RCD Safety Switches | Metropolitan Electrical Contractors

Your safety switch installation and repair specialists

Metropolitan Electrical Contractors is your local expert in all things safety switches. Whether you need a new switch installed or the existing one replaced, we’re here to help. Our team consists of licensed, experienced professionals who can take care of the safety switch today to reduce the risks of electric shock.

Help, My Safety Switch Keeps Tripping!

If the electrical safety switch keeps tripping, then it’s saving you from a world of trouble. The RCD safety switch (Residual Current Device) is designed to protect you from the risks of electrocution and fire hazards.

The safety switch detects faults and immediately shuts off the power. This can be caused by too many appliances running simultaneously or something damaging the electrical wiring.

The fix for a tripped switch often involves simply visiting the electrical meter box, finding the safety switch, and flipping it from the ‘OFF’ position to ‘ON’. However, if a faulty appliance trips the switch, the most cost effective solution involves purchasing a replacement.

You can always test your safety switch by pressing the adjacent button to ensure it’s in working order.

If the test fails or the safety switch can’t be flipped back on, then it’s time to call in a local electrician. A Metropolitan electrician can test the circuit to locate the source of the problem and provide any essential electrical work to get the power back up and running.

Having safety switches installed keeps the family and home safe against worse case scenarios. So, call a licensed electrician today to upgrade or explore your options. We’re open 24/7!

safety switch information

Suitable for residential use

How Many Safety Switches Do I Need?

Safety switches must be installed in every new home under Australian law, which also asserts existing homes must have at least one installed before resale. The rules differ slightly from state to state. But it’s essential for legalities and peace of mind that you have a functional safety switch installed.

One safety switch is required per electrical circuit, and it’s advised that one switch is reserved for each segment of electrical equipment. So, one safety switch for the lighting circuit, one for powerpoints, one for water heating, one for fixed appliances, air conditioning, another for the shed, pool equipment, etc. This way, your electricity supply protection is boosted, and one failed circuit won’t bring down the whole home.

Contact Metropolitan to enhance your home with improved electrical safety by fitting multiple RCD safety switches today!

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RCD Safety Switch Installation and Repairs

An electrical safety switch stops faults before they can cause serious electric shock. Plus, Australian legislation makes safety switches compulsory for new homes.

We have a large team of local electricians in all cities or surrounding suburbs to enhance your electrical circuits and circuit breaker.

We specialise in emergency services and can often be at your door within the hour*. Add this to our 24/7 availability, and you’re beginning to understand the ‘Metropolitan difference.’

Not only do safety switches need repairing at a moment’s notice. Our electricians are trained in detecting electrical faults and providing the necessary repairs to everything that causes electrical hazards. Whatever it takes to get all the circuits working properly.

Finance Options** Electrical Services

Metropolitan offers a range of finance options** for safety switches and a wide range of electrical services. Using any one of these buy now pay later services gives everyone the means to have urgent electrical repairs completed today and manage the costs at a later date.

Just choose a payment plan with one of our providers – Zip or HummLoan. You have the flexibility of weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments.

Your electrician can take you through the easy application process on site and approval usually takes only a few minutes. We also accept payment by cash, cheque and credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express).

These terms can be applied to everything from safety switches and replacing switchboards to circuit breakers, a new power point and other electrical modification works.

Sign up for buy now pay later services in your own time or ask our team for more information over the phone. We’re only happy to help.

Metropolitan's Quality Assurance Guarantee

We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and high-quality work. Lock in Metropolitan Electrical Contractors for work to experience:

24/7 availability
Service within the hour*
No after-hours surcharge
Finance options** for eligible customers
Electrical safety experts
Upfront fixed-price quotes
We charge by the job, not by the hour
12-month workmanship warranty
$20 million public liability insurance

So, what are you waiting for? Call us or complete an online form today to protect people in your home from electric shock.

FAQ – All You Need to Know About RCD Safety Switches

Metropolitan Electrical Contractors provides valuable answers to frequently asked questions about RCD safety switches below.

How does a safety switch work?

A residual current device (RCD) safety switch reacts to an imbalance in your electricity circuit, shutting off your power supply at the switchboard.

It’s triggered in about 0.3 seconds to prevent electrocution. Without a safety switch, you would be at risk of severe shocks, or even fire, because of faulty wiring or an overloaded system.

Why does my safety switch trip?

What exactly causes an imbalance in a circuit? There are several reasons why your safety switch has tripped, including:

Overloaded power outlets or power boards
Faults in the wiring
An appliance fault (fridge, oven, charging cable, etc)
Wiring impacted by leaking pipes, a leaking roof or other water
Defective or faulty safety switch
Lightning strike causes a power surge

Am I required to have a safety switch?

Yes, Australian legislation states that at least one safety switch is a requirement for all new homes, but multiple is better. Existing homes should upgrade switchboards with safety switches to reduce the risks of electric shocks, and most are legally required to do so before resale.

How many safety switches do I need?

Regulators recommend each circuit should have its own RCD safety switch. For example, one switch each for lighting, power points, the hot water system, air conditioning and pool equipment. Individual safety switches on each circuit allow you to isolate the issue and reduce the likelihood of blackouts throughout the home.

What do I do when a safety switch goes off?

When a switch does go off, turn it back on at the switchboard. If it stays on, all is good. If you cannot turn it back on, further investigation is needed. A faulty appliance or damaged wiring could cause a trip switch. The fix may be as simple as replacing an appliance. If not, call a professional.

Why can't I turn the safety switch back on?

If you can’t turn your safety switch back on, you can troubleshoot various appliances throughout the home by unplugging them, then trying the safety switch again. If you still cannot get the power back on, then the issue could be faulty wiring or just something an electrician has to fix.

That’s when you call Metropolitan Electrical Contractors. We have experienced local electricians on call 24/7, so you can rest easy when an RCD safety switch goes off.