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SAFETY SWITCH 
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What is a safety switch?

A safety switch is a device that quickly switches off the electricity supply if an electrical fault is detected, to minimise the risk of electricity-related fires, electric shock, injury and death.

By Australian regulations, safety switches protecting power points and lighting circuits must be installed in all new homes and in buildings where electrical circuits are altered or added. This law was introduced in 1991, so if your home was built before this time, it may not be protected by safety switches.

Safety switches are also required for power outlets supplying caravans or similar accommodation in caravan parks.

If you are unsure whether your home has a safety switch, contact our licensed electrician for advice or to have one installed.

RCBO ( Safety Switch )

RCBO stands for 'Residual Current Breaker with Over-Current'. As the name suggests it protects against two types of fault and in essence combines the functionality of an MCB and RCD. 

Let us first remind ourselves of those two faults:

  1. Residual Current, or Earth Leakage - Occurs when there is an accidental break in a circuit through poor electrical wiring or DIY accidents such as drilling through a cable when mounting a picture hook or cutting through a cable with the lawn mower. In this instance the electricity must go somewhere and choosing the easiest route travels through the lawnmower or drill to the human causing electric shock.

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2. Over-Current takes two forms:

  1. Overload - Occurs when too many devices are in use on the circuit, drawing an amount of power which exceeds the capacity of the cable.

  2. Short Circuit - Occurs when there is a direct connection between the live and neutral conductors. Without the resistance provided by the normal circuit integrity, electrical current rushes around the circuit in a loop and multiplies the amperage  by many thousand times in just milliseconds and is considerably more dangerous than Overload.


Whereas an RCD is designed solely to protect against earth leakage and an MCB protects only against over-current, an RCBO protects against both types of fault.

Safety Switches are important to all electrical distribution systems. They prevent electrical fires and electrocution. This is a very highly recommended aspect to implement in your home to  protect you and your family. Dr Sparks Electrical can help you with all your safety needs!

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Why safety switches are important?

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What should you do?

The first thing to do is to go and have a look at your switchboard and use the information on this page to identify what degree of  protection your electrical system has. Then contact Dr Sparks Electrical for a free safety inspection! We can educate and provide solutions for your safety needs on the spot!

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“Guys came out promptly, did a great job restoring my power, would happily recommend them . My Power Board had given up the ghost with a little melt down."

Jai Leighton-Scott

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