Safety switches are compulsory in all residential dwellings built since 1991 and must be installed to existing homes within three months of transfer of ownership.

     However, installation is recommended in all homes. When an electrical fault occurs, the switch turns off the power to the affected circuit within one-30th of a second.

     Your home may already have a safety switch fitted to the main switchboard. Safety switches will have a ‘test’ reset button clearly marked on the front section and

     should be checked every three months to ensure the unit remains in good working order. The installation of a safety switch does not remove the necessity to exercise

     normal care and diligence with electricity.

         From 1 March 2006, owners of leased domestic residences must have a safety switch installed for the power circuit of the residence within six months of a residential

          tenancy agreement being entered into, or by 29 February 2008 (whichever is the sooner).

          From 1 March 2008, owners of leased domestic residences must have a safety switch installed for the power circuit of the residential tenancy agreement has been entered into.

          These new changes will give tenants of domestic residences the same level of protection as owner-occupiers.

·         Switchboard safety switch protects everything connected to your power circuits. This type may be connected to all or individual circuits i.e. one for general power, one for lighting circuits.

            An electrical contractor must install switchboard type safety switches. These offer the convenience of permanent personal protection in the event of a fault occurring on a power circuit or

            appliances connected to the power circuit. The cost of installation of this type of safety switch to an existing home or circuit carries an additional charge since it must be installed by

            a licensed electrical contractor.

·         Power outlet safety switch protects the rest of the power points, when installed on the first power point of a circuit. Purchase and installation charges apply since a licensed electrical

           contractor must install power outlet type safety switches.

·         Portable safety switches should be used in all potentially hazardous situations such as where portable appliances or tools are being used and where flexible cords are at risk of being

          damaged. You can simply plug the portable safety switch into an existing power point and protect users from shock due to faulty appliances. This type offers the same personal protection

          to both you and the connected appliance as the other types. However, portable safety switches do not protect the power circuit. They are manually plugged into the appliance lead or

          power point and protect the appliances connected to them. They offer the simplicity of personal protection at a lower cost than the permanently installed type safety switches, but can

          be susceptible to damage due to their portability.

     Safety switches in the manufacturing industry                                                                                                                                                                       

      A new regulation also means that from 1 March 2008 all manufacturing workplaces must have a safety switch protecting all specified electrical equipment.

      This new regulation ensures that everyone in a workplace is protected from injury or death, and that equipment and facilities are protected from property damage.

          An employer or self-employed person may be exempt from this requirement if:

         The Electrical Safety Amendment Regulation (No.1) 2006 (PDF, 250 KB) makes changes to the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF, 1 MB)

          to provide a more targeted regulatory framework for electrical safety in leased domestic residences, the rural industry, the amusement industry and the manufacturing industry.

         The Amendment Regulation impacts on:

          Safety switch requirements for leased domestic residences

           Classes of work:

           Changes in the naming of classes of work

           Changes in requirements for manufacturing work

           A new class for amusement work

           A new class for rural industry work.

           From 1 March 2006, owners of leased domestic residences must have a safety switch installed for the power circuit of the residence within six months of a residential

           tenancy agreement being entered into, or by 29 February 2008 (whichever is the sooner).

           From 1 March 2008, owners of leased domestic residences must have a safety switch installed for the power circuit of the residence after a residential tenancy agreement

           has been entered into.

           This change gives tenants of domestic residences the same level of protection as owner occupiers.

             From 1 March 2006 the classes of work are:

             construction work (formerly Class 1 work)

             manufacturing work (formerly Class 2 work)

             service work (formerly Class 3 work)

             office work (formerly Class 4 work).

          There are two new classes of work:

              amusement work

               rural industry work.

         By 1 March 2008 specified electrical equipment used in manufacturing work must be protected by a fixed safety switch. Previously a portable safety switch was an option.

         This class of work covers certain activities at shows, fairs and carnivals. The amendment clarifies electrical safety requirements in the amusement industry.

         This amendment increases electrical safety requirements for rural workplaces. From 1 March 2006, there will be no exemption from electrical safety

         regulatory provisions for rural industry.

         Employers and self-employed people will now be required to:

            -visually check electrical equipment before use