26/01/2026
🚨Important Safety Notice for Caravan Owners
🚨RCD Requirements regarding Type A & AC
❓So what is the RCD?
ℹ️ Simply put it’s a safety device found in all / most Caravans and Domestic properties that disconnects the supply in the event of a fault to provide protection to the end user. ✅
🆚 Type AC vs Type A RCDs – What’s the Difference?
ℹ️ Type AC RCD
· Common in older installations
· Detects only standard AC electrical faults (typical of older appliances)
ℹ️ Type A RCD
· The modern, recommended type
· Detects AC faults and DC faults
❓So where do these DC currents come from?
ℹ️ Everyday items we all use day to day such as -
· LED lighting
· TVs, aerial boosters
· Heating or hot-water systems with electronic controls
· Fridges and freezers with control boards
· USB sockets and smart switches Mobile and Tablet chargers Devices that are coupled with plug in power bricks
❓So why does it matter?
ℹ️ Type AC RCD’s cannot detect this DC leakage and can become “blinded,” meaning it may fail to trip in a fault, increasing the risk of electric shock.
ℹ️ Type A RCD’s are specifically designed to detect both AC and DC-related fault currents.
❌ Why This Now Fails an Electrical Inspection (C2)
ℹ️ Electrical governing bodies — IET, NICEIC, NAPIT and ECA — all provide guidance based on BS 7671 (the Wiring Regulations). Electricians rely on this guidance when deciding the correct coding during an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report).
🔑 The key regulation is Regulation 531.3.3 🔑
“RCD Type AC shall only be used to serve equipment where it is known that the load current contains no DC components.”
With modern caravans containing many DC-producing devices, we cannot say that “no DC components” are present. This means a Type AC RCD cannot meet the requirement.
ℹ️ About coding and interpretation.
Coding during an EICR does involve a degree of professional interpretation. However, that interpretation must be informed by:
· BS 7671
· Guidance from governing bodies
· Available safety research and recommendations
ℹ️ Based on this information, WAF Electrical’s clear and justified interpretation is that a Type AC RCD in a caravan presents a direct safety concern.
Therefore, in our opinion the only appropriate coding is that of a ❌ C2 – Potentially Dangerous ❌
It is the only coding that aligns with regulation 531.3.3 and the guidance provided to electricians across the industry.
A C2 coding means the installation cannot be classed as satisfactory until the RCD is replaced with a Type A unit.
✅ Your Safety and the Safety of Others
Upgrading to a Type A RCD ensures proper protection for:
✅ You
✅ Your family
✅ Visitors
✅ Anyone renting or using your caravan
ℹ️ If you rent or hire out your caravan, you also have a legal responsibility to ensure it is electrically safe and brought up to modern standards. Replacing the RCD is in our opinion essential to meeting this duty.
