For Consumers

Circuit Breaker versus Safety Switch

Safety switches are often confused with circuit breakers and surge diverters. As such, its imperative to understand the differences -

Surge diverters protect the property from voltage surges such as those resulting from a lightning strike. The surge diverter captures the voltage spikes in the wiring within the unit itself which would otherwise be transferred into the equipment within the property. Click here to view Surge Diverter.
- Surge diverters do not act as a safety switch for personal protection against electric shock.

Circuit breakers provide short circuit and overcurrent protection such as when a power point is overloaded. Click here to view Circuit breaker.
- Circuit breakers do not act as a safety switch for personal protection against electric shock.

Safety switches monitor the flow of electricity through a circuit and detect a problem which may pose a risk to personal safety and turn the power off within 0.03 of a second. Click here to view Safety Switch.
- Always remember, safety switches are not a substitute for common sense!

Safety switches always have a test button and have 30ma written on them. They are also sometimes labelled with the words "safety switch".

If you are unsure whether you have a safety switch installed, contact a registered electrical contractor.