Testing RCD's
Suggested testing intervals for portable RCD's
| Type of environment in which equipment is used | Push-button test(by user) | Test for operation By an Electrician |
| Factories, workshops and places of work of manufacturing, repair, assembly, maintenance or fabrication | Daily, or before every use, whichever is the longer |
12 months |
| Other commercial environments with no special protection, eg., laboratories, tea rooms, office kitchens, and health care establishments | 3 months, or before every use, whichever is the longer |
2 years |
| Office environment where equipment is not subject to constant flexing of the supply cord | 3 months | 2 years |
| Hire equipment | Before each hire | Before each hire |
Testing of non-portable RCDs on switchboards or inbuilt into socket outlets
must be carried out on a regular basis. This includes both push button
testing by the user and inspection testing for operation by an electrician.
Unless operated from time to time, an RCD may "mechanically freeze"
and not trip when required.
Push-button testing by the user only confirms satisfactory mechanical
performance of the tripping mechanism of the RCD. It does not replace
inspection testing for operation by a licensed electrical worker.
As non-portable RCDs are far less susceptible to damage than portable
RCDs, they are not subjected to the same testing and inspection procedures.
In the case of non-portable RCDs, push button testing is recommended at
three monthly intervals.
After tripping out, an RCD must be re-activated only when the cause of
the trip has been established and remedial action taken.
