Electricity is an essential part of every home and business in Australia. We give it little thought unless something goes wrong; however as much as we sometimes take it for granted, it can be very dangerous if not respected and monitored regularly. Electrical safety switches are an essential addition to your home, and whether you are an owner-occupier or you rent, you should have safety switches installed on all electrical circuits within your residence or other premises.
What are Safety Switches?
Safety switches are your physical insurance against electric shock and burns. When an electrical current leak is detected, the safety switch immediately shuts off the power.
They are now, however the same thing as a circuit breaker. While safety switches shut off the electrical supply when a leak is detected in order to protect people, a circuit breaker cuts power when there is a high current fault or power overload with the aim of protecting appliances and wiring to prevent damage or a fire.
Safety switches are installed on mains switchboards. They are identifiable by a “T” or “test” button on the front face in the switchboard. If a test function is not present, you likely have circuit breakers as opposed to safety switches.
Depending on your home’s unique requirements, safety switches can also be installed for all other circuits including lights, oven, air-conditioners, swimming pools, as well as solar and electrical hot water systems.
A safety switch is not failsafe. It must be checked every 6 months. A properly-functioning safety switch should last a lifetime. Your premium local electrician can offer advice and guidance relating to your safety switch requirements.
Your Legal Obligation
In Queensland, there are legal requirements relating to the installation and maintenance of safety switches. These depend on the year your home was built, upgrades to existing power outlets, and whether your property has tenants.
- All new homes built between 1992-2000: safety switches are compulsory and also must be fitted on all power outlets when new electrical installation occurs.
- All new homes built after 2000: safety switches are compulsory on all power outlets and lighting circuits.
- Purchasing property: safety switches must be present or be installed for power point circuits within three months of the property settlement.
- Selling property: establish whether a safety switch is installed for power outlet circuits and declare this.
- Renting a home: landlords must ensure the installation of a safety switch for power circuits.
Choose Jeffcoat Electrical Services
Jeffcoat Electrical Services was founded in 1995 and has since been providing unparalleled service to clients in the Sunshine coast and Gympie region. Fully licensed in Electrical, Electrical Contracting, and Air Conditioning, Geoff’s team are also accredited in Solar Design and Installation, Digital TV Installation, and he holds a Phone Cabler’s License. With industry experience and expertise in Residential Domestic Electrical as well as Large Construction, Commercial and Industrial Electrical work, Jeffcoat Electrical Services is committed to constant up-skilling and professional development to meet compliance standards and remain abreast of the latest safety rules and regulations.
With a customer-based focus on safety, compliance, knowledge, advice and total customer satisfaction with exemplary service, there is no better choice for all of your electrical needs than Jeffcoat Electrical Services.
Installing safety switches in your home is crucial – and by doing so, you could be actively saving someone’s life. From a small child playing with a power point to having a faulty oven while cooking dinner, or even accidentally hitting a live cable in the wall while installing new shelving – safety switches literally save lives.
Call us today for an obligation-free quote and to maintain your compliance with safety switches for the protection of your family.
