RCBOs prohibition FAQ

Any DIN Rail mountable RCD with integral overcurrent protection that either—

• meets the following criteria, namely:
  • it is less than 110 mm in length (excluding any external clips) 
  • it has a rated short circuit breaking capacity of less than 10 kilo amps or
• is marked or marketed as being for household or residential use.

The prohibition does not apply to RCBOs that:

• are greater than 110mm in length (see diagram below)
• have a short circuit breaking capacity of 10kA or greater.

No, the prohibition is only applicable in Victoria.

Energy Safe Victoria only has jurisdiction in Victoria and cannot mandate additional requirements in other states and territories.

Energy Safe's investigation into RCBOs was instigated by a fatality in August 2016 in which it was found that a commonly used RCBO failed to operate. Energy Safe's investigation found that the RCD function of certain RCBO’s can be rendered permanently inoperable in the following circumstances.

• The device is installed or wired in the opposite orientation to the one indicated by the manufacturer.
• The RCBO is installed and wired in the correct orientation, however there is a defect in the installation downstream from the device and there is 240V present on the load terminals when the device is in the ‘off’ position.

The prohibition addresses this issue by ensuring that only RCBOs that do not have this design issue may be supplied in Victoria.

Yes. If the RCBO meets the criteria of a compact RCBO as defined above and is not on Energy Safe's list of approved RCBO’s, it cannot be installed in a commercial or industrial installation.

Yes, if the RCBO was installed before the prohibition date. However, we recommend that RCBOs compliant with our requirements are installed.

No, only RCBOs on Energy Safe's list of approved RCBOs can be installed after the date of prohibition. The prohibition applies to the supply of RCBOs, which includes the installation of all RCBOs not on Energy Safe's list of approved RCBO’s.

After 3 July 2019, it is an offence for any person to supply a consumer in Victoria with a prohibited RCBO.

If a consumer requests the installation of a prohibited RCBO they already have in their possession, you may do so without committing an offence.

Installation of a prohibited RCBO is not recommended. Should a prohibited RCBO fail to operate causing death or injury, the installing contractor and electrician may be at risk of being sued for negligence.

If a consumer has purchased an RCBO in Victoria after 3 July 2019, then the supplier has committed an offence. If you suspect that prohibited RCBOs have been illegally supplied to a consumer, you should report this to Energy Safe for investigation.

Only RCBOs listed on Energy Safe's website can be installed. Therefore, alternative measures and/or products may need to be considered.

No. Only RCBO’s on Energy Safe's list of approved RCBOs can be installed after the date of prohibition.

No. The prohibition is on the supply of RCBOs.

An electrician cannot supply or install RCBOs that are not on Energy Safe's list of approved RCBO’s after the date of prohibition.

No. The prohibition prevents an electrician from the supply or installation of an RCBO that is not on Energy Safe's list of approved RCBOs.

All RCBOs that meet the definition of a compact RCBO are prohibited, except those on Energy Safe's list of approved RCBOs.

Definition of a compact RCBO

Any DIN Rail mountable RCD with integral overcurrent protection that either:

1. meets the following criteria, namely:
   • it is less than 110 mm in length (excluding any external clips); and
   • it has a rated short circuit breaking capacity of less than 10 kilo amps; or
2. is marked or marketed as being for household or residential use.

No. In order for an RCBO to be included on Energy Safe's list of approved RCBOs, the manufacturer must prove their product meets our requirements.

Push the RCBO’s test button and hold it for at least five seconds, even if the switch turns off. Turn the RCBO back on and press the test button again. The RCBO should turn off.

If the RCBO does not switch off, the RCBO is defective and should be replaced.

Yes, provided the RCBOs fitted were installed prior to the prohibition date.

You will need to notify the owner/occupier that the RCBOs fitted are not on Energy Safe's list of approved RCBO’s. You will also need to notify the REC in writing of the defect.

What is the defect code?

111006 – Technical defect.

The prohibition applies to all applicable RCBOs, even if they are integrated in other electrical equipment such as preassembled switchboards.

Energy Safe will not enforce the prohibition against consumers and business owners in relation to RCBOs already installed in their premises or equipment, for example the sale of houses, second hand boats, caravans, or hire of temporary switch boards or other equipment.

A recall would require the removal of all RCBOs from all installations in the state; this would be a disproportionate response to the risk.

Instead, we are opting to prohibit the supply of further product and so stop the potential problem from growing, while encouraging the testing of in-service RCBOs to confirm that they still work. This has the added advantage of detecting any RCBOs that may be faulty for other reasons.

The homeowner should be notified, and the unit should be replaced as soon as possible.

The faulty RCBO along with the following details should be sent to Energy Safe at the below address.

Details to accompany the RCBO

• Description of the fault
• Approximate age of the RCBO, if possible
• Address of the installation
• Your contact details.

Send required details by post

Attention: Electrical Equipment Safety
RCBO Compliance
Energy Safe Victoria
Level 5, 4 Riverside Quay
SOUTHBANK VIC 3006