The Heat Pump Association (HPA) has joined forces with leading electrical certification bodies NAPIT and NICEIC to release a new, comprehensive guide for heat pump installers. This guidance is designed to help professionals make informed decisions when selecting the appropriate residual current device (RCD) for their heat pump installations.
With nearly 100,000 heat pumps sold in the UK in 2024—marking a 63% increase from 2023—the heat pump sector is growing rapidly. This surge reflects the growing integration of heat pumps into electrical systems, highlighting the need for installers to stay up-to-date on the latest safety standards and best practices.
The new guidance focuses specifically on domestic heat pump installations. It takes a deep dive into the RCD selection process, explaining the various types of RCDs available, their unique properties, and the key factors to consider to ensure heat pump systems are safely and effectively protected. The guidance presents a clear, step-by-step, 4-step process, followed by a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) designed to help installers navigate common issues and considerations. This user-friendly format is designed not only for those with electrical competence but also for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of heat pump installation.
Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association, commented on the release: “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.”
Griff Thomas, MD of GTEC and Heatly said “The partnership and guidance will be very welcomed by the industry and installers to provide clarity around RCD selection in a clear and concise way. Not only will it equip installers with the technical knowledge they need but will also increase consumer satisfaction, which is key to driving the targets towards net zero.”
A representative from NAPIT added, “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.”
From NICEIC, a representative shared: “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.”
The release of this new guidance is another example of the HPA’s dedication to supporting heat pump installers and ensuring that these systems perform at their best. With heat pumps playing a crucial role in the UK’s transition to net zero, maintaining the highest standards of installation and ongoing performance is essential to ensuring their long-term efficiency and reliability.
For more information and to access the Guidance, visit the HPA’s technical resources page:
HPA-RCD-Guidance-March-2025-Final.pdf