RCD Switches Explained

With RCD Switches, there are four main types  that can be installed into any home. These are:

1. Meter box mounted RCD Switch,
2. Combination Of RCD Switches and circuit breakers
3. Portable RCD Switches
4. Power Point RCD Switches

These RCD switches run along the circuit breakers that are located in the main meter box, or the distribution board, of the home. Australian law requires that these RCDs need to be fitted to a property’s power circuits. You will need to install two of these.

The option of having both circuit breakers and RCD switches are a choice to have included in meter boxes that do not include any of them. They are  protect from electrocution and appliances being ruined and are a great option if you have limited space within your property.

These are designed for electrical tools and appliances that are not connected to a power meter or powerpoint RCD. They are attached to either an extension lead/cord or a power board which the electrical device can be connected to. As a result, the circuits are protected and are really important for those who use power tools or any electrical device outside of their home. However, they only protect appliances that are connected to them.

Fitted to a power point after the meter box, they are obviously different to other items on the power point as they have a test button the faceplate. As a result, these types of switches are recommended for bathrooms and workshops as they are great from protecting specific areas of a property.

There are a number of different actions a person should take to ensure that their RCD switch is correct, present and working.

It is likely that a RCD Switch is installed if the home has been built after the year 2000. However, as it was not compulsory back then, not many houses installed RCD switches into the property before the year 2000. If there is uncertainty whether there is or not one in the property, call an electrician to perform an electrical safety inspection on the building. This is to identify if a RCD, and a proper one, is within the building. RCD switches are now mandatory to be installed in  all final sub circuits in a domestic installation.

A qualified electrician will be able to undergo specific tests and methods to ensure that the RCD installed in the house is working correctly. We recommend that every three months is the safest option, pressing the “test” button. With this, a test will occur, and if the RCD is not working correctly it will indicate with signals. Therefore, this is when an electrician is strongly advised to be called out and to guarantee that the home is safe.

RCD Switch Testing

Testing to see if the RCD switches are working and have no faults is extremely important, particular during the warmer summer months. Knowing that the switches are providing constant protection is seen from RCD testing. The testing process of RCD switches detects faults early and prevents costly future electrical damages and potential fires.

Testing of RCD switches is especially important for appliances which plug into an outlet. This should be done for systems where the environment might negatively impact them. This includes rust, moisture levels, heat, corrosive chemicals, mechanical damage, rust and more. To follow safety standards here is how often RCD switches should be tested:

• In residential properties (including hotels) RCDs are encouraged to be tested every 3 – 12 months
• Industrial areas should be tested every 12 months
• Environments which could impact the RCD switch in a negative way should have them tested every 6 months (e.g beaches, desserts, factories etc.)
• When portable RCD switches are used they should be tested every 3 months
• All tasks involving an RCD, such as installations, should be tested immediately after the service

How Do I Test My Homes RCD Switches?

1. Before you test an RCD, shut down all your household’s electronic equipment
2. Go to your switchboard and identify your RCD switch
3. Push your test button down quickly (do not hold)
4. You will hear a crunch sound and see your RCD flick to an off position, indicating that your switch has been turned off
5. Check your household’s appliances to see if any are still on. If they are, this is a strong sign that your house may have faulty wiring and you will need to contact an electrician.
6. Once you have finished testing, go back to your switchboard and turn your RCD back on by flicking the off switch to the on position

If you are looking for a Sydney electrician to carry out RCD switch testing. The Local Electrician and our 5 year warranty on all materials will be more than happy to assist you with your home’s safety.

A qualified electrician will be trained to perform certain jobs related to the RCD switch. Here at The Local Electrician, the services which we offer related to RCD switches are handled professionally. Only a licensed electrician can operate on the system due to the potential complications and safety issues. An untrained person performing work on the switches is more than likely to experience or create significant issues.

Fully qualified electricians are able to work with RCD switches in all residential, commercial and industrial properties. They are also trained to know how to operate with all kinds and types of RCD switches. No matter where they are installed or the model, a certified electrician can perform a wide range of service work. Some of the RCD switch services we provide include installation, replacement and repair.

RCD Switch Installation

Installing new RCD switches requires our electricians to properly plan out the whole job. Our electrician will ensure to understand how the RCD switches are going to be used, where they will be located and how they will be inspected. This is to ensure that all steps of the RCD switch installation are correct with no faults.

To ensure that the installation is successful, monitoring equipment will be used throughout the process. From start to finish the RCD switch installation will be inspected to make certain all parts work successfully. Tests are also regularly performed after the installation to guarantee that the RCD switch is working safely for repeated future use to accomodate the growing needs of electricity.

RCD Switch Replacement & Repair

When your RCD switch is becoming too old or experiences too many issues, a replacement will be needed. Once they begin to wear out and experience some faults they will need to be replaced as soon as possible. The electrician working on the job will make sure to operate safely with the switches and have them replaced properly. If the issues are not taken seriously by the property owner then serious problems and legal issues can form.