New RCD regulations to save lives

Commerce Minister Troy Buswell today said he hoped lives would be saved by new regulations requiring the installation of electrical safety devices in homes.

"New regulations which come into effect on August 9 will require all homes that are sold, and all rental properties, be fitted with Residual Current Devices (RCDs)," Mr Buswell said.

"In the past 17 years, 29 people, including eight children, have been electrocuted in homes in Western Australia.

"Tragically, 79 per cent - or 23 - of these deaths could have been prevented if RCDs had been fitted.

"The need for these regulations was brought to the attention of the former government in February 2003, but they unfortunately chose not to act on this issue.

"I am pleased we are implementing these regulations within our first year of Government, but it is a tragedy that many lives could have been saved had this been done sooner."

An RCD is an electrical safety device fitted to the main switchboard of a house. If an imbalance in the electrical current is detected, it signals there is a leakage to earth and the RCD immediately cuts the electricity supply to avoid electrocution.

"Many people already have circuit breakers installed in their homes, to protect against overloading and short circuits," the Minister said.

"However, these will not prevent electrocution. RCDs are the only devices that will."

Mrs Denise Jammal, whose 12-year-old son Jay was killed by an electric shock at his home in January this year, attended today's announcement.

Jay had been tinkering with an old juicer machine when the accident occurred. In that tragic incident, an RCD would have cut the power flow.

It has been compulsory since 2000 for all newly constructed homes to have two RCDs fitted as part of the initial electrical installation.

The new regulations, prepared under the Electricity Act 1945, require all homes which are sold to have two RCDs fitted before the property can be sold.

All rental properties must have two RCDs fitted before they can be re-leased. Where the rental property is not re-leased the RCDs must be fitted before August 2011.

For a home to be fully protected, it must have:

• circuit breakers or fuses to interrupt the current flow if too many appliances are connected to a circuit or a short circuit occurs

• at least two RCDs to prevent electrocution. The household circuits need to be divided evenly between two RCDs to ensure some light and power remain if one operates and cuts off the electricity. Two RCDs also reduce the likelihood of faulty operation.

The cost for a licensed electrical contractor to supply and install two-single phase RCDs on an average-sized 4x2 home is about $400-$500.

 "It is estimated, under this legislation, nearly 90 per cent of all housing stock will comply within 15 years, which will significantly reduce the number of deaths from electrocution," Mr Buswell said.

"I encourage property owners to install these RCDs in any case, whether or not they plan to sell or lease.

"Having peace of mind about electrical safety is worth the cost, and the implementation of this legislation will all be worth it if just one life is saved."

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.

For more information visit the EnergySafety website at  http://www.docep.wa.gov.au/energysafety/RCD/contractors.htm

Minister's office - 9222 9111