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Information for electrical contractors

Regulations require all new residential homes, all sold homes and all re-leased premises to be fitted with at least two RCDs protecting all socket outlets (power points) and lighting final subcircuits. EnergySafety is strongly recommending that all homes should be protected in this manner.

The two RCDs must be fitted to comply with AS/NZS3000:2007, Wiring Rules. In some cases this may require more than two RCDs. A letter has been provided from the Director of Energy Safety for electrical contractors to provide to home owners and landlords to help inform clients about the importance of RCDs.

When you install one or more RCD/s you must provide the owner with an Electrical Safety Certificate. This certificate will state that two RCDs were installed in accordance with the AS/NZS 3000:2007, Wiring Rules.

You must also submit to the relevant network operator a Preliminary Notice and Notice of Completion for installing the RCDs, which is notifiable work.

You may be requested to provide written verification that the installation has two sufficient RCDs fitted to protect all power and lighting final subcircuits. You may charge for this work, which would involve attending the installation, inspecting the main switchboard, testing the RCDs to ensure they operate correctly and checking that at least two are fitted in accordance with AS/NZS 3000:2007, Wiring Rules.

You should then provide the owner with an Electrical Safety Certificate as per the attached sample.

Electrical contactors attending properties constructed prior to 2000 may take the opportunity to draw their client’s attention to the importance of RCDs and suggest they install a minimum of two. It is also an opportune time to draw their attention to the regulations regarding hardwired smoke alarms.

Strata Units - Common Property

All power and lighting circuits installed on common property for a residential development must be protected with at least one RCD. The RCD must be fitted by 8 August 2011.

Exemptions

Fitting no RCDs

An exemption will not be granted from the requirement to fit two RCDs to all power and lighting circuits in a residence.

Fitting only one RCD

In extraordinary circumstances, an exemption may be granted by an Inspector to allow only one RCD to be fitted.

Exemptions typically will only be considered where the installation only has one mixed final subcircuit for both power and lighting i.e. only one circuit breaker for the entire installation. This is expected to be very rare.

An exemption may also be granted for using fewer than two RCDs where there is insufficient room on the meter box and it is not practical and is prohibitively costly to modify the existing switchboard or add an additional switchboard for the RCDs.

In most cases the requirements for two RCDs can be achieved by upgrading or extending the meter box with little inconvenience and minor additional cost. In some instances, especially old flats and living units, the safety of the electrical installation is increased by removing the small and obsolete rewireable fuse meter box and replacing it with a modern circuit breaker switchboard with two RCDs.

If an exemption is necessary, application is to be made in writing to the Chief Electrical Inspector, EnergySafety, PO Box 135, Cannington WA 6107, facsimile 9422 5262 or email energysafety@commerce.wa.gov.au.

The application must explain clearly why it is not practicable to fit more than one RCD. It should also include photographs and other supporting documentation where relevant. An Inspector will then consider the application and advise in writing whether an exemption will be granted.

Demolition of residence

If a buyer of a property intends to demolish the residence, RCDs need not be fitted at the time of sale (transfer of land title) if the new owner provides to the Director of Energy Safety a signed statement that the premises will be demolished within six months of the land transfer date. The seller of a property, where demolition will occur should obtain a copy of the letter to the Director for their reference. They can then present this letter if requested.

If demolition does not occur within six months, the new owner of the property must fit two RCDs as prescribed in the Regulations.

Penalties

A person failing to fit RCDs in accordance with the regulations may incur the following penalty:

1. in the case of an individual a fine of $15,000;
2. in the case of a body corporate a fine of $100,000.