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We use electricity every day as one of our main power sources. It should be properly managed, if not it can cause serious injury or even death.
Does your home have an electrical safety switch?
What is an Electrical Safety Switch?
A safety switch also called RCD or in it’s long form, Residual Current Device, is an electrical device designed to cut power to an electrical circuit in 0.03 seconds when an imbalance is detected in a circuit. The moment a circuit leaks the flow of electricity would be stopped instantly, so fast that the person who touches the live wire doesn’t even have time to receive a shock. The main goal of the safety switch is to prevent electrocution or general injury.
Electrical Safety Switch is activated in the event of:
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Faulty appliances
- Disruption in wiring like hammering nails into walls
- Water entering power sockets
- Rodents eating your wires
- Bugs and termites entering power sockets and tripping circuits
These events may occur in residential homes any time, without a safety switch you are putting your family at risk. Installing safety switches are the best way to protect your family from any electrical hazards.
What is the difference between Circuit Breaker and Safety Switch?
Circuit breakers are often confused with electrical safety switch because they almost have similar roles. Circuit breakers or fuse are designed to cut power to your home when it detects high current, short circuit or overloads. It is triggered by a surge of power that might cause overload. For example, a bolt of lightning striking your home. Breakers will be in action to protect your technology and equipment inside your home.
A safety switch monitors the electrical flow through the circuits and triggers when it detects leakage in the live and neutral wire. It is designed to shut off at an extremely rapid rate to prevent electrocution. A safety switch makes sure that people are safe. You can distinguish a safety switch from a circuit breaker by the button marked with the word “test” on the front.
Do I need a Safety Switch?
Every year 15 people are killed in preventable electrical accidents and 300 people are hospitalized from serious electrical injuries and burns in Australia.
There are different causes of electrical accidents, from a child putting a knife in the outlet to accidentally touching a live wire. These accidents can be prevented if there are safety switches installed.
Importance of Safety Switches
Circuit breakers are effective in protecting the technology and equipment in your home, but your safety switches will save lives. Every home should have electrical safety switches installed on all circuits as the first line of defense.
Circuits include air conditioning, hot water system, solar power system, pools, and oven. Anything that uses electricity for power can cause an electrical burn, injuries or death. For these reasons, safety switches should be installed in the home to ensure the complete safety of our family. Safety switches are an important investment for your peace of mind that could save a life one day.
How many Safety Switches should I have installed?
Most people have electrical safety switches installed on their main power circuits only. While it’s a great way to start protecting your home, it doesn’t guarantee total protection. To ensure the utmost protection, safety switches should be installed at every single circuit point throughout the whole property. Master Electricians Australia (MEA) recommends having four safety switches to cover all lighting, power, and appliance-specific circuits.
How can I get a Safety Switch installed?
A licensed electrician will be able to install an electrical safety switch in your home. They will also be able to advise you of the best places to locate the safety switches throughout your home. Anything related to electrical matter such as safety switches should be attended by a professional electrician.
Testing your Safety Switches
If you think your home is totally protected, your safety switches should be tested regularly. You can carry out a quick test. Look for the “test” button and press. If it’s working it should immediately trip the electrical circuit connected to it. If it flicks off and cuts the power, the switch is working. If the power connected to the circuit is not cut off then you are not protected and you should call a licensed electrician as soon as you can.
If you need electrical safety switches installed, or you need maintenance checks for your safety, call us. We can help you if you need more information or further advice on installation. We can provide you estimate on how much it will cost to install safety switches on your property.
Our Emergency Electricians Sydney is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
