Approval and Test Specification - Residual Current Devices (Current-Operated Earth-Leakage Devices)

AS/NZS 3190:2016: Approval and Test Specification - Residual Current Devices (Current-Operated Earth-Leakage Devices)

In the realm of electrical safety, ensuring the reliable performance of protective devices is paramount. AS/NZS 3190:2016 stands as an essential, authoritative document for professionals tasked with safeguarding electrical installations and personnel from the hazards of earth leakage. This comprehensive standard provides the framework for the approval and rigorous testing of residual current devices (RCDs), also known as current-operated earth-leakage devices, ensuring they meet stringent safety benchmarks across Australia and New Zealand.

What is AS/NZS 3190:2016?

AS/NZS 3190:2016 is a joint Australian/New Zealand Standard developed by Committee EL-004. It establishes the essential safety requirements and detailed test procedures for residual current devices (RCDs). Its primary purpose is to ensure that RCDs approved for sale and use within these countries provide reliable protection against electric shock by detecting and interrupting fault currents to earth.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the design, construction, and testing of residual current devices intended for low voltage applications. It specifically covers devices with rated residual currents not exceeding 300 mA and rated load currents up to 125 A AC. The standard details requirements for RCDs that can be fixed or portable, integrated with other switching devices, or supplied as standalone units. Notably, it does not cover devices for electricity authority distribution systems or specialized equipment for mines.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Electrical engineers, product designers, test laboratory technicians, electrical inspectors, and compliance officers.
• • Industries affected: Electrical equipment manufacturing, electrical installation, product certification, and electrical safety testing services.
• • Compliance nature: Compliance is generally mandatory for products to be approved for sale and use in Australia and New Zealand, often linked to regulatory requirements that deem compliance with this standard as a method of satisfying essential safety obligations.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically checked by accredited testing laboratories, certification bodies, and electrical safety regulators.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard requires RCDs to meet specific design and construction criteria to ensure mechanical integrity and electrical safety.
• • Professionals must ensure that RCDs undergo a series of comprehensive performance and safety tests, including operational tests at various temperatures and humidity levels.
• • Key provisions include detailed testing procedures to verify the correct tripping characteristics of the RCD under different fault conditions and prospective fault currents.
• • The standard mandates clear and informative marking requirements on the RCDs, providing essential information for installers and users.
• • Designers and manufacturers must also consider reliability tests to ensure the long-term effectiveness and durability of the devices.

Related Standards & References

AS/NZS 3190:2016 is best understood in conjunction with other key Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand documents. It should be read alongside AS/NZS 3100: Approval and test specification - General requirements for electrical equipment, which outlines overarching requirements for electrical equipment approval. Furthermore, AS/NZS 3190:20