Most business owners are aware that they are required to take responsibility for the electrical safety of their workplace. But do you know exactly how often and what kinds of tests need to be performed? As well as standard testing and tagging, you will need to arrange regular RCD testing in Sydney.
First of all, before you can determine the types of tests you need to have performed and how often, you will need to know a bit about how your business is classified. There are two common types of risk environments: high and low. High risk environments may be entire buildings or just a single room that is considered more dangerous. Kitchens and bathrooms commonly fall into this category as they experience moisture and often have lots of portable appliances being used and shifted around. A boardroom could also fall into this category, especially with frequent presentations which utilise multimedia. Low risk environments are areas such as the majority of the office which is rarely moved or changed. Of course, some offices are flexible in their layout and function, and so will move their equipment and desks about. If this is the case, then this is considered a high risk environment.
There are also two types of RCD tests. A push button test is the simple one, and simply involves pushing a button to ensure that the system trips when it comes into contact with an earth leakage fault. Because they are so simple to do and not inconvenient to the workplace at all, yet are still incredibly helpful, push button tests are recommended more frequently than the second type, which is operation time tests. This latter test involves measuring the time it takes for the RCD to trip, and to ensure that it trips in time to avert disaster. Remember, RCDs protect against electric shocking as well as damage and fires, and so a second can be the difference between safety and harm.
Once you know the difference between different working environments and different RCD tests, you can begin to decipher the regulations relevant to you. You will need to arrange both types of testing, although the frequency will vary depending on your workplace. All workplaces should engage a technician to perform a push button test at least once every six months. A timed test should be completed yearly in high risk environments, and once every two years in lower risk areas. Testing and tagging is also different, recommended every year in high risk and every five years in low risk workplaces.
High and low risk is a very general classification, and these are not binary terms. There are a number of other types of workplace which require their own rules. Manufacturing/workshops, commercial cleaning, hire equipment, accommodation, and construction/demolition are just some of these other categories. They vary in their recommendations for testing and tagging, push button tests and operation timed RCD tests. Please note that states will also vary in their exact testing times. Furthermore, portable RCD testing is a new scenario altogether. If your technician is using a portable device, push button tests should be done every three months, and timed tests every 12 months and 2 years in high and low risk environments respectively. If you would like more information on your responsibilities, you can read up on the regulations for your state or consult your local electrical test and tag or RCD testing provider.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the friendly team at TestCorp at for more information about Responsible RCD Testing Methods in Sydney.
First of all, before you can determine the types of tests you need to have performed and how often, you will need to know a bit about how your business is classified. There are two common types of risk environments: high and low. High risk environments may be entire buildings or just a single room that is considered more dangerous. Kitchens and bathrooms commonly fall into this category as they experience moisture and often have lots of portable appliances being used and shifted around. A boardroom could also fall into this category, especially with frequent presentations which utilise multimedia. Low risk environments are areas such as the majority of the office which is rarely moved or changed. Of course, some offices are flexible in their layout and function, and so will move their equipment and desks about. If this is the case, then this is considered a high risk environment.
There are also two types of RCD tests. A push button test is the simple one, and simply involves pushing a button to ensure that the system trips when it comes into contact with an earth leakage fault. Because they are so simple to do and not inconvenient to the workplace at all, yet are still incredibly helpful, push button tests are recommended more frequently than the second type, which is operation time tests. This latter test involves measuring the time it takes for the RCD to trip, and to ensure that it trips in time to avert disaster. Remember, RCDs protect against electric shocking as well as damage and fires, and so a second can be the difference between safety and harm.
Once you know the difference between different working environments and different RCD tests, you can begin to decipher the regulations relevant to you. You will need to arrange both types of testing, although the frequency will vary depending on your workplace. All workplaces should engage a technician to perform a push button test at least once every six months. A timed test should be completed yearly in high risk environments, and once every two years in lower risk areas. Testing and tagging is also different, recommended every year in high risk and every five years in low risk workplaces.
High and low risk is a very general classification, and these are not binary terms. There are a number of other types of workplace which require their own rules. Manufacturing/workshops, commercial cleaning, hire equipment, accommodation, and construction/demolition are just some of these other categories. They vary in their recommendations for testing and tagging, push button tests and operation timed RCD tests. Please note that states will also vary in their exact testing times. Furthermore, portable RCD testing is a new scenario altogether. If your technician is using a portable device, push button tests should be done every three months, and timed tests every 12 months and 2 years in high and low risk environments respectively. If you would like more information on your responsibilities, you can read up on the regulations for your state or consult your local electrical test and tag or RCD testing provider.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the friendly team at TestCorp at for more information about Responsible RCD Testing Methods in Sydney.
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