Did you know that it is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the home or business complies with the Electricity Regulations and safety laws? This is important to keep the occupants safe from exposure to electrical faults and fire hazards.
When using a qualified electrician to carry out smoke alarm and RCD maintenance, both the homeowner and the property manager, can be assured that the correct procedures are undertaken to ensure that the property is smoke alarm and RCD compliant and safe.
The things you must know ….
RCD Compliance
RCDs cut the electricity supply instantly if a person touches a live part and receives a shock. By installing two or more RCDs, the property’s circuits can be divided evenly between them. This ensures some light and power remain if one RCD operates. Multiple RCDs also avoid nuisance operations caused by appliances with low-level leakage currents.
- It is the law that every home built after 2000 has two RCDs fitted.
- If you’re renting a house, the landlord must ensure RCDs are installed on the switchboard of the rental property in accordance with the Wiring Rules.
- When putting your house up for sale, RCDs must be fitted to protect all circuits supplying power points and lights before the land title is transferred to the new owner.
- If two or more RCDs are not installed, you will need to engage a licensed electrical contractor to install them to comply with the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000) and ensure your property meets compliance for insurance and legislation purposes.
Learn more about How RCD’s Keep You Safe and testing your RCD’s
Smoke Alarm Compliance
Owners must ensure that the smoke alarm(s) are:
- in accordance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) applicable at the time of the installation of the alarms.
- not more than 10 years old at the time of the transfer of ownership, or making the dwelling available for rent or hire;
- in working order; and
- permanently connected to consumer mains power (hard-wired).
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services recommends that occupants test alarms monthly. You can do this by pressing the “test” button on the alarm.
FESA also recommends cleaning the smoke alarm with a vacuum cleaner at least once a year. Additionally, be sure to change the backup battery in mains powered smoke alarms yearly.
Bara Electrical and Services are experienced in checking properties for smoke alarm and RCD compliance in accordance with electricity regulations and safety laws. We have put together a package for you to provide scheduled maintenance and testing, and make safety easy! Click here for more information.
