Is RCD Protection Important in Commercial Premises?

Protecting your customers and employees against electrical shocks is crucial, and that’s why the UK has comprehensive laws in place to force commercial operations to have well-maintained safety equipment.

Despite immense progress, 2.5 million Brits still receive a mains electric shock every year, with 350,000 people suffering significant injuries. Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are among the most effective ways of preventing injury. Still, too many businesses either fail to maintain them or never install them in the first place.

Let’s discuss the importance of RCD protection and the regulations applying to the UK’s workplaces today.

Is RCD protection required on commercial premises?

RCD protection is critical for protecting people from harm. In the UK, more than 1,000 electrical accidents are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) every year, with 30 fatalities.

The default answer for all commercial and industrial premises is that RCDs should be installed on all fixtures and installations. At Wells Electrical Contractors, our NICEIC-approved contractors install the appropriate RCDs as standard because we understand how crucial health and safety are in the workplace.

Is RCD protection a legal requirement?

In many cases, RCD protection is mandatory. According to 18th Edition Wiring Regulations for RCDs, all businesses must have this electric shock and fault protection in the following scenarios:

·  RCDs must be installed on all circuits supplying lighting fixtures.

·  RCDs must be incorporated into all circuits supplying portable equipment designed for outdoor use.

·  RCDs must be installed on all socket outlets with ratings of up to 32A in environments with a higher risk of injury, such as kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas.

Some exceptions do exist to these rules. However, if RCD protection isn’t necessary, you must carry out a fully documented risk assessment, which must be attached to the relevant Electrical Installation Certification.

However, with our combined 65+ years of collective experience, we go above and beyond the legal minimum, which is why we install RCDs as standard for our clients.

Can you fail an EICR for no RCD protection?

You can fail an EICR because you do not have the appropriate RCD installed, which is one of the most common reasons for failure. This could cause significant problems for your business.

For example, it could result in you incurring liability if dodgy electrical circuits cause injuries to your customers or employees. Likewise, most insurance companies worth their salt will require a valid EICR to provide coverage.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) isn’t law (other than for landlords). Still, it’s related to compliance with legislation like the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Electricity at Work Regulations (1989).

How RCD testing keeps commercial premises safe

Installing RCDs is a crucial first step to keeping your commercial premises safe, but all your hard work can be undone if you don’t keep up with a regular maintenance schedule. Non-functioning RCDs are as bad as not installing them in the first place.

Here’s how committing to a regular RCD testing schedule protects your business.

Prevent electric shocks

RCDs detect issues with live and neutral currents. Once detected, they trigger in milliseconds, mitigating the risk of serious injuries and deaths when something goes wrong. By preventing electrical shocks, you protect your employees, customers and other visitors from harm.

Reduce the risk of electrical fires

Electrical fires can destroy all your hard work in minutes and put lives at risk. Whether it’s a breakdown in electrical insulation, damaged wiring, or a faulty appliance, all of these risks could lead to an electrical fire. Regular testing gives you the peace of mind that your RCDs are functioning as they should.

Guarantee legal compliance

In the last few years, compliance requirements have tightened on the issue of electrical safety. A failure to properly maintain your electrical systems leaves your business at risk of damage, invalidated insurance coverage and significant legal penalties.

Proactive maintenance

Don’t wait until something goes wrong to take action.

Regular testing and maintenance identify faulty RCDs early. Unfortunately, too many business owners find out their RCDs aren’t working when someone is injured or killed. Don’t leave it up to chance. Hire a contractor who can provide regular maintenance and testing for your electrical infrastructure.