Step 1: Check for a Power Outage

Before anything else, make sure the power outage isn’t due to a general blackout in your area. You can:

• Check if your neighbours have lost power.

• Visit the Western Power website for outage updates.

• Use a battery-powered device to check for news on power outages.

If it’s a general outage, you’ll need to wait for the utility provider to restore the power.

Step 2: Locate Your Switchboard

If the outage is limited to your home, locate your switchboard. It’s usually found outside, in a utility room, or in the garage.

Step 3: Identify the RCD, Circuit Breakers, and Fuses

Understanding what you’re looking at on your switchboard is crucial:

• RCD (Safety Switch): It’s usually marked with a ‘Test’ button and will have a label indicating it’s a safety switch.

• Circuit Breakers: These are switches that trip off when a circuit is overloaded. They’ll be labelled according to the circuits they protect (e.g., lighting, power outlets).

• Fuses: If your home has older wiring, there may be fuses, but most modern switchboards have circuit breakers instead.

How to Tell the Difference:

• The RCD will have a “Test” button on it, while circuit breakers are simple switches that don’t have test buttons.

• RCDs are labelled with words like "Safety Switch" or "RCD."

Step 4: Check if the RCD Has Tripped

Look at your switchboard. If the RCD switch is in the "Off" position, it means it has tripped.

Step 5: Reset the RCD

To reset the RCD:

1. Turn off all the circuit breakers on your switchboard first. This ensures that any faulty device or circuit doesn’t immediately trip the RCD again.

2. Switch the RCD back to "On".

3. Turn on the circuit breakers one by one, starting with essential circuits like lighting or power outlets.

Step 6: Identify the Cause (Faulty Appliance or Circuit)

If turning on one of the circuit breakers trips the RCD again, the problem is likely with that specific circuit or something plugged into it. Here’s what you can do:

1. Unplug all appliances connected to that circuit.

2. Reset the RCD and turn the circuit breaker on again.

3. Plug appliances back in one at a time. If plugging in a particular appliance trips the RCD, that appliance is faulty and needs to be repaired or replaced.

Step 7: Legal Actions You Can Take as a Tenant

As a tenant, you are legally allowed to reset the RCD, circuit breakers, and unplug appliances to identify the cause of the power issue. However, there are things you cannot do without a licensed electrician:

• You cannot attempt to replace fuses or modify the wiring.

• You cannot repair or replace any electrical components yourself.

Step 8: When to Contact Response Electricians

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, or if the RCD keeps tripping after resetting it, it’s time to call a professional. You should contact Response Electricians if:

• The RCD won’t reset even after turning off all the circuit breakers.

• The RCD continues to trip after unplugging all devices.

• You suspect there’s an issue with the wiring or electrical system.

• There are any signs of burning smells, unusual noises from the switchboard, or sparks.

Note: Electrical issues can be dangerous, and if you’re unsure, it’s always better to contact a licensed electrician. At Response Electricians, we provide fast, reliable service and can ensure your home is electrically safe.

RCDS WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE

An RCD is a life-saving device that protects you from dangerous electrical shocks. While it’s different from fuses and circuit breakers, all three play a critical role in keeping your home’s electrical system safe. By following the steps above, tenants in Perth can safely reset an RCD and troubleshoot minor issues. However, when in doubt, always call the experts at Response Electricians for professional help.