Your First Line of Defence Against Electrical Shocks
At Allrange Electrical Services on the Gold Coast, we understand that every second counts when it comes to electrical safety. Safety switches, or Residual Current Devices, act as vigilant guardians, continuously monitoring your electrical circuits for any irregularities. Within milliseconds of detecting a potential danger, they shut off the power, minimising the risk of electric shocks and fire hazards.
What Are Safety Switches?
Electrical surges are more common than you realise and have the potential to damage wiring and appliances, as well as cause a fire or injury to those in the home or building. Safety switches are there to turn off the electricity in a specific area of the building as soon as they detect a surge or other type of electrical fault.
There are three types of safety switches:
Switchboard RCD
Power point RCD
Portable RCD
Each type has a particular use, but each must be installed by a licensed electrician to ensure correct installation.
Installation and Maintenance
of Safety Switches
Professional Installation
The correct installation of a safety switch is paramount for its proper functioning. This isn’t a DIY job. It’s vital to have a licensed electrician from Allrange Electrical Services on the Gold Coast, handle the installation to ensure:
- The right type of safety switch is chosen for your specific needs.
- It’s appropriately connected to circuits requiring protection.
- Initial tests are conducted to guarantee its operation.
Regular Testing
Safety switches need routine tests to ensure they operate correctly:
- How to Test: Most safety switches have a ‘test’ button. When pressed, it should immediately trip the switch to the ‘off’ position. If it doesn’t, you may have a faulty switch.
- Frequency: For households, a monthly test is recommended. For businesses or industrial settings, it might be more frequent, based on usage and regulations.
Maintenance Signs
Be on the lookout for these signs that might indicate your safety switch requires maintenance:
- Frequent tripping.
- Failure during the manual test.
- Visible damages or old age.
Replacement
While safety switches are robust, like all electrical devices, they have a lifespan. If your safety switch is over a decade old or if it shows signs of wear and tear, consider consulting with our expert electricians about a potential replacement.
Ensuring Safety
Remember, while a safety switch provides a vital line of defence against electrical mishaps, it’s not a catch-all. Regular professional checks of your entire electrical system complement the safety offered by the switch.
Always prioritise your safety and never attempt to fix or tamper with electrical devices on your own. Rely on professionals from Allrange Electrical Services to ensure a secure electrical environment for your home or business.
Reliable Service Every Time
We Can Help
Call our team today to learn more about our domestic safety switch services or to receive your free, no-obligation price quote. Our friendly technicians will be happy to help you.