We have identified through recent electrical maintenance jobs completed that more than half of these properties had faulty RCDs and/or expired smoke alarms, which resulted in the electrician replacing these faulty or expired parts.
In most cases; the faulty RCD failed when tested, which means it was an imminent risk. A faulty RCD or smoke alarm is both non-compliance or very risky with significant consequences, such as electrical shocks, pro-longed power outages when RCDs tripped and does not turn on again, and more significant costly consequences…
At Box Property Management, we believe pro-active maintenance and compliance reduces risks for our landlords and tenants, saves time and money, and more importantly, saves lives.
How does it save you money, time and peace of mind? Below are some examples:
If a faulty RCD trips and fails over the weekend, we need to urgently get this replaced over the weekend so that the tenant has power again. Weekend call-outs for electrical work are a lot more expensive than week-day planned electrical work. This is also an inconvenience for the tenant while they are wait for it to be fixed.
If there is a faulty RCD that is not identified, any electrical faults and short circuits may not be detected and may result in appliance faults and even fire.
If a smoke alarm expires, there are no current records of the expiry date, and it will just stop working without anyone knowing until checked.
--------------
All landlords must ensure that residual current devices (RCDs) are installed and operational in accordance with the Electricity Regulations to protect all power and lighting circuits.
In addition to this RCDs requirement, there is also a requirement to have hard-wired smoke alarms, no more than ten years old, in all residential properties being sold or made available for lease. The common battery operated smoke alarms will no longer be sufficient.
In situations where a hard–wired alarm cannot be fitted (such as flats or units with concrete ceilings that won’t facilitate new wiring), then long-life lithium battery operated smoke alarms must be installed.
Please refer to the link below for more information and regulations on smoke alarms and RCDs: