Safety switches protect people

Does your home have the protection of a safety switch?

All homes have circuit breakers or fuses. These are designed to protect the wiring and appliances within your home, but they may not work quickly enough to save a life.

Safety switches protect people

They cut the power instantly - before you even know that you're in danger.

All it takes is a faulty appliance or power tool, amateur electrical work, clumsy home handywork or a curious child playing with a powerpoint to be a victim of electrocution.

How to tell if you already have a safety switch

It's faily easy to tell if you do have a safety switch. Take a look at your switchboard (usually where the meter is) and look for a switch with a "Test" button next to it (similiar to the one in the picture above). If you do have one, check that it works properly by pressing the test button - the adjacent switch should turn off. To reset, simply turn the switch back to the on position. Tests should be done monthly.

Your home may already be protected - If you don't know or are not sure, ask your licensed electrical contractor.

How to avoid getting into trouble with electricity

Take care doing home handiwork - do you really know what's behind the wall you're about to drill into?

• Don't attempt your own electrical work - it's dangerous (and illegal). Call in a licensed electrical contractor.
• (If you are unsure, ask to see their licence or contact the State Licensing Administrator)
• Install child-proof safety plugs on the power points around your home if you have small children.
• Keep electrical appliances away from water. Mixing water with electricity is often fatal.
• Safety switches are not a substitute for maintenance. If you have a suspect appliance - have it repaired by a licensed electrical contractor or dispose of it - it's not worth the risk.

Article sourced from the Queensland Electrical Safety Office.