When is an RCD required in Australia?

All final subcircuits in domestic and residential installations require 30mA RCD protection per AS/NZS 3000 Cl. 2.6.3.2.2. For commercial and industrial installations, RCDs are required on final subcircuits rated ≤32A supplying socket outlets, lighting, or hand-held equipment. Use this tool to check the specific requirements for your circuit.

What type of RCD do I need?

30mA Type II RCDs are required for most circuits. EV charger circuits need at least a Type A RCD with DC fault detection for IEC 62196 connectors. This tool determines the correct type based on your installation.

Do I need an RCD for a commercial lighting circuit?

Yes. AS/NZS 3000 Cl. 2.6.3.2.3.3 requires 30mA RCD protection on commercial and industrial lighting circuits rated ≤32A. This applies to all non-domestic installations in Australia.

Are RCDs required when modifying an existing installation?

Yes. Under AS/NZS 3000 Cl. 2.6.3.2.5, any alteration to a final subcircuit or switchboard replacement triggers current RCD requirements for the affected circuits. Like-for-like replacements of socket outlets are exempt.

Sparky tools

RCD Requirements Checker

Does this circuit need an RCD, and what type? Pick the installation, circuit and location.

Data: AS/NZS 3000, edition not confirmed. About standard editions

For reference only. Always verify with the current published standard and consult a licensed electrical engineer for critical installations.

Circuit Details

Installation Type

Circuit Type

Location

Circuit Rating (A)

Affects RCD requirements for circuits over 20A

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About This RCD Requirements Checker

This tool checks whether an RCD is required and what type you need based on the installation, circuit, and location. Built for Australian electricians working on new installations and switchboard upgrades.

Use it when you need to confirm RCD requirements for a specific circuit. Select the installation type and circuit details, and get the requirement, RCD type, and relevant clause reference.

Requirements follow AS/NZS 3000 Section 2.6. This is a reference tool. Always verify against the current edition of the standard for your specific installation.

Questions

When is an RCD required in Australia?: All final subcircuits in domestic and residential installations require 30mA RCD protection per AS/NZS 3000 Cl. 2.6.3.2.2. For commercial and industrial installations, RCDs are required on final subcircuits rated ≤32A supplying socket outlets, lighting, or hand-held equipment. Use this tool to check the specific requirements for your circuit.
What type of RCD do I need?: 30mA Type II RCDs are required for most circuits. EV charger circuits need at least a Type A RCD with DC fault detection for IEC 62196 connectors. This tool determines the correct type based on your installation.
Do I need an RCD for a commercial lighting circuit?: Yes. AS/NZS 3000 Cl. 2.6.3.2.3.3 requires 30mA RCD protection on commercial and industrial lighting circuits rated ≤32A. This applies to all non-domestic installations in Australia.
Are RCDs required when modifying an existing installation?: Yes. Under AS/NZS 3000 Cl. 2.6.3.2.5, any alteration to a final subcircuit or switchboard replacement triggers current RCD requirements for the affected circuits. Like-for-like replacements of socket outlets are exempt.