Every NSW householder is legally responsible for making your home safe and that includes your electricity use. If you run a business, the safety of everyone on your premises is your responsibility.
Besides ensuring you only use qualified and experienced electricians (like us), you can reduce the risk of electrical safety problems by installing safety switches. Here’s the low-down on how safety switches work and what you should know once they’re installed.
Safety switch 101
Safety switches provide protection against electric shock. They monitor the flow of electricity and turn it off within milliseconds if a current leak is detected. A leak can happen if you have a faulty powerpoint, wiring or electrical appliance.
If you are building, extending or renovating, it’s a legal requirement to have a safety switch (also called a Residual Current Device or RCD). Even if you aren’t planning a renovation, you should make sure you have a safety switch for the safety of yourself, your family, pets and belongings. A safety switch will literally save your life!
Test them regularly
Over the past year, we have regularly found old and faulty safety switches in people’s homes. It’s relatively quick for us to fix them. But they should be tested by you every 3 months.
It’s easy to check your safety switch. Just follow these simple steps:
Was your house built before 1977?
If your house was built before 1977, it’s unlikely to have an earth rod. An earth rod provides a low-resistance path to ground so you should consider having one installed. We can check this for you and fit one if needed.
Report electrical accidents
If the worst should happen and you experience an electrical accident requiring medical treatment, you are legally required to report it. Call your electricity provider or NSW Fair Trade on 13 32 20. Employers must report accidents to SafeWork NSW.
To reduce the risk of electrical accidents, it’s vital to keep your appliances, electrical wiring, fittings, switchboard and earthing connections in good working order. If you ever have (or suspect) a problem, contact us on 0418 442 578 or info@kuring.com.au.
Winter Special
Your safety is always our priority. That’s why we only use high quality materials that meet Australian Standards. It’s also the reason we are making this very special offer - a free electricity safety check for your home.
If you have an electrical problem that’s worrying you, get in touch to book in your no obligation visual safety check during the month of July
Normally this would cost you $150 (GST incl.).
To take advantage of this special winter electrical safety check, please call or email us. Phone 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au
Remember, this special offer is only available during July.
Smoke alarms – what you need to know
Each year, over 50 Australians die from house fires and many more are injured. Most of these homes don’t have working smoke detectors. We lose our sense of smell when we’re asleep so we can’t smell the smoke.
Having a working smoke detector reduces your chance of dying in a house fire by half because a working smoke detector provides an early warning and time to escape. (Source: ACCC Winter Wellness Tips)
3 Tips to ensure your smoke detector is working
