Should I Test My Safety Switches?
We are all aware that electricity can pose risks, and if you have loved ones that you want to protect, you should give serious consideration to installing safety switches on each and every one of your circuits. Safety switches are a simple change that can help protect you, your family, and your property from the harm that electricity can do, whether you own or rent your home.
Circuit breakers do an excellent job of protecting electrical equipment, but safety switches were developed for the explicit purpose of protecting people from the potentially deadly or life-threatening effects that electrical shocks can have on people. Here's how to test safety switches safely.
Is changing your circuit breakers safe?
Safety switches and circuit breakers are two distinct types of devices, and it is important to know the difference. Safety switches are designed to keep people from being electrocuted, which could result in serious injury or death. Electrical appliances are protected rather than people by circuit breakers.
A potential electrocution risk from the breaker box is theoretically non-existent. Circuit breakers have "live" wiring, so you shouldn't remove the breaker until you're sure the wires are disconnected.
If you are unsure of how to change the circuit breaker, you should not continue with the job at hand because electrocution can be fatal. Instead, you should engage the services of a skilled and knowledgeable professional.
How often should safety switches be tested?
The safety switches are always keeping an eye on the flow of electricity. To ensure your safety, they immediately shut off the electricity when they detect that you are in a potentially hazardous situation. However, in order for that to take place, the safety switches need to be in proper working order. Because of this, it is necessary to test them once every three months. You can call a licensed electrician to help test and replace your safety switches. It is imperative that you do not try to replace these on your own because there is a risk of serious injury.
Safety switch testing
1. Locate the safety switch or switches and the test button or buttons on your switchboard.
2. Press the test button to confirm that the switch is set to the "Off" position (down).
3. Return the switch to its "On" position (up).
If pressing the "Test" button doesn't immediately cut the power, your safety switch is faulty. An electrician should be called up immediately so that the problem can be remedied. If each circuit doesn't have a safety switch, call an electrician to protect your family.
It’s also important to note that in some homes, the safety switches are only found on the light or power circuits, while others have them installed on every circuit. Your home does not have complete protection if the switchboard that controls the circuits does not have a "Test" button on each and every one of them.
As a homeowner, it's tempting to try and save money by doing some of the work yourself. Untrained people can be seriously harmed or even killed by electricity. Always call a licensed electrician for help. Use safety switches to keep your house safe!
Hashtag.net.au
