April 5, 2018
The State Government will re-run an advertising campaign encouraging Queenslanders to have safety switches installed on every circuit in their homes.
The campaign comes ahead of tighter rules to be introduced later this year which will make safety switches compulsory on all circuits in new or substantially renovated homes.
On Thursday, acting Industrial Relations Minister Shannon Fentiman relaunched the campaign to stress that safety switches save lives.
“Through this campaign, we’re spreading the message that the risk is real – one safety switch may not be enough,” Ms Fentiman said.
“In many Queensland homes, safety switches are only fitted to the power circuit.
“This means you have no protection for your family on other sub-circuits in your home such as the lights, pool, air-con, stove or hot water.”
Ms Fentiman said many homeowners often confuse circuit-breakers with safety switches, but only safety switches have a “Test” or “T” button on their face.
She said circuit-breakers are effective in protecting equipment, but only safety switches will save lives, and that was why they should be installed on all circuits.
“It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind you’ll have – and you can make it very cost-effective by having switches installed while you’re having other electrical work done at your home,” she said.
The Electrical Safety Office will run ‘The risk is real – one safety switch may not be enough’ advertising during April on television, radio, print and online.
In Queensland, safety switches are mandatory on power circuits in new homes, rentals and older homes as they’re sold, but the risk still exists on other circuits.
Legislative changes to the electrical industry’s Wiring Rules later this year will tighten the requirements, requiring safety switch protection on all sub-circuits in new homes or homes undergoing significant renovation.
More information about safety switches is available online.
- Related article: New Campaign Promotes Safety Switches
