Electric accidents and fires continue to pose a significant risk to homes across Australia. In fact, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) reported that Western Australian firefighters responded to more than three residential structure fires every day in 2024.
Having professional electrical services install Residual Current Device (RCDs) and safety switches dramatically reduces that risk, giving your home stronger protection against hidden electrical faults. With that in mind, we’ll explore why this investment matters and how it improves long-term safety and peace of mind.
What RCDs and Safety Switches Do
RCDs and safety switches monitor the flow of electricity through your home’s circuits and react instantly when something goes wrong. These devices constantly compare the current entering and leaving a circuit, and if they detect even a small imbalance, they shut off the power in as little as 30 milliseconds.
This rapid response prevents electric shocks, limits the severity of electrical faults, and reduces the likelihood that damaged wiring or appliances will ignite. They also provide added protection in high-risk areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor power points, where moisture and heavy appliance use increase electrical hazards.
For homeowners seeking residential electrical services, these devices form a core part of a safe and reliable electrical system.
Why Installation of RCDs Matters
Here’s how RCDs and safety switches can provide your home with long-term protection and offer you peace of mind:
Reduces Risk of Electric Shock
Everyday appliances such as kettles, heaters, power tools, or laptops can pose a danger when wiring degrades or an outlet becomes faulty. An RCD installed as part of your electrical services stops dangerous current leaks the moment they start. In many instances, this quick response prevents serious injury or fatality.
Cuts Down Fire Risk from Electrical Faults
Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and malfunctioning appliances cause a sizeable proportion of residential fires. According to the NSW Government, 40% of house fires are linked to electrical faults or wiring issues.
Properly installed RCDs and safety switches can prevent many of these incidents before they start. Properly installed RCDs and safety switches can prevent many of these incidents before they start. Homeowners searching for “electric service near me” can rely on qualified professionals to inspect their wiring, maintain safety switches, and keep their home protected from electrical hazards.
Protects Your Home Investment
An upgraded switchboard with current safety switches and circuit protections keeps your house compliant with safety standards. This protects your family and supports future resale value, especially in older homes with outdated wiring.
Adds Value to Other Upgrades
If you plan a home improvement such as a ceiling fan installation or wiring upgrades for extra outlets, installing RCDs at the same time as your electrical services protects new wiring and appliances from day one.
When Should Your Home Receive an RCD Upgrade
Here are the signs to look for when determining if your home requires an RCD upgrade:
- Your home often experiences trips, flickering lights, or tripped circuits.
- You own a house built before 2000 or have never had an RCD installed.
- You’re renovating, rewiring, or installing new fixtures and appliances such new sockets.
- You value safety, peace of mind, and long-term protection for your family and property.
If you fit any of the above, it’s time to consider working with professional electrical services rather than DIY.
How to Install and Maintain Safety Switches
Following these simple steps helps ensure your safety switches are installed correctly and continue to operate reliably over time.
- Contact qualified professionals for electrical services, such as trusted Perth electricians who know local regulations and safety standards.
- Test RCDs regularly. Press the “Test” button every season or as recommended, ensuring the switch trips correctly.
- Have trusted electrical services upgrade old wiring or switchboards, particularly in older homes, to ensure RCDs operate effectively.
- Combine with safe appliance use and smoke alarms. RCDs help prevent electrical fires, but smoke alarms are important for early fire detection. In 2024, the DFES noted over 1,100 structure fires in Western Australia (WA), and many of those homes lacked functioning smoke alarms.
Ensure Reliable Protection for Your Home
Installing RCDs and safety switches is a simple, effective step that reduces the risk of electric shock and fire, protects your property, and gives you peace of mind. If you want to ensure safety and compliance, contact a qualified provider of electrical services.
At SolArk Electrical, we can inspect your home, install modern safety switches, upgrade wiring, and ensure your home meets the highest safety standards. To learn more about our services, get in touch with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to common questions about RCDs and safety switches, and how professional electrical services can help.
How does an RCD work?
An RCD monitors the flow of electricity through a circuit and detects any imbalance caused by current leakage. If a fault occurs, it quickly cuts off power to prevent electric shocks or electrical fires.
Do I need a local electrician near me for installation?
Yes. A licensed professional ensures the RCD and safety switches are installed correctly, meet compliance standards, and function properly.
Can RCDs be used in all areas of the home?
Yes. They are beneficial in high-risk areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets. Working with licensed electricians helps ensure your system is correctly configured for every part of your home.
