IMPORTANT NEW RULES FOR RCD’s AND SMOKE ALARMS
 

From 9 August 2009, sellers of residential properties will be required by state law to have two Residual Currency Devices (RCDs), installed in the property. These safety devices must be installed by the settlement date.

The same law applies to owners with rental properties. Any residential premises being newly leased must comply from August 9 this year. For existing tenants where no new lease is required the RCDs must be fitted by 9 August 2011.

These devices can save people from electrocution. RCDs can also protect against fires which can start from small leakages of current from wired with damaged or perished insulation. Any licensed electrician can supply and the RCDs on the switchboard of your property.

In addition to this RCD requirement, there is an additional requirement to have
hard-wired smoke alarms, not more than ten years old, in all residential properties being sold or made available for lease.