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How to protect your loved ones with RCDs & Smoke Alarms

3 seconds, every 3 months.

That’s all it takes to help keep your family safe.

These two simple tasks, each taking around three seconds per device, are critical for insuring your home and family are protected.

Testing your RCDs

Testing your smoke alarms

I’ve spoken to several of my customers, family and friends recently, with the majority unaware of the current recommendations for testing RCDs and smoke alarms, which is what has compelled me to write this blog post.

RCD’s and smoke alarms save lives, so I believe everyone needs to know;

When to test each device;

How to the test them; and

The current legislations in WA.

RCDs

EnergySafety recommends testing your Residual Current Devices (RCDs) every three months. A malfunctioning RCD could have the same disastrous consequences as not having one installed at all, and what is more important than the safety of your loved ones?

To test your RCDs

1. Find your metre box which is usually located near the front door of your home or, if you are in an apartment building, the metre box might be shared with other tenants so ensure you test the correct RCDs for your unit if you don’t want to upset the neighbours by turning off the power for a moment or two!

2. Locate the RCD switches, they should be clearly marked and will have a test button on them. You should have a minimum of two RCD’s installed as per the current legislation in Western Australia (to comply with the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000).

3. Press the test button. Each switch should trip to the ‘off’ position, if it does not, then call an electrician immediately to come and inspect.

4. Turn the RCD switches back on – easy as that!

Prefer we actually show you how to do it? Check out our previous post of an instructional video of how to test your RCDs.

So what’s the current legislation? How many RCDs do I need for my situation?

If you are selling or renting out your home, RCDs must be fitted to protect all circuits supplying power points and lights, to comply with the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000).

Ideally everyone should have a minimum of 2 RCDs although more may be required depending on the situation. A licensed electrical contractor will install the correct number and rating of RCDs to ensure your home or business complies with the current legislation.

Smoke Alarms

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services recommends testing your smoke alarms once a month to make sure they are functioning correctly.

To test your smoke alarms

1. Locate the smoke alarms and one at a time, press the test button until you hear a loud alert tone and then let go.

2. Depending on the model of smoke alarm, you may need to press the button again to turn off the alarm.

Hardwired smoke alarms will usually have a light to indicate that mains power is connected. So keep in mind if you are testing your RCDs and smoke alarms around the same time if the power is not on, you will not be able to test the smoke alarms.

If everything works as it should and according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then pop a note in the diary to test them again in a months’ time, unless of course you run into any problems which I have touched on below.

If your smoke alarm is beeping or chirping

Smoke alarms that are mains powered may give a low battery warning sound if the power has been out for an extended period of time. If the smoke alarm takes rechargeable batteries they can take a few days to recharge once the power is back on.

If the smoke alarm doesn’t take a rechargeable battery you will need to replace the battery but make sure you consult the manufacturer’s instructions before you change it, as some models of smoke alarms batteries cannot be replaced. After changing the battery if the smoke alarm continues to sound a warning chirp or beep, the smoke alarm may be faulty and require replacement.

Smoke alarm batteries should be changed annually, even if the smoke alarms are hardwired as most use these batteries as a ‘back up’, again however consult the manufacturers instructions first.

Smoke alarms have a shelf life of 10 years so if you’re coming up for replacement of your smoke alarms make sure you contact a licensed electrical contractor to come and replace them with hard-wired smoke alarms.

It’s also important to know that smoke alarms need to be kept clean from dust and cobwebs to keep them in good working condition and that you shouldn’t ever cover or paint over them.

If you need any more information on how to maintain your smoke alarms the DFES website has plenty of information available.

The current regulations requires those selling, renting or hiring out a property to;

Have compliant smoke alarms fitted that are in accordance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) applicable at the time of the installation of the alarms. (The BCA specifies the relevant edition of the Australian Standard for residential smoke alarms (AS 3786) and location the smoke alarms must comply with);

are not more than 10 years old at the time of the transfer of ownership, or making the dwelling available for rent or hire;

are in working order; and

are permanently connected to consumer mains power (hard-wired).

The BCA requires smoke alarms to be interconnected where there is more than one alarm. However interconnection of smoke alarms is not applicable to a dwelling that was constructed on an application for a building permit made before 1 May 2015.

Now you know how easy it is to test these two life saving devices, there is no excuse not to and spread the word! These devices could save the life of someone you care about.

If you need a licensed, insured electrical contractor in Perth, Western Australia to conduct a safety check of your property, or to replace or install your RCDs or smoke alarms, Sparkesie’s Electrical would be more than happy to help.

#electrician #RCDS #smokealarm #safety #electricalsafety #firesafety #electrical #safetyinspections

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