How do safety switches work?

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 appliances. This stops the chance of current flowing to earth through a person and 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, it cannot protect you if it is not working properly.

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:

• 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 it tripped

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 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 doing this process.

Contact your electrical contractor if problems persist.