Safety Switch Installation Newcastle
RCDs (safety switches) detect earth faults and cut power in milliseconds. They save lives. NSW regulations require them on all new circuits, and many older homes don't have adequate coverage.
Safety Switch Installation Newcastle
Why Safety Switches Matter
A safety switch reacts in 30 milliseconds, around 300 times faster than a heartbeat. If there's an earth fault (current flowing somewhere it shouldn't, like through a person), an RCD cuts the power before it becomes fatal. A standard fuse or circuit breaker does not provide this protection.
NSW Requirements
NSW regulations require RCDs on all new circuits and recommend them on all existing circuits. Many home insurers now specifically ask about safety switch coverage when assessing electrical-related claims. Older homes with no RCDs are both a safety risk and potentially a problem at claim time.
Types of RCD Protection
- Switchboard-mounted RCDs, protect multiple circuits, most common in modern homes
- Combination RCD/MCBs (RCBOs), protect individual circuits, allow others to stay on if one trips
- Portable RCDs, plug-in protection for tools and equipment on site