❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about new regulations requiring two RCDs in homes during ownership transfer or new rental leases, focusing on practical issues, exemptions, public awareness, and misconceptions.
AnsweredQoN 1697Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the regulations under the
Electricity Act 1945
that took effect on 9 August 2009 whereby homes are required to have two residual current devices (RCDs) installed at the time the ownership is transferred or, when a new rental lease is made. As I have been approached by a constituent who has raised issues of concern, I ask -
(1) What options are available to occupants if there is not enough room in a meter box to accommodate the two residual current devices?
(2) Are occupants offered a range of devices with varying capabilities or is there a requirement to use a certain type of residual current device?
(3) What exemptions are there, if any, and what are the circumstances of those exemptions?
(4) In what circumstances would more than two residual current devices be required to be fitted?
(5) Would the Minister advise what action has been taken so far to inform the public as to the new requirements?
(6) Is the Minister aware that some people are under the impression that the two residual current devices protect only power circuits and not light circuits and would the Minister advise what action he will take to ensure occupants are better informed?
Electricity Act 1945
that took effect on 9 August 2009 whereby homes are required to have two residual current devices (RCDs) installed at the time the ownership is transferred or, when a new rental lease is made. As I have been approached by a constituent who has raised issues of concern, I ask -
(1) What options are available to occupants if there is not enough room in a meter box to accommodate the two residual current devices?
(2) Are occupants offered a range of devices with varying capabilities or is there a requirement to use a certain type of residual current device?
(3) What exemptions are there, if any, and what are the circumstances of those exemptions?
(4) In what circumstances would more than two residual current devices be required to be fitted?
(5) Would the Minister advise what action has been taken so far to inform the public as to the new requirements?
(6) Is the Minister aware that some people are under the impression that the two residual current devices protect only power circuits and not light circuits and would the Minister advise what action he will take to ensure occupants are better informed?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
22 April 2010
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Commerce
Response time
50 days
(1) Seek an exemption from an Electrical Inspector at Energy
Safety
.
(2) There are many models of 30mA RCDs available. All are acceptable provided they meet AS/NZS3190, AS/NZS61008.1 or AS/NZS61009.1 for sinusoidal wave forms.
(3) The exemptions are provided in Regulations 16, 17 and 18 of the
Electricity Regulations 1947.
The Regulations outline the circumstances where an exemption is available or can be granted and cover such issues as properties to be demolished, switchboard limitations, the practicality of installing two RCDs and temporary exemptions.
(4) Where it is not practicable to fit 2 RCDs or where the installation has many circuits, manufacturers recommend they be fitted or where employers require greater RCD protection.
(5) An extensive newspaper campaign explained the new requirements very clearly and, all real estate agents, property managers and electrical contractors were informed directly through their associations and newsletters.
(6) No, this is not a common concern. Members of the public are encouraged to contact EnergySafety if they have any queries regarding RCDs.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
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Safety
.
(2) There are many models of 30mA RCDs available. All are acceptable provided they meet AS/NZS3190, AS/NZS61008.1 or AS/NZS61009.1 for sinusoidal wave forms.
(3) The exemptions are provided in Regulations 16, 17 and 18 of the
Electricity Regulations 1947.
The Regulations outline the circumstances where an exemption is available or can be granted and cover such issues as properties to be demolished, switchboard limitations, the practicality of installing two RCDs and temporary exemptions.
(4) Where it is not practicable to fit 2 RCDs or where the installation has many circuits, manufacturers recommend they be fitted or where employers require greater RCD protection.
(5) An extensive newspaper campaign explained the new requirements very clearly and, all real estate agents, property managers and electrical contractors were informed directly through their associations and newsletters.
(6) No, this is not a common concern. Members of the public are encouraged to contact EnergySafety if they have any queries regarding RCDs.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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