Under the new electrical standard (introduced in July 2008) a safety switch must be installed onto any new circuit 20amps or under or where an existing circuit is modified.

A Safety switch (or Residual Current Device/RCD) is a device mounted in your switchboard, which can quickly disconnect a power circuit when it detects an unbalanced electrical current (due to leakage of current) on the circuit. The safety switch responds to a far smaller leakage of current than is needed to trip a standard circuit breaker, and as a result provides better protection for you and your family against potential electrocution.

Please note that Safety Switches should be tested regularly to ensure they are working correctly. This can be done by pressing the “Test” button on the RCD unit and ensuring that the device “trips”. Alternatively, you can have an electrician test your RCD. Haines Electrical Service has specialised test equipment which allows us to realistically simulate current leakage from within your home to ensure that the RCD is working correctly. You should arrange for any faulty RCD to be replaced as soon as possible.

Should you have any enquiries about Safety Switches, please don’t hesitate to contact us.