RCD and Safety Switch Testing

What is a Residual Current Device (RCD)?  
An RCD is an electrical safety device that helps to prevent electrical injuries and fatalities. When using electrical equipment or power tools, hazards such as damaged leads and cords, faulty wiring and dampness can lead to serious electric shocks or electrocution. An RDC monitors the flow of electricity and is designed to immediately switch the electricity off when electricity 'leaking' to earth is detected at a level harmful to a person using electric equipment.
Which RCD's Must be TestedWe interpret the act as follows: 
All RCD's within the work place environment must be tested. Records are to be kept accordingly.
Testing of residual current devices (62C)
  1. An employer must ensure that residual current devices used at the employer’s place of work are tested regularly by a competent person to ensure that the devices are operating effectively
  2.  An employer must as soon as practicable replace a residual current device that is not operating effectively.
  3. An employer must keep a record of each testing of a residual current device until the next testing is carried out
  4. This clause does not affect any requirement under Division 8 of this Part.

Maximum penalty: Level 4.
Sydney Thermal Imaging tests RCD's in accordance with the Australian Standards. By having the RCD’s (Safety Switch) trip time / current tests performed on your premises your company will be fulfilling its obligations under Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760.
How Often must I test RCD's?  
12 monthly to 2 years
Does Every RCD need testing?
Who is Responsible 
Penalties:
 Penalties are varied state by state
RCDs are required by law to be fitted to the power and lighting circuits. They are generally located alongside circuit breakers in the main meter box or distribution board . They can be distinguished from the circuit breakers by the test button.

A minimum of two RCD's are required to ensure some light and power remains if one operates. Two RCD's also reduces the possibility of tripping due to some appliances which have low levels of earth leakage.
The majority of residual current devices (RCD's) or a residual current circuit breakers (RCCB) we test trip (isolate power) at an imbalance of <30 mA (milliamps). Disconnection or tripping of these breakers should happen within 300ms (milliseconds).


Sydney Thermal Imaging tests and records the time taken to trip at 30mS. if an RCB/RCCB takes to long to trip the results could be fatal. 
Referring Sites: