Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407:body:0:p46
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 123096–127206

may be tripped by a fault at any point past the RCD on the circuit
                                                                                  * damage to the socket outlet will require the RCD to be replaced.
Relevant considerations in deciding between options for non-portable devices  In deciding between options for non-portable RCDs, you should consider the size of the building or site, its use, and any plans to refurbish, refit or rewire the building.
                                                                              It may be safer and more cost-effective to ensure all circuits are protected by one or more RCDs rather than selectively install individual RCDs at some socket outlets to accommodate your current workplace needs, which may change.
                                                                              If you install new circuits or modify pre-existing circuits you must protect those circuits with an RCD consistent with AS/NZS 3000:2007, which is subject to some exemptions.
Portable RCDs                                                                 These RCDs protect the electrical equipment that is plugged into them.
                                                                              In some circumstances the most appropriate RCDs may be portable RCDs, particularly to protect mobile workers that do not have fixed places of work and whose PCBU may have little control over electrical installations where they work.
                                                                              Workers using hand-held or portable electrical equipment should be advised as to whether the outlets they use are adequately protected by RCDs. If in doubt you should ensure that portable RCDs are provided to these workers and take all reasonable steps to ensure they are used.
                                                                              The use of a portable RCD in a circuit already protected by a non-portable RCD has no detrimental effect on the operation of either RCD.
Portable RCDs—portable plug type                                              Portable plug-type RCDs can be plugged into a socket outlet to protect a single piece of equipment.
                                                                              They can be incorporated into a power cable or can be the RCD unit alone, without a cord.
Advantages                                                                        * provide RCD protection for electrical equipment used in workplaces where users may be unsure as to whether there is RCD protection
                                                                                  * can be allocated to users rather than to all electrical equipment
                                                                                  * can be plugged into existing installations where the electrical equipment requiring protection is to be used.
Disadvantages                                                                     * provide no protection from faults in fixed-wiring
                                                                                  * may be subject to abuse so frequent testing is required
                                                                                  * if not incorporated into a single appliance's power cord, will require additional administrative controls to ensure that workers use them
                                                                                  * may be very difficult to test if plug-type RCDs are installed directly onto electrical equipment connection cords. For this reason they are not generally recommended.
Portable RCDs—portable stand-alone unit                                       Portable stand-alone units are RCDs incorporated into a power board. They provide multiple protected socket outlets and can provide RCD protection to multiple items of electrical equipment from one power board.
Advantages                                                                        * provide RCD protection for