Open your electrical switchboard, and you will likely see safety switches (RCDs) with a small button marked “Test.”
Many business owners believe that pressing this button once every few months is all they need to do to stay compliant. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous myth. While the push-button is a good quick check, it does not prove that the device will save a life.
The Difference Between “Working” and “Safe”
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is designed to cut the power instantly if it detects a leakage current—for example, if a staff member touches a live wire.
To prevent heart fibrillation and death, the RCD must trip in less than 300 milliseconds (0.3 seconds).
The “Test” button on the unit only proves that the mechanical switch moves. It does not measure the speed. An old RCD might still trip when you press the button, but it might take 1 second to do so. In an electrical accident, that 1-second delay could be fatal.
What is Injection Testing?
To ensure genuine safety, Safety First Test and Tag performs “Injection Time Testing” using specialized digital equipment.
- We plug a calibrated tester into your circuit.
- We “inject” a simulated fault current (safe levels).
- We measure exactly how many milliseconds the RCD takes to cut the power.
- If the result is greater than 300ms (or 40ms for certain types), we fail the unit immediately.
Mandatory Testing Intervals
Under AS/NZS 3760, RCD testing is mandatory for all workplaces. The frequency depends on your environment:
- Construction: Every 3 months.
- Factories / Workshops: Every 6 months.
- Offices / Retail: Every 2 years.
Documenting Your Safety
When we finish testing, you don’t just get a sticker. We provide a Digital Report listing the exact millisecond trip-time for every switchboard in your facility. This is the only way to prove to WorkSafe that your system is functioning correctly.
Don’t guess with safety switches. Get them timed and tested by the experts. Call 1300 710 873 today.
