Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407:body:0:p18
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 46058–49184

moved between jobs in ways that could result in damage to the equipment, for example electric welders, electric cement mixers, portable bench saws and extension cords.
Additional RCD requirements may be included in AS/NZS 3000:2007, local building and electrical safety laws.

Other legal requirements
Additional RCD requirements may be included in local building and electrical safety laws.

Non-portable (or 'fixed') and portable RCDs
Non-portable (or 'fixed') RCDs are RCDs that are installed at either the switchboard (see Figure 1) or a fixed socket outlet (see Figure 2).
Non-portable RCDs installed at the main switchboard protect the wiring connected to the RCD and electrical equipment plugged into the protected circuit.
Non-portable RCDs installed at a fixed socket outlet provide protection to electrical equipment plugged into the outlet.
Figure 1: Switchboard RCD unit  Figure 2: Fixed socket outlet RCD unit

Portable RCDs are generally plugged into a socket outlet and, depending on design, may protect one or more items of electrical equipment.
Figure 3: Portable RCD fitted directly to power cable Figure 4: Portable RCD protected power board

Classes of RCDs
RCDs are classified in AS/NZS 3190:2011 Approval and test specification – Residual current devices (current-operated earth-leakage devices). The two relevant types are:

Type     Description                                                                                                                                         General Guidance – Use

Type I   Type I RCDs have a residual current rating not exceeding 10 milliamps and a tripping time within 30 milliseconds.                                   Type I RCDs are the most sensitive and are required for electrical equipment that is directly connected to people, for example patients in hospitals or dental practices.

Type II  Type II RCDs have a residual current rating greater than 10 milliamps but not exceeding 30 milliamps and a tripping time within 300 milliseconds.   Type II RCDs are most suitable for personal protection against injury including electric shock.

Requirement for 'appropriate' RCDs
The WHS Regulations require 'appropriate' RCDs to be selected and used in the specified higher-risk operating conditions. If an RCD is required, the RCD must have a tripping current that does
not exceed 30 milliamps if electricity is supplied to the equipment through a socket outlet not exceeding 20 amps.
The WHS Regulations do not prescribe whether RCDs must be non-portable or portable.
The most 'appropriate' RCD will depend on the workplace environment.
To assist with proper selection, further information about the advantages and disadvantages
of different kinds of non-portable and portable RCDs is described in Appendix B.
You may need to seek technical advice from a competent person about the kinds of RCDs that are appropriate for your workplace.
However, for construction and demolition sites you must comply with AS/NZS 3012:2010.
Additional requirements for the installation of non-portable RCDs may also apply under local building and electrical safety laws as