Brisbane Electrician Explains Difference Between Circuit Breakers, Safety Switches & Surge Diverters

We have noticed lately from talking with our customers that there is a bit of confusion surrounding the difference between a circuit breaker, a safety switch and a surge diverter.

Far too many people get confused between these three devices, not being clear on what each device does, or assuming each device does more that it is actually designed for.

Here is the best way of explaining the role of each device: A circuit breaker (or fuse) is designed to protect your wiring, a safety switch is designed to protect people, and a surge diverter is designed to protect appliances. Simple as that really!

Your circuit breakers or fuses in your main switchboard are really only there to protect the wiring from overload. Because they sometimes take far too long to trip in an overload situation, they cannot be relied upon to protect someone if they poke something in a socket for example. This is where you need a safety switch installed (preferably several!). A safety switch will trip off in less than 30 milliseconds before you receive an electric shock. On the other hand, neither a circuit breaker or safety switch is suitable to protect your sensitive electronic equipment from voltage spikes or surges. This is the job of the surge diverter. Whole house surge diverters are installed in your main switchboard before the wiring that enters your home, and they will protect all hard-wired and plug-in appliances.

Talk with your local Brisbane Electrician from Prestige Power. They will be more than happy to chat with you and discuss your specific situation, and recommend the best combination of these devices to protect you and your home.

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