RCD laws
Since 2000 it has been compulsory for all new homes to have two RCDs fitted to protect the power and lighting circuits as part of an electrical installation.
In the past 17 years, 29 people including eight children have been electrocuted in homes in Western Australia. Twenty-three of these deaths could have been prevented if Residual Current Devices (RCDs) had been fitted to the power and lighting circuits.
To help reduce deaths from electrocution, the Western Australian Government implemented new RCD regulations in August 2009.
The new legislation applies to people selling their homes and to landlords. Every home sold or leased must be fitted with a minimum of two RCDs which must protect all power and lighting circuits.
When a new tenant takes up residency, landlords will need to install the devices before the lease agreement is signed. However, for homes with a continuing tenancy, landlords have until 8 August 2011 to fit the RCDs.
The regulations can be found here.
Information is provided to assist homeowners, persons selling their homes, landlords, tenants, real estate agents, property managers and electrical contractors on how to ensure homes comply with the new RCD laws.