How to reset a safety switch

When it comes to electrical safety, safety switches are one of the most commonly used devices. They offer an instant cut-off mechanism should they detect an electrical fault in the circuitry, and are designed to protect against electric shock and electrical burns.

If your safety switch trips off you may see it as an annoyance, but it means your safety switch is working and doing its job! You must ensure however you turn it back on, or 'reset' it, which is what this page is here to help you with.

If you are in doubt in any way, do not complete the below steps and call an electrical professional immediately, or give All Purpose Trade Solutions a call on 1300 370 455 and we will be able to assist.

Where is a safety switch located?

A safety switch is located in your electricity box on your switchboard. Your switchboard is generally located at the front of your home near your power meter, or in a cabinet or cupboard in your home.

How to reset a safety switch

The following few steps are designed to assist you in resetting your safety switch. If you are in any way concerned, give an electrician a call and do not proceed with any of the steps set out below.

Start by taking down all the details surrounding the time when your safety switch tripped. Were you using a particular appliance, what time was it and were there any weather conditions that are worth noting (e.g. stormy, rainy or windy)?
Find your switchboard. If you are unsure, we have listed a few places it can be above.
Carefully open your switchboard and take a look. Can you see a switch that has a 'T' or 'Test' on it? If so, you've found your safety switch. If not, do not go playing around with the rest of the switches located in your electrical box. Call your local electrician and they will be able to assist further.
If you have managed to locate your safety switch, you will note that it is in the 'off' position or the 'O' position. If it is not in the O position, there is a chance that you have instead tripped a circuit breaker or blown a fuse. If you believe this is the case, call your local electrician and they will be able to help further.
Flip your safety switch to 'on' and see if it remains on. If it does, you can close your electrical box and continue with your day. If you find that your safety switch immediately switches to the O position again, you may have a faulty appliance setting the safety switch off, or your safety switch may be faulty. Give a professional a call for further help.

Your safety switch electricians

If you have any questions regarding safety switches, or would like to speak to one of our qualified team members regarding installing or replacing safety switches, give All Purpose Trade Solutions a call on 1300 370 455 today.

Resources:

Workplace Health and Safety (Frequently Asked Questions): https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safetyswitches/frequently-asked-questions

Workplace Health and Safety (Playing it safe with safety switches): https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safetyswitches/safety-switch-films

The information contained on this page should be used as a guide only, and you must complete all your own research and education before completing any actions to reset your safety switch. All Purpose Trade Solutions will not be held responsible for any resulting occurrences should an individual follow any suggestions made on this page.