
Safety Switches (RCDs/RCBOs)
Safety switches cut power in milliseconds when a fault occurs. They’re the key protection
against electric shock and many electrical fires. We install, upgrade, and test safety
switches so your home is safe and compliant.
At a glance
• Instantly disconnects power to prevent electric shock
• Residual-current protection is required on all final sub-circuits
• Older switchboards: often 1–2 RCDs + separate circuit breakers
• Current best practice: RCBO on each circuit (safety switch + breaker combined)
• Simple “T” test button lets you check operation in seconds
Upgrade: RCD + Circuit Breaker → RCBOs (why it’s worth it)
If your board runs multiple circuits through one or two RCDs with separate breakers, a single fault can drop half the house. RCBOs combine safety-switch and over-current protection per circuit, so only the problem circuit trips.
Benefits you’ll notice immediately
• Fewer blackouts: A toaster fault no longer kills bedroom power or Wi-Fi—only the kitchen circuit trips.
• Faster fault-finding: One circuit = one trip. Easier to spot and fix, fewer return visits.
• Better protection, everywhere: Every circuit gets its own shock and overload protection.
• Keeps essentials on: Fridge, aquarium, home office and heating stay on if another circuit faults.
• Future-ready: Clean, labelled layout ready for EV chargers, solar, heat-pump hot water and renovations.
• Neater board: Modern layout, clear labels, compliance test results at handover.
Great candidates for an upgrade
• You’ve had “mystery” or frequent whole-home trips
• You’re adding big appliances (oven, induction, air-con) or an EV charger
• You work from home and can’t afford outages
• You’re preparing a property for sale or rent
What our RCBO upgrade includes
• RCBOs on each circuit (lighting, power, oven, air-con, outdoors, shed, etc.)
• Board tidy-up and clear circuit labelling
• Full trip-time testing and compliance documentation
• Walk-through of your board and how to use the test/reset buttons
How to test your safety switch
1. Locate the device labelled “Safety Switch” or RCBO.
2. Press the “T” button. Power on that circuit should trip immediately.
3. Reset to restore power.
If it doesn’t trip or won’t reset, book a service.
Our process
1. On-site inspection & advice – We assess your switchboard and circuits.
2. Clear quote – Plain language, fixed scope.
3. Licensed installation – Neat, compliant work with minimal downtime.
4. Test & handover – Trip-time tests, labels, and a quick demo of the test button.
5. Aftercare – We’re here for future circuits, appliances, or troubleshooting.
FAQs
Are safety switches mandatory?
Homes must have residual-current protection on all final sub-circuits. Older boards may have RCDs with separate breakers; current practice is RCBOs on each circuit.
Will the upgrade cut my power?
Yes, briefly. We plan outages with you and keep them as short as possible.
Can I install a safety switch myself?
No. This work must be done and tested by a licensed electrician.
What causes “nuisance tripping”?
Often a single appliance or moisture-affected circuit. RCBOs help by isolating the problem circuit instead of tripping multiple areas.
Service area & timing
Based in Richmond, we service Melbourne’s inner suburbs and nearby areas. Most upgrades are completed same day.
Get an Electrical Quote
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