RCD Testing for rental properties.
There are 2 types of RCD safety breakers. The one on the left is a portable RCD and the one on the right is the type that would be fitted internally in a consumer unit or fuseboard. The current code of practise recommends testing portable RCD’s during the ISI&TEE or PAT Testing but these are not required in a rental property as they have comply with fitting RCD’s or RCBO’s into safety consumer unit .
Testing fixed RCDs are essential to confirm the safe operation. These get a full operational test during the 5 yearly electrical installation testing (EICR). Manufacturers recommend testing them every three months or quarterly. It is necessary to operate RCD mechanisms to ensure they operate correctly as this prevents them from sticking in the on position. So, it is good practise to give them a function test during appliance testing.
Label on a standard consumer unit
IMPORTANT. This installation or part of it, is protectected by a device which automatically switches off the supply if an earth fault developes. Test quarterly by pressing the test button marked “T” or Test. The device should switch off the supply and should be switched on to restore the supply. If the device does not switch off the supply when the button is pressed , seek expert advice.
Consumer units have evolved from “Fuse boards” and have circuit breakers , RCD safety breakers and some have Surge protection.
A rental property must have RCD safety breakers fitted to comply with current regulations so as to protect the electrical installation and the tenants
It means the breaker has detected an earth fault. Also the majority of trips are usually down to faulty electrical equipment. Some trips can be down to a fault on the electrical installation.
Most of the time it is a faulty appliance or lead so, it is a process of elimination by unplugging appliances to check if the RCD will reset. AEW help sheet click here to download.