RCD Testing in WA: What You Need to Know for 2025

When it comes to electrical safety, few devices play a more critical role than residual current devices, or RCDs. These switches, sometimes called “safety switches,” cut the power in a fraction of a second when they detect an electrical fault. By doing so, they reduce the risk of electric shock and fire—a safeguard that saves lives every year.

In Perth, the rules around RCDs are tightening as we move into 2025. For homeowners, landlords and business operators, understanding these requirements is no longer optional—it’s the key to staying compliant, avoiding penalties, and protecting the people who live or work on your property.

Why RCDs Matter in Perth Homes and Workplaces

An RCD works by constantly monitoring the flow of electricity through a circuit. If even a small leakage is detected—caused by something like a damaged cord, water ingress, or faulty insulation—the device immediately cuts the power. The disconnection happens within 20 to 40 milliseconds, fast enough to prevent serious injury or death.

In Western Australia, regulations already require RCDs on power point and lighting circuits in both homes and workplaces. For residential properties, at least two RCDs must be installed before a property can be sold. Landlords must also provide proof that RCDs and smoke alarms are in place before a new tenancy begins.

For businesses, the responsibility is even broader. Employers have a legal duty under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) framework to ensure that every workplace is safe. That includes having RCDs fitted, tested regularly, and properly documented.

The 2025 Compliance Shift

While RCD installation has been mandatory for some years, the major shift in 2025 is all about testing frequency and record-keeping. WorkSafe WA and EnergySafety WA have flagged stricter enforcement around not only whether an RCD is present, but whether it has been tested on time and recorded correctly.

Testing intervals are governed by AS/NZS 3760:2022, the national standard for in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. In practice, this means:

• Residential and rental properties require push-button testing every six months and full function tests every 12 months.
• Commercial offices follow the same annual schedule, unless the environment is considered hostile.
• Industrial and high-risk workplaces—where moisture, dust or heavy wear are common—must be tested more often, with full function tests every six months.

Failing to meet these intervals can lead to infringement notices or fines, which range from $5,000 for poor record-keeping through to $15,000 for failing to install RCDs in new builds.

The Role of WorkSafe WA and EnergySafety WA

Two regulatory bodies are central to RCD compliance in Perth. WorkSafe WA focuses on workplaces, while EnergySafety WA oversees installations and inspections across residential and commercial properties. Both agencies have the power to audit, issue improvement notices, and enforce fines.

Random inspections are not uncommon. If a business can’t produce up-to-date RCD test records, or if a rental property is found to have faulty safety switches, the penalties can be swift.

That’s why maintaining accurate documentation is as important as carrying out the test itself. A compliance certificate signed by a licensed electrician is your proof that the device is safe, functional, and legally compliant.

How Professional RCD Testing Works

A proper RCD test involves more than pressing the “test” button on the switchboard. While the push-button test is a useful quick check, only a licensed electrician with the right equipment can carry out a full function test.

The process usually includes:

• A visual inspection to confirm the device is in good condition.
• A push-button test to verify that the trip mechanism responds.
• A timed trip test using calibrated instruments, measuring how quickly the RCD disconnects the power.
• Recording of results, tagging the device with the test date, and issuing a compliance certificate.

This process ensures that the RCD not only operates, but operates within the strict safety limits required by law.

Costs and Influencing Factors

RCD testing is a relatively low-cost service when compared to the risks of non-compliance. Pricing depends on several factors: the number of devices, the accessibility of switchboards, the type of property, and how detailed the reporting needs to be.

For businesses, bundling RCD testing with other compliance checks—such as test and tag services, emergency lighting inspections or fire safety checks—can often reduce overall costs while streamlining compliance management.

Landlords’ Specific Duties

Landlords in WA carry clear obligations. Every rental property must have compliant RCDs, tested before a new tenant moves in, and supported by a valid compliance certificate. The law requires push-button checks every six months and full timing tests every 12 months, with documentation supplied to tenants on request.

Failure to meet these obligations can lead to financial penalties and potential liability if an electrical incident occurs. In the worst cases, insurance claims may be denied if non-compliance is proven.

Why Cutting Corners Isn’t Worth It

Some property owners attempt to save costs by delaying tests or assuming that an installed RCD is always safe. Unfortunately, devices can and do fail over time. Corrosion, dust, mechanical wear and even insects inside the switchboard can affect performance.

The consequences of a malfunctioning RCD are severe. Aside from fines and legal exposure, the real risk is to human life. These devices exist to protect people first and foremost. That’s why professional testing, accurate records, and proactive scheduling are non-negotiable.

For Perth homeowners, landlords and businesses, the message is clear: now is the time to review your RCD compliance. Confirm that devices are installed where required, schedule the next round of testing, and make sure your documentation is up to date.

The safest and simplest approach is to engage a qualified electrical testing service—one that understands both the regulatory framework and the practical realities of running a property. At Testel, we provide licensed RCD testing across Perth, with detailed reporting that meets WorkSafe WA and AS/NZS 3760:2022 requirements.

By staying ahead of the 2025 changes, you not only protect your property from penalties—you protect the people who matter most.

www.testel.com.au | 1300 881 116

Australia’s trusted name in electrical safety and compliance.