Here at Evolution Electrical, we believe that safety should be a top priority for property owners, so we recommend that every home has an electrical RCD. A Residual Current Device (RCD) is a small and often overlooked piece of equipment, but it can make the difference between life and death when electrical faults occur.
According to data published by Electrical Safety First, electricity is a major cause of accidental fires in UK homes, with more than 20,000 being recorded every year. Nine out of 10 (89%) electrical fires are caused by electrical products, with the remaining percentage (11%) caused by faults in installations or by people not using installations properly.
It is estimated that faulty appliances alone cause more than £41 million worth of damage per year, with electric cookers (£24m) and lighting (£13m) being the largest contributors.
What is an electrical RCD?
An electrical RCD is an important home safety device designed to prevent deadly electric shocks and reduce the risk of electrical fires. It works by continuously monitoring the electrical current flowing through a circuit. If it detects an imbalance indicating that electricity is leaking to earth, possibly through a person, the RCD quickly cuts off the power, typically within a few milliseconds.
Reasons why an electrical RCD is essential
- Protection against electric shocks: Electric shocks can be fatal or cause serious injuries. Everyday activities like mowing the lawn, drilling walls, or using outdoor appliances increase the risk. Electrical RCDs significantly lower the chance of severe harm by swiftly disconnecting the electricity if a fault is detected.
- Fire prevention: Faulty wiring, damaged appliances and overloaded circuits can all lead to electrical fires. Electrical RCDs help detect these faults early by sensing irregularities in the flow of electricity, cutting the power before a fire can start.
- Electrical safety compliance: UK wiring regulations (BS 7671) now require electrical RCD protection for most circuits in new homes and significant rewiring projects. Ensuring your home meets these standards not only improves safety, but also helps with insurance and resale value.
- Protecting your family and property: The safety of you and your loved ones is a top priority. An RCD provides an essential layer of protection, particularly in areas like kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor sockets, where the risk of electric shock is higher.
How do I know if I have an electrical RCD?
This will depend on the age of your property and whether you have had any major home improvements carried out recently. Modern consumer units (fuseboxes) typically include electrical RCDs, but many older homes still lack this vital protection. Look for a row of circuit breaker switches isolating each electrical circuit (e.g. kitchen, downstairs lighting, sockets etc) or a ‘test’ button on your consumer unit. If you can’t find any of these, it might be time to upgrade.
If your home has a modern electrical RCD installed, it should be tested regularly, ideally every three months. Simply press the ‘test’ button on the RCD to ensure it trips the circuit. If it doesn’t, contact a qualified electrician immediately.
Do you have a question about electrical RCDs?
If you are unsure if your home has an RCD, or would like a professional inspection to check the safety, contact the friendly team at Evolution Electrical. We can arrange a convenient time to thoroughly check your home’s electrical system and recommend any necessary upgrades.
Based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Evolution Electrical specialises in installing, testing and upgrading domestic electrical installations. From an extra socket to a full rewire, our fully-qualified electricians are committed to making every home as safe as possible. To learn more, contact the team at Evolution Electrical today.
