New RCD Guidance Published to Support Heat Pump Installers

The Heat Pump Association (HPA) has teamed up with electrical certification bodies NAPIT and NICEIC to produce comprehensive Guidance for Heat Pump Installers to assist in choosing the appropriate residual current device (RCD) for their projects.

In 2024, nearly 100,000 heat pumps were sold in the UK, up 63% from 2023, highlighting the rapid growth of heat pump integration in electrical installations.

The new Guidance focuses on domestic heat pump installations. It covers the RCD selection process, explains the different types of RCD on the market and their properties, and outlines the specific requirements and considerations to safely and robustly protect heat pump installations.  The user-friendly format covers a 4-step process, followed by frequently asked questions to help installers understand the various considerations. The guidance is intended to be informative for those with an interest in the subject and instructive for those with electrical competence.

Commenting on the release, Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive at the Heat Pump Association said: “The Heat Pump Association is dedicated to supporting installers and promoting high quality heat pump installations to improve the consumer experience. This new Guidance adds to the HPA’s ongoing efforts to support the sector as it scales up to meet increasing demand. It aims to simplify the RCD selection process and provide clear answers to common questions.”

A representative from NAPIT said: “Providing technical guidance to Competent Persons on the installation of renewable technologies, to ensure they perform to their optimum levels and leave consumers satisfied, is an unceasing objective for NAPIT. Being involved in this guidance bolsters this commitment when it comes to Heat Pumps. As a nation, we are well aware of the targets set out in front of us, and although these may feel steep, we believe these to be achievable with the correct tradespeople doing efficient installs of these technologies.”

A representative from NICEIC said: “NICEIC is pleased to have partnered with the Heat Pump Association and industry partners in developing comprehensive guidance for heat pump installers. This guide will streamline the understanding and implementation of RCD protection requirements, empowering installers to deliver safe and reliable heat pump systems.”

This initiative underscores the HPA’s commitment to supporting heat pump installers. With heat pumps playing a pivotal role in the transition to net zero, maintaining these systems to a high standard is critical to ensuring their efficiency, performance, and reliability.

For more information and to access the Guidance, visit the HPA’s technical resources page: LINK

Notes to Editors:

For media inquiries, please contact:

Olivia Smalley

Head of Policy and Communications

Email: Olivia.smalley@thehpa.org.uk

About the Heat Pump Association:

The HPA is the UK’s dedicated voice for the Heat Pump Sector, driving widespread deployment of heat pump technology throughout the UK. Our membership includes the country’s leading manufacturers of heat pumps, components, and associated equipment as well as energy companies, certification bodies, installers and training providers.  We currently represent over 120 member organisations working in the heat pump sector, with our members representing around 90% of the volume of heat pumps sold in the UK market.