Are You Aware Of the Latest Safety Switch Law?

Do you have a property in Brisbane? Or are you planning to buy one? Then you need to be aware of the latest safety switch law because you’re affected by it.

According to the updates made to the Standards Australia’s AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules on June 26, 2018, electricians have additional requirements to adhere to in case they finish current and new electrical projects. So as a property owner in Brisbane, you need to make yourself aware of these changes.

What are these updates? Let’s go.

What are the standards for?

Before discussing the actual updates on the safety switch law, let’s first understand the standards and how they can affect the electricians and homeowners.

The Standards Australia’s AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules are the rules that electricians must strictly follow in their work. Therefore, these standards are made to ensure that a property’s electrical system is properly and safely carried out.

Why are the standards updated?

The standards ensure that any electrical works and devices are safe and compliant with the law.  However, the electrical designs and devices for homes are constantly upgrading. That’s why the standards also need to update to become parallel with these changes. Thus, it’ll ensure that the new electrical designs and devices are safe to use.

Does it apply to everyone?

Yes. These updates do not apply to electricians only but to every household and property owners too. So, everyone must follow.

Now, let’s dig deeper into the updates of the latest safety switch law.

What are the updates on the safety switch law?

The following are the updates to be followed by electricians and property owners.

Install safety switches on every final sub-circuit (For new homes only)

The first update is the mandatory installation of safety switches on every final sub-circuits of new homes, both domestic and residential. This will improve the circuits’ safety level at home and avoid electrical-related injuries caused by faulty appliances. So, if you’re building or buying a new house, make sure to speak to a licensed electrician to check and install this in your home.

If you’re looking for an excellent electrician, we recommend choosing our licensed and well-trained electricians. Check our website and get to know more about the services we provide.

Are there different types of safety switches?

What is a RCD safety switch?

• Residual Current Device (RCD) – is designed and used as protection against electrocution. Therefore, it is for human’s safety. In case you accidentally get in contact with an electric current, this safety switch will trip and shut off the power supply within milliseconds

Pro-Tip: To ensure that your home is always protected, you need to get an electrician to test your safety switches regularly. Electrical problems can happen anytime, thus, getting your switches regularly checked ensures that they’re in top working condition.

Safety switches for old homes

Did you notice that the latest safety switch law mentioned the new and extended homes only?

So, does this mean that old homeowners don’t need to comply with the changes?

Of course not. 

You have to, especially if you haven’t upgraded your electrical switches yet. We strongly encourage you to do this to keep your electrical system inlined with the updated standards.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your family and your home has proper protection against electrical hazards. With updated safety switches you will have peace of mind knowing that you have them installed in your home.

Should you plan to make changes in your home such as the following, the electrician will need to add safety switches to your electrical system as it was mandated in the updated standards.

• Repairs
• Alterations and additions
• Switchboard replacemen

If you’re undecided about upgrading your electrical system, talk to Lit Up Electrical today. We can guide you through the process and provide you with a complete, safe, compliant, and reliable safety switch system.