Residual Current Devices Policy

1. Background

Tenants can expect Homes NSW to ensure that all buildings are clean, safe and habitable.

Since 1991, Residual Current Devices (RCDs), also known as safety switches, have been installed in all new Homes NSW dwellings in accordance with Wiring Rules (AS/ANZ 3000).

In 2002, a program to retrofit RCDs in existing properties that were included in an upgrade program of works commenced. Since then, retrofitting of RCDs have continued under various programs of work.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all properties owned and managed by Homes NSW, Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) properties managed by Homes NSW, and Homes NSW properties leased to Community Housing Providers (CHPs) under short-term leases.

3. Policy statement

Homes NSW will install Residual Current Devices in accordance with:

• The Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000)
• The Residential Tenancies Act 2010.
• The terms of the residential tenancy agreement.
• Homes NSW policies.

Both the tenant and landlord (Homes NSW) have rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, the residential tenancy agreement and policies.

Business rules

According to the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000:2018) for a residential electrical installation that has more than one final sub-circuit, a minimum of two Residual Current Devices (RCDs) shall be installed. Normally, there will be a RCD to protect the power outlets and another RCD to protect the lighting circuit.

RCDs are not retrofitted for circuits supplying fixed appliances, such as hot water systems and stoves. However, RCD protection shall be provided if any of these circuits is subject to alteration.

RCDs will be installed in all new dwelling as part of its construction. For existing dwellings, RCDs will generally be installed as part of a planned program of works. In some cases, the RCD installation could be a part of other responsive repairs.

The installation of RCDs should be carried out with minimum changes to the existing electrical system, unless a significant electrical upgrading is required due to other circumstances.

4. Legislation and compliance

Tenants can expect that Homes NSW comply with the obligations of a landlord under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 together with it obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Residual Current Devices) Regulations 2011.

5. Further information

Appeal decision and action

Many decisions made by Homes NSW can be reviewed and appealed. If a tenant or applicant disagrees with a decision concerning this policy, they should first contact their Homes NSW Client Service Officer to discuss the matter. If you are still not satisfied, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed. A review is a formal process that checks whether the right decision has been made on a matter. For more information about how reviews work visit the appeals and reviewing decisions page and the Appeals policy.