No Sweat Baby Gear

What do I need safety switches for?

Safety switches are an extra safeguard against electrocution in your home or office, and are especially important outdoors. Safety switches keep a close eye on the flow of electricity through the circuit they’re attached to and will shut it down in an instant if there’s a sudden surge, saving you a call to both the emergency and electrical services. Here’s what you need to know about safety switches.

What is a safety switch?
Although they are commonly referred to as “Safety Switches”, the technical name for these life-saving devices is a ‘Residual Current Device’ (RCD). There are three main types of safety switch. Firstly, the switchboard-mounted safety switch, which, as the name suggests, attaches to your switchboard. These switches protect any selected circuit and any appliances that may be plugged in to them. Switchboard-mounted safety switches are mandatory in new homes. Secondly are power point safety switches. These are safety switches that have been installed in older homes that do not have switchboard-mounted safety switches. They are attached to an outlet and will protect any appliance that is plugged into that outlet. For maximum safety, power point safety switches should be installed on the first power point after the circuit board. These are best put to use in specific areas where there may be a higher risk of danger, such as workshops and bathrooms. Lastly are the portable safety switches. These devices are essential for anyone working with a power tool outside. They work in the same way as an extension cord, attaching directly to the power point on one end and offering a female opening (usually two) at the other. Using old appliances that may be dirty or dodgy could trip a safety switch.

How do they Work?
If a person comes into contact with a faulty circuit, they may provide a path to earth, meaning they are at a huge risk of a dangerous electrical shock. Safety switches are a go-between, a middle man that stands between your appliance and your house’s power source. They are designed to monitor current flow. If a shock current or residual current flow is detected, safety switches are required to shut off the circuit within 300 milliseconds.

What do I need them for?
Safety switches will protect you from faulty wiring, faulty appliances and wet or damaged areas that you are using appliances in. You will need safety switches in areas where there is a high risk of you becoming a conductor, and therefore a path to earth. Such situations include working outdoors with appliances or working in wet areas of your house such as the bathroom. Never assume that the circuit you are working on will contain a safety switch; always check there is one included. If you are unsure then always use a portable safety switch.

Safety should be your biggest concern around your house, and there is little more dangerous than the invisible electricity. Safety switches eliminate this danger from your home, increasing you safety and the safety of those around you. Check your house today for safety switches or call your electrician for advice.

About the Author

At Platinum Electrical, we specialise in electrical repairs, maintenance and installations accross Sydney, Melbourne and more. For more information or to get a quote, visit Electricians

.

Black & Decker TRO490W Toast-R-Oven Classic 4-Slice Countertop Oven, White $49.99 4 slice capacity (0.365 cu. ft.) 15 minute bake timer. Analog control. Bake, broil, toast, reheat. Swing down crumb tray. Toast signal bell. Dual position rack. Broil rack and bake pan included. Can not be mounted….

Open Up Electric Jar and Bottle Opener, Under Cabinet Mount a17348 The Open Up Jar Opener is an electric jar opener that opens everything from two-liter soda bottles to full size jars. Designed for individuals that suffer from arthritis or have limited strength in their hands, the Open Up Jar Opener quickly and easily loosens and opens the lid for you. Best of all, it’s easy to install and conveniently mounts under a solidy fixed cabinet or shelf so it wo…

Single Gas Cylinder Safety Wall Bracket $30.75 Secure your valuable CO2 tank with this brilliantly simple bottle bracket! When tanks are kept upright and out of the way, they can’t be accidentally knocked over. Injuries and costly damage to your kegerator parts become a concern of the past. Made of tough vinyl with all steel construction, this strap features a padded cradle so it won’t scratch your tank. Mount it inside or outside of the refri…

Belkin Mini Surge Protector Dual USB Charger $12.99 Protect your electronic devices while traveling….

Kidde KN-COSM-B Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm with Talking Alarm $64.97 The Kidde KN-COSM-B Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm combines two important safety devices into a single unit. This alarm includes a voice warning system that announces “Fire, Carbon Monoxide, Low Battery, or Smart Hush Activation.” The voice alarm eliminates any confusion and clearly warns you and your family of a smoke or carbon monoxide danger, or if your battery is in need of r…

Stack-On PDS-500 Drawer Safe with Electronic Lock $37.85 …

Fluidmaster 8300P8 Flush ‘N’ Sparkle Toilet Bowl Cleaning System $10.49 Flush ‘N’ Sparkle Toilet Bowl Cleaning System With Bleach Cleaning Power, Cleans and Sanitizes Toilet Bowl With A Metered Amount Cleanser With Every Flush, Comes With Dispenser, Mounting Bracket, Bleach Based Cleanser Cartridge, 2 Flexible Refill Tubes, Clip and Adapter, Dispenses Cleaning Agents Only To Bowl Through Refill Tube Assembly, Cartridge Lasts Up To 1,000 Flushes, Replacement Cartridge …

Andis 38300 High Heat Press Comb $15.66 Multi-Temperature High Heat straightens thick and coarse hair Real gold plated comb retains high heat Even heat conditions hair making it shinier, silkier and frizz-free 20 Heat settings provide precise temperature control for all hair types Fast 30 second heat-up Heats to 400F Soft grip handle Tangle-free, swivel cord Auto shut-off…

Bausch & Lomb Magna Visor with Lens Set $29.89 Bausch&Lomb Magna Visor Magnifier Loupe w/ 3 Lenses, Hands-Free Head Mount 81-42-00…

Belkin 8-Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector with Phone/Coaxial Protection and Extended Cord $10.39 Protect your workstations and peripherals from power disturbances Joules: 3550. Conntected Equipment Warranty: 200000. Watts: 1875. Phone Line Protection: Yes. Voltage Amps (VA): 15A. Phone, Fax, Modem Protection: Yes. Cord Length: 12 ft.. Cable Line Protection: Yes. Child Safety: Yes. Number of Outlets: 8….