How do safety switches work?
Are safety switches failsafe?
Test your safety switch
Why did it ‘trip’?
Safety switches monitor the flow of electricity through a circuit. They automatically shut off the electricity supply when current is detected leaking from faulty switches, wiring or electrical appliances. This stops the chance of current flowing to earth, through a person, electrocuting them.
Are safety switches failsafe?
Nothing is failsafe. You should regularly check your safety switch. Just like a smoke detector or other safety device, if it is not working properly, it cannot protect you.
It is also important to make sure your electrical appliances, electrical wiring, extension leads and other electrical equipment are regularly checked and kept in good working order.
Test your safety switch
To test a safety switch, simply press the TEST button.
This should automatically trip the switch to the ‘off’ position.
Reset by pushing the switch back to ‘on’.
If it doesn’t work, contact your electrical contractor immediately.
Carry out safety switch test every three months.
Why did it ‘trip’?
If a safety switch turns off your power, you could be using a faulty appliance or your electrical wiring may have become faulty.
Reset the safety switch. If it trips again, unplug the last appliance used. If everything works okay, take that appliance to a licensed electrical contractor to be checked.
If the safety switch keeps tripping, disconnect all appliances and plug them in, one at a time, until you locate the faulty one.
Avoid touching appliances while carrying out this process.
Contact your electrical contractor if problems persist.
Last updated July 17, 2005