RCD Testing & Safety Switch Inspections
What is an RCD Testing?
In simple terms, RCD Testing verifies that your safety switch activates promptly under fault conditions. It simulates fault scenarios to ensure your RCD trips within the timeframes recommended under AS/NZS 3760:2022. Consequently, this proactive approach helps to identify malfunctioning safety devices before an emergency occurs.
The "Push Button" Myth: Why Professional Testing is Mandatory
A Residual Current Device (RCD Testing)—commonly known as a ‘Safety Switch’—is the single most important safety device in your building. It is designed to cut the power instantly if it detects an electrical fault, preventing fatal electric shocks. At Safety First Test and Tag, we go beyond simple checks; we use advanced diagnostic equipment to ensure your RCDs react fast enough to save a life.
Many business owners believe that pressing the ‘Test’ button on their switchboard is enough. It is not. While the push-button confirms the mechanical switch works, it does not measure how fast it cuts the power. An RCD must trip within 300 milliseconds (0.3 seconds) to prevent heart fibrillation. Our technicians perform ‘Operating Time Injection Testing’. We inject a specific current into the circuit to measure the exact trip time in milliseconds. If it’s too slow, we fail it immediately
Most RCDs are located in your switchboard, although portable versions are also used on worksites. Regardless of location, both types need regular testing by a certified technician.
Our RCD Testing Process
We adhere strictly to AS/NZS 3760:2022 procedures:
Push Button Test: Verifying the mechanical function of the switch.
Injection Test: Using specialized Seaward testing equipment to simulate a fault and measure trip time.
Portable RCDs: Testing portable safety boxes used by tradespeople and construction crews.
Data Logging: We record the exact millisecond result for every switch in your Digital Asset Register.”
How Often Do RCDs Need Testing?
- Construction & Workshops: Every 3 months (Portable) / 6 months (Fixed).
- Offices & Retail: Every 2 years (Portable) / 2 years (Fixed). We manage these schedules for you, sending automated reminders when your next injection test is due.
- Manufacturing & Warehouses: Every 6 months (Portable) / 12 months (Fixed).
The frequency depends on your environment, but standard intervals under WHS regulations.
We perform mandatory portable RCD testing for Construction Sites every 3 months
Why Choose Safety First?
Minimised Downtime: We coordinate with your site manager to test circuits one by one, avoiding a total blackout of your facility.
Detailed Reporting: Your report includes the specific trip times (e.g., ’24ms’), proving to inspectors that your system is healthy.
Fault Finding: If an RCD trips unexpectedly (nuisance tripping), we can help identify the faulty appliance causing the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Circuit Breaker and an RCD? A Circuit Breaker protects the wiring from overheating (fire). An RCD protects the human from shock. You need both.
Do you test portable RCD Testing power boards? Yes. These are common on construction sites and in workshops. We test these to the rigorous ‘construction’ standard.
Will my computers turn off during testing? Yes, the circuit being tested must trip (turn off) to pass. We work closely with your staff to schedule this during breaks or after hours to prevent data loss.
We follow Model WHS Regulations – January 2012, which mandate RCD installation and testing in environments where equipment is exposed to mechanical damage, moisture, dust, or heat (commonly referred to as ‘hostile environments’).
In Victoria, RCD testing is governed by WorkSafe Victoria under the Electrical Safety Act. Non-compliance can lead to heavy penalties. That’s why regular testing is not only a safety measure—it’s a legal requirement.
Additionally, our certified technicians ensure all tests are carried out with minimal disruption to your business operations.
At Safety First will inspect and test your portable and fixed RCDs. For each RCD, an operational trip test is carried out, along with a trip-time test measured in m-Sec to ensure the RCD cuts the power to the circuit within the recommended timeframes. Each m-Sec trip test result is recorded on the report we provide.
“We provide RCD safety switch testing for new homes and businesses in Surfcoast and Geelong.”