Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407:body:0:p45
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 118885–123409

V a.c.) or 1500 volts direct current (1500 V d.c.).
    * High voltage means voltage that exceeds low voltage.

APPENDIX B – ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
OF NON-PORTABLE AND PORTABLE RCDS
Non-Portable and Portable RCDs                                                Advantages and Disadvantages

Non-portable RCDs                                                             Non-portable (or 'fixed') RCDs are installed at either the switchboard or a fixed socket outlet.
Non-portable RCDs installed at the main switchboard                           Non-portable RCDs will protect all the wiring and electrical equipment plugged into the relevant circuit(s).
Advantages                                                                        * provide permanent and secure protection against electrical faults, including protection against fixed-wiring faults as well as electrical equipment faults
                                                                                  * are more secure as they are usually inaccessible except to any person who holds the key to the switchboard
                                                                                  * may be cost-effective if the existing switchboard can accept the installation without major modification and RCD protection is required on circuits supplied from the main switchboard
                                                                                  * are usually adaptable as these RCDs can be installed in new, modified or existing electrical installations.
Disadvantages                                                                     * a fault in one piece of equipment may unnecessarily shut down entire operations. In some cases this could create greater risks associated with uncontrolled cessation of a work process
                                                                                  * fault detection and isolation may be complex because the RCD protects all sockets past the point where it is installed and may
                                                                                    be tripped at any point
                                                                                  * installation may be costly if the pre-existing switchboard requires modification.
Non-portable RCDs installed at a socket outlet                                These non-portable RCDs are installed at selected locations and provide protection to electrical equipment plugged into the outlet.
                                                                              Socket outlets protected by non-portable RCDs should be labelled, for example by stating 'RCD Protected' or similar. This will indicate to the person using the socket outlet that a non-portable RCD is fitted.
Advantages                                                                        * protection against electrical shock is permanent
                                                                                  * suitable for areas where the work environment is used in many different ways or difficult to control, including public places
                                                                                  * readily accessible for testing and re-setting. This can be a safe and cost-effective alternative if the switchboard option is not reasonably practical
                                                                                  * adaptable, as these RCDs can be installed at any fixed socket outlet where the electrical equipment requiring RCD protection
                                                                                    is used
                                                                                  * potentially the most cost-effective option because it is permanent, protects everything plugged into it and is easily identified by the user.
Disadvantages                                                                     * fixed-wiring protection only applies to wiring past that socket on the circuit
                                                                                  * fault detection and isolation might be complicated as the RCD 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