Fire and safety

What is an RCD?

An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a safety device designed to protect against electric shock and reduce the risk of electrical fires. It works by monitoring the flow of electricity and automatically turning off power if it detects a fault – for example, electricity flowing somewhere it shouldn’t.

What are the common reasons an RCD may trip?

• Faulty appliance: An internal fault in a device, especially one with a heating element (like a kettle or washing machine), can create a path for current to leak to earth.
• Damaged wiring: Worn, frayed, or damaged wiring can cause earth faults and trip the RCD.
• Moisture: Water entering electrical sockets, wiring, or appliances creates an earth path and triggers the RCD.
• Circuit overload: Too many appliances drawing power from a single circuit can overload it, causing the RCD to trip.
• Pest damage: Chewing through wires by mice can cause short circuits or earth faults.
• Faulty RCD: The RCD itself can degrade and fail, leading to it tripping incorrectly.

What should I do if my RCD trips?

You should call us immediately if:

• you see flickering lights or smell burning,
• you notice other electrical issues besides the RCD tripping,
• you have to reset the RCD frequently,
• you suspect the RCD itself is faulty or the wiring needs attention.

It may be possible for you to carry out some further investigation to determine the cause of your RCD tripping:

1. Unplug all electrical devices from the sockets connected to the affected circuit.
2. Reset the RCD by pushing the switch back to the ‘on’ position.
3. Plug electrical devices back in, one at a time, waiting to see if the RCD trips after each piece of equipment is switched on.
4. Call Albyn if you can’t find the fault, or if the RCD trips again with nothing plugged in, as you need an electrician.

Do not attempt to bypass the RCD or perform any repairs yourself, as this is a crucial safety device.

For your safety every 5 years we complete an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to assess the safety and condition of your property's fixed electrical systems, such as wiring, sockets, and consumer units.

This check identifies any potential hazards, defects, or wear and tear that could pose a risk of electric shock or fire and determines if the installation meets current safety regulations.

Ultimately, it serves to confirm the electrical installation is safe for continued use or to provide a list of required remedial work.  It is important that you allow us access to your home to complete this vital safety check.

The fire detection system in your home meets the latest British Standard, a Category LD2 system. This means that detection is placed in all escape routes and living areas including your hallway, landing, kitchen and living room – and they are interlinked so if one sounds, they all do

What is an LD2 system?

LD2 is the standard for "Additional Life Protection" and means a more comprehensive system of interconnected smoke and heat alarms has been installed throughout your home.

Specifically, it includes:

• Smoke alarms in all escape routes (hallways and landings) and in the main living area.
• A heat alarm in the kitchen. Heat alarms are used here because they are not triggered by cooking fumes, preventing false alarms.
• Interlinked alarms throughout the property. If one alarm detects fire, all alarms will sound, giving you and your family an earlier warning and more time to evacuate safely.

What is your role in fire safety?

Your co-operation remains crucial for everyone's safety.

• Do not tamper with or remove any fire alarm. This could put you and your neighbours at serious risk.
• Report any issues immediately. If an alarm is beeping or appears to be faulty, please contact us right away. Do not try to fix it yourself.
• Test your alarms monthly. While the alarms are mains-powered with battery back-ups, you should still test them monthly to ensure they are working correctly.
• Keep escape routes clear. Never store personal items, such as bikes, prams, or rubbish, in shared hallways or stairwells. These are critical escape routes and must remain clear at all times.
• Do not obstruct heating systems. Do not dry clothes or place items on storage heaters or obstruct ventilation systems.
• Do not use loft Area. Do not run cables in loft areas including TV boosters/Ariels, these can overheat particularly with loft insulation present. Loft areas must remain clear of all belongings and should not be used as a storage area.  In the event of a fire these items can provide fuel for a fire.
• Do not smoke in communal areas.
• Do not use portable gas heaters indoors. In addition to the risks associated with open flames and gas canisters, fully electric homes are not equipped with carbon monoxide alarms, and using a gas heater in your home can lead to serious injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.
• Ensure you are aware of and follow the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service advice on what to do in the event of a fire - In an emergency | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
• If you have a fire at your home, regardless of the size and damage, you need to inform us as soon as it is safe to do so.

Lithium-ion batteries have become widely used in a range of items including mobile phones and tools through to larger items such as electric bikes, e-scooters and electric vehicles.

Lithium-ion batteries have the ability to store an enormous amount of energy in a very small space; this guide concentrates on portable lithium-ion batteries such as those that you can charge in your home.

Why are they dangerous?

The ability to store an enormous amount of energy in a very small space is also one of the main disadvantages of lithium-ion batteries which can lead to risks of fire and explosion if they are not stored and charged safely. When used properly, lithium-ion batteries are convenient and safe to use but batteries can present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, or if they are damaged.

Charging them safely is really important.

How to keep your home safe when charging your e-bike or e-scooter

Lithium batteries are used safely by millions of people every day, and when used properly they are not dangerous, but it’s important to be aware of the fire safety advice particularly when charging your battery.

• Don’t charge e-bikes and e-scooters in bedrooms or where escape routes can be blocked
• Don’t leave your battery charging unattended especially when you are out or asleep.
• Don’t cover chargers or battery packs when charging
• Don’t overload sockets or use inappropriate extension leads
• Don’t charge or store batteries in direct sunlight or hot locations (above 45⁰C)
• Don’t charge batteries close to combustible materials or hazardous substances.
• Always unplug your charger when you have finished charging
• If your battery can be removed from your e-bike or e-scooter and charged separately, it should be charged in area with good ventilation and on a hard flat surface where heat can disperse