Earth Leakage Unit Installation Wynberg | RCD & RCBO Fitting

About Earth Leakage Unit Installation in Wynberg

Earth leakage units - known technically as RCDs (Residual Current Devices) or RCBOs (Residual Current Breakers with Overcurrent protection) - are mandatory safety devices under South African electrical regulations. SANS 10142-1 requires earth leakage protection on all socket outlet circuits, and best practice recommends it on all circuits. These devices detect when current is leaking to earth through a fault and disconnect the circuit in under 300 milliseconds - fast enough to prevent fatal electrocution.

Many older homes in Wynberg and across the Western Cape were installed before earth leakage protection was mandatory, or have a single earth leakage unit protecting the entire house. A single unit means that any earth fault on any circuit trips the entire house, leaving you in the dark while trying to identify which circuit caused the problem. Modern best practice is to install individual RCBOs on each circuit, so only the affected circuit trips while the rest of your home remains powered.

We install 30mA earth leakage units as required by SANS 10142-1 for shock protection. For commercial kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-risk areas, we can also install 10mA units for additional sensitivity. All installations include functional testing to verify the unit trips at the correct leakage current and within the mandated time. We issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) confirming the installation meets all regulatory requirements.

This is one of several specialist services we offer under db board & distribution in Wynberg. As part of our Wynberg electrical team, we bring over 25 years of hands-on experience to every job.

Earth Leakage Unit Installation in Wynberg - Abacas Solution

When to Call for Earth Leakage Unit Installation

Call if your home has no earth leakage protection (no test button visible on DB board), if your earth leakage unit does not trip when the test button is pressed, if you want to upgrade from a shared RCD to individual RCBOs, or if you need a CoC and your installation lacks earth leakage protection.

Our Earth Leakage Unit Installation Process

1

Assessment & Design

We assess your current DB board and determine the best earth leakage protection strategy - whether a shared RCD, individual RCBOs, or a combination. We check board capacity and circuit layout.

2

Detailed Quote

You receive a clear quote specifying the type and number of earth leakage units, any DB board modifications needed, and the total installation cost including CoC.

3

Professional Installation

We install the earth leakage units, wire them correctly to protect the designated circuits, and ensure all earth connections are sound. Power interruption is typically 1-2 hours.

4

Testing & CoC

Each earth leakage unit is tested with calibrated RCD testing equipment to verify trip current (30mA), trip time (under 300ms), and the test button function. A CoC is issued.

Property owners in Wynberg often combine earth leakage unit installation with db board upgrade & replacement in Wynberg and circuit breaker replacement. We handle everything, so you only need one call.

Safety & Compliance

Earth leakage protection is not optional in South Africa - SANS 10142-1 requires it on all socket outlet circuits. Homes without earth leakage protection are non-compliant, uninsurable, and present a genuine electrocution risk. The earth leakage unit test button should be pressed monthly by the homeowner to verify it trips. If the test button does not cause the unit to trip, the device is faulty and must be replaced immediately. A valid CoC cannot be issued for an installation without functioning earth leakage protection.

Earth Leakage Unit Installation Cost in Wynberg

A single RCD (earth leakage unit) protecting multiple circuits costs R400-R900 for the device plus R300-R500 installation. Individual RCBOs cost R500-R1,000 per circuit but provide superior protection and convenience. Upgrading from no earth leakage to full RCBO protection on a 12-circuit board typically costs R6,000-R12,000 including the devices, installation, and CoC. If the DB board itself needs replacement to accommodate earth leakage units, a combined upgrade is more cost-effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is earth leakage protection required by law in Wynberg?

Yes. SANS 10142-1 mandates earth leakage protection on all socket outlet circuits in South Africa. A valid Certificate of Compliance cannot be issued without it. Properties without earth leakage protection may also have insurance implications.

What is the difference between an RCD and an RCBO?

An RCD provides earth leakage protection only and is shared across multiple circuits - if any circuit faults, all circuits trip. An RCBO combines earth leakage and overcurrent protection for a single circuit, so only the faulty circuit trips. RCBOs are the preferred modern solution.

My house has no earth leakage unit - is this dangerous?

Yes. Without earth leakage protection, a fault that causes current to flow through your body will not be automatically disconnected. The earth leakage unit is the device that prevents fatal electrocution from appliance faults, damaged cables, and other common hazards. Installation should be treated as urgent.

How often should I test my earth leakage unit?

Press the test button on your earth leakage unit once a month. It should trip immediately when pressed. If it does not trip, the device is faulty and must be replaced by a registered electrician without delay - it is not providing the protection you rely on.

Can you add earth leakage to my existing DB board in Wynberg?

In most cases, yes. If your DB board has spare capacity, we can add an RCD or RCBOs without replacing the entire board. If the board is full or very old, a board upgrade combined with earth leakage installation is more practical and cost-effective.