Syncom is here to support renters with information and guidance on maintaining electrical safety in their rental property.
Renters are important stakeholders in the ongoing safety of the property they occupy, so keeping you informed about electrical maintenance priorities is essential.
Below are some tips regarding the electrical installation and maintenance.
Helpful Hint: Do not block access to your switchboard. Having clear and unobstructed access to your switchboard is essential should you need to access it quickly!
Residual Current Devices (RCDs) – Recommended Maintenance
Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are located in your switchboard and are also known as safety switches.
RCDs cut power to the electrical circuit if it becomes overloaded, reducing the risk of electrical shock. Check that the RCDs are operational throughout the year to ensure they are working correctly.
It is important to test the operation of RCDs every 6 months.
How to Test RCDs
- Open the switchboard.
- Press the test button on each RCD, which should trip the RCD, cutting power to the circuit.
- If any of the RCDs do not trip, there may be a fault.
- If you suspect there is a fault, please contact Syncom or your property manager.
How to Reset Your RCD if it Trips
When your switchboard detects a fault in your electrical system, it will ‘trip’ or flick an RCD switch off, turning off the power. To turn your power back on immediately and prevent the need for service calls to your rental property:
- Open the switchboard.
- Locate the RCD that is in the off position.
- Switch it to the on position.
What to Do if Your RCD Keeps Tripping (Not Staying in the On Position)
To troubleshoot this issue and restore power more quickly, preventing the need for service calls to your rental property:
One common reason for RCDs continually tripping is a faulty appliance, such as a toaster or kettle. If you suspect you have a faulty appliance, unplug it from the power outlet.
Note: just switching the appliance off at the power outlet will not work. Open the switchboard. Find the RCD that is in the off position.
Switch it to the on position (Note: if your RCD does not reset, there may be a potential fault).
If your RCD stays in the on position, reconnect your appliances one by one into their power outlets and switch each appliance on.
If the power RCD trips once more, you will be able to determine which appliance is potentially causing the fault in the RCD.
If the power RCD does not trip, it is likely an intermittent fault that may occur from time to time.