What is a safety switch?
An electrical safety switch is also known as an RCD or residual current device. Every home or workplace should have RCDs in place, and they should be tested regularly.
A safety switch detects the power in an electrical socket. If necessary, it prevents power running through the electrical socket preventing the risk of electrocution. Safety switches are most often found on a switchboard, but portable safety switches are also used. These devices are known as safety switches because their entire purpose is to prevent severe electric shocks and electrocution through electrical faults within the home or workplace.
Is a safety switch the same as a circuit breaker?
Safety switches and circuit breakers are two different devices. A safety switch protects you from electric shock whereas circuit breakers and fuses protect the integrity of the electrical circuit. PAT testing is also a necessary for the safety purposes of tools and electrical appliances get this service from Jim’s PAT testing.
How do safety switches work?
Safety switches detect electricity leaks and turn off the electricity instantly if a leak is detected. Leaks most often occur from faulty power points, wiring or electrical appliances.
Is one safety switch enough?
You may need more than one safety switch depending on the circuits the current safety switch is attached to. A licenced electrician can advise if you need additional safety switches to keep your house safe from the risk of electric shock.
How often should safety switches be tested?
It is recommended that safety switches are tested once every three months. This will ensure that it is working as it has been designed to and that you are protected from electric shocks.
Do I need safety switches in the workplace?
Safety switches are required where appliances are used in high-risk environments such as on a construction site. Examples of electrical equipment that need RCDs include:
Electrical equipment that is in motion when it is operated (e.g. lawn mower, jackhammer)
Portable electrical appliances like drills, electric knives, hairdryers and curling wands
Equipment that is transported between jobs in a way that could possibly cause damage to the equipment (e.g. portable bench saws, electric welders and extension cords).
Can I test safety switches myself?
Testing your safety switches is a simple push button operation. However, only a licenced electrician or a professional RCD tester can answer questions about whether your safety switch is operating as it should and advise if you have adequate safety switches to protect your home or business and if they’re connected to the right circuits and appliances. So, it’s worth getting the professionals to check your safety switch set-up. Why put the lives of your family or workmates at risk by conducting testing yourself?
Professional RCD testers can advise if a small problem such as your RCD tripping repeatedly is just a symptom of another larger fault, and they may be able to identify the appliance or circuit that is causing the issue – something you have little chance of doing on your own. Ask for test and tag Melbourne.
Consider an electrical risk assessment
It’s a good idea to have an electrical risk assessment conducted on your home or business so that you can be sure that everything electrical including circuits, power points, safety switches and appliances are operating as they should.
The team at Jim’s Test & Tag can conduct an electrical risk assessment for your property and advise if everything is working correctly. In addition to safety switch testing, they can conduct electrical fault loop testing, test and tag your appliances and check that your microwave isn’t leaking radiation. There are over 150 Jim’s Test & Tag franchises around Australia and each franchisee is an electrical professional who only uses OHS/WHS compliant equipment for RCD or safety switch testing. Phone 13 15 46 for more information.