When it comes to electrical safety, it’s easy to get confused by the different devices that keep your home and family protected. Two of the most important devices are circuit breakers and safety switches. While they both play crucial roles, they serve very different purposes. If you’re not sure whether your home has the right protection, this article will help explain what each device does, why they’re important, and how Sparky Nearby can help upgrade your home’s safety with the installation of safety switches.
What Is a Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker is like a guard for your home’s electrical system. Its main job is to cut off the electricity when there’s too much current running through your wiring, usually caused by an overload or short circuit. If you’ve ever plugged in too many devices and your power suddenly cut off, that was your circuit breaker doing its job.
In most Australian homes, circuit breakers are found in the switchboard, which is typically located outside the house or in the garage. These devices are essential for preventing electrical fires or damage to your appliances and wiring when things go wrong.
How Circuit Breakers Work
Circuit breakers monitor the flow of electricity in your home’s wiring. If the current exceeds a safe level, for example from running too many high-power appliances like heaters or air conditioners, the breaker trips, cutting the power to stop any further damage. Once the issue is resolved, you can simply reset the breaker to restore power. This convenience is one of the reasons circuit breakers have largely replaced older fuse systems, which needed to be replaced every time they blew.
What Is a Safety Switch?
A safety switch, or residual current device (RCD), is a little different. While a circuit breaker protects your wiring and appliances, a safety switch protects you. Safety switches are designed to prevent electric shock by cutting the power if they detect even the smallest leak of current, like when electricity is flowing somewhere it shouldn’t, through a person, for instance.
In Australia, safety switches are now mandatory for new homes and highly recommended for older homes. They’re a vital line of defence, especially in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces where the risk of electrical accidents is higher.
How Safety Switches Work
Safety switches constantly monitor the flow of electricity in your home. If they detect any imbalance between the live and neutral wires, such as when electricity is leaking, the switch will trip within milliseconds, cutting off the power. This quick response can prevent serious injuries or even death from electric shock.
Even though safety switches are all about protecting people, they’re often confused with circuit breakers because they both “trip” to cut the power. However, the difference lies in what they protect—circuit breakers protect your electrical system, while safety switches protect you and your family.
If you’re in need of a Level 2 electrician in Enmore, Matraville, Kogarah, Randwick, Bronte, or Dulwich Hill, Sparky Nearby can assist with safety switch installations and inspections to ensure your home is protected from electrical hazards.
Circuit Breakers vs. Safety Switches: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Circuit Breaker | Safety Switch |
| Purpose | Protects electrical wiring and appliances from damage due to overloading or short circuits. | Protects people from electric shock by cutting off power when detecting an electrical leak. |
| When They Trip | Trips when too much electricity flows through the circuit (overload or short circuit). | Trips when a small amount of electricity leaks to an unintended path, like through a person or to the ground. |
| Protection | Keeps wiring and appliances safe. | Keeps people safe from electric shock. |
| Resetting | Can be reset after tripping. | Can be reset, but it’s essential to identify the cause before resetting to avoid further risk. |
For a quick overview, check out our video below that gives a visual breakdown of how circuit breakers and safety switches work.
Do You Need Both?
Absolutely! Circuit breakers and safety switches work together to provide comprehensive protection. Circuit breakers are essential for stopping electrical fires and protecting your wiring, but they don’t stop electric shocks. That’s where safety switches come in.
If your home doesn’t have safety switches installed on all circuits, especially in high-risk areas like kitchens and bathrooms, it’s worth considering an upgrade. Many older homes may only have circuit breakers, leaving the household vulnerable to electric shock.
How Can Sparky Nearby Help?
At Sparky Nearby, we’re all about making sure your home is as safe as it can be. If you’re unsure whether your home has safety switches or if you need an upgrade, our team of licensed electricians in Earlwood, Wolli Creek, Brighton-Le-Sands, Bardwell Park, Eastlakes, Pagewood, and Rosebery can inspect your switchboard and let you know exactly what’s required.
We specialise in installing and upgrading safety switches, making it easier than ever to ensure your home meets Australian safety standards. Whether you’re building a new home, renovating, or living in an older property that needs an upgrade, our team can install safety switches on all your circuits to give you peace of mind.
Why Safety Switches Are a Must in Australian Homes
Australia has strict electrical safety regulations for a reason. Safety switches are mandatory for new homes, but if you live in an older property, it’s possible that you’re not as protected as you should be. This is especially true in homes where power outlets and lights in wet areas, like bathrooms and laundries don’t have safety switches installed.
Even if your home seems to be running fine, accidents can happen. Imagine a faulty appliance leaking electricity while you’re holding it. Without a safety switch, the result could be a severe electric shock. Safety switches act as a first line of defence, quickly cutting off the power to prevent accidents like these.
How Do I Know If I Have Safety Switches Installed?
Not sure if your home is protected? It’s easy to check! Look at your switchboard for a device labelled “safety switch” or “RCD,” which typically has a test button. Press the test button and if the switch trips, it’s working. If you don’t see a safety switch or are unsure, it’s best to get a professional like Sparky Nearby, your Level 2 electrician in Sydney, to inspect your switchboard.
If you don’t have safety switches installed, it’s a simple upgrade. We can install safety switches quickly and efficiently, ensuring your home is up to standard and you’re protected from electrical hazards. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or installation!
