What is an RCD and why does it need regular testing?

An RCD (residual current device) monitors the balance between active and neutral current in a circuit. If it detects a difference (indicating current leaking to earth, typically through a person), it disconnects supply within milliseconds. RCDs need regular testing because internal components can fail due to contact welding, mechanical wear or contamination. A failed RCD provides zero protection against electrocution, and the user has no visible indication it has failed. Regular push-button and instrument testing confirms the device will operate correctly when needed.

What trip time is acceptable for an RCD?

Under AS/NZS 3190:2022, a 30 mA RCD must trip within 300 milliseconds when tested at its rated residual current (30 mA), and within 40 milliseconds when tested at five times rated current (150 mA). If the measured trip time exceeds these limits, the RCD must be replaced immediately. Trip times should be compared across successive tests to identify devices that are slowing towards the limit, even if they still technically pass.

Can anyone perform RCD instrument testing?

Push-button tests can be performed by any trained person, including building occupants and maintenance staff. Instrument trip time testing must be performed by a competent person, which typically means a licensed electrician or a person trained in the use of calibrated RCD testing instruments. On construction sites, the WHS Regulations 2011 require testing by a competent person with appropriate electrical qualifications. The tester details must be recorded on the log.

How long should RCD testing records be kept?

AS/NZS 3760:2022 requires that records of in-service testing, including RCD trip time results, be kept for the duration the equipment remains in service and for at least 7 years after the last test or disposal, whichever is later. WHS Regulations 2011 also require records demonstrating electrical safety due diligence to be available for SafeWork inspection. Construction sites with frequent testing should retain the log for the project duration plus 7 years. Storing the log as an asset record in MapTrack against each RCD ensures the full test history follows the device across switchboards and projects.

Free rcd testing log

Q: How often should RCDs be tested in Australia?

Push-button tests should be performed monthly. Instrument trip time tests follow AS/NZS 3760:2022 intervals: 3-monthly on construction sites, 6-monthly in industrial environments and 12-monthly in commercial environments. Fixed RCDs in switchboards should be instrument-tested at least annually. The WHS Regulations 2011 require that RCDs used in construction work are tested by a competent person using a calibrated RCD tester. State electrical safety regulators may impose additional requirements.

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Free RCD testing log (PDF-ready). Record push-button and trip time test results for AS/NZS 3760 and AS/NZS 3000 compliance. Digitise with MapTrack.

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Updated 2 May 2026

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Updated 2 May 2026

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What is a rcd testing log?

An RCD (residual current device) testing log is a register used to record the results of routine push-button and instrument testing of RCDs installed in electrical switchboards and portable safety switches. Each entry captures the RCD location, type (fixed or portable), rated residual current (typically 30 mA for personnel protection), the push-button test result, the measured trip time (using an RCD tester), the trip current and the tester details. The log provides a consolidated compliance record demonstrating that RCDs are functioning within the limits specified by AS/NZS 3190:2022 (Approval and test specification - Residual current devices) and the testing requirements of AS/NZS 3760:2022.

RCDs are the primary protective device against electrocution from earth faults. A properly functioning 30 mA RCD disconnects supply within 300 milliseconds at rated residual current and within 40 milliseconds at five times rated current. However, RCDs can fail due to contact welding, mechanical wear, environmental contamination or component ageing. Without regular testing, a failed RCD provides no protection and the user has no warning. AS/NZS 3000:2018, Clause 2.6 mandates RCD protection on specific circuits, and the WHS Regulations 2011 require that RCDs in construction and hostile environments are tested by a competent person at specified intervals. Skipping RCD testing exposes workers to undetected electrocution risk and the PCBU to prosecution under the WHS Act 2011, Section 19.

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Benefits of using this rcd testing log

Electrocution prevention: confirms RCDs will disconnect supply within the required timeframe during an earth fault.
Regulatory compliance: satisfies AS/NZS 3000:2018, AS/NZS 3760:2022 and WHS Regulations 2011 RCD testing requirements.
Centralised register: consolidates test results for all fixed and portable RCDs across multiple switchboards and locations.
Trend analysis: comparing trip times over successive tests identifies RCDs trending towards failure before they actually fail.
Audit evidence: a complete RCD testing log demonstrates due diligence during SafeWork inspections and compliance audits.
Maintenance planning: identifies RCDs approaching end of life or requiring replacement based on test result trends.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you digitise rcd log / registers in MapTrack, you get:

Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
Ability to share forms digitally.
Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Record test and tag results digitally with automatic retest scheduling.
Link electrical inspection records to specific assets for full service history.
Flag overdue RCD testing and thermal imaging inspections on the dashboard.

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What to include in a rcd testing log

This rcd testing log covers 9 key areas:

RCD identification: location (switchboard name and way number), RCD type (fixed or portable), brand, model, rated residual current (mA), rated trip time.
Push-button test: date, result (tripped/did not trip), person who performed the test.
Instrument test: date, test instrument ID, calibration due date, tester name and licence number.
Trip time measurement: measured trip time in milliseconds at rated residual current (30 mA), pass or fail against AS/NZS 3190 limit.
Trip current measurement (if tested): actual trip current in milliamps.
Five-times rated current test (where applicable): trip time at 150 mA, pass or fail against 40 ms limit.
Failed RCD actions: defect description, removed from service or replaced, replacement date, re-test result.
Overall register summary: total RCDs tested, number passed, number failed, percentage compliance.
Sign-off: tester signature, site electrician acknowledgement, next test due date.

How to use this rcd testing log

Compile the RCD register from switchboard schedules: List every fixed RCD (in switchboards) and portable RCD (safety switches on leads and power boards) on site. Record the location, type, brand, model, rated residual current and the date of last test. This register becomes the master list for the testing programme.
Perform push-button tests on each RCD: Press the test button on each RCD and confirm it trips (disconnects supply). This tests the internal mechanism only, not the actual trip sensitivity. Reset the RCD after each test. Push-button tests should be performed monthly by a trained user and recorded on the log.
Perform instrument trip time tests using a calibrated RCD tester: Connect the RCD tester at a socket downstream of each RCD. Test at the rated residual current (typically 30 mA) and record the trip time in milliseconds. The RCD must trip within 300 ms at rated current. If the instrument supports it, also test at five times rated current (150 mA) to confirm trip within 40 ms.
Record results and take action on failed devices: Enter the test results on the log for each RCD. Any RCD that fails to trip, or trips outside the specified time limits, must be replaced immediately. Record the defect, the replacement RCD details and the re-test result. Do not leave a failed RCD in service, as it provides no protection.
Update the register and schedule the next test cycle: Complete the summary section showing total tested, passed and failed. Sign the log and file with the site electrical safety records. Set the next instrument test date based on the applicable standard: 3-monthly for construction sites, 6-monthly for industrial, 12-monthly for commercial. In MapTrack, set automated reminders for each RCD asset.

In MapTrack, you can digitise electrical safety inspections and test records. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

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How often should you complete this log / register?

Push-button tests should be performed monthly by the user or occupier. Instrument trip time testing is required at intervals specified by the operating environment under AS/NZS 3760:2022: 3-monthly on construction and demolition sites, 6-monthly in factories and workshops, and 12-monthly in commercial and office environments. Fixed RCDs in switchboards should be instrument-tested at least annually per AS/NZS 3000:2018 recommendations. All RCDs must be re-tested after any electrical fault, after replacement and after any modification to the circuit they protect. In MapTrack, schedule each RCD as an asset with the test interval matching its environment classification.

Frequently asked questions

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules), Clause 2.6 - RCD protection requirements
AS/NZS 3760:2022 - In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
AS/NZS 3190:2022 - Approval and test specification for residual current devices

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