VR and AR for RCD Testing: Teaching Electrical Test Procedures Through Immersive Simulation

Relevant case studies

Blog post: 23/09/2026 9:39 am

Author: Spark Team

VR and AR for RCD Testing: Teaching Electrical Test Procedures Through Immersive Simulation

RCD testing requires apprentices to understand protective devices, test equipment, procedures and results rather than simply memorising a sequence. Bespoke VR can recreate testing scenarios and common mistakes safely, while AR can provide contextual instructions and equipment data during supervised real-world work.

Understanding the purpose behind the test

Electrical apprentices need more than the ability to press buttons on a multifunction tester. They need to understand what protection is being provided, what they are testing, why a particular test is appropriate and what the result means.

RCDs are safety switching devices used in different protective applications, and testing requirements have evolved alongside changes to BS 7671. The IET has published guidance specifically addressing changes to RCD testing and the different types of RCD technology encountered by electrical professionals.

This combination of theory, equipment recognition, procedure and interpretation makes RCD testing a strong candidate for simulation.

Building a virtual electrical test environment

Spark could recreate an organisation's electrical-training facility as an interactive 3D environment.

The trainee might begin with a job instruction requiring them to verify a particular circuit. They would need to navigate to the relevant location, identify the board, select the circuit and follow the required procedure.

Virtual instruments can be picked up and operated. Leads can be positioned on predefined test points. Results can change dynamically according to the fault or configuration loaded into the scenario.

The learner therefore performs the process rather than watching an animation of somebody else doing it.

Making the result meaningful

One of the biggest opportunities with simulation is dynamic test data.

Different learners do not necessarily have to receive the same reading.

The software could generate scenarios involving:

• expected results;

• unexpected results requiring investigation;

• incorrect test settings;

• wrong circuit selection;

• equipment configuration errors;

• pre-programmed installation faults.

An advanced module could require the apprentice to determine whether a result is acceptable in the context of the simulated installation and identify the appropriate next action.

Training decision-making rather than button pressing

This distinction matters because electrical competence involves judgement.

An SOP can tell a trainee what sequence is normally followed, but a technician must also recognise when something is abnormal.

VR allows instructors to insert that abnormality deliberately.

For example, an apprentice could complete part of a testing procedure only to encounter an unexpected value. Rather than immediately displaying “incorrect”, the system could ask the learner to decide what to inspect next.

The simulation might track their investigation and score whether they adopt a logical diagnostic approach.

Immediate feedback and assessment

A training session could record:

• correct equipment selection;

• instrument configuration;

• test sequence;

• selected test points;

• interpretation of results;

• safety checks;

• incorrect actions;

• completion time.

Afterwards, a dashboard can show exactly which parts of the procedure caused difficulty.

This creates useful evidence for apprenticeship programmes and internal competency management, particularly where employers need to determine whether additional practice is required before a learner progresses.

Using AR at the point of inspection and testing

AR can extend the learning experience from the virtual environment into an approved physical training environment or operational workflow.

A trainee could point a tablet at a designated device and receive contextual information such as:

• asset identity;

• device type;

• manufacturer documentation;

• associated circuit reference;

• approved SOP;

• inspection checklist;

• previously recorded training data.

The important principle is that AR supports an authorised procedure rather than encouraging inexperienced personnel to undertake work outside their competence.

Reducing instructor repetition

Experienced electrical instructors spend significant time correcting the same procedural mistakes across successive cohorts.

VR can handle some of that repetitive foundation practice.

A learner may complete the same RCD-testing module several times until they can perform the sequence without hints. An instructor can then spend face-to-face time addressing deeper technical issues rather than repeatedly demonstrating introductory steps.

This does not remove the instructor. It gives them better information about where intervention adds the most value.

Keeping the training aligned with current practice

Electrical requirements change, which makes content management important. For example, the IET published BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 in 2026, meaning training organisations must ensure that their teaching materials and internal procedures remain aligned with the standards applicable to their work.

A well-designed immersive application can separate core software from configurable instructional content so that training teams can update selected text, diagrams, question sets or workflow information as requirements evolve.

A bespoke rather than generic solution

Spark only develops bespoke immersive solutions. That means an RCD-testing application can reflect the organisation's own equipment and learning objectives.

The customer can determine:

• which instruments are represented;

• which test scenarios are required;

• how assistance is provided;

• what constitutes an error;

• how scoring operates;

• how training records are exported.

Conclusion

Effective RCD training is not about memorising where to place a test lead. It combines equipment knowledge, safe procedure, technical interpretation and decision-making.

VR can bring those elements together in a repeatable interactive simulation, while AR can surface relevant approved information alongside real equipment. Combined with practical instruction, immersive technologies can help apprentices arrive at real-world testing tasks better prepared and less likely to make avoidable errors.

Could your electrical testing procedures become interactive immersive training? Speak to Spark about a bespoke VR or AR application.

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