The plain-English guide for Australian practices
Body-protected electrical areas, explained
What they are, which rooms need them, how they’re signed off in your state, and how often they’re tested. For practice managers, owners and fit-out builders.
The short answer
A patient room wired to AS/NZS 3003: outlets on sensitive 10 mA RCDs, the earthing its classification needs, identified outlets and a green sign at the door. Signed off before use, then tested at least every 12 months.
Which rooms usually need one
Any room where mains-powered medical equipment is connected to the patient. The practice decides each room’s classification, with input from clinicians, suppliers and the electrician.
Inside a body-protected room
A dental surgery from above. The numbers match the list.
- 1Protected outlets. On 10 mA RCDs and identified, so it’s clear which ones are protected.
- 2The chair’s own circuit, sized to the supplier’s spec. Imaging and sterilisers get their own too.
- 3The green sign at the door, with the test label showing when it was last tested.
- 4A cleaners’ outlet outside the clinical circuits, so cleaning gear never plugs into them.
- 5The RCDs at the board, labelled and easy to test.
What the sign at your door means
The green sign tells staff and visiting trades the room is body-protected. Check three things on it:
- The symbol: it’s a body-protected area, not cardiac-protected.
- The test label: when it was last tested, and by whom.
- The date: if it’s more than 12 months old, the room is due.
How it’s signed off in your state
AS/NZS 3003 is national. Who certifies, inspects or audits the work is set by each state. Pick yours.
- Victoria: Two steps, two people
- New South Wales: A CCEW, lodged through eCert
- Queensland: Your contractor tests and certifies
- South Australia: An electronic certificate before power-up
- Western Australia: Notice of completion and a safety certificate
- Tasmania: A CEC to TechSafe within 3 days
- Australian Capital Territory: Audited before it’s energised
- Northern Territory: A certificate for all electrical work
The life of a body-protected room
- 1Plan and classifyBefore the walls close.
- 2InstallRCDs, circuits, outlets.
- 3Test and certifyBy your electrician.
- 4Inspection or auditWhere your state requires it.
- 5Retest every 12 monthsAnd before any alterations.
Planning a fit-out?
The one-page checklist of what to decide before the walls close: room use, equipment specs, switchboard space, circuits, cleaners’ outlets and the sign-off booking.
Need an electrician who does this?
Pick your state.
Other states
Pick your state for its rules, and register interest for an electrician recommendation.
Common questions
Does a GP consult room need to be body-protected?
Only if mains-powered medical equipment is applied to the patient there, such as an ECG. A room used only for talking and examination often isn’t a patient area.
How often does a body-protected area need testing?
AS/NZS 3003 requires routine inspection and testing at intervals not exceeding 12 months. Alterations shouldn’t go ahead until the area has been tested within the last 12 months.
Who decides if a room is body-protected?
The practice, based on how the room will be used, with input from clinicians, equipment suppliers or biomedical engineers, and the electrician.
Is body-protected the same as cardiac-protected?
No. Cardiac-protected areas are a higher classification for rooms where a direct connection to the heart is possible, such as cardiac catheter labs and some theatres and intensive care areas. Most dental and general medical rooms are body-protected.
Who inspects a body-protected area?
It depends on your state. In Victoria an independent ‘M’ class licensed electrical inspector must inspect it before it’s connected to supply. Other states use different certification and audit systems: pick your state above.
Questions or corrections
Ask a question about body-protected areas, or tell us if something here is out of date for your state. We read everything and keep the guide current.
Or email hello@bpea.com.au