Type AC RCD Installation prohibition
AS/NZS 3000:2018 amendment 2 (A2) was published 30 April 2021. For a period of 24 months from the publication date, Cl 2.6.2.2.2 of the wiring rules provided that either a Type AC RCD (marked with the 
symbol) or a Type A RCDs (marked with the 
symbol) could be installed. From 30 April 2023, Type AC RCDs shall not be installed.
Extract from AS/NZS 3000:2018 A2
2.6.2.2.2 Australia only
In Australia, the following provisions apply:
RCDs may have any number of poles. As a minimum, RCDs shall interrupt all active conductors.
Other Standards may require the interruption of all live (active and neutral) conductors.
RCDs located beside a socket-outlet or incorporated into a socket-outlet (SRCDs) shall interrupt all live (active and neutral) conductors.
RCDs shall be of the type for which tripping is ensured —
- for residual sinusoidal alternating current; or
- for residual sinusoidal alternating current and residual pulsating direct current.
For 24 months from the date of publication of Amendment No. 2, either Item (a) or (b) may apply. Following that time, Type AC RCDs as described in Item (a) shall not be installed.
Compliance
In Queensland, electrical contractors must ensure a Type AC RCD is not installed from 30 April 2023. The ESO will be applying the wiring rules as published in A2 from that date with no transition period as the implementation date was clearly identified in A2 published on 30 April 2021.
Construction switchboards and connected transportable buildings
Construction switchboards, site offices, huts, amenities building etc. installed after 30 April 2023 that require electrical installation work to be performed (i.e. fixed wired) is a new installation therefore required to comply cl 2.6.2.2.2. i.e. any type AC RCD’s will need to be replaced.
AS/NZS 3012:2019 Appendix I2 requires that an ACS (assemblies for construction) be installed and verified by a qualified person. Therefore, as electrical installation work has been performed, the RCD’s installed within the ACS must comply with cl 2.6.2.2.2 of the wiring rules.
Site huts, PSOA etc. that do not require installation work (e.g. connected with an extension lead via an inlet socket) are not installation work.
Shows, carnivals and events
Switchboards installed after 30 April 2023 for short term supply as per AS/NZS 3002:2012 that require electrical installation work to be performed (i.e. fixed wired) is a new installation therefore required to comply with cl 2.6.2.2.2. i.e. any Type AC RCD’s will need to be replaced.
Alterations and additions to existing electrical installations
Where a new final subcircuit is added to an existing installation, the RCD installed must comply with the requirements of cl 2.6.2.2.2.
Where an existing final subcircuit that is not RCD protected is extended or altered, the RCD installed must comply with the requirements of cl 2.6.2.2.2.
Where an existing final subcircuit that is protected by a Type AC RCD is extended or altered, the installer should assess the suitability of the existing Type AC RCD to ensure it is appropriate having consideration for the electrical equipment to be installed and/or connected to that circuit.
Plug-in coffee vans, food trucks, caravans etc.
Existing coffee vans, food trucks etc. are not affected where not subject of installation work. RCDs being installed in coffee vans, food trucks etc. after 30 April 2023 must comply with cl 2.6.2.2.2 of the wiring rules and any particular requirements of AS/NZS 3001.2
More information
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