RCD Testing Requirements in Queensland Workplaces: Push Button and Trip Time Tests
Compliance · RCD Testing · Queensland
Queensland workplaces must test fixed safety switches (RCDs) two ways: a push button test, typically every 6 months, and an operating time test with an instrument, every 12 months to 2 years depending on the type of work. Construction sites test far more often. The intervals are set by the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026 and published by WorkSafe Queensland. Indigi Power and Cooling tests and records RCDs across Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast as part of scheduled electrical maintenance.
A residual current device, or safety switch, cuts power in a fraction of a second when it detects current leaking to earth, which is what happens when someone touches a live part. It is one of the most important protections in any building, and like any mechanical device it can stick or slow down with age. RCD testing confirms it will still trip when it needs to.
The two RCD tests
- Push button test: pressing the test button confirms the trip mechanism works. It is quick, but it does not measure how fast the device trips.
- Operating time test: an RCD tester injects a controlled fault current and measures the trip time. A typical 30 mA RCD must trip within 300 milliseconds. This is the test that proves the device will protect a person.
How often do RCDs need to be tested in QLD?
| Type of work | Fixed RCD: push button | Fixed RCD: operating time | Portable RCD: operating time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction work | 1 month | 12 months | 3 months |
| Manufacturing work | 6 months | 12 months | Portable RCDs prohibited since 2008 |
| Office work | 6 months | 2 years | 2 years |
| Service work (other) | 6 months | 2 years | 2 years |
| Amusement work | 6 months | 12 months | 12 months |
Portable safety switches also need a push button test, ranging from before each use on construction sites to every 3 to 6 months in other work. Longer intervals may apply under AS/NZS 3760 in some cases, and construction work follows AS/NZS 3012. Source: WorkSafe Queensland, Testing and tagging of electrical equipment.
What happens when an RCD fails
A device that fails to trip, or trips too slowly, must be replaced, because the circuit is effectively unprotected. Results for every RCD, pass or fail, should be recorded with the date, trip time and next due date. On larger sites we tie this into the board schedule, so the record shows exactly which circuit each RCD protects.
RCD testing is part of our commercial electrical maintenance program, alongside thermal imaging of switchboards and test and tag, so all three compliance records come from one visit and one report.
Where we work
Indigi Power and Cooling delivers this work across South East Queensland from our Tingalpa head office, covering Brisbane, Ipswich and the Western Corridor, the Gold Coast and Yatala, Logan, Redlands and Bayside, Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.
Frequently asked questions
How often should RCDs be tested in a Queensland workplace?
For fixed safety switches in manufacturing, office, service and amusement work, a push button test is required at least every 6 months. An operating time test is required every 12 months in manufacturing and amusement work and every 2 years in office and service work. Construction sites require monthly push button tests and 12 monthly operating time tests.
What is RCD testing?
RCD testing checks that a safety switch will cut power quickly when it detects current leaking to earth. It includes a push button test of the trip mechanism and an operating time test with an instrument that measures how fast the device trips.
How fast should an RCD trip?
A typical 30 mA RCD used for personal protection must trip within 300 milliseconds at its rated residual current. An operating time test measures the actual trip time against that limit.
What is the difference between a push button test and an operating time test?
The push button test only confirms that the mechanism trips. The operating time test uses an RCD tester to apply a measured fault current and records the trip time, which proves the device will protect a person. Both are required at different intervals.
Related services
- Commercial electrical maintenance
- Test and tag to AS/NZS 3760
- Switchboard maintenance and thermal imaging
- Emergency and exit lighting testing
- Commercial and industrial electrical and HVAC maintenance
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Are your safety switch records current? Tell us the site address and rough board count. We will test every RCD, record the trip times and set up the schedule. Indigi Power and Cooling is an Indigenous and Veteran owned business, Supply Nation and ICN Gateway registered. Call 1800 046 344. Book RCD testing |
