Building and Energy, the State’s energy safety regulator is urging home owners to do a simple check of their Residual Current Devices (RCDs) — the life-saving switches that protect against electrocution.
The RCDs instantly stop the electricity supply when they detect an imbalance in the outgoing and incoming current, which can be caused by dangerous electrical faults and shocks.
Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan said the rapid response was designed to protect against electrocution, serious electrical injuries and electrical fires.
“The start of each new season is always a good time to check your RCDs, it only takes a few minutes but it could save a life,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“RCDs are vital devices for preventing serious electrical injuries and deaths. While circuit breakers and fuses protect against overloading and short circuits, they will not protect against electrocution,” he said.
“No RCD means no second chance.”
He said that over time, the electro-mechanical components might not function correctly but RCDs had a built-in test button that simulates an electrical fault to confirm that the components were responding properly.
Do the test, it is for your peace of mind,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
He said this could be done by first switching off electrical items in the property, then opening the switchboard and pressing the ‘test’ button for each RCD.
“The RCD switch should automatically trip. You can then switch on an electrical item in the property to confirm there is no electricity supply,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“To reset, return the RCD switch to ‘on’ to resume normal operation.”
He said a licensed electrical contractor should be contacted immediately if issues were detected, such as if electrical equipment still worked when the RCD had tripped.
“Two RCDs must be fitted at all properties constructed after 2000 as well as any homes that are being sold or rented,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“We strongly recommend that all homes have more than one RCD installed,” he said.
“This ensures some light and power socket outlets remain operational even when one device trips. A single RCD is also more prone to nuisance tripping,” the Director of Energy Safety said.
