DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION AND TRAINING
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
FREQUENCY OF ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTING
The following information is supplied as a guide to what the standard requires. If you are unsure about
the time span for testing of any device please contact the DET OH&S Consultant on 89014985 or
ohs.det@nt.gov.au
Fixed installations to be checked by a licensed electrician eg dimmers, switches
Residual Current Devices (RCD’s)
Push button test
by user
Class of equipment
Type of environment
and/or equipment
1 Factories, workshops,
and places of work or
repair manufacturing,
assembly,
maintenance, or
fabrication.
2 Laboratories, Health
Care and Educational
establishments, tea
rooms, office kitchens.
3 Office environment:
Where the equipment
or supply flexible cord
is subject to flexing in
normal use OR is
open to abuse OR is
in a hostile
environment.
4 Office environment:
Where the equipment
or supply flexible cord
is NOT subject to
flexing in normal use
AND is NOT open to
abuse and is NOT in a
hostile environment.
6 Repaired, serviced,
and second hand
equipment.
7 Equipment used for
commercial cleaning
8 Residential type
areas: Residential
institutions, hotels,
boarding houses,
hospitals,
accommodation
houses, motels,
hostels and the like.
CLASS 1
DEVICE
CLASS 2
DEVICE
Protectively
earthed
Double
insulated
Extension
Leads
Portable
Daily or
before
every
use
whicheve
r is
longer.
3 months
or before
every
use
Operating time
RCD tester
Fixed
Portable
Fixed
6
months
12
months
12
months
6
months
2 years
2 years
6 months
12 month
6 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
3 months
6
months
2 years
2 years
5 years
5 years
5 years
3 months
6
months
2 years
2 years
After repair or service which could effect electrical safety, or on reintroduction to service.
6 months
12months
3 months
NA
2 years
NA
12
months
2 years
2 years
2 years
6 months
6
months
2 years
2 years
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1
CLASS ONE EQUIPMENT – basic insulation and protectively earthed. Uses an earth wire to ensure
fault protection.
CLASS TWO EQUIPMENT – double insulated. Does not rely on basic insulation, extra insulation built in
to appliance to ensure fault protection.
THIS SYMBOL DENOTES A DOUBLE INSULATED APPLIANCE.
WHO CAN CARRY OUT THE TESTING AND INSPECTIONS?
Any person, who has been trained in the use of the testing devices, and in the process of testing and
inspection, can carry out the testing and inspection of portable equipment and RCD’s. Contact the DCIS
OHS branch on 89244500/89516580 to get information on training providers.
The only time a qualified trades person is required to carry out the tests is when it is necessary
to access the supply distribution board for measuring RCD tripping time and tripping current.
There are two basic options here. The first is to spend the money on the testing devices, which is
approximately $800, and train staff in the process. A training file will need to be established and
maintained, and staff will need to be trained.
In cases where the agency employs an Electrical trades person, then that person is already trained to
carry out the inspections and tests.
The second option is to get an Electrical Contractor to do the testing. However, if the agency has a large
number of work places in isolated areas, then the contractor approach may become costly.
WHAT TYPE OF TESTING DEVICE IS NEEDED?
If a decision is made to carry out testing in house, there will be a need to purchase an insulation tester
capable of a test voltage of 500 volts. The tester will need to be of a type with a continuity measurement
function. This tester will cost approximately $350 including GST, and is available from major electrical
wholesalers. This is a simple device to use and training in the use of this tester is very basic.
There is also a need to purchase an RCD tester. An RCD tester will cost approximately $500 including
GST, and is also available from major electrical wholesalers. This is also a simple device to use, but
would need a little more training than for the continuity tester.
FREQUENCY OF NON RECORDED INSPECTIONS
PORTABLE EQUIPMENT - In addition to the recorded visual checks, all portable equipment should have
a non-recorded visual check each time that it is used.
SETTING UP YOUR WORKPLACE
The objective of this booklet is to set out a simple process that allows for compliance with the
requirements of Australian Standard 3760 - 2001. It is suggested that the system be set up by people in
the workplace, and run by them also. This will ensure local knowledge of the current status of testing,
and that funds are not being spent on contracting services that can be completed in house.
STEP ONE - PURCHASE THE TAGS AND NUMBER EACH PIECE OF EQUIPMENT
The tags are available from hardware stores, electrical contractors, etc. Ensure that tags are good
quality, that they are ultra violet treated and have sufficient area to write the information that is needed.
Having tags at the work place will also enable replacement of broken or worn tags, and to replace tags
when equipment is put out of use, or a new item purchased.
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2
STEP TWO - DRAW UP AN EQUIPMENT REGISTER AND CHECKLIST
The equipment register is a simple list of the equipment in the work area that has an electrical lead
attached to it, or is an RCD, and that is required to be tested as per this standard. Once the information
is listed, note when the visual and electrical tests are required. This list will then act as a master
document and can be used for auditing purposes.
If there are any concerns as to the timing of these checks please contact the OH&S branch on
89244500/89516580. An example of this register is set out below.
STEP THREE - TAG ALL EQUIPMENT
Tag all the equipment such that the numbers line up according to what is listed on the checklist. Each
piece of equipment should have a numbered tag placed on the lead, generally near the 3-pin plug.
STEP FOUR - CARRY OUT THE CHECKS
PORTABLE EQUIPMENT CHECKS
A responsible and suitably trained person from within the work group can carry out the checks. As has
been pointed out previously, this will ensure local knowledge of the current status of testing. There is
also a cost benefit to your agency.
For explanation purposes, the expanded questions from the checklist are set out below. This will indicate
the actual check that is required for each point in the checklist.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Is the equipment free from obvious external damage?
Is the switch working?
Is there any obvious damage to the outside sheath of the lead?
Is there any obvious damage to the power plug?
Are any of the cores of the flexible lead exposed?
Does the emergency stop work?
Are the covers and guards in place?
By grouping all the items requiring a 6-month check together, the 12-month checks together etc; there
are less pieces of paper required for the recording system. The form is designed to have a number of
items listed on each one, as long as all listed items have the same time span of checks. To add to that,
the checklist is designed such that it can be used over a number of checks.
PORTABLE AND FIXED RCD CHECKS
The same system can be used for RCD checks. As can be seen by the table TWO above, there are
different time spans allowed for different situations. There is a requirement to record the RCD’s that you
have in the work place on a checklist, and test them regularly.
The system of RCD checks requires placing the tester in a power point of the circuit that is required to be
tested, initiating the test button, ensuring the circuit is tripped, and recording the trip time.
An RCD is designed to break the circuit, or trip, each time there is a fault, and thus protect the user from
electrical shock.
Under fault conditions the RCD is required to trip the circuit within a specified time range. The trip time is
measured in milliseconds. The test of each RCD that is required under this standard involves measuring
and recording the trip time.
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3
SUMMARY COMMENTS
The objective of this booklet is to give some general information, and allow compliance with the basic
intent of the Australian Standard.
There are two choices in complying with this standard. One is to do the testing in house, and the other is
to have a contractor do the testing. The advantages of in house testing are that staff has the opportunity
to gain new skills, and that a reduction in the cost of compliance with this standard may be achieved.
The objective is to keep the process simple, and ensure a minimum of paper work. The paper work is
important. Under regulations attached to the Work Health act, and as a requirement of this standard,
agencies are required to record all risk reduction measures.
The inspection checklist combines a number of checks, and allows for the inclusion of a number of
pieces of equipment. Ticking the correct box allows for changes to the time span for testing.
This booklet is not meant to answer all the questions for all types of situations, although it should answer
most.
It is most important that if there are any questions regarding this matter that contact is made with
the OHS branch in Darwin/Alice Springs on 89244500/89516580.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON INSULATION TESTING (Australian Standard 3760 – 2001)

TESTING OF EARTHING CONTINUITY
Al GENERAL - The test of earthing continuity resistance shall be conducted during in-service testing of
all Class I equipment. The testing shall be in conjunction with general inspections, including flexing and
straining at points of entry and clamping points.
A2 INSTRUMENTATION – An equipment tester, or continuity tester, of accuracy Class 5 or better.
NOTE: Class 5 denotes an accuracy of 5% full-scale deflection.
A3 TEST CONDITIONS - The resistance between any exposed metal parts, shall be measured,
including rotating metal parts and the earth pin of the plug or to the supply earth. The resistance shall
not exceed 1 OHM.
For cord extension sets, portable outlet devices, and portable RCD’s, the resistance between the
earthing connections of the plug and sockets shall be measured. The resistance shall not exceed 1
OHM.
Figure AI shows one method of testing resistance. For the purpose of this Appendix, small, exposed
metal parts such as nameplates, screws or rivets which are fixed or attached to non-conductive material
in such a manner that they cannot become live, even in the event of a failure of internal insulation, are
not required to be tested.
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4

INSULATION RESISTANCE TESTING
B1 – GENERAL
Insulation resistance shall be measured during in-service testing of all equipment, cord extension sets,
portable outlet devices, and portable RCD’s.
B2 – INSTRUMENTATION AND METHOD
An insulation resistance meter is required with the following characteristics:

A measuring circuit isolated from earth, a nominal measuring voltage of 500 V D.C. and accuracy
Class 5 or better. NOTE: Class 5 denotes an accuracy of 5%.
B3 - TEST CONDITIONS
B3.1 Metal parts that are normally earthed
Insulation resistance is measured between live supply conductors and exposed metal parts, with the
main switch/selector on the equipment in the 'ON' position. The resistance shall be not less than 1
MegOhm.
NOTES:
Figure B2 shows testing of insulation resistance of exposed metal parts. All conductors, except earthing
conductors, are live conductors.
For the purpose of this Appendix, small exposed metal parts such as nameplates, screws or rivets which
are fixed or attached to non-conductive material in such a manner that they cannot become live, even in
the event of a failure of internal insulation, are not required to be tested.
B3.2 Class 2 equipment – Live parts to external metal parts (not earthed)
Insulation resistance is measured between live supply conductors and external parts, with the main
switch/selector on the equipment in the ON position. The resistance should not be less than 1 MegOhm.
NOTE: Figure B2 shows testing of insulation resistance of external metal parts.
B3.3 Conductors in flexible cords
For cord extension sets, portable outlet devices and portable RCDs, the insulation resistance shall be
measured between live supply conductors and the earthing conductor, with the mains switch/selector for
the equipment in the 'ON' position. The resistance shall be not less than 1 MegOhm.
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5
NOTE: Figure B3 shows testing of an EPOD.
Final Document from DCIS as at January – 2002
6
TABLE 1 MAXIMUM TRIPPING TIMES
RCD type
A.C. RMS test current in
Maximum tripping time in
Milliamps
Milliseconds
Type 1
10
40
Type 2
30
300
TEST FOR OPERATION OF PORTABLE RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES (RCD’s)
Dl GENERAL - Portable RCD’s shall be checked during in-service testing at intervals described in Table
1 for maximum tripping time.
D2 INSTRUMENTATION - An RCD tester to apply the rated tripping current plus or minus 5%and
measures time plus or minus 2.5%.
D3 TEST CONDITIONS - A current equal to the rated tripping current shall be suddenly applied between
active and the protective earth, and the operating time measured.
NOTES ON OPERATING TIMES OF RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES
1. Tests are applied by the instrument test button (suddenly applied). In case of doubt, the number of
test operations, up to 5, may be applied.
2. Some RCD’s may have a different result (up to 10 milliseconds) depending on the point on wave of
the test current. In case of doubt operating time at both 0 degrees and 180 degrees should be tested.
3. Load leakage and stored energy can effect the result and increase the trip time indication. In case of
doubt all load on the circuit should be disconnected.
4. A 240V instrument used on 230V may give a low-test current and a corresponding longer time.
Ensure the correct rating and tolerance of the test instrument.
5.
REFERS TO TESTING OF 3 PHASE UNITS. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TEST A 3
PHASE UNIT.
Final Document from DCIS as at January – 2002
7
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST - VISUAL CHECKS AND ELECTRICAL TESTING
Use a (X) to indicate a problem, “tick” for OK, use a (N) for not applicable. If there is a problem of some kind, note it in the
comments. When the problem is fixed, make sure that the comments show this also.
Checklist for equipment requiring the following check:
(tick which one is appropriate)
3 mth
6 mth
1 yr
2 yr
5 yr
Final Document from DCIS as at January – 2002
Date of Check
Date of Check
Date of Check
Date of Check
Emergency Stop
Covers and
Guards
Cores Exposed
Plug Damage
Sheath Damage
Switch Working
External Damage
Equipment No.
EQUIPMENT TYPE: ………………………………………………
COMMENTS.
(Including trip times for RCD’s)
8
WORK HEALTH BULLETIN 05.01.03 – (unformatted)
Electrical, General safety requirements
Electrical Safety should be managed with the same systematic approach as all other Occupational
Health and Safety issues in the workplace. This approach requires the identification, assessment and
control of risks associated with electrical equipment be it fixed, portable or temporary.
LEGISLATION
Regulations 62, 63, 64 and 65 of the Work Health (Occupational Health and Safety) Regulations outline
the requirements in regard to electrical equipment and work practices. Regulation 62 requires all
electrical installations, materials, equipment and apparatus at a work place to comply with AS: 3000 and
AS: 3100. Please note that AS3000 is replaced with AS/NZS 3000:2000 which is in full effect from 15
March 2000.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
Every employer has a duty of care to ensure that their employees are safe from injury and risks to health
while they are at work. For all electrical equipment and fixed wiring the employer must undertake hazard
identification and risk assessment of these situations to eliminate risk of electrical hazards.
IDENTIFY THE HAZARD
All hazards associated with electrical equipment must be identified. This approach should be performed
in consultation with the employer and workers.
ASSESS THE RISK
Risk is the likelihood that someone will be hurt, how they could be hurt, how much severity), for how long
and how often a person is exposed to the hazard. What could be the severity of the injury?
In the case of electrical hazards, death is frequently the result.
CONTROL THE RISK
Decide how the hazards/risks are going to be controlled. If elimination of the hazard is not possible, other
controls should be implemented to reduce potential risks. These controls may include the use of residual
current devices (RCD’s) – safety switches, regular monitoring, record keeping and the testing of
electrical equipment and fixed wiring, safe systems of work and personal protective equipment.
WHEN SHOULD AN RCD BE USED?
Where an electrical hazard exists in new or modified fixed wiring installations (other than
lighting circuits) and the risk assessment identifies that the hazard can be controlled by
the installation of an RCD, an RCD must be fitted. Where electrical hazards are identified for existing
wiring installations, a decision on the use of a non portable RCD is based on the practicality of the
situation. Not all electrical equipment requires RCD protection. In some situations, equipment such as
extension leads and desktop computers do not present a risk to their operations due to:
• The permanent nature of their location.
• How the equipment is used.
• The workplace/environment conditions in which the equipment is used.
Such equipment must however be periodically inspected and tested in accordance with
the standard. Your risk assessment should be used to determine the need for RCD protection.
Generally identifiable risks which do require RCD protection include:
• Hand held electrical equipment,
• Electrical equipment moved from place to place,
• Electrical equipment where damage to the electrical supply cord could occur,
• Electrical equipment that is used in an environment where damage to the appliance
or to the electricity supply to that appliance could occur, such as wet and dusty
conditions.
WHEN SHOULD ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT BE INSPECTED, TESTED AND TAGGED?
All electrical equipment other than equipment situated in permanent locations or designed
for extra low voltage, must be inspected, electrically tested and tagged in accordance with
Final Document from DCIS as at January – 2002
9
Australian Standard AS3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical
equipment. This includes new equipment prior to being used. A visual inspection should
be carried out each time electrical equipment is used to identify damaged leads, plugs
etc.
FLEXIBLE CORDS
Flexible cords must be maintained in good condition and should be of a heavy duty type,
and flexible cord conductors should have a minimum cross sectional area of 1.0 mm.
For information on the maximum length of any flexible cords, refer to Work Health Information Bulletin
No. WH 05.02.01 entitled ‘Electrical Safety Requirements for Construction Work’.
Protection of flexible cords
Flexible cords should be located in a position where they are not subject to mechanical or
any other damage.
Frequency of testing
Generally the frequency of testing should be determined by the type of use and the
environment in which the equipment is used. The Standard identifies the maximum time
between tests. On construction sites, the maximum interval is 3 months due to the
conditions in which electrical equipment is used. In a workshop environment this may be
increased to 12 months, again depending on your risk assessment. Remember though
that in some cases e.g. wet areas this would be less than 12 months.
Competency required to test electrical equipment
The inspection, testing and tagging can be conducted by a person the employer has
assessed as competent having the necessary skill, training or experience to conduct the
tests, the competency table below identifies the level of competency required to perform
certain tasks. When electrical equipment is being hired out, inspection and testing must be carried out
before each hire.
Task Current Competency Level Required
Routine inspection of electrical equipment – checking for external damage, frayed or
damaged cords etc. Person who is familiar with the equipment, this could be the user of the equipment.
Protective earth testing of equipment
Person who is trained in the use of earth testing meters such as a continuity meter or ohmmeter.
Insulation resistance testing of equipment or isolation transformers
Person who has been trained in the use of insulation resistance testing meters, such as an insulation
resistance meter or appliance tester.
Push button test of portable RCD’s - Person who is using the RCD and has been instructed how to use
the built in test button.
Performance test of portable RCD’s – measure the tripping time and tripping current - Person who is
trained in the use of an RCD tester. This training could be by in-house personnel, qualified electrician,
and trade school or by the supplier of the RCD tester.
Push button test on non-portable RCD’s - Person who is using the RCD and has been instructed how to
use the built in test button.
Performance test of non-portable RCD’s – to measure tripping time and tripping current - Licensed
electrician is required if it will be necessary to access the supply distribution board.
WHEN SHOULD RCD’s BE TESTED?
Non-portable and portable RCD’s in permanent positions need to be push button tested at
least once a year to ensure that the tripping mechanism has not failed. Portable RCD’s
that are moved from place to place, need to be push button tested each day prior to their
Final Document from DCIS as at January – 2002
10
use. It is also necessary to test the performance of the RCD. The test schedule for non-portable and
portable RCD’s in permanent positions is every three years, in accordance
with the test procedure in AS 3760.
For portable RCD’s, the test schedule is every three months for construction and demolition sites, 12
months for industrial, two years for commercial and office
environments and before each hire of hire equipment.
For further clarification on specific workplaces refer to AS 3760.
SHOULD THE RESULTS OF TESTING BE RETAINED?
Regulation 65 requires records to be kept of all tests. This information is useful to
program future testing and tagging and will provide an inventory of electrical equipment.
New electrical equipment into the workplace should also be added to this inventory.
WORKING WITH ELECTRICAL HAZARDS.
A risk assessment must be conducted when any person is required to work near exposed
electrical cables or live electrical equipment. In these situations control strategies may
include the disconnection of the electrical supply, installation of barriers, the development
of safe systems of work and /or the use of appropriately skilled staff.
Other bulletins in this series include:
• No. WH 05.01.01 Residual Current Devices
• No. WH 05.01.02 Working Close to Overhead Power lines
• No. WH 05.02.01 Electrical Safety Requirements for Construction Work
• No. WH 05.02.02 Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment on Construction Sites
WORK HEALTH BULLETIN 05.01.01 – (unformatted)
Electrical - Residual Current Devices (RCD) or safety switches
This bulletin provides a guide to the requirements of Regulation 65 of the Work Health Occupational
Health and Safety) Regulations.
INTENT OF THE REGULATION
Regulation 65 requires that hand-held electrical equipment and portable electrical equipment operated
from socket outlets be protected by a residual current device or as sometimes known, safety switches.
The intent of the regulation is to provide protection from harmful or fatal electric shock while using
identified high-risk electrical equipment, or while working in an environment likely to increase the risk.
EQUIPMENT INTENDED TO BE PROTECTED BY RCD’s
A residual current device is a device that is intended to trip out an electricity supply in the event of a
current flow to earth. As such, it will provide protection from harmful electric shocks in situations where a
person comes into contact with a live electrical circuit and provides a path to earth.
Typical examples of this occurring are with the use of faulty electrical leads and faulty appliances.
Protection can be obtained through the use of:
• a permanent RCD installed to protect the circuit, either in the switchboard or in the socket outlet, or
• a portable RCD connected directly to the output side of the socket outlet. Portable electrical equipment
is defined as electrical equipment that is intended to be carried or moved while the electricity supply is
connected. The list below gives examples of the types of equipment that must be protected.
This list is given only as an indication and must not be taken as exhaustive.
• Hand-held electric power tools, such as, drills, saws and the like.
• Hand-held appliances such as hair dryers, curling wands, etc.
• Portable cleaning appliances, such as vacuum cleaners and industrial polishers.
• Tools such as electric jackhammers, electric lawn mowers.
• Cord extension leads.
Appliances and equipment that are likely to be used in a wet or hazardous environment should also be
considered for protection with an RCD. The requirements for RCD's need to be assessed based on the
likely risk. Such equipment includes kitchen appliances, such as toasters, kettles, jugs, fry pans, urns
Final Document from DCIS as at January – 2002
11
and the like. For equipment that is transferred from site to site, the owner should ensure protection by
having a portable unit that is transferred with the equipment.
EQUIPMENT NOT INTENDED TO BE PROTECTED BY RCD’s
Some types of equipment are not intended to be covered by RCD's. These are equipment which present
a very low risk of electric shock and which remain plugged in to the same socket for extensive periods
(weeks to years) and are not moved or carried while they are operated. Some of these include • Desk top computers, computer printers and monitors, desktop clocks.
• Photocopiers.
• Refrigerators.
• Electro medical equipment where it could be detrimental to the health of a patient if
connected through an RCD.
NEW BUILDINGS AND INSTALLATIONS
Consideration should be given to installing permanent residual current devices into new
workplaces, or when installing new electrical circuits. Design of the circuits before installation, based on
likely end use will often make this the most cost-effective means of installing residual current device
protection.
NOTE: All new domestic dwellings are required to have socket outlets protected by RCD's under the
SAA Wiring Rules (AS 3000) and Power and Water Authority legislation. These wiring rules have
changed and the new wiring rules AS/NZS 3000:2000 must be followed as of 15 March 2000. Electrical
Safety Bulletin 02.01.01 refers.
TESTING OF RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES
The regulations require that a residual current device installed at a workplace shall be kept in a safe
working condition and tested on a regular basis by a competent person to ensure its continued effective
operation. A record must be kept of these tests. Guidelines for testing of residual current devices is
provided in Australian Standard 3760 - In service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment,
which is an approved code of practice under the Work Health Act 1986.
It is also good practice for people to regularly test the units using the test buttons on the devices.
Guidance on this is usually provided with the device. Frequency of testing will depend on the
environment in which the device and the equipment are being used, with more frequent testing required
for harsher environments. For portable RCD’s the test button should be operated each time it is plugged
into a socket outlet.
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