General electrical
Safety switches / RCDs
Know what protection your switchboard provides. We assess safety switches, investigate repeated tripping and recommend suitable upgrades for your circuits.
- Local electricians
- Tailored advice
- Ongoing support
Different devices do different jobs
Circuit breakers protect circuits against overloads and short circuits. Safety switches, also called RCDs, detect current leaking away from its intended path and disconnect the supply. RCBOs combine both functions.
Safety switches reduce the risk of serious electric shock, but they do not make contact with electricity safe. Electrical installation and repair work belongs with a licensed electrician.
What we assess
We check your existing protection and the requirements for the work you are planning.
- Which circuits have safety-switch protection
- The condition and suitability of existing devices
- Switchboard space and circuit identification
- Protection requirements for new equipment
- Faults behind repeated or unexpected tripping
Testing and faults
Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office recommends testing safety switches every three months using the test button. Follow the device instructions and let others know because the test interrupts power.
If a switch fails the test or will not reset, contact a licensed electrician. Repeated tripping needs investigation; do not bypass a protective device or keep resetting it without resolving the cause.
Further reading: Electrical Safety Office safety-switch guidance ↗. Guidance checked September 2026; eligibility and requirements are assessed for the individual property.
Good to know
Your questions, answered.
Does a modern-looking board definitely have RCDs?
No. Circuit breakers and safety switches can look similar. We can identify the installed protection and advise on any gaps.
Can you add safety switches to an older board?
That depends on the board and wiring. We assess whether new devices can be installed or whether a wider switchboard upgrade is appropriate.
Why does a safety switch keep tripping?
Possible causes include faulty appliances, damaged wiring or moisture. Testing is needed to locate the cause; the switch itself is only one possibility.
Let’s talk about your project.
Tell us what you have in mind. We’ll help you work out the right next step.