How Often Should an RCD Be Tested?

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How Often Should an RCD Be Tested?

RCDs (Residual Current Devices) are critical to your home or workplace safety. RCDs monitor electrical current and how it flows to prevent damage to property or you in the worst-case scenario. When an RCD detects a surge or an imbalance in electrical current, it promptly turns off the power. It protects your home and electrical devices as a result of this detection. How often should an RCD be tested? You must test them regularly to guarantee that the RCDs installed on your property work correctly.

How often should an RCD be tested? Why test your RCDs.

As explained above, RCD testing helps protect people and property. Were it not for these devices; many people would get electrocuted due to imbalances in electrical power. Also, electric surges would frequently damage electrical appliances. Failure to test can leave you exposed in the event of another imbalance in your electrical system. This is why it is vital to test these devices regularly to ensure they are still functional. According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, you should test each RCD every three months. To test your RCD, swiftly press and release the “test” button on the front of the device. The controller will simply test the RCD if an energy supply is connected.

How to easily test RCDs in your home

  • Plug a working lamp into a power outlet and leave it turned on.
  • Double-check that the main switch is on and that the entire house has electricity.
  • Turn off all electronic devices, including televisions, computers, and other household equipment.
  • On your RCD, press the test button. If the RCD is working, the lamp you left on should turn off. If it does not, contact Energised Installs – a Golden Bay electrician providing a diverse range of electrical services.
  • When you’re finished testing, turn the RCDs back on and ensure the lamp works when plugged into a power outlet.

What does RCD testing mean?

RCD testing is the process of “tripping” your RCD safely to check that it will operate rapidly in the event of an electrical incident. Also, this is referred to as “safety switch testing.” Practically, an RCD should trip or turn off all power to that circuit. Every RCD has a specific current rating that, if met or exceeded, will cause it to trip. If an RCD has a current rating that is too low, it may trip unintentionally and repeatedly. A tripping RCD with an incorrect current rating trips repeatedly.

How often should I check my electricity in the home?

It is common practice to have an electrical inspection every 3-5 years. Even if your home is relatively new, you should update your electrical system to meet current safety regulations.

Conclusion

Some electrical appliances and old wiring may have a small amount of earth leakage current, which can trip an RCD. If an RCD trips twice for no apparent reason, have your wiring and appliances tested by Energised Installs, a reactive maintenance specialist. We possess a team of licensed domestic and commercial electricians who can tackle any electrical maintenance work in your home or business.

RCD testing

Darren Baker

Energised Installs is a family-owned electrical contracting company providing a diverse range of electrical services. With over 20 years of experience across the domestic, industrial and commercial areas.

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