Why Do Businesses Need RCD Protection?

Electrical safety is paramount for health and safety in any business setting. Not only do you have a legal obligation to protect your employees and customers, but you also have a moral obligation. According to the latest stats, the leading cause of workplace fires involved electrical devices, making up a fifth of incidents.

RCDs are a fundamental part of electrical safety, which is why they are a massive part of our work here at Wells Electrical Contractors, as we service businesses across the country, including Smyths Toys and The Bluecoat Liverpool.

Here’s what you must know about RCD protection and why your business needs it.

RCD protection for businesses

Before you can understand why RCD protection is so crucial, it’s vital that businesses know what they do. Residual Current Devices (RCDs) monitor your electrical current on the circuit they’re attached to.

The point is to detect leakage that could result in electric shocks and fires. Modern RCDs can detect even the tiniest of faults, whether that’s due to:

·  Electrical faults

·  Damage

·  Water

·  Live wire contact

If an RCD detects any form of leakage, it automatically cuts the power supply. Unprotected currents will continue to allow electricity to flow, putting you at risk of shocks or rapidly spreading fires.

Don’t underestimate the chances of this happening. According to the Electrical Times, there have been 4,634 callouts for electrical fires from businesses from 2021 to 2024.

Keep your Business Safe and Compliant Today

Is it a legal requirement to have RCD protection?

Technically, there’s no legal requirement to have RCD protection in place. However, the 18th edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, known as British Standard 7671, mandates RCD protection for all sockets rated up to 32A and for any circuits used to supply portable outdoor equipment.

Despite this, there’s no legal requirement to comply with BS-7671, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. If there’s an accident and it’s found you weren’t in compliance, you could still be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

In other words, although RCD protection isn’t mandated directly, it’s indirectly a legal requirement, and you’re taking a huge chance by ignoring these recommendations.

RCD requirements for UK businesses

With that out of the way, there are three essential points to remember about installing RCDs in your firm, per the 18th edition of the wiring regulations:

1. Install RCD protection on sockets rated up to 32A.

2. RCD protection should be incorporated into all lighting circuits, outdoor areas, kitchens and bathrooms.

3. A qualified electrician must be used to ensure that your RCD functions correctly.

Why businesses need RCD protection

RCD protection is one of the most straightforward options to give your business the very best in electrical safety. At Wells Electrical Contractors, we deliver more than 65 years of combined experience, enabling us to install, maintain and test cutting-edge RCDs for your business.

Wondering why RCDs are such a necessity? Let’s go through the reasons why it matters.

Protect against electric shocks

Electric shocks are the biggest threat from unprotected circuits. According to First Aid for Life, every year there are around 1,000 electric shocks or burns reported to the HSE. RCDs are designed to kick in well below the threshold where an electric shock can cause serious injury or death. These have saved tens of thousands of lives since their introduction.

Fast response

RCDs are so effective because of how quickly they kick in. They’re programmed to detect even the tiniest electrical imbalances before leakage becomes more serious. Once they trigger an electrical leak, they kick in within 40 milliseconds.

By disconnecting the power supply, RCDs provide instant protection against electric shocks that could kill an unsuspecting employee or visitor.

Reduce the risk of electrical fires

Electrical fires are incredibly dangerous because not only are they known for spreading rapidly, but they’re also notoriously challenging to extinguish. They’re among the most dangerous types of fire you’ll encounter, and RCDs defend against this.

Faulty wiring or appliances can quickly destroy your business, resulting in massive disruption and enormous costs. With RCDs protecting your circuits, the chances of this happening are substantially lower.

Make workplaces safer

Workplaces should be a place of safety for your employees. You’ve got a duty of care to every worker, and the consequences of breaching that duty of care are enormous. Some of the consequences include:

·  Fines

·  Legal action

·  Loss of business

·  Long-term disruption

·  Loss of reputation

In short, you can avoid all this by upgrading your circuits with state-of-the-art RCD protection from the CHAS-affiliated engineers at Wells Electrical Contractors.

Peace of mind

Ultimately, RCDs provide peace of mind. We have a habit of taking electrical safety for granted until something goes wrong. Knowing that your business is protected at all times offers added peace of mind, allowing you to get on with running your business and serving your customers.

Cost-effective safety

RCDs are one of the most affordable ways of increasing electrical safety in the workplace. They’re inexpensive to buy and other than labour costs, there are no other outgoings you have to worry about.

A single high-quality RCD can last up to 15 years and requires minimal maintenance, making this an investment that costs just a few pounds a year. In short, there’s no excuse not to incorporate RCD protection into your business.

At Wells Electrical Contractors, we’re specialists in electrical safety, covering installation, regular maintenance and testing to ensure you’re fully compliant with your electrical safety obligations. To learn more about improving your company’s electrical safety, get in touch with us for your free consultation today.