injury or death increases significantly as an individual can be exposed to dangerous levels of electrical current. If it's the result of faulty wiring and it fails to disconnect, the risk of fire in an installation will also increase significantly.

Can anyone perform RCD Testing?

No, Certain types of electrical equipment must be regularly inspected and tested by a competent person to identify damage, wear and detect electrical faults. A competent person is someone who has acquired - through training, qualification or experience - the knowledge and skills to carry out inspections and testing of electrical equipment. In general, a competent person is a Licensed Electrician or an apprentice working under the supervision of a licensed electrician.

