RCDs now mandatory
Issue Date: - Tuesday, 11 August 2009
All homes sold or newly rented must now be fitted with residual current devices (RCDs), Director of Energy Safety Ken Bowron said today.
“I am reminding home buyers, sellers and landlords that the new regulations, announced by Commerce Minister Troy Buswell on July 15, came into effect on August 9,” Mr Bowron said.
“Since the announcement of the new regulations, EnergySafety has received extensive support from industry and great interest from the public.
“The regulations require the seller of homes to have at least two RCDs fitted before the transfer of title takes place.
“REIWA’s members and settlement agents have been very helpful by informing potential sellers that RCDs must be installed prior to the transfer of ownership of the property.
“Similarly, all landlords must ensure at least two RCDs are fitted to their rental properties before they can be re-leased.
“Where the rental property is not re-leased, the RCDs must be fitted before August 2011. Tenants should check to ensure that at least two RCDs are installed before signing a tenancy agreement.
“If RCDs are not fitted, tenants should contact the managing agent or landlord and request that two RCDs be installed.”
Property managers should check their residential rental properties to ensure that at least two RCDs are fitted to protect all power point and lighting circuits in the residence.
At least one RCD is to be fitted to protect power points and lighting circuits in common areas of strata schemes. If RCDs are not fitted, property managers should advise the owner of the property to have the RCDs installed.
“To ensure that RCDs perform correctly, I recommend they be tested every three months by pushing the “Test” button,” Mr Bowron said.
“This simulates an earth leakage fault and indicates whether or not the RCD is operating correctly. If the RCD fails to operate, a licensed electrical contractor must be engaged to test and replace it if necessary.”
Electrical inspectors will monitor compliance with the regulations and respond to complaints. Penalties of up to $15,000 for individuals and $100,000 for bodies corporate may apply if the RCDs are not fitted.
The changes to law regarding RCDs have been prepared under the Electricity Act 1945.
For more information visit the EnergySafety website at www.energysafety.wa.gov.au/RCD