Safety switches are a life-saving device that minimise the risk of electric shocks, injuries, deaths and electricity-related fires.
Sadly, many homes across Australia still don’t have safety switches installed, which is a serious safety concern.
Master Electricians Australia (MEA) Chief Executive Officer, Malcolm Richards, said MEA has been calling for a nationwide rollout of safety switches since the three tragic electrocutions that occurred in 2009 and 2010. These tragedies sparked a significant interest in the issue of safety switches.
“A safety switch can shut off the power from an electric shock in just a few thousands of a second- faster than the critical phase of a heartbeat.
“Around 15 Australians are killed and 300 hospitalised every year as a result of electrical accidents that could have been prevented by a safety switch,” Mr Richards said.
Circuit breakers are used to protect cables from overloading, and it is highly recommended to have a safety switch installed on every circuit breaker in your house. This will ensure the safety of your household, and most importantly, the safety of your family.
Surprisingly, there is only legislation in place regarding the retrofit of safety switches in Queensland and Western Australia. However, through increased awareness and understanding of the importance of these life saving devices, we will be taking a step in the right direction for safer households across Australia.
Don’t risk it! Call us today and have your house checked by a qualified electrician and enjoy peace of mind in the safety of your family.
Founder of Horan & Bird. Director of Master Electricians Australia and Board Member of Solar Accreditation Australia. John has played a key entrepreneurial role in the transformation of the Energy Landscape in Queensland.
