A survey commissioned by NICEIC says that 46% of Brits don’t know what Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are and only 16% know if their home has one.
As summer approaches, the nation’s use of electrical outdoor appliances and gadgets will increase. Recent research has found 96% of garden electrical products fail safety tests due to substandard plugs, counterfeit fuses and water ingress, meaning that RCDs could be lifesaving.
RCDs are designed to automatically cut off power if an earth fault is detected in indoor and outdoor electrical circuits, helping to prevent electric shocks, fires and potentially expensive damage. It is recommended that they are tested regularly by pressing the test button on the RCD every six months.
The data also reveals that young people (aged 25-34) are the most likely to say they know what an RCD is, with just 32% being unfamiliar with the device. 29% know their home has at least one RCD. By comparison, 52% of respondents aged 55 and over are unfamiliar and only 17% know if their home has RCDs installed.
Regionally, awareness is lowest in Northern Ireland and Wales, with half of respondents saying they don’t know what an RCD is. The Northwest follows closely behind at just over 49%, with the East of England at 48%. At the other end of the scale, the Northeast has the highest awareness level, with only 35% unaware of the device, followed by Greater London (40%) and the East Midlands (41%).
There are also marked differences between homeowners and those privately renting. 49% of respondents living in private rental accommodation don’t know what an RCD is, compared to 44% of homeowners with a mortgage and 43% of homeowners without a mortgage.
Paul Collins, Technical Director of the NICEIC, says,”Whilst there are some regional differences when it comes to awareness of RCDs, the research does show that there is a lack of knowledge across the board.”
“Because RCDs ensure that certain electrical faults are detected and power is quickly shut off, they play a crucial role in preventing electric shocks, fires, and other potentially life-threatening accidents.”
“If you notice your RCD tripping repeatedly, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong and your RCD has done its job – this should not be ignored. It indicates a fault that will require attention. Don’t take the risk of leaving it unchecked.”
“RCDs are easy to test. Simply press the test button on your RCD every 6 months – this is a quick and simple way to make sure your RCD is working correctly.”
“When you press the test button the RCD trips and the power is switched off. However, if the RCD doesn’t trip, it may indicate a problem and you should contact a NICEIC-registered electrician to have it checked.”
“It’s crucial that homeowners understand the importance of having a fully functioning RCD in place and that any electrical work, including the installation or replacement of an RCD, should always be carried out by a NICEIC-registered electrician.”
“If you’re unsure or uncomfortable testing your RCD yourself, a registered electrician can carry out a full safety check to ensure everything is functioning properly, giving you peace of mind.”
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