RCD Safety Switches Perth Archives

RCD SAFETY SWITCH KEEPS TRIPPING OFF – Get it fixed fast.

Call Safety Switch electrical Fremantle 0404 216 333 or email us today.

Specialising in RCD tripping faults and switchboard installations, Perth and Fremantle

We guarantee to locate any residential RCD fault for a fixed fee.

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If your RCD keeps tripping it is usually water but there are other causes too such as faulty appliances. Using our services your RCD issues will be sorted quickly, with little fuss and all for a fixed labour fee. Specialising in locating safety switch RCD faults, we offer elite fault finding that is second to none. For fast problem solving of nuisance RCD tripping and providing affordable electrical services throughout Fremantle and Perth. We don’t just do RCD switches for residential homes, our electrical services are also used by those in the industrial and commercial field.  For All RCD electrical faults call the RCD professionals. With over 30 years of electrical trade experience you now you’re on a good thing!

THE RCD ELECTRICAL PROFESSIONALS SINCE 2000

Perth RCD Safety Switch Install Service

RCD INSTALLATION .  SERVICE . ADVICE . FREE TESTING . QUOTES

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NO CALL OUT FEE. FREE RCD TESTING and FREE SAFETY CERTIFICATES WITH ALL ELECTRICAL WORK

Perth RCD Safety Switches. Safety Certificates. Hard Wired Smoke Alarms.

For Free Professional Advice and Pricing on your RCD installations including 240 volt Hard Wired and 10 Year Lithium Smoke Alarms, Safety Certificates, Safety Inspections and General Electrical Wiring Call 0404 216 333.  

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RCD’s and Switchboards

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Information guide for Perth RCD safety switches

The Perth RCD switchboard specialists

Different types of RCD switches for different applications. Call 0404 216 333

Below is a quick visual RCD safety switch guide: Standard type RCD safety switches are designed to trip when a fault current to earth reaches a value of 30 milliamps (ma). These RCD switches are used for power and lighting applications. Other RCD switches can have a 100 ma trip setting which is suitable for main switch applications or individual non general power and light applications such as stoves, hot water systems, industrial applications, hard wired equipment and the like. For medical applications the highly sensitive 10ma type RCD is fitted to better protect end users and patients in surgery and treatment clinics. 

  • ALWAYS TEST YOUR RCD EVERY 3 MONTHS, BE AWARE THAT MANY OLD RCD’s SIMPLY DO NOT WORK.

More information on Perth RCD installations.

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High grade ABB safety switch for general use.

ABOVE: MEDICAL GRADE RCD WITH 10 milliamp TRIP.

Moden high grade RCBO electronic safety switch. Compact and fast acting.

MODERN HIGH QUALITY SINGLE POLE RCD / MCB COMBO SAFETY SWITCH.

RCD FAQ ~ about RCD’s and Smoke Alarms.

The Perth RCD  Safety Switch & Smoke Alarm installation specialists

Phone: 0404 216 333 or email us

Woman Pushing Fuse, Cropped View of Hand

RCD Safety Switches & Smoke Alarms are a mandatory  requirement by LAW.

For further information on your responsibilities call 0404 216 333

FAQ about RCD safety switches.

Typical RCD.  TEST button at top right. Switch is in ON position, (UP).

Q: What is an RCD?     An RCD (residual current device) is an electrical safety device that cuts off  electricity when it detects electrical faults to earth.  It is commonly referred to as a safety switch and it is now mandatory to have these installed to protect all circuits on new domestic installations to help prevent electric shock.

Q: How does an RCD work?  The RCD safety switch will assist in preventing electric shock by  constantly monitoring your circuit.  When it detects an electrical fault from the active or  neutral conductor to  earth,  your power is switched off in an instant.  With no RCD fitted, that hazard remains unchecked increasing the risk of a fatal electric shock.

Q:  By having an RCD fitted it means I can’t get an electric shock?  No.  A fatal electric shock still can occur between active and neutral conductors, other unprotected circuits, a faulty RCD, or one incorrectly fitted.  Which is why it is important to have your RCD tested regularly.

 Q: How fast should a safety switch turn off the power?   Typically around 10 to  30 milliseconds (ms) although some older RCDs may be much slower which is why it is always a good idea to test your RCD every 1 or 2 months. We usually note that old RCDs trip within  80 to 100 ms but too often some fail to trip altogether.

This rarely seen old original safety switch (ELCB) is the size of a shoe box.

Q: How much does it cost to install an RCD safety switch in Perth?    Prices start from as little as $150 each (supplied and fitted) for multiple residential RCD installations.  Costs do depend on the type of electrical box installed at the premises as the RCD must fit correctly and be compliant. We have seen cheaper RCDs of poor quality on the market from questionable sources but reputable electricians refuse to install them. We have also seen RCD’s fitted to old fuses. This IS NOT the way to install RCD’s.  Often old panels (especially asbestos) need to be replaced outright.

Q: What is the best RCD RCBO Safety Switch for my home?  We have found the 6KA   NHP  MOD6  and ABB RCBO / RCD Safety Switches  are the pick of the bunch on the domestic market for both quality and practicality.

 Q: How many RCD switches do I need on my house?    That depends on the number of circuits / fuses there are on your switchboard / fuse box.  As no more than 3 circuits / fuses are permitted per RCD it may be necessary to install multiple RCD switches to larger fuse boxes. In any instance a minimum of 2 RCDs are required.

RCBO safety switches

Q: What is an RCBO or RCDMCB? These are the latest safety switches that have the dual function of working as an RCD but also protect the circuit from overload as a fuse or circuit breaker will.  This saves valuable space on electrical panels by taking away the need to fit separate circuit breakers or fuses.  SafetySwitch electrical services always install RCBO’s providing a much better electrical installation overall. If you are having new RCD’s fitted ask your electrician to install RCBO’s.

Q: Can I have all my fuses / circuits protected by RCD Safety Switches?    YES!  It is now legislated that all new installations have RCD’s protecting all circuits. If your switchboard is upgraded it will need to have RCD’s put across all circuits including hot water, air conditioners etc.

 Q: Can my RCD help prevent electrical fires.    YES!

 Q:  Who can install an RCD to my home?    Only a licensed electrician can install an RCD to your home and they must also provide you with an electrical safety certificate. As electricians we specialise in RCD installations. SafetySwitch electrical services has the equipment and expertise to do the job more efficiently and in a cost effective manner exceeding standard electrical regulations. Who would you rather trust? Read the reviews on Google.

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Smoke Alarms FAQ ~  Smoke Detectors  FAQ

SafetySwitch  recommends  CLIPSAL  FIRETEK  smoke  alarms

Q: What smoke alarm is legal and meets the latest building codes?  As of the 1st of May 2017, only a smoke alarm labelled AS3786:2014 is legal for old and new homes. If only labelled AS3786, it is not legal! 

Q: How many smoke alarms do I need for my house?   It depends on the layout of the home.  Small dwellings might only need 1 smoke detector but for the average home 2 hard wired smoke alarms are often required and multilevel apartments need smoke alarms on each level.

Q: I have battery smoke alarms in my home and I’ve just replaced the batteries,  is that  enough?    NO. These types of smoke alarms whilst readily available, do not meet the requirements of new legislation which makes hard wired smoke alarms mandatory.

Q: I live in an apartment with concrete ceilings. There is no way to wire up a smoke alarm. How can  smoke alarms be installed there?  As specialist smoke alarm electricians we carry all the right equipment  needed so that even concrete ceilings are not a problem.

FESA advise that when installing mains powered smoke alarms, always use a licensed electrician.  It is recommended that smoke alarms be located in all sleeping areas and in all paths of travel between sleeping areas and exits to the open air. This includes sleeping areas in separate parts of the house and where sleep-outs or similar areas are not connected by a passageway to the main part of the dwelling. Wherever possible, smoke alarms should not be installed near kitchens, laundries and bathrooms.

Always use a licensed electrician. Contact your RCD and  smoke alarm specialist on  0404 216 333

“A safety switch is a general name for a Residual Current Device (RCD). It is an electrical device specially designed to immediately switch the electricity off when electricity ‘leaks’ to earth at a harmful level therefore reducing the risk of electrocution. RCD’s operate on the principle of what goes in must come out.The RCD will continuously monitor the current flow through the active (supply) and neutral (return) conductors and should a fault occur where the electrical current leaks out, ie. travels to ‘earth’ at a value of 30 milliamps or greater then that imbalance is detected and will cause the RCD to trip immediately. A standard domestic RCD will cut off electricity within 10 to 50 milliseconds when a fault of  30 milliamps (0.03 amperes) or greater is detected.  RCD’s are extremely important where there is water around, (bathrooms, any outdoor power, spas and swimming pools etc).   They also have another important advantage – the RCD can reduce the risk of electrical fire by detecting an electrical fault to earth and this is significant for older installations”. © SafetySwitch electrical services 2001


Safety Switches Western Australia

6 most common reasons why the RCD is tripping off

How to Reset your RCD Safety Switch

We fix RCD faults FAST! Call 0404 216 333

How to stop the RCD safety switch tripping off.

For fast friendly service in Perth call 0404 216 333 or email us for a free quote.

An easy to use self help guide to fix your RCD.  All RCD electrical faults can be fixed fast by using our services.

The 6 most common causes that make your RCD trip off is often ingress of water in light fixtures, moisture in power outlets, faulty appliances, a faulty RCD, water in 240 volt electric ignition gas stoves and wires not properly terminated / disconnected.  Some other causes we find are rodents, wet extension leads and DIY. Always use a licensed electrician.

SafetySwitch_rounded.jpg

Note:  If the RCD keeps switching off  your power, be aware that before you start, some switchboards have several ‘circuit breakers’ or porcelain fuses protected by only 1 RCD.  If this is the case, switch all these circuit breakers off and try to reset the RCD. Note: some people refer to an RCD as a Clipsal Switch.

If the RCD resets then switch the circuit breakers back on,  one at a time, that way you will discover which of these circuits is causing the RCD to trip. * If your board still has porcelain fuses we recommend you have the switchboard upgraded ASAP. 

Circuits for power are often simply labeled “P” and lighting “L”.  Ignore any  N1, N2, numbers as these are for electricians. You can then follow these simple steps below…

Let’s get started… RCD Help Guide: The 5 steps to fix your RCD.

1. Find out what power outlets / lights are affected. Check the switchboard to ensure that it is actually the RCD that has tripped and not a circuit breaker ~ Refer to the photos at the bottom of the page that explains the difference between an RCD and circuit breaker.

2. UNPLUG ALL affected appliances from socket outlets and if lights are affected by the RCD tripping off, turn off all light switches as well.

Check list: Remember you must “UNPLUG” all appliances like dishwashers, any gas cooktops or hot water units with 240v plug tops for ignition,  outdoor power points etc.

Once that is done,   turn on the RCD by firmly pushing the switch up.  You might have to flick it on, off and on again to reset it properly.  Also check that the test button is not stuck in as it will prevent the RCD from resetting.

4. If power and  lights appear to be on,  go about restoring by ‘plugging in and turning on’ to see if  it there was any particular appliance or light that was tripping your RCD.

5.  If you can not find the problem call the RCD fault specialists on 0404 216 333 (Perth and Fremantle areas)  Also, read the additional information below…

For service call  0404 216 333  or email us

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Additional information: Check your switchboard. The RCD switch should be in the up position. Check to make sure it is in fact an RCD and not just a circuit breaker which simply acts like a fuse.  (Circuit Breakers can look the same but an RCD safety switch will have a test button located on the front usually with a  ‘T’  symbol on it).

If the power is out due to an RCD tripping off  and the RCD won’t reset, it is important to actually remove / unplug all cords  from the affected power points first.  (If lights are also affected make sure to turn off all lights if possible).

Circuit Breaker. (No TEST button) OFF position, (DOWN).

Typical RCD. Blue TEST button at top right. Switch is in ON position, (UP).

Pay attention to the following ~

All outdoor power outlets such as  pool, water features, spa, sprinkler reticulation etc.
All concealed power outlets (dishwasher, gas stove, alarm, fridge etc). 

After all appliances are unplugged, try to reset the RCD by firmly pushing the switch up.  If it resets, great, now just plug your appliances back in and you may find the faulty one causing the trouble as the RCD trips off, for example as soon a kettle is plugged in and switched on.

If all power points are unplugged and the RCD won’t reset you will need to call a licensed electrician.

CircuitBreakerAndSafetySwitchFurther RCD reading: Clients sometimes complain that the RCD safety switch keeps tripping at a certain time of day on a regular basis. This will give a savvy electrician a vital clue as to what may be causing it.

One of the most common causes for frequent and regular RCD tripping is the defrost cycle on a fridge, particularly the old “Beer Fridge”.  Often this second fridge is an old clunker which is left out the back in a shed or under the back patio where it is prone to rusting away. The whole appliance is an electrical hazard and ‘down to earth’. Thankfully you had an RCD fitted and it has detected your faulty fridge, switched the power off and possibly save someone from getting an electric shock.

Electricians installing RCD safety switches walk away from a job well done only to be contacted the next day by irate clients who find all the power has been turned off by the RCD. When the electrician arrives on site the RCD simply resets only to have the same fault occur again the next day. What is happening here is usually a time clock program switching on an appliance which is faulty and causes the RCD to trip.  In a secondary sense, it can also be things such as a reticulation system coming on at a programmed time which sprays water onto electrical accessories which are not adequately protected from water.

But often it is just the electrical defrost elements on the fridge which are built into it. These elements switch on at pre-programmed time set by the manufacturer  and if these electrical elements are ‘down to earth’  it will cause the RCD to trip off.  So the RCD is functioning correctly and telling you to have your fridge serviced. Remember, don’t blame the electrician, the RCD will detect faulty appliances and could save you from electric shock. I’ve installed plenty of RCD switches where clients have gladly had to toss out the old fridge or get it repaired.

Perth Residual Current Device ~ testing ~ advice ~ installations

Affordable and Reliable RCD / RCBO solutions.

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The new MOD6  Safety Switch is packed with features making it one of the best RCD and RCBO switches on the market to date.

An RCBO is both an RCD and circuit breaker all in one which does away with the need to have a separate fuse or circuit breaker taking up valuable space on the switchboard.   Where available space for an RCD is an issue the  slim MOD6 single pole RCD is the best solution.

The  super robust 6KA single pole electronic RCD is a safety switch to be reckoned with.

For service and installation  For the best RCD service in PerthCall Rob on 0404 216 333 or use our contact form.

Safety Switch electrical services is an industry leader in RCD safety switch and smoke alarm installations in Perth Western Australia.

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