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
What to do if the Safety Switch has tripped off
When you suspect that you have a safety switch tripped off:
- Go to your switchboard and locate your safety switch. Your safety switch will probably be in the off position. (Note: Safety Switches have test buttons, other switches don’t)
- Try re-setting the safety switch to the on position . If there is still a problem it will turn itself off straight away (Continue to step 3).
- If the problem persists, locate the power circuits (these should be identified on the switchboard with “power” written on them.) Turn all power circuits to the off position.
- Re-set the safety switch. (Note: If the safety switch turns itself off contact your Electrical Excellence Electrician)
- Turn on the circuit breakers one-by-one until the safety switch trips. When you find the one that trips you will have identified the problem circuit.
- Leave this circuit turned off and re-set the safety switch.
- Try to identify if there is an appliance that has caused the problem. If this is the case, your issue might simply be solved by replacing or removing that item from that circuit.
If this hasn’t fixed the situation or it is fixed only temporarily then contact Electrical Excellence
Note: If It is an appliance, such as a toaster, that has caused the problem. You can try to plug in your appliances one at a time until you find the culprit. Don’t forget to check any appliances outside as sometimes external powerpoints can pick up moisture and cause power loss.
Short Circuits
A “Short Circuit” happens when two electrical wires cross by accident causing a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse.
If an appliance has just been plugged in, it is likely that it has caused the circuit to short. The appliance may need to be replaced.
If, however, you can’t find an appliance which is causing the problem, then it’s time to call your local Sunshine Coast Electrician to locate and repair your short circuit.
No Power At All
When there is no power at all:
- Check your switchboard to see whether any circuits have tripped. Try to re-set the circuit breakers.
- Call Energex on 13 62 62 to see whether there are any power outages in your area. This is a recorded phone system and an estimated time of repair is usually given.
- Call your energy provider to see if there is an issue with power reaching your meter.
If none of the above helps then it’s time to Call Electrical Excellence