Safety switches

This safety switch fits into a single circuit, so if an electrical incident occurs, this switch turns off without affecting the rest of the electrical circuits.
Source: Image courtesy of Clipsal Australia Pty Ltd

Power surges or power spikes are a sudden temporary increase in electrical voltage in wires or electrical devices. They can be caused by rapid and large changes in nearby electricity use or lightning strikes.

Some electrical equipment is very sensitive to these sudden changes and can 'short out' when receiving too much electricity in too short a period of time. The extra electrical current, or charge, may even jump to people handling or even just near the electrical wire or device.

Safety switches have been designed to protect people and appliances from electrical power surges. When a power surge occurs, a safety switch can disconnect the electricity supply almost immediately.

In most homes there are separate electrical circuits for powerpoints, the hot water system, the stove and rangehood, and the lights. Safety switches are used to protect each of these circuits at the main fusebox. There may also be additional safety switches in other places around the house, such as in some powerpoints.

Safety switches can also be built into powerboards and extension cords. These provide additional protection against surges.