27 March 2023
How the updates to safety switch regulations affect you
From 30 April 2023, all homes in Queensland must meet the updated RCD (safety switch) regulations. These changes are designed to improve electrical safety in all households and ensure a greater peace of mind for those living within them. After this date, our electricians may need to update the safety switch (RCD) when working on your home electrical systems and it is essential that our customers understand what this means for their own property. In this blog post, we explain these changes and how they may impact electrical work carried out on your home.
Type AC safety switches are being phased out
As of 30 April 2023, safety switches manufactured to Type AC standards are being phased out in Australia. The older Type AC safety switch was designed for general use and is being replaced with Type A, Type F, or Type B alternatives which are designed specifically to monitor the type of electrical equipment which will be used on that circuit.
Although Type AC safety switches will not be able to be installed after 30 April 2023, any safety switch installed before that date and in accordance with existing regulations can remain in place until electrical work is required on that circuit.
New wiring rules state that the correct RCD type needs to be used for specific circuit requirements
These new protections outlined have been carefully constructed so that electrical safety is of the highest standard for all users.
One of the more important adjustments that have been made includes ensuring that a specific type of Residual Current Device (RCD or safety switch) protection is being used in accordance with circuit requirements. This significantly reduces the chances of electricity-related injury or incidents and ensures an improved level of protection for all.
Electricians in Australia are now required to become more vigilant when completing electrical maintenance and repairs.
This means, after April 30, 2023, our electricians may need to upgrade the safety switch attached to the circuit they need to work on if it does not meet the new wiring regulations to ensure the electrical work completed is safe. This change is critical for providing assurance that every job is carried out to the highest safety standards for everyone’s benefit.
This regulation is aimed at ensuring that circuits and any equipment connected to them are safely monitored and any residual current or potential faults can be detected. It is important to understand these new regulations in order to follow safe practices when electrical work is done on your property to minimize the risk of harm or injury.
If you have questions about how this update will affect the electrical work our electricians are carrying out in your home speak to our service team or one of our electricians who will be happy to provide specific advice on your electrical systems.
More information can also be found here:
