History of the requirement for a safety switch:

From March 2000 it has been mandatory to protect all power points and lighting circuits in all new or rewired domestic premises with a safety switch. In addition, power points and lighting circuits added to existing domestic premises are required to be protected.

Switchboard and power point safety switches must only be installed by a licensed electrical contractor.

Most houses have two or three power circuits, and it is best to have a separate safety switch on each circuit, to overcome problems with nuisance tripping.

Installing safety switches to protect fixed electrical appliances such as electric stoves or water heaters is optional.

Always obtain expert advice from a licensed electrical contractor before having safety switches installed, and make sure you know what will be protected. It is particularly important that swimming pool areas, bathrooms, workshops and caravans are protected.

From May 1993 new power outlets supplying caravans or similar accommodation in caravan parks have been required to have safety switch protection.

From June 1992 it was mandatory to install safety switches in new homes to protect power points (except those supplying fridges and freezers—these were optional) and in existing homes to protect most new power points.