RCD
RCD meaning in Australian protection, testing and safety-switch records.
RCD wording in Australian records
RCD means residual current device. It is a protective-device term used in Australian switchboard, circuit, testing and safety-switch records where residual-current protection is the relevant function.
The abbreviation should stay attached to the actual device label, location and test basis. Use RCD wording around entered test values and criteria, not as a substitute for qualified verification or product data.
What an RCD record identifies
An RCD record should show the device being discussed and the reason the term appears. That may be a public safety-switch explanation, a switchboard schedule note or a test-result worksheet.
| Record context | Keep visible | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Device label | RCD reference, board and circuit | Identifies the device being recorded |
| Test worksheet | measured result and entered criterion | Separates entered values from the term definition |
| Product context | rating, type or product data where available | Prevents generic RCD wording from hiding the actual device |
RCD, RCBO and safety switch
RCD is not the same as RCBO, MCB, MCCB or fuse. RCBO wording adds overcurrent context. Safety switch is common Australian public wording and may need translation into the actual RCD or RCBO record.
The glossary page does not provide universal trip criteria or a test procedure. AS/NZS 3017 context, current product data and qualified testing remain separate.
Using RCD test context
Use the RCD test checker only when measured values and entered criteria are available. Use protection device terms for abbreviation context, and use safety-switch terminology when the public label needs to be mapped back to a technical device record.
Source and review
Check the terminology source, review timing and Australian application before carrying this term into a project record.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Source | AUWiring protection device terms table, RCD test checker wording and RCD test guide content. |
| Source type | Australian terminology |
| Derivation basis | AUWiring Australian glossary term; no controlled testing criteria are reproduced. |
| Last checked | 2026-07-13 |
| Review interval | Annual terminology review or sooner if RCD checker wording changes. |
| Review trigger | Update when RCD test checker, protection device terms or testing guide wording changes. |
| Version used | T27-2026-07-13 |
| Australian application | Australia; Australian English protection terminology. |