Type AC RCDs ban takes effect
The National Office would like to advise members that changes to the Standards Australia Wiring Rules has meant Type AC residual current devices (RCDs) will no longer be permitted to be sold or installed in Australia after April 2023.
AS/NZS 3000 amendment 2 was published 30 April 2021. For a period of 24 months from the publication date, Cl 2.6.2.2.2 of the wiring rules provided that either a Type AC RCD (marked with the symbol) or a Type A RCDs (marked with the symbol) could be installed. After that period, Type AC RCDs must not be installed.
The transition to Type A is not retrospective so existing installation will not be affected.
RCD’s are often fitted in hire equipment including but not limited to
- MEWP
- Generators
- Light Towers
- Power boards
- Portable Buildings
The Electrical Safety Office will be applying the wiring rules published in AS/NZS 3000 amendment 2 from 30 April 2023, with no exemptions for existing projects.
Installing an incorrect safety switch type, or installing fixed equipment without checking if the safety switch on the circuit is suitable, may leave the electrical installation unsafe. If this occurs, you have not met your duties under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and you will face enforcement action.
Electricians should review their current projects to ensure RCDs installed after 30 April 2023 comply with this requirement.
You are responsible for selecting and installing a suitable safety switch for the equipment connected to the circuit.
Further information
Find out more about choosing the right safety switch for the job.
