Type A RCBOs & Blackout Protection – What You Need to Know
At Greener Housing Solutions, keeping your family, home, and business safe is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we follow the latest electrical standards and ensure every installation we complete—especially battery backup systems with blackout protection is fully compliant with Australian & South Australian regulations.
One of the most important updates in recent years is Amendment 2 of AS/NZS 3000:2018, which affects the type of safety switches (RCDs) we’re now required to use.
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.
Instead, 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.
This change is outlined in Clause 2.6.2.2.2 of Amendment 2 to the AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules.
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.
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, offering a safer and more comprehensive level of protection for today’s electrical environments.
Battery Backup Systems & Blackout Protection
If you’re installing a battery system with blackout protection, it’s essential to know that all circuits connected to the backup supply must be protected by Type A RCBOs. This is a legal requirement under the current standards.
It ensures 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.
At Greener Housing Solutions, we apply this requirement as standard. Our team assesses your setup, upgrades your protection if needed, and ensures all work complies with AS/NZS 3000:2018 Amendment 2.
What About Existing Type AC RCDs?
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 system, installing a new switchboard, or adding solar or battery systems, we’ll upgrade those circuits to Type A RCBOs to meet current regulations and give you the safest outcome.
Where Does This Information Come From?
These requirements are taken directly from:
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AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules – Amendment 2, specifically Clause 2.6.2.2.2
Our Promise to You
At Greener Housing Solutions, 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.
Have questions about RCBOs, blackout protection, or your property’s compliance?
Get in touch with our friendly team—we’re here to help.
