Residual current device or RCD testing is the inspection of a safety switch that is used to isolate a power supply. If the power supply between the neutral and active conductors fails in-balance, this can indicate that electricity is leaking from an electrical device into the earth. Anyone that comes into contact with a faulty appliance that is causing this leak by an accidental touch or passing through the area with a piece of equipment that has been energized could be electrocuted. The RCD connected to circuits causing this risk will trip the breaker to reduce the risk that those in the surrounding area will suffer a fatal shock.

In order to ensure that those working in an environment where electrical equipment is prominent are not at risk, RCD testing for these circuits is mandatory. Inspections must be performed regularly in order to ensure that new damage is noticed as soon as possible. Any testing and tagging Melbourne used in a workplace setting must be performed by a professional electrician in order to ensure that these workplaces are considered to be keeping with workplace safety laws and standards. This helps to ensure that inspections are performed safely without cutting the comprehensiveness of the inspection.

There are steps that you can take in order to ensure that there is no danger of electrical shock in the workplace between inspections. Performing regular visual inspections of all equipment is essential to detecting damage which could lead to an electrical leak to the earth. This may include malfunctioning circuits, damaged wires or similar obvious signs of damage. If these are discovered you should remove the device if possible or cut off power to the device in order to ensure that no one walking near these items will be hurt.

Any damage that is noticed on an RCD switch should be reported to an electrician immediately. If this switch is not functioning properly it increases the risk that the emergency breaker will not trip if an excessive electrical current is detected. Not only will this increase the injury cased to the individual receiving the shock, it limits the ability of safety personnel to get near this individual to provide medical care. RCD switches should be tested regularly to ensure they are functioning the way that they should. Annual inspections are required by a professional electrician, but you can use a portable appliance tester or PAT to check for potential problems in between inspections.

Those that work in a hostile work environment where debris, heat, moisture or constant vibration and activity around electrical machines put them at them at risk for additional damage should perform inspections more regularly than those in other work environments. Electrical equipment that is put under strain could take on severe damage very quickly without many warning signs which could cause individuals to be hurt, particularly if the RCD switch is not working properly. PAT testing can help to indicate if there is a problem so you can call in an electrician to make any necessary repairs.