When it comes to electrical safety, safety switches are an essential component for both residential and commercial properties. They’re designed to provide a high level of protection from electrocution and other related accidents that could occur due to faulty wiring. As a property owner, it pays to be aware of what these safety switches are, their importance, types and how to reset them whenever there’s a tripping.
What is a Safety Switch?
A safety switch is an electrical device that automatically switches off power to an electrical circuit when it detects an electrical fault such as an overload, short circuit, or leakage current leading to electrocution. It instantly cuts the power supply which protects the user from potential hazards. It’s also known as an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) or Residual Current Device (RCD).
Importance of Safety Switches
Safety switches are essential in providing an additional layer of protection from electrocution and other related electrical issues. Not only do they offer a higher level of safety compared to fuses, they also respond much faster which prevents any significant damage to the appliances or the property itself. It’s important to ensure that your safety switches are regularly tested and maintained as they can degrade with time due to wear and tear.
If you’re having issues resetting the safety switch or if it trips repeatedly, it’s best to seek professional help. Powerlec, specializing in electrical solutions, provides a step-by-step guide to resetting a safety switch. They also provide advice on when and where it’s best to call in a professional.
Types of Safety Switches
There are three common types of safety switches used in residential and commercial premises:
1. Residual Current Device (RCD)
The Residual Current Device (RCD) is one of the most popular types of ELCB used in residential and commercial properties. The RCD provides protection against electrocution by responding immediately to the smallest of earth leakage currents or any other fault. Additionally, it also monitors the balance of electricity flowing through the circuit so that any imbalance can be immediately switched off.
2. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI)
The Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is designed to prevent fires that may arise due to arcing current. An AFCI essentially protects against any unintentional current arcing which can cause sparks and eventually start a fire. An AFCI provides an additional layer of protection by analyzing the current patterns passing through it and cutting off the power if it detects any dangerous arc.
3. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is designed to provide protection against ground faults which occur when an electric current unintentionally flows through the ground instead of the intended path of the circuit. A GFCI rapidly cuts off the power as soon as it detects a ground fault which helps protect against shocks, electrocution, and other related accidents.
Understanding Safety Switch Tripping
Safety switches may trip periodically due to a variety of different reasons. While it can be annoying and inconvenient at times, it’s important that you identify the cause of the tripping as it may be a sign of underlying issues.
1. Causes of Tripping
A safety switch may trip due to any of the following reasons:
• Overloading of circuits
• Short circuits
• Aging installations and wiring
• Poorly installed wiring
• Faults in appliances
• Loose connections
• High power equipment operated in the same circuit
• Fluctuations in electricity supply
2. How to Identify Tripped Safety Switch
If you think that a safety switch has been tripped but you’re not sure, it’s important to check the fuse box first to identify which switch has been tripped as each safety switch is usually labeled. Alternatively, some safety switches have a “test button” or an indicator light which indicates whether it has been tripped.
How to Reset a Safety Switch
In most cases, resetting the safety switch involves pressing the reset button located on the switch itself. While it’s fairly easy to reset the switch, you should avoid doing so unless you know what caused the tripping in the first place. Here’s a step-by-step guide to resetting the safety switch:
1. Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting
1. Locate the safety switch in the circuit.
2. Check the wiring around the switch. If any wiring looks loose, make sure to tighten or repair the wiring before resetting the switch.
3. Press the reset button or switch located on the safety switch.
4. If the switch trips again, you should seek professional help and have the issue inspected further.
2. Precautions while Resetting
Whenever trying to reset a safety switch, the following should be observed:
• Avoid resetting the switch if you’re unsure of the cause. It’s best to seek professional help to identify the underlying cause first.
• Make sure all the wiring around the switch is intact and not loose or damaged.
• Wear suitable protective clothing such as gloves and glasses while handling the switch.
Conclusion
Safety switches are essential electrical devices for both residential and commercial properties as they provide essential protection against electrocution and other related accidents. It’s important to understand the different types and how to reset them in case of a trip. In order to ensure maximum safety, it’s always best to seek professional help whenever you’re unsure of the issue.
