RCD TESTING

What is an RCD?
RCD stands for Residual Current Device.

In short, an RCD is an electrical protection device that

disconnects a circuit in the event of a fault.

The Residual Current Device operates on the principle

of continuously monitoring the balance of currents
between the Line conductor and the Neutral conductor.
If this balance is lost that means that the current from
the Line conductor is going somewhere else other than
the Neutral conductor - that is to Earth, through a fault
somewhere within the installation.

A regular domestic RCD is set to a 30mA limit. The

reason for this is because the human body can
withstand a current of that level. Anything above this
would be dangerous for life, so the RCD would cut the
supply of.
How to perform an RCD test?
This is a live test so extra care is advised!

Step 1. Use a dedicated RCD test meter, or the RCD

function of a multifunctional tester. Make sure that the
installation is fully energised (Power On).

Step 2. Connect the test leads on Line, Neutral and

Earth terminals anywhere on the installation but after the
RCD (connect to a socket outlet).

Step 3. Testing should be done with 50%, 100% and

500% of tripping current. Depending on your test meter,
this could be done automatically or manually. Please
refer to the user instructions of your RCD tester. (in an
automatic tester one just needs to select the rating and
press the test button)
 You will have to switch the RCD back in to the ON position
every time it trips. After the test is completed you will be
able to read all the test results from the testers display.
Once the RCD testing is done, you should record and
verify the results to BS 7671:

RCD maximum trip time

Test current BS 4293 BS EN 61008 BS EN 61009
50% In< No trip No trip No trip
100% In 200ms 300ms 300ms
500% In 40ms 40ms 40ms