Don’t be a fool - check your safety switches

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has urged all Australians to check their safety switches. Chief executive Malcolm Richards said homeowners nationwide should take the extra time to ensure safety switches are in good working order.

“To do this, simply open the switchboard door and look for the ‘Test’ button,” Richards said.

“If you don’t see a ‘Test’ button along the row of circuit breakers, then you don’t have a safety switch installed in your home and it is imperative you get them fitted as soon as possible.”

Richards said homeowners often underestimate the dangers electricity can present, as well as the life-saving ability of a safety switch.

“It is a worrying fact that more than 80% of Australian homeowners believe that they are well protected from electrical injury in their own homes,” he said.

“This is simply not the case. Our research has shown that there is an electrical fault rate of around one in every five homes and these faults can sometimes be associated with deterioration of cables and electrical fittings, particularly in older homes.

“A safety switch installed in every circuit in the home can easily prevent an unforeseen and accidental electrical tragedy from occurring by detecting an electric shock and cutting the flow of power faster than the critical phase of a heartbeat.

“Today, around 40% of Australian homes remain completely unprotected by safety switches.

“Having safety switches installed is a small and worthy financial investment in ensuring the safety of Australians and their families, and could mean the difference between life and death.”