RCD Testing Frequency

[Sparky83]

Hi guys,

Can anyone point me in the direction of a regulation etc for the frequency of RCD testing?

We have power poles in the offices we look after and they have integral RCD's, but they never get tested, i need something i can take to my Manager and say look this is what we must do and this is how often!

Cheers

Shawn

 

[pennywise]

Quarterly.

 

[Sparky83]

Thanks for the quick reply,

That is what i'd always done before elsewhere, like the stickers you get with RCD's say to do it. But i need the regulation that says it must be done rather than just a recommendation.

Cheers
Shawn

 

[pennywise]

Will have a look, but as a manufactures recommendation that has almost as much relevance as a regulation if not more so.

Have a look in the health and safety at work act, around section 6 it is the employers duty of care to carry out routine checks to provide a safe working environment for employees ie, pat testing such like. Also the Electricity at work regulations may have something in there. Sure someone will find the relevant reg number.

 

[Graeme Harrold]

514.12.2

 

[MarcT]

It's also in table 3.1 of GN3. We include a copy of this with every PIR, because it's amazing how many responsible persons aren't actually aware of their responsibilies regarding routine checks.
If you want something to tell the manager, tell him that the purpose of the test button on an RCD is to test the mechanical operation of the device, i.e the spring. Without a healthy mechanism, you can't be sure that the device will operate in the event of a fault. I wonder how many times we've all pressed a test button only to have nothing happen.