Electrical Testing Services – Voltec Maintenance

Voltec Maintenance is a Local business based out of Townsville, specialising in preventative maintenance. One of the four main things we do is conduct RCD electrical testing in Townsville.

What is an RCD & RCD test tags?

An RCD is a Residual Current Device, commonly referred to as Safety Switches. RCD's are located in the switchboard. Their function is to protect circuits by tripping power in the event of electrocution. Having RCD's prevents electrocution from being fatal. It is vital to the safety of your workplace that your RCD's are tested on a regular basis. As RCD's do fail and have to be replaced from time to time. Failure to replace RCD's can result in a potentially fatal situation. This highlights the importance of RCD safety switch testing, in order to prevent electrical faults where electricity leaks from the circuit.

Does your workplace need RCD test tags? Contact us today for a free quote.

RCD Test Tags Standard

In Australia, RCD testing must meet a set standard. This is the AS/NZS 3760:2010 in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Your device must meet the RCD test tags requirements to ensure that it will respond in a fault situation.

The Maximum Allowable Earth Leakage Current

RCD’s are designed to quickly disconnect a circuit when it detects that the electric current is not balanced between the supply and return conductors of a circuit. Any difference between the currents in these conductors signifies that there is a leakage current. Therefore, creating a shock hazard. Hence, the importance of leakage current testing.

Leakage Current Testing for High-Voltage Circuits

For high voltage circuits, regulation 5.24(2) requires the earth leakage protection device to operate at the maximum allowable earth leakage current not exceeding 2 A. This must be achieved in the context of safe step and touch voltage limits.

Leakage Current Testing for Low-Voltage Circuits

For low voltage circuits, regulation 5.24(2) requires the earth leakage protection device to operate at the maximum allowable earth leakage current not exceeding 1 A. This must be achieved in the context of safe touch voltage limits.

What Types of RCD Safety Switch Testing is Performed?

Load Test

A load test can be performed on most power circuits by a technician with a Restricted Electrical Licence. This is where the technician will utilise an RCD tester by plugging it into a power point, tripping the circuit and recording the result. The technician will have to go back and forward to the switchboard to turn the RCD back on between testing 0 and 180 degrees. It is important that the client understands this test is not only testing the RCD, but also the circuit itself. This is a very thorough test if performed correctly and identifies if the RCD and circuit performs effectively. Furthermore, a load testing regime performed on your site will also include the identification of safe PowerPoints.

Injection Test

This electrical testing is performed by a qualified electrician by opening up the switchboard and tripping each individual circuit. While doing this, the electrician notes down the specific figures at which the circuit trips at both 180 and 0 degrees. The result of this test per circuit is both results added together and divided by two. For example, DB1 Cb32 tripped at 18 & 31 would have a result of 25. It is important that these results are accurately logged and kept for historical data as RCD's trending towards failing over 300 can be identified and replaced, before they fail and result in a potentially fatal situation. A benefit of injection testing will be the real testing of lighting and fixed power circuits.

Push Button Test

A push button Test is conducted by pressing the button located on the RCD which in turn trips the RCD. The functionality of this RCD is proven by the RCD successfully tripping with the pushing of this button. It is important all Pushbutton tests are accurately reported pertaining the individual Switchboard and Circuit Breaker.

Portable Load Test

This test is commonly conducted on portable appliances that contain an RCD. It is important to isolate this test, so your site is not affected by the trip in the situation that the RCD does not work. Most portable items containing RCD's will have to be tested at a more frequent interval.

Portable Push Button Test

This test is conducted by plugging the portable appliance into power and testing the functionality of the RCD by pressing the push button. This test is most commonly conducted on power boards that contain RCD's.

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Intervals of RCD Electrical Testing 

Fixed RCD Testing

Push Button testing to be conducted at 6 monthly intervals
Load or Injection testing to be conducted at 12 monthly intervals

Portable RCD Testing

Load Testing to be conducted at 12 monthly intervals
Push Button Test to be conducted by user prior to use

The Voltec Maintenance Difference

Our reporting system is proven and tested. We will ensure that you have all reporting in your hands at all times. No tricks or games like other companies who store your data online so they can quickly pull it in case you leave as a customer. Each switchboard is documented by way of a photo. Which will be included in the excel file as demonstrated below. The results will then be specific down to each individual circuit breaker. As time goes on, new results will be added, and historical results will be kept. Identification of trending RCD's will be communicated and displayed on the sheet.

Are you a local business looking for RCD test tags services? Call us today to get a quote.

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In addition to general Electrical Testing and RCD Test Tags, we are specialised in commercial electrical services. Are you looking for a commercial electrician? Learn more about our Fire Equipment Testing, Electrical Test and Tag, or Emergency Light Testing.