Why Every Landlord Needs to Know About This Life-Saving Electrical Device
Summer’s here — and with it comes the surge in outdoor gadgets, garden lights, and electrical appliances. But while your tenants might be enjoying the sunshine, there’s a hidden risk lurking just beneath those cheerful summer vibes. Recent research shows a shocking 96% of garden electrical products fail safety tests due to dodgy plugs, fake fuses,
Enter the Residual Current Device (RCD): Your Property’s Unsung Hero
Think of an RCD as your property’s electrical bodyguard. This clever device detects dangerous electrical faults and instantly cuts the power — preventing shocks, fires, and potentially life-threatening accidents. Yet, a surprising number of people don’t even know it exists. A survey of 2,000 UK adults found half don’t know what an RCD is, and only 16% are sure if their home has one installed.
Why Should Landlords Care?
If your tenants don’t know about RCDs, they might not check or maintain them — and many renters don’t realize the importance of this device. Plus, with garden equipment failing safety tests left, right, and centre, having a working RCD isn’t just good practice; it’s essential for legal compliance and peace of mind.
Paul Collins, technical director at NICEIC, puts it plainly: RCDs save lives. He recommends testing these devices every six months — simply press the test button to make sure it trips. If it doesn’t, or trips all the time, it’s time to call in a registered electrician.
Your Next Move as a Landlord
- Ensure your rental properties have RCDs installed and tested regularly.
- Educate your tenants on what RCDs are and why testing matters.
- Always hire a registered electrician for any electrical work involving RCDs to stay compliant and safe.
With summer bringing more outdoor electrical use, now’s the perfect time to check your properties. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike — be proactive, protect your tenants, and safeguard your investment with this life-saving device.
Sourced from Landlord Today