* AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the current standard for in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs in Australia and New Zealand. It was developed by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand and was released in June 2022.

Key Changes from AS/NZS 3760:2010

• Revised definition of a competent person: The standard now provides a more detailed and prescriptive definition of a competent person, including qualifications, experience, and ongoing training requirements.

• Specific mention of insulation tape: The standard explicitly states that insulation tape should not be used to repair damaged electrical cords. This is because insulation tape is not a permanent repair and could lead to further damage and electrical hazards.

• Alternative requirements for variable speed power drive systems: For equipment containing a variable speed power drive system, the standard provides alternative requirements to leakage current requirements that may be accepted. This is because these types of systems can generate high leakage currents that would not be detected by the standard’s standard leakage current test.

• Requirements for documentation: The standard now includes more specific requirements for documentation of in-service safety inspections and testing. This includes requirements for recording test results, identifying hazards, and recommending corrective actions.

Scope of AS/NZS 3760:2022

The standard applies to the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs in a wide range of applications, including:

• Residential buildings
• Commercial buildings
• Industrial workplaces
• Infrastructure

Essential Requirements of AS/NZS 3760:2022

The standard outlines a number of essential requirements that must be met for electrical equipment and RCDs to be considered safe for use. These requirements include:

• Visual inspection: The equipment must be visually inspected for any damage, defects, or wear that could compromise its safety.

• Electrical tests: The equipment must be subjected to a range of electrical tests to ensure its proper operation and safety. These tests may include insulation resistance tests, earth fault loop impedance tests, and power factor tests.

• Tagging: The equipment must be tagged with a label that indicates its compliance with the standard and the date of the last test.

Maintenance of AS/NZS 3760:2022

Electrical equipment and RCDs must be maintained in accordance with the requirements of AS/NZS 3760:2022 to ensure their continued safety. This includes regular inspections, testing, and repairs.

Significance of AS/NZS 3760:2022

AS/NZS 3760:2022 is an important standard for ensuring the safety of electrical equipment in Australia and New Zealand. It helps to prevent electrical hazards, such as shock, fire, and equipment damage, that could cause injury or property damage. The standard also helps to protect organizations from legal repercussions and helps to ensure compliance with industry and regulatory requirements.

AS/NZS 3760:2022 is a comprehensive and informative standard that provides essential guidance for in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs in Australia and New Zealand. By following the requirements of the standard, organizations can help to ensure the safety of their employees, customers, and visitors, and they can protect themselves from legal repercussions and regulatory compliance issues