EFFICIENT ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Safety Switches In The Perth Metropolitan Area

ABOUT SAFETY SWITCHES AND RCDS

Nearly 80 percent of the deaths by electrocution in Western Australia in the last 17 years could have been prevented if RCDs had been installed. New regulations require homes to have a minimum of two residual current devices (RCDs, or safety switches) installed at the time ownership is transferred or when a rental lease is made. RCDs are a mandatory requirement for the protection of both socket outlet (power) circuits and lighting circuits. Having RCDs installed provides extra protection and peace of mind.
colorful electrical switches

FAQ ABOUT SAFETY SWITCHES

  • What is an RCD and how does it work?

    An RCD is a device that immediately switches off the electricity when it detects leakage or flow of electricity to earth (or another fault path such as through a human body, for instance). This happens within a few milliseconds, long before electrocution can cause death. RCDs also prevent fires caused by faulty appliances by detecting electricity flowing to earth in electrical wiring and accessories.

  • Is an RCD the same as a circuit breaker? Am I protected if I have a circuit breaker?

    No; a circuit breaker protects the wiring by disconnecting supply when a higher level of current flow is detected than can safely be carried by the cable. This is often not fast enough to prevent electrocution. A circuit breaker and safety switch look somewhat similar, but the RCD is easily identifiable by its test button.

  • We have an RCD installed. Is it working?

    Once every three months, use the test button on the RCD to see if it is working. This should immediately turn off the appliances connected to the power points (and possibly lighting) that the RCD runs through.

overburdened circuit board

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Don’t Let this happen to you, get your switch board checked today by a licensed electrician and install approved safety switches to protect your family and home from the dangers of faulty wiring and appliances.
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  • What is an RCD (safety switch)?

    An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a safety switch that immediately cuts off electricity when it detects current leaking to earth or another fault path, such as through a person, stopping electrocution within milliseconds.

  • How many RCDs are legally required in a WA home?

    Western Australian regulations require a minimum of two residual current devices (RCDs) to be installed at the time a home is sold or a new rental lease begins.

  • How many electrocution deaths in WA could RCDs have prevented?

    Nearly 80 percent of electrocution deaths in Western Australia over the last 17 years could have been prevented if RCDs had been installed.

  • Are RCDs mandatory for both power and lighting circuits?

    Yes. RCDs are a mandatory requirement in Western Australia for both socket outlet (power) circuits and lighting circuits.

  • When exactly does WA law require RCDs to be installed?

    The requirement is triggered when ownership of a property is transferred or when a new rental lease is made, at which point at least two RCDs must be fitted.

  • Do RCDs only protect against shock, or also fire?

    RCDs protect against both. By cutting power the instant a fault is detected, they prevent electric shock and reduce the risk of fires caused by faulty wiring or appliances.

  • Who installs and tests safety switches for Solomons Electrics customers?

    Solomons Electrics' licensed electricians install and test RCDs and safety switches as part of routine electrical safety work across Perth homes and businesses.

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