Safety Switch Installations

An electrical safety switch is a crucial device designed to rapidly interrupt the flow of electricity in a circuit, thereby preventing serious harm in the event of an electric shock. These safety switches are engineered to act within moments, cutting off the power supply in as little as 0.3 seconds. This swift response can be the difference between a minor incident and a life-threatening situation, making safety switches an essential component in modern electrical systems.

Importance of Safety Switches for Older Homes

Installing safety switches on older electrical systems is an effective way to enhance protection against risks such as electrocution and fire hazards. Despite the clear benefits, statistics show that only about one third of Australian homes currently have adequate safety switch protection installed.

Which Homes Require Safety Switches?

Under the updated AS/NZS 3000:2018 standards, all newly constructed homes must have safety switches installed on final sub circuits and switchboards. These components are essential for safeguarding electrical circuits from overloading and preventing fires or other hazards that can threaten the safety of occupants.

Types of Safety Switches

Residual Current Devices (RCDs): These devices protect individuals by automatically shutting off power if a person comes into contact with an electrical current.
Circuit Breakers: Designed to protect the home, circuit breakers disconnect power if a circuit becomes overloaded, reducing the risk of fire.
Residential Current Breaker with Over Current: This type of switch offers comprehensive protection against both electrical shock and fire hazards.

Ensuring Your Home Is Protected

If your home is a new build, you can confirm with your electrician whether the appropriate safety switches have already been installed. For older homes, it is the homeowner's responsibility to upgrade the electrical system. Although not compulsory for existing homes, retrofitting safety switches is a valuable step in safeguarding your property and loved ones. Qualified electricians can retrofit these devices into existing setups.
It is important to note that if you have electrical work carried out and your home does not already have a safety switch, the electrician is required to upgrade your system in accordance with the updated Australian Standards. This requirement should be communicated when you receive an estimate for work on your electrical panel or circuitry.

How Safety Switches Protect You and Your Home

Safety switches work by shutting off the electrical supply if they detect a leakage of current. Such leakage occurs when electricity escapes the circuit and is diverted to the earth, which can happen if a person inadvertently becomes part of the circuit, resulting in electrocution. The safety switch senses this fault and instantly interrupts the power supply by tripping the circuit. While you might feel a brief shock, the switch acts swiftly to prevent severe injury or worse outcomes.