Local electricians

While fuses and circuit breakers, common in older style switchboards may protect against electrical overload, these were designed for low current flow appliances. If a fuse or circuit breaker “blows” frequently, it is evident there is a problem with an appliance being used, however, fuses and circuit breakers cannot offer the level of protection provided by safety switches.

Modern appliances have the potential for higher immediate current flows, often operating in a constant “stand by” mode.

Additionally, a modern family will operate many more appliances at the same time such as TV’s, air conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers to name a few, requiring the additional protection that a safety switch offers.

If your switchboard is fitted with a safety switch and a fault occurs the safety switch automatically activates. Resetting the safety switch to restore current to the circuit is quite simple if the faulty appliance has been unplugged and disconnected from the circuit. However, if the fault still exists, the safety switch will again sense a circuit fault and cut power again until the fault has been removed.

In such cases, unplug or disconnect the most recently used appliances and reset the safety switch. Once the faulty appliance has been identified it must be quarantined from further use or be repaired by a trained professional.