HOW ONE SMALL FAULT PROVED THE POWER OF RCDS
Real Story. Real Risk. Real Prevention.
When it comes to electrical safety, the smallest warning signs can be the most important — and one Perth household learned that the easy way.
Last winter, a client of ours noticed something wasn’t quite right with their kettle. It started with a faint burning smell and a flicker in the power. Within seconds, the entire circuit shut down. But this wasn’t a power outage — it was their Residual Current Device (RCD) doing exactly what it was designed to do: cutting the electricity the moment it detected a fault.
No fire. No injury. No damage to their home.
It’s a perfect example of how RCDs quietly protect us every day — often without us even realising.
What is an RCD?
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a life-saving safety switch that monitors the flow of electricity through a circuit. If it detects even the slightest imbalance — such as electricity leaking due to a damaged cable or appliance — it shuts off the power in less than 0.03 seconds.
In homes and small businesses, this simple device can be the difference between safety and disaster.
Why This Matters for Your Home or Business
Not every property in WA is up to standard when it comes to RCD protection. In fact, many switchboards in older homes or commercial spaces are missing RCDs altogether, or only have partial protection.
And while RCDs are a legal requirement on all power and lighting circuits in residential properties, we regularly see:
Faulty or broken RCDs that haven’t been tested
Older switchboards with no RCD protection at all
Circuits like air conditioning or hot water left unprotected
When a fault occurs — even something as simple as a frayed cord or water exposure — the outcome can be life-threatening without that instant power shutoff.
What Should You Do?
If you’re not sure whether your property is protected, don’t guess.
✅ Step 1: Open your switchboard and look for buttons marked “T” or “Test” on your circuit breakers — these are usually your RCDs.
✅ Step 2: If you’re unsure or it looks confusing, simply take a photo of your meter board and email it to us at sredford@rfes.com.au.
✅ Step 3: Or, if you're ready to upgrade or get a professional assessment, fill out the form at the bottom of this page to request a quote.
Final Thoughts
Electrical hazards don’t always come with a warning. In this case, a flickering kettle was the clue — but the RCD was the hero.
Don’t wait until something goes wrong to find out if you’re protected. Whether you're a homeowner or manage a small business, it's worth taking a few minutes today to ensure your switchboard is up to standard.
Let us help you stay safe.
📩 Fill out the form below or email us a photo of your meter board — our licensed electricians will take care of the rest.
