An RCD (residual current device) is the industry term for a safety switch. An RCD’s main purpose is to prevent severe electrical shocks from occurring.
A Safety Switch (RCD) acts as a life-saving device; it detects and halts the power in an electrical socket, preventing dangerous electric currents and fatal electric shocks.
One safety switch may not be enough
The legislation states that a safety switch must be installed on the power point circuit and the lighting circuit of new homes, however, many older homes are still without the protection of a safety switch or only have coverage on the power point circuit.
Electrical safety regulators are now recommending homeowners and landlords install a safety switch on each circuit including lights, air conditioning, oven, hot water unit, and pool equipment circuits to provide full electrical protection for residents.
Because accidents happen?
As irritating as a tripping safety switch may be, it’s only doing the job it’s designed to do!
A safety switch is designed to shield people from an electric shock. If it has tripped, that usually means there is a problem somewhere that needs to be addressed.
This is usually a leaking current or a faulty appliance, so it’s important to get to the bottom of the problem.
Remember, a safety switch is an important safety mechanism for possible electrical faults in your home!
Regular safety switch testing is essential
Having Safety Switches installed in your home or business is not the end of the story, regular testing is also essential to ensure the switch will activate freely in an emergency.
Testing your RCD (or safety switch) is easy. Simply press the Test button on the device (sometimes marked with a ‘T’). The switch should activate, cutting the electricity supply to that circuit. To reset the safety switch just flick it back to the ‘ON’ position.
It is recommended you test your safety switch/es every quarter. When the power bill comes in is always a good reminder.
How reliable and efficient are RCDs?
Research has found that RCDs are about ninety percent reliable.
However, this success rate is only achievable if your RCD devices are tested routinely. When in good condition, RCDs will significantly reduce your risk of electric shock. What’s more, they also protect your home against potential fire risks which can occur because of faulty appliances or poor wiring.
Regular Testing
Safety switch testing is something that every home, office, or business needs to complete on a regular basis to ensure that their premises are fully protected.
A professional RCD tester will determine whether the safety switch in your home or place of business is working as it should, and will also be able to identify whether there is any electrical equipment or appliances faulty that could pose a threat. If you’d like the peace of mind of knowing that a professional is checking your switches, don’t hesitate to contact us on 131 546 or contact us online for a free quote today.
