It is now mandatory for Residual Core devices (commonly known as safety switches) to be installed on all new domestic premises. A large number of old houses have had them fitted. If you haven't got the instructions what follows below is a fault finding guide which might save you a bit of money. If you feel you need it print it out now (cos your computer won't work when the safety switch is operated! Residual Core Devices or Safety switches are extremely effective devices and protect against all manner of electrical faults in your premises. They are particulary effective at protecting against fatal electrocution as they will switch the power off well before cardiac arrest sets in. They also offer some protection against fire. The odd occasion can arise however when they switch off for no apparant reason. Before you call upon an electrical contractor to rectify the problem there are a number of simple steps that you can take to solve the problem yourself and thus save money.

Step 1: Restore the safety switch to the on position. If it stays up all well and good it might have been operated by a transient on the power line. If it won't stay on or if its drops down within a short time proceed as follow:-

Step 2: UNPLUG every appliance in the house. In particular pay attention to those sockets you might long have forgotten about eg sockets for dishwashers, range hood and fridges which might well be in cupboards. Pay attention to outside sockets, particularly those around swimming pools and any areas exposed to the weather. Remember it is not good enough to merely switch the socket off it is essential to unplug any appliances.

Step 3: Once you have unplugged them try to reset the safety switch. If it stays up (and it oprobably will!) go around plugging in your appliances one at a time and and activating them . More often than not you will one particular appliance that is causing the switch to operate. Leave this appliance unplugged and plug in everything else.

Step 4: Having verified that all other appliances are OK the offending appliance should be taken away and either repaired or replaced.If after unplugging everything you find that there is still a problem you call in an electrical contractor or you can take further steps with care:-

Step 5:The switchboard should be clearly marked to denote what fuses and or circuit breakers are controlled by the safety switch. Pull out the fuses / operate the circuit breakers one at a time. After each operation try to reset the safety switch. It is advisable to wear a rubber glove if you are pulling fuses .If you do manage to identifye the fuse / breaker causing teh problem you may well be able to localise the fault and you will be able to restore most of your house to working order whilkst waiting for service

Safety Switch Periodic Testing.

It is advisable to test the safety switch periodically. If left for a long period it is possible that it becomes seized up and will not function properly on the one occasion that it is called upon to protect a life !. You should test the safety switch ,at the very least, twice a year, eg When daylight saving starts and when daylight saving finishes as you will probably have to reset some digital clocks anyway. Testing is carried out by pressing the test button present on the front of the switch and you should ensure that the device jumps to the off position when you press the button.

Produced by SJC Electrical 99824858 / 0418966254

Further copies available on http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/scarratt