In addition to its requirement under the AS/NZS 3760:2010 standard, RCD testing also provides some protection against electrocution. Depending on the electrical equipment in your home, the RCD may be used for various reasons. Mowing wet grass, for instance, can be extremely hazardous if the cable is cut. Moreover, an RCD may even save your life in an emergency. Here are some reasons why you should consider testing your RCDs at home.
It reduces the risk
A properly functioning RCD can prevent electric shock, electrocution, and fire. It is a life-saving device. Fuse types also perform a similar function, but RCDs offer greater protection. This is because they sense a change in current when a live wire is touched and turn off the electricity immediately. While an electric shock can still be fatal, minor burns can occur.
It is recommended that you test your RCD before using it, particularly if you use it regularly. A cable might get tangled and cut you. Likewise, mowing wet grass can lead to a potentially hazardous situation. An RCD can save your life if you accidentally cut through a cable and fall over. Keeping an RCD nearby will ensure your safety. However, if you don’t own an RCD, you may want to call an electrician.
Among the many requirements for the safe operation of electrical appliances in the home comply with This standard outlines the testing and tagging of electrical appliances to meet Australian and New Zealand requirements for safety. In addition, the testing and tagging procedures must comply with the standards for all portable appliances. Regardless of whether you are purchasing or building your own home, you must follow this standard to ensure that your home is safe.
Electrical appliances should comply with the Australian Safety Standards. The standard specifies the frequency and duration of retesting for different appliances. It also dictates that piggy plugs and double adaptors meet the safety standard. The OH& Act 2004 also requires employers to provide and maintain a safe working environment. The Victorian Electrical Safety Act 1998 requires that second-hand equipment be inspected and tested. Other states, such as South Australia, have similar legislation.
It is testable and repeatable
There are several methods of RCD testing that can help you evaluate whether or not the safety switch of your home is working correctly. You can purchase equipment to test your device. First, read the RCD manual. Then, connect your RCD to a power source and press the test button. Pressing the test button should cause the device to switch from “on” to “off”. If the device fails the test, reset it and repeat the process. This will give you a more comprehensive report and certificate of safety.
Another option is to get portable residual current devices, usually connected to power tools and similar appliances. The portable type plugs into the power board in the building. They interrupt the current when too much is flowing, preventing electric shock and damage to connected appliances. Power-point devices are made with a plate design and allow workers to connect their devices using an outlet. They have reset, and test buttons and are generally installed in workshops and in places where water is present.
It provides some protection from electrocution.
The basic purpose of an RCD is to disconnect electrical devices when the circuit becomes unbalanced. This is essential for safety purposes, as it presents a shock risk if electricity flows through an unintended path. Using electricity in wet areas increases the risk of electrocution, as wet skin makes it easier for electricity to flow through your body. Luckily, RCDs are designed to provide some protection from electrocution in these situations, even if you’re using electricity in a wet environment.
