Know your safety switch: Test every 3 months
When was the last time you tested your safety switch?
Safety switches (also commonly referred to in Australia as RCD’s), are installed in switchboards to provide protection against electric shock.
The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) in Queensland recommends all owners and occupiers test their safety switches every 3 months.
What is a safety switch
Safety switches are devices installed on electrical circuits that detect an imbalance in the active and neutral wires, and trip quickly and at levels that should avoid adverse effects from electric shock.
What is an RCD
In Australia, we often refer to safety switches as RCD’s (Residual Current Device). They are both one-and-the same.
Safety switches are commonly referred to as RCD's
Do you need a safety switch
The Queensland Electrical Safety Regulation (2013) stipulates that all general purpose power circuits must have an safety switch.
AS3000 stipulates that all new or modified circuits up to a certain current rating must have safety switch protection.
How is a safety switch different to a circuit breaker or fuse
A safety switch detects an imbalance in active and neutral current – which would occur when an electric shock is being experienced.
A circuit breaker provides over current protection to wiring to protect from fire.
How often should you test your safety switch
The Queensland Electrical Safety Office recommends that all safety switches are tested by push button method every 3 months.
This test can be performed by any person, and doesn’t require an electrician.
You should contact your electrician immediately if the test fails.
How to locate your safety switch
This video from the Queensland government provides assistance on locating and testing your safety switch.
What if you can’t locate a safety switch?
If you have inspected your switchboard and cannot locate a safety switch, you should contact us and we can provide advise.
Contact us and send a picture of your switchboard and we can advise if a safety switch is present in your switchboard.
You’ve pressed the test button but it didn’t trip – what now?
Contact us for further advise about replacing your faulty safety switch.
More information
Visit the Queensland Electrical Safety website to learn more.
Contact us if:
- Your switchboard has rewireable fuses
- You are unsure if you have a safety switch installed on every circuit
- Any safety switch does not turn off instantly when the 'Test' or 'T' button is pressed
- Any safety switch appears to be faulty
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