Safety switches – protecting people
Think of safety switches as your home’s first line of defence against electric shock. They constantly monitor the flow of electricity through a circuit. If they detect even the tiniest imbalance – they cut the power almost instantly.
Safety switches are mandatory in new homes and are usually installed in the switchboard. If you’re in an older home, you may not have them on every circuit, and it’s well worth asking a licensed electrician to check and install them where needed.
Surge protectors – protecting appliances
While safety switches look after people, surge protectors look after your appliances and electronics. They defend against spikes in voltage that can come from lightning strikes, power outages or faulty wiring. A surge can fry sensitive equipment like computers, TVs or fridges in seconds. Surge protectors either absorb or divert that excess energy so it doesn’t reach your devices.
You can get plug-in surge protection boards for everyday use or have a whole-of-home surge protector fitted at the switchboard for broader coverage.
Why you need both
Some people assume that if they’ve got one, they don’t need the other. But the truth is safety switches and surge protectors aren’t interchangeable. For complete protection, both should be in place.
An electrician will usually recommend checking your switchboard setup to make sure you’ve got safety switches where required, and may suggest surge protection depending on your home, location and the type of appliances you rely on.
