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We have properties in 4 states and as far as I know, RCD's are compulsory for rental properties in each state. The latest ones we've had put in here in Tassie have cost approximately $600-700 each time, but as someone has already said, it will depend on the age of the existing board. If too old, you may have to replace the whole thing and that will cost several thousand (from what I've been told, haven't had to do this so far).
It should also be noted that RCDs should be tested regularly as per Australian Standards to ensure they are operating correcting.
This means a 6 monthly trip of the circuit by pressing the test button, and an annual test by an electrician with a meter to measure how quickly the RCD trips.
I will try and find out if the Australian Standard differentiates between residential and commercial installations.
Are safety switches known to fail?
Yes- they sometimes do so quite spectacularly. They are supposed to be tested regularly. I know someone who was auditing Dept. of Housing properties, and one of the jobs was to test RCDs (by pressing the test button). A number went bang and emitted smoke & sparks
How likely are they to be needed, if the property is not that old and doesn't have damaged wiring etc, the risk should already be pretty low of any shocks I would think.
A number went bang and emitted smoke & sparks
15yrs as a sparky, never seen one go bang/smoke up on a test button. Guessing they must be one of the cheap imports appearing in the last few years.
Regulations require all residential homes to be fitted with at least two RCDs protecting all power and lighting circuits.
Landlords must arrange for a minimum of two RCDs to be installed at their rental premises before offering the property for lease.
From 1 July 1997, the installation of mains powered smoke alarms became mandatory for all new residential buildings (or residential building extensions) within Western Australia. Since 1 October 2009, mains powered smoke alarms are required to be fitted in all existing residential buildings prior to sale and before a new tenancy agreement is signed. These requirements are now prescribed in the Building Regulations 2012.
Local Government agencies are responsible for investigating and enforcing the mandatory requirement to fit and maintain smoke alarms under the Building Regulations 2012, so non-compliance can be directed to the local council. .
A $750 infringement notice could be issued for any premise without a smoke alarm, while the seller or landlord could face a fine of up to $5000.