Safety switches are an essential component of any electrical system, whether it’s your home, office or industrial building. These small devices play a crucial role in protecting individuals and property from electrical hazards by detecting and cutting off the power supply in case of an electrical fault.
Despite their importance, many people are left puzzled when their safety switch keeps tripping. It can be frustrating and inconvenient, but it is a sign that the safety switch is doing its job correctly. This blog post discusses why your safety switch keeps tripping and what you can do to fix it.
What Is a Safety Switch?
A safety switch is a safety device that monitors the flow of electricity in a circuit. It works by detecting any disruptions in the current flow caused by a fault or leakage and cuts off the power supply within milliseconds. This quick response helps prevent electrocution and electrical fires.
It is important to note that a safety switch is different from a circuit breaker, which is designed to protect the circuit from overloading and short circuits. While a safety switch can provide some protection against these types of faults, its primary purpose is to protect against electrical shocks.
Why Does It Keep Tripping?
The most common reason for a safety switch to trip is a faulty appliance or an electrical device. If the switch trips immediately after turning on a specific appliance, such as a hairdryer or a microwave, it is likely that the appliance is causing the fault. Another cause could be damaged wiring, faulty power points or a damaged extension cord. These can all lead to a leaking current, which triggers the safety switch.
Other reasons for safety switch tripping include moisture, insulation failure and overloading. Moisture can cause a short circuit, insulation failure can lead to current leakage, and overloading can cause the circuit to draw more power than it can handle, resulting in a trip. In addition, old or outdated safety switches may also be more sensitive to these faults and trip more often.
What Can You Do About It?
If your safety switch has tripped, the first step is to identify the cause. Unplug all appliances and turn off all power points connected to the circuit. Reset the safety switch; if it trips again, it is most likely due to a fault in the wiring or a specific appliance. In this case, call a licensed electrician to inspect and repair the issue.
If the safety switch does not trip after unplugging all appliances, you can turn them back on one by one to identify which one is causing the fault. In some cases, it may be an overloaded circuit, and the solution would be to reduce the number of appliances connected to it. However, if the safety switch keeps tripping even after eliminating all possible causes, it is best to seek professional help.
Do I Need a Safety Switch?
In Australia, safety switches have been mandatory in new homes since 1992 and in all homes since 2002. It is essential to regularly test your safety switch to ensure it is functioning correctly. According to the Australian Wiring Rules, safety switches should be tested at least every six months to make sure they are working correctly.
If your safety switch keeps tripping, it is an indication that something is wrong, and it should not be ignored. At Just-In Time Electrical, we have a team of licenced electricians who can help diagnose and fix any safety switch issues promptly. Don’t risk your safety – contact us today for all your electrical needs.
Just-In Time Electrical is your local leading electrical contractor based in Brisbane’s western suburbs. Just-In Time Electrical has been operating for over 12 years and draws on a combined knowledge base of over 30 years.