Testing and tagging a fixed RCD is quite a straightforward process, but there are a number of important steps that need to be done right.
Remember that because most appliance testers are rated at CAT II, when we test fixed RCD’s it will be tested from the power outlet. Regardless of what PAT tester you’re using, the Australian Standards requires you to register the higher of the 2 trip time readings.
Using the DeltaPAT 3309:
Step: 1 Plug the power supply into the tester
Step 2: Select ‘Single Test’, followed by ‘RCD Test’ (some DeltaPATs have a fixed RCD test programmed in the simple test menu)
Step 3: Ensure you change ‘PRCD’ (Portable RCD) to ‘RCD’, as we’re testing a fixed RCD.
Step 4: Select the MOD as 0 to 180 degrees
Step 5: While the test is running, you’ll need to manually reset the RCD to allow for the second part of the test.
Step 6: At the end, register the higher of the 2 readings.
Other brands such as Wavecom, Trio and Seaward are also more than capable of testing fixed RCD’s.
