To make homes and safer, you must have at least TWO of these life-saving safety switches fitted.
The circuit-breakers and fuses in your switchboard protect against overloading and short circuits, but not against electrocution. The amount of current needed to kill you is reached far before a fuse will blow or a circuit-breaker will operate. An RCD is the only device designed to protect you and your family by cutting the electricity supply immediately.
Any licensed electrical contractor can supply and fit RCDs in the switchboard of your house.
Testing your RCDs
For your RCDs to protect you, they must regularly be checked to confirm they are in working order. If you feel confident to do so, and your meter box is in good condition, open the meter box and press the Test button on each RCD. It’s the button with the T.
If the switch flip to OFF isn’t immediate, or it won’t stay in the ON position after reset, call a licensed electrical contractor.
The check should be performed as stated in the manufacturer’s instructions or every three months, whichever is more frequent.
Where is the ‘Test’ button on my RCD?
Simply look for the T. Your button may be of any shape, colour or size but will always have a T.
Some examples are shown in the Handy guide to RCD safety switches.
Rules for fitting RCDs
Homes for sale
If you are planning to sell your home, RCDs must be properly installed to protect all circuits supplying power points and lights before the land title is transferred. If two or more RCDs are not installed, to protect all power and lighting circuits, you will need to engage a licensed electrical contractor to install them to comply with the Electricity Regulations.
Renting a home
Landlords must ensure RCDs are installed in the switchboards of their rental premises in accordance with the Electricity Regulations. If RCDs are not fitted, tenants should contact the managing agent or landlord and request that RCDs be installed as required.
It is also recommended tenants are reminded to test the RCDs every three months and inform the property manager if the RCD does not operate. Faulty RCDs must be replaced immediately.
Short-term rental accommodation premises
If you are making part, or all, of your premises available as short-term rental accommodation, RCDs must be installed at the switchboard of the premises in accordance with the Electricity Regulations. This must be done before guests stay in the premises.
Commercial premises
RCDs help protect businesses from electric shock which often results from people making contact with energised parts of damaged or faulty electrical equipment. Rules on when they must be fitted, tested and the types to be used for commercial premises are covered by WorkSafe legislation. For information visit their webpage Residual current devices.
Number of RCDs
The regulations require RCDs to be installed on the main switchboard in accordance with the Electricity Regulations. Two is a required minimum, but more than two may be needed. A licensed electrical contractor will install the correct number and rating of RCDs to ensure your premises complies with the regulations.
Do I have to engage a licensed electrical contractor?
For installation of your RCDs or to address a problem identified during a test, you must engage a licensed electrical contractor.
Types of safety devices
Circuit-breakers
Circuit-breakers and fuses are designed to protect electrical cables and fittings installed in the home from overload and short circuit. They cut the power when electrical wiring in the home has too much current flowing through it. They are designed to prevent electrical fires, not electrocution.
Combination RCDs
A combined circuit-breaker and RCD can be installed as your required RCD to protect the electrical circuits and appliances, as well as preventing electrocution. They are a good option for meter boxes with little or no spare space.
Portable RCDs
Portable RCDs attach to a power board or extension lead and protect you when using power tools or electrical appliances outside.
Power point RCDs
RCDs fitted to a power point can be recognised by the test button on the power point’s face plate. They are made for protecting electrical appliances in your bathrooms and workshops.
