New safety switch proposals for public discussion
The Electrical Safety Office is seeking input to proposals for new requirements for the retrofitting of safety switches to lighting and power circuits in all forms of domestic accommodation in Queensland.
Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF File, 1.02 MB) currently requires the fitting of safety switches on both power and lighting circuits in all new residences and in all new residential electrical installations.
In addition, retrospective fitting of safety switches on power circuits in post-1992 domestic residences is required on their sale or rental where a residential tenancy agreement applies. Other residences built prior to 1992 are not at present subject to mandatory safety switch requirements.
A discussion paper outlining proposals for change has been circulated to industry and consumer organisations for their consideration and response.
The move to mandatory safety switch requirements for all forms of domestic accommodation over a five-year period is proposed in three stages.
- Owners of rental and temporary accommodation premises which are sold or the title transferred, to have safety switches installed on power and lighting circuits within three months of the sale or transfer of the property;
- Owners of all rental and temporary accommodation premises, to have safety switches installed on power and lighting circuits within two years;
- All other domestic residences to have safety switches installed on power and lighting circuits within five years (or within three months of their sale or transfer).
The discussion paper estimates the cost of fitting a safety switch at between $200 and $250 per unit and notes that, for temporary accommodation establishments associated with a business, this cost can be recouped as a business expense and is tax deductible.
There are various devices available on the market for domestic premises enabling safety switches to be fitted into, or near, most older-style switchboards, keeping installation costs to a minimum.
The options have been developed taking into consideration the related demands on the electrical contracting industry and to allow businesses and home owners a reasonable phase-in period in which to meet the attendant costs.
Submissions on the proposals close on 26 February 2010 and any final proposal for regulatory change will be subject to regulatory impact assessment and government approval.