How to Reset a Safety Switch Safely

Knowing how to reset a safety switch is important, since it is part of maintaining your electrical safety, both at home and office.

Hence, we will help you understand the steps needed to reset the safety switch. We will also explain the signs and other frequent answers related to the safety switch. 

What is a Safety Switch?

A safety switch or residual current device (RCD) is a key protector in maintaining electrical safety. This device will monitor the electricity flow through circuits. So, anytime an imbalance occurs, it will automatically switch off the power.

Basically, safety switches consist of switchboard safety switches, power point safety switches, and portable safety switches.

These switches should be installed on all circuits in a home or building. It includes those for light, power, and several home appliances (air conditioning, oven, stove, etc).

4 Signs of a Faulty Safety Switch

There are several signs of a faulty safety switch you need to know. Because understanding these signs might save you from unwanted costs:

1. Frequent Tripping

Frequent tripping is a strong indicator of a faulty safety switch. Normally, a proper safety switch will not trip frequently. However, if it does trip, there must be a serious issue, which may be caused by the following reasons:

• Earth Leakage: The safety switch may be triggered by an unintentional stray from its intended path and flow to the ground. It occurs after damaged wiring insulation or faulty appliances.
• Overloaded Circuit: A single circuit that is connected to too many appliances will trigger frequent trips. The trip serves as a preventative measure against overheating and potential fire hazards.
• Faulty Appliances: An internal leakage that came from a malfunctioning appliance is also the suspect behind frequent tripping.

2. Difficulty Resetting the Switch

A proper safety switch can be easily reset once the fault is fixed. If you are struggling to reset it, it indicates a potential internal malfunction. Therefore, you must pay serious attention whenever this occurs in your circuit.

3. Inconsistent Operation of the Test Button

The safety switch has a test button that is designed to simulate a small current leak. Pressing this button regularly will ensure the switch is functioning properly. 

If you see inconsistent results from the test button, then it leads to a faulty internal mechanism inside the safety switch.

4. Physical Damage to the Switch Itself

Physical damage also causes a faulty safety switch, such as cracks in the casing, scorch marks around the terminals, or loose connections. These damages could be caused by: 

• Exposure to Moisture: Moisture ingress can damage the switch’s internal components, leading to malfunctions. 
• Overloading: Similar to frequent tripping, visible damage like scorch marks can indicate the switch has been overloaded for extended periods.
• Wear and Tear: Over time, safety switches, like any other electrical component, can experience wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of failure.

How to Reset Safety Switch Safely?

After learning all the signs above, let’s dive into steps to reset a safety switch:

1. Locate Your Switchboard

First of all, you need to locate your switchboard, which houses all your circuit breakers and safety switches. 

You may find it in the garage, on an external wall, or in a hallway cupboard. It is often labelled “RCD” or “Safety Switch,” featuring the test button (marked as “T” or “Test”).

2. Identify the Tripped Switch

After finding the switchboard, please check all switches inside. Which one stands out from the other? Usually, the tripped safety switch will be in the “off” position or sitting midway between on and off.

Besides the position, it also shows by colours (depending on the brand). Red for “on” and green for “off”. 

3. Unplug Affected Appliances

Please remember that a single circuit is not connected to all your appliances. Therefore, before resetting the switch, find the area where the power has gone out. After that, unplug all appliances there. 

This act will prevent the same fault from immediately causing the switch to trip again.

4. Reset the Switch

Unplugging appliances is done, then the next step is back to your switchboard and reset it. You just have to push the safety switch back to the “on” position.

5. Test Appliances One by One

The safety switch is already “on” again, and now you get to plug the connected appliances. If there is no further issue, the appliances will function properly as before.

But if the switch trips again, then it shows another problem. Please do not use the appliance until the safety switch has been repaired or replaced. 

What Should You Do If Your Safety Switch Still Doesn’t Work Properly?

Now you already know how to reset a safety switch. But in certain circumstances, the steps above may not fix the issue.

If that’s the case, it is a perfect time to call Sydney Expert Electricians. Our professional electricians will provide end-to-end services, starting from defining the issue to fixing it properly. All of our technicians are licensed and ready to deliver the proper solution to your electrical issues.

Moreover, we will not waste your precious time with our same-day services. Anytime the fault occurs, just call us, and we will go directly to your place. We even provide daily special offers and discounts, so you will get the best price from us.

By calling us, your safety switch will work properly as before, without taking care of it by yourself.

FAQ about Resetting a Safety Switch

Want to know more about resetting a safety switch? Here are some of the common questions about it:

Why won’t my safety switch go back up?

If the switch still does not turn back to “on”, then the problem was not properly solved before. Please keep in mind that identifying the right electrical issues is the primary thing to do to reset the safety switch.

The “off” position may be triggered by a faulty appliance or wiring, or even other causes that are out of your sight.  

How do I know if my safety switch is tripped? 

Whenever a frequent tripping occurs, it might imply your safety switch is in trouble. 

You can notice it from the physical damage to your safety switch, the difficulty in resetting the switch, and the inconsistency of the test button.  

Should I call an electrician for a trip switch?

Yes! Any kind of electrical issues will be better fixed by professional electricians. They are the best choice to ensure your electrical safety by fixing the issues. 

Conclusion

Resetting a safety switch is relatively easy. Find the switchboard, identify the tripped switch, and turn the switch back to the “on” position. These steps are safe and easy to do.  

Before taking those steps, you have to notice the fault first, such as frequent tripping, difficulty in resetting the switch, inconsistency of the test button, and physical damage to the safety switch are the signs.

What if you already notice it but are unsure of taking further action? Just call Sydney Expert Electricians. We are ready 24/7 to help you solve all your electrical issues!