RCD testing

[MarkyofftheMark]

Hello all. Can anyone inform me on what the latest guidance on the frequency of RCD testing is? I test my RCD's annually and record the x1/2, x1 and x5 trip and 0-180degrees annually, and replace failures. I also carry out a functional test whilst I'm doing this, and then a further functional test 6 months later. The Distribution boards were installed in 2013 (17th edition) Is this frequency of testing sufficient?

 

[mainline]

Hello all. Can anyone inform me on what the latest guidance on the frequency of RCD testing is? I test my RCD's annually and record the x1/2, x1 and x5 trip and 0-180degrees annually, and replace failures. I also carry out a functional test whilst I'm doing this, and then a further functional test 6 months later. The Distribution boards were installed in 2013 (17th edition) Is this frequency of testing sufficient?

Functionally every 6 months.

There is no longer a requirement to perform a test using a test current equal to or higher than five times the rated residual current.

 

[DefyG]

In 2017 the boards should have been labelled with an RCD Test Notice indicating a quarterly test interval for the functional test. Recent 18th edition has increased this functional test to 6 monthly or bi-annually test intervals.
For certification, the instrument based test is now a single 1x test for 18th but other tests may be carried out too(for installers benefit). This should be tested at installation, any subsequent work on the circuit/installation thereafter and then at the recommended interval for a periodic inspection (ie 5 or 10 years etc).
Failure of the functional test should require further investigation by a qualified electrician who may then carry out further tests .5x, 1x, 5x, Ramp etc to evaluate the RCD.

 

[westward10]

The functional test interval was actually decreased not increased.

 

[grumpyjohn01]

The functional test interval was actually decreased not increased.

To be pedantic, if you go from 3 months interval to 6 months you are decreasing the frequency of testing and increasing the length of the interval between tests??

 

[DefyG]

The functional test interval was actually decreased not increased.

A 3months interval to 6months interval is a 'decrease'?

 

[James]

A 3months interval to 6months interval is a 'decrease'?

£100 per 3 months changing to £100 per 6 months is a decrease.

 

[westward10]

A 3months interval to 6months interval is a 'decrease'?

What I meant to say obviously badly was the amount of times a functional test should be carried out in 12 months is less so a decrease.

 

[KungFuTurkeyLeg]

What I meant to say obviously badly was the amount of times a functional test should be carried out in 12 months is less so a decrease

I think everyone knew that but couldn't resist a ribbing

 

[Taylortwocities]

A 3months interval to 6months interval is a 'decrease'?

If you look at it as the number of tests required in a year. An RCD test every 3 months is 4. An RCD test every 6 months is 2.
So, a decrease in occurrence of the test.

 

[DefyG]

Cant believe its caused so much debate and always more than one way of looking at things!

In 'Extending' the test interval from 3 to 6 months is an 'increase'

quarterly test interval for the functional test. Recent 18th edition has increased this functional test to 6 monthly or bi-annually test intervals.

in the 'test interval' which is what I was referring to in my post#3.

Its obvious that longer intervals will result in fewer tests

 

[Taylortwocities]

Cant believe its caused so much debate and always more than one way of looking at things!

In 'Extending' the test interval from 3 to 6 months is an 'increase'


in the 'test interval' which is what I was referring to in my post#3.

Its obvious that longer intervals will result in fewer tests

The time interval between tests has increased. the regularity has decreased. Einstein understood these things.

 

[newfutile]

Bi annual is that twice a year or once every two years lol

 

[Taylortwocities]

Biannual” means occurring twice in one year, and “biennial” means happening once every two years

 

[mainline]

“biennial” means happening once every two years

It can also mean lasts or continues for two years.