RCDs and safety switches
Safety switches cut the power fast when something goes wrong. Tell us what you need and we’ll pass it to a licensed local electrician.
Referral service. Electrical work is done by independent licensed electricians.
What a safety switch does
A safety switch, also called an RCD (residual current device), monitors the electricity running through a circuit. If it detects current leaking where it shouldn’t, for example through a person, it cuts the power very quickly.
Many older homes have no safety switches, or only protect some circuits. A licensed electrician can check what your home has and what it needs, and install or replace them.
- Install safety switchesAdding protection to power and lighting circuits.
- Test and replaceTesting existing safety switches and replacing any that are faulty.
- Find out what’s protectedChecking which circuits are covered and which are not.
- Chasing the cause of trippingWorking out why a safety switch keeps tripping.
How a safety switch enquiry works
- 1
Tell us what you’ve got
Whether you have safety switches and whether they trip.
- 2
Passed to a licensed electrician
They contact you and go through what’s needed.
- 3
Quote and booking
You get a quote and a time.
- 4
Install or repair and test
Everything is tested before the electrician leaves.
Worth knowing
Test them regularly
Most safety switches have a test button. Regulators and manufacturers commonly suggest pressing it about every three months.
A tripping switch is a warning
If a safety switch keeps tripping, don’t just keep resetting it. Something is leaking current and it should be checked.
Rentals and holiday homes
Landlords and holiday-home owners often ask for safety switches to be checked or added. Tell us in the form.
Straight answers.
The questions we get most. Anything else, send us a message.
Get a safety switch quoteHow do I know if I have a safety switch?
Look at your switchboard. Safety switches usually have a test button marked T or Test. If you’re not sure, an electrician can tell you quickly.
Why does my safety switch keep tripping?
It can be a faulty appliance, a wiring fault or water getting in somewhere. Unplug appliances on that circuit and, if it keeps tripping, have it looked at.
Can I install one myself?
No. Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician in NSW.
Other electrical jobs
Switchboard upgrades
Replace old, overloaded or unsafe switchboards.
Learn more CCT 07Faults and emergencies
Tripping switches, dead power points, lights out and other faults.
Learn more CCT 06Smoke alarms
Install, replace or check smoke alarms.
Learn moreWe cover Shellharbour, Kiama, Gerringong and Jamberoo.
Tell us what you need.
It takes about a minute. We’ll pass it to a group of independent licensed local electricians, and one of them will contact you. If it’s urgent, call.
- Licensed electricians only
- Sending an enquiry is free
- Shellharbour to Gerringong and Jamberoo
Thanks, friend.
We’ve got your details and we’re passing them to an electrician now. They’ll contact you as soon as they can.
Your email app should have opened with your enquiry ready to send. Press send, or call 0400 000 000.