risk-is-real

One safety switch may not be enough

Electrical safety is something that should never be taken for granted. Safety switches turn off the power the second a leakage of current is detected. Current leakages can occur from a faulty power point or electrical appliance or even by accident such as drilling into a wall and hitting a live cable.

I already have a safety switch

Even if your home already has a safety switch that may not be enough to protect you or your family. Having multiple safety switches installed across all your circuits can dramatically decrease the risk of electric shock.

What circuits can have a safety switch installed?

You can have a safety switch installed on all circuits in your electrical box such as:

  • Power Points
  • Lights
  • Air Conditioning
  • Ovens
  • Hot Water Systems
  • Pool Equipment
  • and more

Safety switches are not circuit breakers

Safety switches are commonly confused with circuit breakers and vice versa. Both play an integral role in the current into your home but both perform different tasks.

  •  Circuit breakers protect the circuit by cutting power when there is a high current or overload that may cause a hazard.
  •  Safety switches are designed to monitor the flow of electricity through the circuit and turn off the power when leakage in current is detected.

In short, a circuit breaker protects the circuit and a safety switch protects from electric shock.

Video slideshow

Safety switches and circuit breakers

 

Testing your safety switches

 

Nuisance tripping of your safety switch

The risk is real

For more information on how one safety switch may not be enough, visit the Queensland Government Work Safe Website

If you would like professional advice or have an electrician come and check the safety of your home, give us a call today on 1300 923 532 . Alternatively, you can also fill in our online booking form .