Electrical safety devices, such as an RCD, add an extra level of protection for your guests. An RCD monitors the flow of electricity within a circuit and identifies any loss of current, such as it being diverted through your body, and, upon detection, it shuts down the supply immediately to reduce injury.
RCD devices can be included in the consumer unit (also known as a fusebox), sockets, or even a plug adaptor.
RCDs need to be tested frequently by pushing the “test” button. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how often this should be done, but, to avoid doubt, this could be added to your periodic checklist.
BS 7671: 2018+ A1: 2020 made it a legal requirement for circuits in new or rewired homes to include a residual current device (RCD). An RCD is a safety device that automatically switches the electricity off if there is a fault. If your holiday home was re-wired or built before this time there is no legal requirement to add one. However, if you strive to achieve ‘best practice’ rather than ‘getting by with the minimum required’ then it would be a good idea to have RCD protection fitted onto the circuits in your property. It is also best practice to include operating instructions for all electrical equipment in your holiday home (a welcome folder is a good place).