Does my home have an RCD fitted? Why do I need one? – Red Electrical

We enter a number of residential homes with electrical faults to discover the property has no RCD protection fitted.

RCD protection became mandatory for new electrical installations in circa 2000. All homes built since this date, have them installed. Whilst fuses are required to protect the electrical installation, RCD’s are designed to provide personal protection.

Let us explain what RCD’s are and how they keep you and your family safe.

What is an RCD anyway?

• An RCD stands for Residual Current Device.
• An RCD is a sensitive safety device that automatically switches off electricity if it detects a fault.
• The amount of current that can leak through is more than enough to cause significant harm including cardiac arrest.
• An RCD can detect these leakages and disconnect the current in as little as 40 milliseconds.
• An RCD protects against the risks of fire & electrocution caused by earth faults, for example – running through the cable with the lawnmower.

How does this RCD work then?

• An RCD monitors the electric current flowing through one or more circuits that it protects.
• It will detect electricity flowing down an intended path, e.g. a person who touches a live part.
• The RCD will switch the circuit off immediately which significantly reduces the risk of death or serious injury to that person.

Just Sounds Expensive?

• Prices will depend on your property and there is usually a days labour
• Prices will depend on your property but the good news is that there are now several options that combine circuit breakers and RCDs. These are RCBOs (R.C.D Overcurrent) are installed in the same footprint as your existing circuit breaker.
• RCBOs can be installed in a matter of minutes and configured to provide your home with full protection
• All works have to be completed by a qualified electrician
• Call us biased, but this cost is a small price to pay when protection levels to keep your family safe are great!
• A lot of our clients have installed retrofitted both these and LED lighting, ahead of selling their property.

If you need a highly-reviewed, licensed electrician in the Christchurch area, contact


Red Electrical


today. We would love to hear from you!