Selling your home or renting it out in Western Australia? There’s an electrical safety rule you need to know about: your home must have working safety switches, also called residual current devices (RCDs). Here’s what the rules say and how to make sure your property complies.
The short answer
Yes. WA homes must have at least two RCDs protecting all power and lighting circuits before they are sold, and before a new tenancy begins on a rental property (Consumer Protection WA; Smoke alarms and RCDs).
What is an RCD?
An RCD constantly monitors the electricity flowing through a circuit. If it detects current leaking to earth, for example through a person touching a faulty appliance, it cuts the power in a fraction of a second. That speed can prevent a serious or fatal electric shock. RCDs are different from circuit breakers, which protect wiring from overload rather than protecting people.
Why two RCDs?
Splitting your circuits across at least two RCDs means that if one trips, the whole house doesn’t go dark. It also limits the number of circuits each RCD protects, which reduces nuisance tripping.
How to check your switchboard
- Open your switchboard and look for devices with a “T” or “Test” button. These are usually RCDs (or combined RCBOs).
- Check the labels to see which circuits each one protects.
- Press the test button. The RCD should trip and switch off power to its circuits. Switch it back on afterwards.
- If you can’t find at least two, or they don’t cover all power and lighting circuits, you’ll need an electrician.
The WA government recommends testing your RCDs every three months by pressing the test button. If one doesn’t trip, have it replaced by a licensed electrician straight away.
What about new homes and renovations?
Under the current Wiring Rules, new electrical installations, including switchboard replacements, need RCD protection on every final subcircuit, not just two RCDs. If a circuit in your home is added or altered, it must also be RCD protected.
Selling or leasing? Here’s what to do
- Book a check early, not the week before settlement or the tenancy start date.
- Have smoke alarms checked at the same time: they must be hardwired, working and less than 10 years old for sale or lease.
- Keep the Electrical Safety Certificate for your agent, buyer or property manager.
We test and install RCDs and smoke alarms for homeowners, sellers and landlords across Armadale, Kelmscott, Gosnells, Maddington and Byford. See our RCD testing service, smoke alarm installations and landlord services.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for installing the RCDs, the seller or the buyer?
Compliance is generally the seller’s responsibility before the property changes hands, and the landlord’s before a tenancy starts. Your settlement agent or property manager can confirm the details for your situation.
What if my old switchboard can’t fit RCDs?
Older boards often don’t have space, or contain asbestos. In that case a switchboard upgrade is usually needed.
How long does it take to install RCDs?
Adding RCDs to a suitable board can often be done in a few hours. A full switchboard replacement usually takes a day.
Selling or leasing and need your RCDs sorted? Call David on 0404 241 051 or request a free, no-obligation quote. All our work is carried out by a licensed electrical contractor (EC 15388) and comes with a 3 year warranty.
