RCD Testing
Most people do not think about their RCDs until something goes wrong. By that point it is often too late. Residual Current Devices are designed to detect electrical faults and cut the power almost instantly, preventing electric shock and reducing the risk of fire breaking out.
They are fitted in buildings of all types and regular testing is a legal requirement under BS 7671:2018.
The Problem With Assuming Everything Is Fine
RCDs do not announce when they stop working properly. A device that has never caused any trouble and shows no visible signs of wear can still fail to trip when a fault occurs. Without routine testing there is no way to know whether your protection is actually working.
This is particularly important in commercial and industrial settings where the consequences of electrical failure can be severe.
Two Levels Of Testing
There are two types of RCD testing that need to take place.
A user test involves pressing the test button on the device every six to twelve months. The RCD should trip immediately. This is a simple check that anyone on site can carry out and it takes only a few seconds. If the device does not trip it needs professional attention without delay.
An engineer test is a full assessment carried out by a qualified electrician. Using specialist equipment, the engineer measures trip time and response accuracy and identifies any underlying faults that a button test would not reveal. This should be done annually or in line with your risk assessment.
Warning Signs To Watch For
If your RCD fails to trip when the test button is pressed, trips repeatedly for no clear reason, or causes unexpected power cuts to circuits or appliances in your building, contact a qualified engineer as soon as possible.
What We Offer
We carry out full RCD testing and provide straightforward reports that clearly identify what needs attention. We also provide complete RCD mapping so you have an accurate record of every device on site, what it protects and which board it is connected to.
Where it makes sense, we can combine RCD testing with EML or PAT testing to reduce the number of site visits and keep things running smoothly.
About TISS Electrical
Our engineers work across a wide range of commercial and industrial premises and bring a practical, experienced approach to every job. We make sure the work is done properly and that you have everything you need to demonstrate compliance.
We regularly carry out RCD testing across Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. Whether you are based in Braintree, Bungay, St Ives, Hadleigh, Bures, Needham Market, St Neots, Marks Tey, Cottenham, Newmarket, Chelmsford, Brentwood, Lowestoft, Woodbridge, Stowmarket, Kesgrave, Huntingdon, Histon, Basildon, Harwich, Frinton, Linton, Teversham, Manningtree, Haverhill, Wisbech, Clacton, Cambourne, Walton, Brightlingsea, Great Bentley, Mistley, Balsham, Colchester, Bury St Edmunds, Wivenhoe, Mildenhall, Ely, March, Milton, Beccles, Wrabness, Saffron Walden, Lawford, Trimley St Mary, Cambridge, Tiptree, Sudbury, Peterborough, Leiston, Bar Hill, Great Shelford, Brandon, Burwell, Halesworth, Ipswich, Fulbourn, Felixstowe, Halstead, Soham, Waterbeach or Sawston, contact us today.
For full details about RCD Testing, please visit here.
Contact Us
To book RCD testing or find out more about what is involved, speak to our team today. Call us on 01245 377 625 or email enquiries@tisselectrical.co.uk.