As stipulated in AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules clause 2.6.2.2.2, Type AC RCDs must not to be installed in Australia from 30 April 2023.
This means any Preliminary/Notice of Completion submitted after this date will require the fitting of the Type A RCD to help with the protection of circuits containing both AC and DC operated equipment with electronic components.
Type A RCDs are designed to operate on both residual sinusoidal alternating current and residual pulsating direct currents. This requirement also applies to builders power pole supplies as they’re regarded as an installation and electronic components used by the building industry are plugged into these poles.
The preface of AS/NZS3012:2019 also mentions that this standard is to be used in conjunction with:
- AS/NZS:3000:2018 Electrical Installations Wiring Rules, as it is noted in Section 7 clause 7.8.2.1 Construction and demolition sites.
- AS/NZS3012:2019 Appendix H: Guide to arrangement of switchboards, conjunction wiring and equipment - Note 1 mentions AS/NZS 3000 applies to safety services.
The following symbols can be found on an RCD to indicate the RCD type.
What type of RCD?
| Type | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
AC |
Type AC RCDs are designed to operate when residual sinusoidal alternating currents are detected. | Resistive, capacitive, inductive loads. |
A |
Type A RCDs are designed to operate on both residual sinusoidal alternating current and residual pulsating direct currents. | Circuits containing both AC and DC operated equipment with electronic components. |