The Importance of Regular RCD Testing at Your Fuse Board: A Simple Test That Could Save a Life
Testing RCD in Banbury
When it comes to electrical safety in the home, many people assume that once their installation is complete and working, there’s nothing more to worry about. But like anything in your home, electrical systems need ongoing maintenance to remain safe and functional. One of the most critical components of your home’s electrical safety setup is the Residual Current Device, or RCD. At L J Mullan Electrical, based in Banbury, we regularly see first-hand the consequences of neglecting to test this vital piece of safety equipment.
What Is an RCD and Why Is It So Important?
An RCD is a life-saving device designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you touch something live, such as a bare wire. It also offers some protection against electrical fires caused by faults, such as a live wire touching a metal casing. It works by quickly cutting the power when it detects an imbalance in the electrical current—typically within 30 milliseconds. That’s less time than it takes to blink, and just fast enough to protect you from serious harm or even death.
However, like all mechanical and electrical devices, RCDs can degrade over time or become faulty. If this happens, they may not trip when needed, rendering them useless in an emergency.
Why You Should Test Your RCD Every 6 Months
Most homeowners are unaware that you should test your RCD at least every six months using the built-in test button on your consumer unit (fuse board). This simple test helps verify that the RCD mechanism is still operational and will trip if a fault occurs.
To test your RCD:
- Locate the test button on the RCD (usually marked with a ‘T’ or the word ‘Test’).
- Press the button—this should cause the RCD to trip, cutting the power to the relevant circuits.
- Reset the RCD after confirming it has tripped.
If the RCD fails to trip, you may be at serious risk of an electric shock should a fault occur, therefore the device should be inspected and replaced immediately by a qualified electrician.
A Real-World Example From L J Mullan Electrical
In a recent Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out by our team at L J Mullan Electrical in Banbury, we came across a troubling but not uncommon issue. One of the RCDs on the property’s fuse board did not operate when the test button was pressed. This is a clear sign that the RCD had failed internally and was no longer functioning. See the video here: https://www.ljmullanelectrical.com/video/rcd-test-fault
The implication? In the event of an electrical fault—such as a damaged cable or a person accidentally coming into contact with a live wire—the RCD would not disconnect the power. This type of failure could lead to serious injury or even fatality.
This highlights the importance of regular testing and periodic inspections. Electrical components can degrade over time, and often, the homeowner won’t know there’s a problem until it’s too late.
Take Action—Stay Safe
It only takes a minute to test your RCDs, but the peace of mind it provides is invaluable. Regular six-monthly testing is a small effort that plays a huge role in ensuring your electrical system is safe.
For those who are unsure, hesitant, or haven’t had their electrics professionally inspected in some time, it’s highly recommended to book an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) with a qualified electrician.
At L J Mullan Electrical, we specialise in electrical safety inspections throughout Banbury and the surrounding areas. Our team is fully qualified to test, inspect, and report on the condition of your home’s electrical system, giving you confidence that your RCDs and all other safety systems are working as they should.
Need Help? Contact L J Mullan Electrical
If you have concerns about your home’s electrical safety or would like guidance on testing your RCDs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’ll ensure your property is safe, compliant, and up to date with current regulations.
L J Mullan Electrical – Your trusted Banbury electrician for safety, inspections, and peace of mind.
