In Queensland, safety switches are mandatory on power circuits in new homes, rentals and older homes as they’re sold. For property managers, this may mean you’re investing in upgrades quite often (specifically if you are managing multiple properties) and at North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical, we can help you cover all bases. We usually recommend a safety switch for each circuit, however, depending on how big the property is, you may need more. For more information and to ensure your property is electrically safe, get in touch with us today on (07) 3053 3118.

Safety switches, otherwise known as a residual current device (RCD), is a little device in your electrical box that safeguards against electrical shocks. They monitor the flow of electricity through a circuit and detect imbalances in the live and neutral wires which can occur when the current is travelling through something else (like a person) potentially causing an electric shock. They shut off the electricity supply in 0.03 seconds when a current leakage is detected which is faster than a single heartbeat!

If you have a tenant that is having issues with a safety switch tripping, there are a few things you or they can do before calling out an electrician. To test your own safety switch is a very simple process – all it requires is to push the button marked ‘T’ or ‘test’. If the safety switch flicks off and cuts the power to the intended circuits, it is working correctly. If it doesn’t turn off the power, contact our team immediately as there is likely a fault. After testing, turn the safety switch back on. 

Reasons for a safety switch constantly tripping include a temporary electrical fault, rain damage caused by heavy falls or storms triggering RCD sensors, damaged wiring that has worn out over time, nuisance tripping from too many appliances running at once or a faulty safety switch. Some of these can resolve on their own or are a simple fix, however, if it is a common occurrence, we recommend getting in touch with our team of professional electricians at North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical on (07) 3053 3118.

Circuit breakers are also designed to quickly cut power but they are more intended for instance where there is a high current fault or overload that may cause a hazard such as a fire. Safety switches shut off the electrical supply when it detects a leakage to earth. You can think of them as the one that protects wiring and appliances (circuit breaker) and one that protects people (safety switch). You can tell the difference by the ‘T’ or ‘test’ button on the front face of a safety switch. If they do not have this, they are likely to be circuit breakers.