Residual Current Device testing and safety switch verification to protect your people.
RCD Testing
Overview
Safety Switch Verification & Compliance
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a life-saving safety device that monitors the flow of electricity through a circuit. When it detects an imbalance — indicating current is leaking through a person o...
- RCDs are the single most effective device for preventing electrocution — they can disconnect power in as little as 30 milliseconds, fast enough to save a life.
- Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, all New Zealand workplaces must have RCD protection for circuits supplying portable equipment. Regular testing is a legal requirement.
- A faulty RCD that fails to trip provides zero protection while giving a false sense of security — the only way to confirm it works is through proper testing.
- RCDs can degrade over time due to environmental factors, age, and electrical surges. Regular testing identifies devices that have become unreliable before they are needed in an emergency.
RCD Safety Switch
30mA residual current
Push-Button Test
PASSOperating Time
PASSNon-Trip Test
PASSWiring Check
PASSWhy It Matters
Why RCD Testing matters
RCDs are the single most effective device for preventing electrocution — they can disconnect power in as little as 30 milliseconds, fast enough to save a life.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, all New Zealand workplaces must have RCD protection for circuits supplying portable equipment. Regular testing is a legal requirement.
A faulty RCD that fails to trip provides zero protection while giving a false sense of security — the only way to confirm it works is through proper testing.
RCDs can degrade over time due to environmental factors, age, and electrical surges. Regular testing identifies devices that have become unreliable before they are needed in an emergency.
Common Issues
Common RCD Testing faults
Slow trip time
RCD disconnects too slowly to prevent electrocution — the person may receive a dangerous or fatal shock before the circuit is broken.
RCD removed from service immediately and replaced with a compliant device.
Failure to trip
RCD provides zero protection against electrocution despite appearing functional — a potentially fatal condition.
RCD removed from service immediately and replaced. Circuit de-energised until replacement is installed.
Nuisance tripping
RCD trips during normal operation, causing unnecessary power interruptions to equipment and work areas.
RCD tested to determine if the device is defective or if there is a genuine earth leakage issue on the circuit.
Incorrect wiring
RCD may not detect earth leakage correctly, or may create a hazard by switching the wrong conductor.
Wiring corrected by a qualified electrician and RCD retested before return to service.
Testing Frequency
How often should you test?
Inspection & Testing Intervals
Recommended inspection and testing frequencies based on AS/NZS 3760 for different workplace environments and equipment types.
Caution
This information should be read together with the AS/NZS 3760 standard as a whole, particularly Clause 2.1. Inspection intervals vary depending on equipment type and operating environment.
| Type of environment and/or equipment (a) | Equipment including Class I equipment, Class II equipment, cord sets, cord extension sets and EPOD’s (b) | Interval between inspection and tests | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residual Current Devices (RCD’s) | |||||
| Push Button test by user | Operating time and push-button test | ||||
| Portable (c) | Fixed (d) | Portable (e) | Fixed (f) | ||
1. Factories, workshops, places of work or repair manufacturing, assembly, maintenance or fabrication | 6 months | Daily, or before every use, whichever is the longer | 6 months | 12 months | 12 months |
2. Environment where the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a hostile environment | 12 months | 3 months | 6 months | 12 months | 12 months |
3. Environment where the equipment or supply cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use and is NOT open to abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment | 5 years | 3 months | 6 months | 2 years | 2 years |
4. Residential type areas of hotels, residential institutions, motels, boarding houses, halls, hostels, accommodation houses, and the like | 2 years | 6 months | 6 months | 2 years | 2 years |
5. Equipment used for commercial cleaning | 6 months | Daily, or before every use, whichever is the longer | NA | 6 months | NA |
6. Hire Equipment Inspection | Prior to hire | Including push-button test by hirer prior to hire | NA | NA | NA |
Test and Tag | 3 months | NA | NA | 3 months | 12 months |
7. Repaired, serviced and second-hand equipment | After repair or service which could affect electrical safety, or on reintroduction to service, refer to AS/NZS 5762 | ||||
1Factories, workshops, places of work or repair manufacturing, assembly, maintenance or fabrication
2Environment where the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a hostile environment
3Environment where the equipment or supply cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use and is NOT open to abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment
4Residential type areas of hotels, residential institutions, motels, boarding houses, halls, hostels, accommodation houses, and the like
5Equipment used for commercial cleaning
6Hire Equipment
Inspection
Test and Tag
7Repaired, serviced and second-hand equipment
After repair or service which could affect electrical safety, or on reintroduction to service, refer to AS/NZS 5762
Important Note
Inspection frequencies depend on equipment type, condition, and working environment. Hostile environments require more frequent inspection and testing. Always refer to AS/NZS 3760 or contact our team if you are unsure which interval applies to your workplace.
Our Process
How RCD Testing works
Our streamlined process ensures every rcd testing engagement is efficient, thorough, and fully documented.
RCD Location & Identification
Our technician identifies all RCDs on site — switchboard-mounted RCBOs, portable RCDs used with power tools, and RCD-protected power outlets in kitchens, wet areas, and outdoor locations.
Visual Inspection
Each RCD is visually inspected for physical damage, correct wiring, secure mounting, and switchboard condition. Any installation issues are noted.
Push-Button Test
The built-in test button on each RCD is pressed to verify basic trip functionality. This confirms the RCD's internal circuitry is operational.
Operating Time Test
A calibrated RCD tester injects a controlled fault current and measures the exact time taken for the RCD to disconnect. Results are compared against AS/NZS 3760 requirements.
Results & Labelling
Pass or fail result determined based on trip time and functionality. Each RCD is labelled with test date, result, and next due date.
Digital Reporting
Full RCD test report with trip times, test conditions, locations, and pass/fail status delivered to your online portal within 24 hours.
What's Tested
RCD Testing checklist
Push-Button Test
Verifies the RCD trips when the built-in test button is pressed, confirming basic functional operation.
Operating Time Test
Measures the exact time taken for the RCD to disconnect at rated residual current (e.g., 30mA) using a calibrated RCD tester.
Non-Trip Test
Tests at half-rated current to verify the RCD does not nuisance trip during normal operation, which would cause unnecessary power interruptions.
Wiring Condition
Visual inspection of RCD wiring, connections, mounting, and switchboard condition to identify any installation issues.
Label & Documentation
Each RCD is labelled with test date, result, trip time, and next test due date for easy identification.
Compliance Recording
All test results — including trip times, test conditions, and pass/fail status — recorded in your digital compliance report.
What You Receive
What you receive
RCD Test Report
Detailed report with exact trip times, test current levels, test conditions, and pass/fail status for every RCD tested across your site.
Compliance Certificate
Formal certificate confirming all RCDs have been tested in accordance with AS/NZS 3760, suitable for regulatory submissions and insurance purposes.
RCD Location Register
Complete register of all RCDs with locations, types (switchboard/portable/outlet), ratings, and full test history.
Online Portal Access
24/7 access to RCD test results, compliance status, and historical test data through your secure online portal.
Automated Reminders
Email alerts when RCDs are approaching their next test due date, ensuring continuous compliance.
Benefits
Why choose our rcd testing service
Life-Saving Protection
RCDs are the single most effective device for preventing electrocution. Regular testing ensures they work when needed.
Legal Compliance
RCD testing is required under WHS legislation and AS/NZS 3760 for all New Zealand workplaces.
Push-Button & Operating Time Tests
We perform both user-level push-button tests and precision operating time measurements with calibrated equipment.
Detailed Documentation
Every RCD test is recorded with trip times, test conditions, and pass/fail status in your compliance report.
Industries We Serve
Trusted across New Zealand's key industries
FAQ
RCD Testing FAQ
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