What is a safety switch and why do I need one?
Safety switches are your insurance against electric shock. They are designed to prevent injury or death.
They 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 and electrocuting them.
Installing a safety switch is an inexpensive safety measure that protects everyone. For more information see the Safety switch saves lives brochure (PDF File, 428.2 KB).
Why do I need a safety switch?
A legal requirement
The law says all homes built since 1992 must have safety switches installed on power circuits. They are not an optional extra.
Building a new home
If you are building a new home, you must have a safety switch installed on both power and lighting circuits.
Buying a property
If you buy a property without a safety switch, you must install a safety switch for the power circuits within three months of a property transfer. This applies to any transfer of domestic premises.
Selling a property
If you sell a property, you first establish if a safety switch is installed for power circuits. This must be declared on the standard sales contract and Form 24 Property Transfer.
Rental home
Rental homes must have a safety switch installed by the owner for power points within 6 months of the agreement.
Legal obligation of property owners
If you buy a domestic residence or enter into a residential tenancy agreement for a domestic residence you own you have a legal requirement to have a safety switch installed for general purpose socket outlets if there is not already one installed.
- How do I get a safety switch?
- Safety switch requirements when buying and selling residential property
- Safety switches for domestic rental accommodation - protecting tenants and property