subject: Appliance Testing And Tagging For Rcd Switches [print this page] RCD switches, also known as earth leakage switches, refer to the device which traces the current of electricity running through the neutral or active conductors in the circuit. Any imbalance in the flow will be detected and isolated. The device will then cut off power in under 1/25th of a second or 40 milliseconds. For comparison, a blink of an eye is about 4/10thof a second or 400 milliseconds. Even with laws covering electrical safety, electrocution still kills about 30 people a year in Australia. Unfortunately, theres no cure for complacency and carelessness.
Just one hitch
These earth leakage switches are already required in buildings, households and establishments as a safety measure for inhabitants. Although the RCD switches devices will not trip faster than the rate electricity passes through your body, they might give you a chance particularly in direct current when its virtually impossible for you to get off when the electricity pulls you in.
For instance, if you happen to touch a live wire, the current will use your body as a medium when you make contact with the ground. The degree of damage will depend whether you are insulated or not. If you are standing barefoot on water then in all likelihood, your chance of surviving is zero. As opposed to standing with rubber shoes on or touching the wire with gloves on.
Safety switches under the law
The Queensland Electrical Safety Regulation of 2002 has defined what the parameters involving the sale and purchase of safety switches. The rated residual current, for instance, should not exceed 30mA. The installation of these safety switches should be left to professionals. Do not attempt to install one on your own just because you saw some DIY videos over the Internet.
According to the law, appliance testing and tagging include these safety switches to make sure they are working according to the standards. Failing to follow the requirements will mean penalties and fines as well as increased levies.
Test and tag
The law is very clear about do-it-yourself checking and labelling of appliances and electrical equipmentjust dont do it. Test and tag in Queensland should be outsourced not only to professional and licensed electrical contractors but also those who underwent a rigorous training on test and tag services. The trainings will last a few months before the graduates will be given with the license to practice test and tagging in Australia.
