In short if you have fuses most probably not!
What is a safety switch/RCD?
Basically a safety switch is a device designed to protect you and your family from being electrocuted. It differs from a circuit breaker, they preform different jobs to each other, but both are designed to cut the electricity the moment they detect a problem.
A circuit breaker is the modern version of an old fashion fuse, its primary function is to 'trip' itself and disconnect the power from your switchboard to your house. Circuit breakers work when there is too much power being demanded from the one circuit, for example a toaster, a microwave, a kettle and dishwasher are all running at once, the circuit breaker is being pushed to its max, the moment the coffee machine of sandwich maker is switched on, the current flowing becomes too much, and in order to avoid a house fire, it switches itself off.
A safety switch on the other hand works in a similar but slightly different way. Safety switches work when there is an imbalance of current, that is if theres something not right and the power isn't flowing as it should be. So for example a mouse chews through a cable, or a child sticks a knife in a toaster, then the safety switch will sense this and like the circuit breaker it will shut itself off and stop the flow of electricity to your house.
Do I need one?
Absolutely! They are the first line of defence to avoid electrocution and are mandatory in all new built houses now. All light and power circuits are required to be adequately protected, if you are still on fuses then I recommend an upgrade immediately. It is not the law to force people to upgrade, but if you have any renovations or electrical upgrades done, then all required circuits must be brought up to current regulations.
A fuse offers no protection from current imbalance, it simply blows when the circuit is overloaded like in the kitchen scenario from earlier. If someone cuts through an extension lead while lawn mowing, or a baby sticks something metallic in a powerpoint, then fuses will not detect anything and the power will continue to flow.
There are a few ways in which you can install a safety switch. In the old days we used to have 1 safety switch protecting up to 3 circuit breakers (or fuses) each. The disadvantage with this is if there is a problem on any of the circuits, then you will lose power and or lights to 3 sections of your house. Today we tend to install what are known as RCBO's.
Whats an RCBO?
An RCBO is a combination between a safety switch and a circuit breaker, it does both of the jobs when it is required, that is it protects you and your house from over current and current imbalance. The benefit of this set up is that if there is a problem with imbalance or overload, then only the section of power or lighting on that circuit will trip, not up to 3 like the old way.
How can I upgrade?
In most cases it shouldn't be too difficult to upgrade your switchboard, considering the house wiring is ok (and thats another story or blog) then we only need to work in your switchboard, and not the powerpoint and lighting within the house. However if you are still using an old fuse board such as Federal brand, then a full switchboard upgrade is recommended with a new enclosure.
Depending on how many circuits you have and the state of your board the upgrades should not take more than one visit. If the main switch also needs to be replaced then you will require an inspection and a Prescribed safety certificate, however most RCD/RCBO upgrades only require a non prescribe certificate which does not require a further inspection.
