Safety
Switches and
Power Surge Protection
What
is a Safety Switch? Safety
Switches can save lives and
are designed to protect you against electric shock. They
are not the same as a normal circuit breaker switch.
Safety Switches are
easily identified by the test button on the front and are
designed to disable the power when a potentially lethal
electrical fault occurs in an electrical device, power
cord or cable. These
units can be installed at the switchboard by a licensed
electrical contractor.
What
is Surge Protector? A
Surge Protector is designed to provide protection for all
attached electrical devices against power surges. These
units can be installed at the switchboard by a licensed
electrical contractor.
What
is a power surge?
A
power surge is a rapid increase in voltage, which can be
caused by lightning strikes, power disruptions or major
electricity users such as factories or shopping centres
switching large loads on or off. Power surges can even be
caused by switching certain appliances on or off in the
home.
What
damage can power surges
do?
A
power surge can have a permanent detrimental effect on
many electrical appliances, from a simple Digital Clock to an
intricate and expensive DVD, TV, Computer, Fax
Machine, Telephone or Microwave Oven. Even Washing
Machines or Refrigerators and Cooking appliances can be affected.
Whilst it is impossible
to totally insure against this kind of damage, safety measures can
be taken.
Be
wary of portable power boards (usually four sockets on one
plug-in base). Only power boards specifically identified as a 'Surge
Protector', provide surge protection. Power boards that have an overload cut out
only, do not provide surge protection.
Caution:
Surge
protectors are not a substitute for Safety Switches. These
devices play entirely different roles.
Surge
Protectors are designed to protect
electrical equipment
only.
Safety
Switches are
designed to save lives and protect you
against electrocution.
For
information regarding legal requirements for Safety
Switches in Queensland, click
here
GYMPIE
APPLIANCE SERVICE
can arrange to install a Surge Protector or a
Safety Switch in your
switchboard, to protect yourself, your family and
electrical equipment in your home.
To
arrange for an installation or for any Electrical Safety
concerns, please CONTACT
US.
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