RCD protection in Scottish rental properties

What is an RCD?

A residual current device monitors the current flowing through a circuit. If it detects an imbalance that may indicate electricity flowing along an unintended path, it disconnects the supply quickly. This additional protection can reduce the risk of serious electric shock and electrical fire.

An RCD complements fuses and circuit-breakers; it does not replace them. Those devices primarily protect against overcurrent and short circuits.

What does Scotland’s Repairing Standard require?

Scottish Government statutory guidance says there must be one or more residual current devices with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA in the main or principal consumer unit. Normally, as a minimum, this covers the socket-outlet circuit.

The required coverage varies with the installation. The landlord should use the EICR, which assesses the installation against BS 7671, to establish the appropriate protection. The guidance expressly states that the absence of an RCD means the house does not comply with the Repairing Standard.

Which circuits need RCD protection?

Socket outlets are the normal minimum described by the Scottish guidance, but modern BS 7671 requirements extend protection to other circuits in many circumstances. Depending on the property, the EICR may consider circuits serving:

• bathrooms and shower rooms;
• lighting;
• outdoor equipment and cables;
• electric showers and heating;
• concealed cables in walls;
• EV charging or solar equipment; and
• other locations or equipment presenting additional risk.

Do not assume socket protection alone is automatically sufficient for every property. Equally, do not diagnose required coverage from photographs; use the report and competent assessment.

RCD, RCBO and main switch: what is the difference?

Individual RCBOs can improve circuit separation: a fault on one circuit need not disconnect every circuit sharing a single RCD. The best arrangement depends on the installation and any planned work.

Does every older consumer unit need replacing?

No blanket rule says every consumer unit must be replaced only because it is old, uses fuses or has a plastic enclosure. An EICR assesses actual condition and safety, including damage, overheating, accessibility of live parts, earthing, bonding and RCD provision.

However, a property with no RCD does not meet the Scottish requirement. Replacement or alteration may also be appropriate when existing devices do not provide the required coverage, are unsuitable, damaged or cannot be safely incorporated into remedial work.

How are RCD issues recorded on an EICR?

The inspector should describe the affected circuit, deficiency and classification. Not every difference from the newest wiring standard automatically receives the same code. Classification depends on the safety risk and circumstances.

A C1, C2 or FI observation normally makes the report unsatisfactory. A C3 is an improvement recommendation and does not by itself do so. Scottish landlords must also consider the separate Repairing Standard statement that no RCD means non-compliance.

What does the test button check?

The button marked “T” or “Test” creates an internal imbalance to confirm that the mechanism trips. Follow the consumer-unit label and manufacturer instructions, and make sure it is safe to interrupt the protected circuits before testing.

The button does not prove:

• the device trips within the required measured time;
• every intended circuit is connected to it;
• earthing and bonding are satisfactory; or
• the wider installation is safe.

If the device does not trip, will not reset or repeatedly trips in normal use, arrange competent investigation. Do not keep resetting it without finding the cause.

When should a landlord call an electrician?

• The property has no visible RCD or its coverage is unclear.
• An RCD fails its test-button check.
• It trips repeatedly or cannot be reset.
• The consumer unit is damaged, hot, noisy or discoloured.
• The EICR records C1, C2, FI or RCD-related recommendations.
• New circuits, sockets, showers, outdoor supplies, solar or EV charging are planned.
• There has been flooding, fire, impact damage or unauthorised electrical work.

What records should landlords keep?

1. Current EICR or qualifying Electrical Installation Certificate.
2. Certificates for consumer-unit changes or other remedial work.
3. Evidence closing each original EICR observation.
4. The device and circuit schedule.
5. Reported faults, access arrangements and completed repairs.
6. Routine checks recorded at tenancy handover where appropriate.

Landlord RCD checklist

1. Confirm one or more devices are rated no more than 30 mA.
2. Check which circuits each device protects.
3. Review the current EICR and next-inspection date.
4. Resolve C1, C2 and FI findings according to urgency.
5. Follow manufacturer guidance for user test buttons.
6. Investigate repeated tripping rather than bypassing protection.
7. Use a competent electrician for tests, alterations and certification.

Frequently asked questions

Can a plug-in RCD make the property compliant?

The Scottish requirement is for one or more suitable RCDs in the main or principal consumer unit. A plug-in accessory is not a substitute for that requirement.

Can the tenant test the RCD?

A tenant may use the test button if given clear manufacturer instructions and warned that protected circuits will lose power. The landlord remains responsible for maintaining the installation and resolving faults.

Does an RCD stop all electric shocks?

No. It provides important additional protection but cannot prevent every injury or compensate for unsafe wiring, damaged equipment or misuse.

General information only, not legal advice or a substitute for inspection and testing. Do not remove consumer-unit covers or carry out electrical work unless competent and authorised. Follow the property’s signed EICR and obtain specific advice.