RCD TESTING PERTH (Safety Switch Compliance)
Professional residual current device testing for WA workplaces under the Electricity Regulations 1947, WHS Regulations 2022, and AS/NZS 3012. Compliance certificates issued within 48 hours.
WHAT IS AN RCD (residual current device)?
A residual current device (RCD) is a protective device installed in switchboards that continuously monitors current flow across a circuit. If it detects a leakage current (for example: electricity flowing through a person to ground) it cuts power in under 300 milliseconds.
RCD installation is mandatory on all hostile environment circuits in WA, and portable RCDs are required for all portable equipment at worksites under WorkSafe OHS Regulations 2022, Regulation 360. Having one installed is not enough. It must be regularly tested by a competent person to confirm it will function when needed.
WHAT IS RCD TESTING?
RCD (Residual Current Device) testing involved inspecting and verifying the functionality of RCDs to ensure they provide adequate protection against electric shock and fire caused by electrical faults. RCDs work by quickly disconnecting the power supply when they detect a leakage current, such as when electricity flows through a person to ground. Testing ensures that RCD’s operate correctly and that all associated compliance factors are met under WHS Regulations 2022.
Push-button functionality test
Verifies the RCD mechanism by simulating a fault. Depending on the environment, testing by a competent person is required every 3 or 6 months. During testing, board condition, access clearance, and the number of RCDs per breaker are also assessed for WHS Regulations 2022 compliance.
Operating time test
Measures the time taken for the RCD to trip under fault conditions using PAT testing equipment. This is a less common requirement, generally only applicable to portable RCDs or at the time of installation. Operating time testing is not required in most business settings.
Regulatory update — DEMIRS: Following recent changes by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS), injection testing and operating time testing at switchboards is no longer lawful in Western Australia. It is illegal for a licensed electrician or any other worker to remove escutcheon panels to complete injection testing.
TYPES OF RCDs
Not every RCD is installed the same way, and the type determines how it's tested.
Fixed (switchboard) RCDs
Permanently wired into the switchboard, protecting an entire circuit or group of circuits.
Found in most WA workplace switchboards. Tested with the integral push-button per AS 3019.
Socket-outlet RCDs
Built into an individual power point, protecting only whatever's plugged into that outlet.
Common in older buildings retrofitted for wet-area compliance.
Portable RCDs
Plug-in units providing protection wherever a fixed or socket-outlet RCD isn't available.
Required under WorkSafe OHS Regulations 2022, Reg 3.60. Each unit is tested individually during your PTTS visit.
WHO NEEDS RCD TESTING IN PERTH AND HOW OFTEN?
WHS Regulations 2022 — Division 6, Regulation 165
“A person with management or control of a workplace must take all reasonable steps to ensure that residual current devices used at the workplace are tested regularly by a competent person to ensure that the devices are operating effectively.”
RCD Test Frequency by Environment
For more detail of WA-Specific requirements, see our RCD Testing Requirements guide.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN PTTS RCD TESTING?
Push-button functionality test
The integral test button is activated twice to confirm the RCD trips and resets, per AS 3019 clause 4.2.2.6. This is the legally recognised method for routine in-service testing in WA.
Switchboard visual inspection
Board condition, access clearance, and number of RCDs per breaker are assessed to confirm compliance with WHS Regulations 2022.
Portable RCD testing
Each portable RCD unit is tested individually for worksites relying on portable protection under Regulation 3.60.
Compliance documentation
Digital compliance report issued within 48 hours, listing each device, its result, and the next due date.
WHY PERTH BUSINESSES CHOOSE PTTS
ONE PROVIDER. ONE VISIT.
EVERYTHING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO STAY COMPLIANT
Industry Leading Reporting
Digital compliance report & certificate after every visit
Flexible scheduling
Before hours, after hours & weekends
Transparent pricing
Free formal quote, no obligation. Our pricing is clear and upfront, with no hidden extras.
OUR OTHER SERVICES
COMPLETE ELECTRICAL & FIRE COMPLIANCE
Three Phase testing is just one part of a complete compliance solution. PTTS covers everything your Perth business needs in a single visit.
Single Phase Testing and Tagging
Standard 240V appliance testing for offices, hospitality, retail, and healthcare.
Three Phase Testing and Tagging(Safety Switches)
415V equipment testing for industrial machinery, switchboards, and heavy-duty tools under AS/NZS 3760. Intervals vary by environment, from 3 to 12 months.
Extinguisher, hose reel, and blanket inspection to AS 1851:2012 every 6 months.
Emergency lighting and exit sign inspection under AS 2293. 6 and 12-monthly.
Radiation leakage testing for commercial kitchens and food service venues.
PTTS provides sub-contracting services for larger compliance providers and project managers.
ARTICLES & GUIDES
Related Articles
Learn more about RCD and electrical compliance requirements in Perth, straight from our technicians
RCD Testing Perth: Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, under WHS Regulations 2022, Regulation 165, any person with management or control of a WA workplace must ensure RCDs are tested regularly by a competent person. Failure to comply can result in WorkSafe penalties, voided insurance, and increased legal liability if an incident occurs.
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Construction and demolition sites require testing every 3 months under AS/NZS 3012. Most commercial workplaces require 6-monthly testing under WHS Regulations 2022. Hotels and short-stay accommodation follow a 12 to 24 month cycle under AS/NZS 3760.
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No, they protect against different things. A circuit breaker protects your wiring and appliances from overloads and short circuits. An RCD protects people, detecting current leakage (such as electricity flowing through a person to earth) and cutting power within milliseconds. Most modern switchboards need both to meet WA safety and compliance standards.
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No, not for routine in-service testing. DEMIRS and Energy Safety WA have confirmed that removing switchboard escutcheons for injection or timed trip testing constitutes energised work under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991. See Energy Bulletin 78 for the full regulatory position.
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A failed RCD must be taken out of service and repaired or replaced before the circuit is used again. PTTS flags all failed devices in your compliance report with recommended next steps.
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Yes, RCD, safety switch, and ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) all describe the same protective device. ELCB is an older term you'll still see on some older switchboards and documentation.
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Open the main door of your switchboard (no need to remove any internal covers) and look for a device marked "T" or "Test." If you're unsure what you're looking at, our technicians confirm this as part of every visit.
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Test and tag covers the portable appliances and leads plugged into your circuits. RCD testing covers the safety switches protecting those circuits. Most WA workplaces need both under WHS Regulations 2022, PTTS provides them in a single visit.
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Yes, in addition to full Perth metro coverage, PTTS services regional WA including the South West, Goldfields, Mid West, and Gascoyne regions. Contact us to discuss scheduling for your regional site.
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Press the test button on the RCD. It should trip and cut power immediately, then reset cleanly when you switch it back on. If it doesn't trip, or won't reset, the device has failed and needs to be assessed by a competent person before the circuit is used again.
This quick check is a good habit between scheduled tests, but it isn't a substitute for compliance testing carried out under WHS Regulations 2022.
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Phone:(08) 6109 8591 or Email:Admin@ptts.com.au