WA's electrical safety regulator is encouraging more Western Australians to regularly test RCDs - life-saving switches designed to prevent electrocution - through a new campaign with multilingual resources.
WA's electrical safety regulator is encouraging more Western Australians to regularly test RCDs - life-saving switches designed to prevent electrocution - through a new campaign and multilingual resources.
RCDs (residual current devices) are safety switches that instantly stop the electricity supply when they detect current changes, which can be caused by dangerous electrical faults and shocks.
Householders should regularly carry out a safe and simple test, if they feel confident to do so, to ensure RCDs provide protection when needed, according to the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety's Building and Energy division.
The test involves opening the meter box and pressing the "T" or "test" button on each RCD on the switchboard. The switch should instantly flip off. After the test, it should be moved back to the on position.
Building and Energy's campaign focuses on culturally and linguistically diverse communities across Western Australia. A short demonstration video in six languages - Kimberley Kriol, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hazaragi and Korean - along with a practical guide translated into 20 languages and multilingual radio advertising are aimed at reaching nearly one in five households where English is not the primary language spoken.
The campaign is being widely promoted across the State through advertising on digital platforms, social media, bus stops and front-of-store screens at Bunnings stores.
WA's Director of Energy Safety, Daniel Kearney, said testing an RCD regularly was a simple safety check that could save lives.
"RCDs are one of the most important safety features in your home, but the switches can get jammed or stuck so they need to be tested regularly to make sure they will work when you need them most," Mr Kearney said.
"If you identify any issues during the RCD test, or are unable to carry out the check yourself, contact a licensed electrical contractor.
"At least two RCDs must be fitted at all properties constructed after 2000 as well as any homes that are being sold or rented."
RCD testing is recommended every three months.
Resources, including multilingual versions , are available on the Building and Energy website: www.lgirs.wa.gov.au/besafe
