OHS regulations state all businesses must have RCDs protecting all hostile circuits. While many RCDs have a ‘push button’ test feature – routine testing which can be carried out without a special skill set – Trip Time Testing must be done on-site by a licensed electrical professional.
An RCD testing device is used to measure the exact time it takes for your RCD to trip and record the reading in milliseconds. If your device does not meet the minimum trip time outlined by AS/NZS 3760:2010, it will receive a fail and added to a safety report we provide. We also retain a copy of this report for our records.
As well as RCD testing, IET is able to carry out large-scale portable equipment testing to ensure safety or determine potential faults. AS/NZS 3760:2010 is an Australian Standard that oversees the electrical industry in regards to the safe use of portable appliances.
Switchboards for large operations can have a dozen, 30 even 50+ safety switches, including ones that are responsible for critical infrastructures such as servers and security. Discuss with your IET electrician about how to ensure safety with RCDs while keeping your business running.
A residual current device (RCD) is a safety device that provides protection from electrocution by immediately cutting the flow of electricity supply within a residential home or commercial property. A minimum of two RCDs are fitted in a meter box and have a test button, and on/off switch. If you press the test button and an issue is detected, the on/off switch will flip to the “off” position.
A multiple circuit breaker or commonly referred to as an MCB – is a device that is designed to prevent electrical fires by ensuring the electrical current is cut off when there is an imbalance in current or leakage. MCBs are usually installed below or above existing circuit breakers, and one MCB is required per circuit. The difference between the two devices being an MCB is designed to prevent electrical fires, whereas an RCD prevents electrocution.
An RCBO (residual-current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection) is a device that combines an RCD (residual current device) and MCB (multiple circuit breaker). An RCBO helps protect appliances and electrical circuits from an imbalance in current or overload/leakage and prevents electrocution.
An RCCB (residual-current circuit breaker) is a device that protects against electrical earth leakages ensuring protection from electric shock (electrocution), protection of electrical circuits and used guard a low voltage circuit from the fault.
According to OHS regulations, WA businesses should have a push-button 6-monthly test. Hostile (that is, high risk) environments need an operating “Trip Time Test” every 12 months, while for non-hostile environments, that testing is needed every 2 years.