Residual Current Device (RCD) compliance
The installation of Type Alternating Current (AC) Residual Current Devices (RCDs) was banned in May 2023. This advisory note provides information about the change and how to comply.
| Note | 2/2025 |
| Date issued | February 2025 |
| Last updated | 25 March 2025 |
| For | Licensees / contractors / the electrical industry |
| Issued by | Building Commission NSW Electrical Compliance Team |
| Scope | Applies to all of NSW |
Purpose
The purpose of this advisory note is to explain the changes set out in Amendment 2 of AS/NZS 3000:2018, banning the installation of Type Alternating Current (AC) Residual Current Devices (RCDs), and reinforce the requirement to install compliant RCDs for electrical safety.
Issue
Following updates to AS/NZS 3000:2018, the installation of Type AC RCDs is no longer permitted in Australia (as of 1 May 2023).
Reference
AS/NZS 3000:2018 Amendment 2 – Electrical installations
Why Type AC RCDs are banned
Type AC RCDs are banned in Australia because they do not provide adequate protection against modern electrical faults, particularly pulsating Direct Current (DC) faults. These faults are common in modern electrical systems and pose an increased risk of electric shock of fire.
Type AC RCDs are no longer considered safe for use in modern electrical systems. They are unable to properly detect and disconnect certain types of fault currents, particularly those involving DC components.
Type AC RCDs are designed to detect only pure AC leakage faults. However, many modern electrical devices such as Light Emitting Diode (LED) drivers, variable speed drives, solar inverters and electric vehicle chargers can introduce pulsating DC leakage currents into the system.
If an electrical fault occurs and includes a DC component, a Type AC RCD may fail to trip, leaving the circuit unprotected.
Type AC RCDs also rely on Current Transformers (CTs) to detect imbalances. If DC leakage is present, it can saturate the CT core and prevent the RCD from detecting even normal AC faults.
How the ban impacts the industry
Type AC RCDs are no longer permitted for installation in Australia - they must not be installed in any new electrical work.
This update was introduced as part of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2018, published in 2021 and came into effect on 1 May 2023.
These products have been removed from the NSW declared articles list and can no longer be sold or purchased in NSW.
Who does the ban apply to?
The ban applies to electricians, electrical contractors, and businesses responsible for installing or maintaining electrical systems.
If Type AC RCDs are found to have been installed or not replaced when required, fines of up to $1,000 may be issued under Section 34(a) of the Gas & Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017.
Since the start of the ban, Building Commission NSW has issued over $20,000 in fines to those who failed to comply with Clause 2.6.2.2.2 of AS/NZS 3000:2018.
How to comply with AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules
The Australian Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2018 prohibit the use of Type AC RCDs in new installations. Type A or Type B RCDs must be used instead.
- Type A RCDs can detect both AC faults and pulsating DC faults up to 6 mA.
- Type B RCDs are required for circuits with higher DC leakage risks, such as EV chargers and solar inverters.
Contact Electrical Compliance Team
This advisory note has been approved for issue by the Electrical Compliance Team.
Information contained within this document is current at the time it was last updated and refers to codes and standards current at the time of writing.
Building Commission NSW disclaims any liability (including for negligence) to any person in respect of anything done, or not done, by that person in whole or partial reliance on any of the information in this advisory note.
For more information, please email: electricalcompliance@customerservice.nsw.gov.au