If you're installing a battery backup system with blackout protection, there's a critical safety requirement you need to know about. It affects your switchboard, your safety, and whether your installation is compliant with Australian law.
At Flux Electrical Systems, keeping your family, home, and business safe is at the heart of what we do. That means following the latest electrical standards and ensuring every battery installation we complete is fully compliant with current regulations.
What Changed in the Wiring Rules?
As of 1 May 2023, electricians across Australia are no longer permitted to install Type AC RCDs in most new or upgraded electrical installations.
The standard now requires Type A RCDs (or Type A RCBOs, which combine RCD and circuit breaker protection) for all new final sub-circuits - especially in homes and businesses where battery storage, solar power, or other modern equipment is installed.
📋 The Regulation
This requirement is outlined in Clause 2.6.2.2.2 of Amendment 2 to AS/NZS 3000:2018 (the Wiring Rules). It applies across Australia and affects anyone installing new circuits, upgrading switchboards, or adding solar and battery systems.
Why Type A RCBOs Are Now Required
Modern appliances and energy systems - including solar inverters, EV chargers, and battery backup units - can introduce pulsating DC currents into your electrical system.
Here's the problem: traditional Type AC RCDs are only designed to detect standard alternating current (AC) earth faults. They won't trip if DC leakage occurs - meaning you might not be protected if there's a fault.
Type A RCBOs, on the other hand, are designed to detect both AC and pulsating DC earth leakage. This provides a safer and more comprehensive level of protection for today's electrical environments.
How to identify Type AC vs Type A RCDs/RCBOs by the symbols on the front face
| Protection Type | AC Faults | Pulsating DC Faults | Required for New Installs? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type AC RCD | ✓ | ✗ | No longer compliant |
| Type A RCBO | ✓ | ✓ | Yes - required |
Battery Backup Systems and Blackout Protection
If you're installing a battery system with blackout protection, here's the key requirement:
⚠️ Legal Requirement
All circuits connected to the backup supply must be protected by Type A RCBOs. This is mandatory under current Australian standards.
Why does this matter? During a blackout, your battery takes over and powers selected circuits in your home. Those circuits are still live - and if a fault occurs, you need protection that will actually detect it and trip.
Type A RCBOs ensure that during a blackout, any active circuits will still have full residual current protection, keeping your home or business safe even while running on battery power.
What This Means in Practice
When we install a battery backup system at Flux Electrical, we assess your switchboard and identify which circuits will be powered during blackouts. Those circuits need Type A RCBO protection - no exceptions.
Common backed-up circuits include:
- Lighting circuits
- Refrigerator/freezer
- Internet/router
- Security systems
- Garage door
- Select power points
Each of these needs to be on a Type A RCBO for your system to be compliant and - more importantly - safe.
What About Existing Type AC RCDs?
Good news: if your switchboard already has Type AC RCDs, they don't need to be replaced unless the circuits are being altered or extended.
However, if you're:
- Upgrading your switchboard
- Installing a new electrical system
- Adding solar panels or a battery system
- Installing an EV charger
- Extending or modifying existing circuits
...then we'll upgrade those affected circuits to Type A RCBOs to meet current regulations and give you the safest outcome.
Why Does This Matter for Solar and EV Owners?
Solar inverters and EV chargers are particularly relevant because they convert DC power to AC power (or vice versa). This conversion process can create the pulsating DC currents that Type AC RCDs can't detect.
If you have:
- Solar panels - Your inverter converts DC from panels to AC for your home
- Battery storage - Batteries store DC and convert to AC when discharging
- EV charger - Converts AC from the grid to DC for your vehicle's battery
All of these can introduce DC leakage that needs proper protection. Type A RCBOs are designed specifically for this scenario.
Our Promise to You
At Flux Electrical Systems, we don't cut corners. Whether we're installing a complete solar and battery system or just helping you upgrade your switchboard, we do it right - ensuring full compliance with Australian standards and prioritising your safety above all else.
When you work with us, you can expect:
- A full assessment of your current switchboard
- Clear explanation of what needs upgrading (and why)
- Type A RCBO upgrades included as standard where required
- Complete compliance with AS/NZS 3000:2018 Amendment 2
- Documentation for your records
Reference: AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules - Amendment 2, Clause 2.6.2.2.2
Questions About Your Switchboard?
Not sure if your home is compliant, or wondering what's involved in upgrading to Type A RCBOs? We're here to help.
Get in Touch