Three kinds of safety switch
A switchboard safety switch sits on the board and covers one or more whole circuits, from the board out to every power point, light and hardwired appliance on them. Energy Safe Victoria says safety switches always have a test button and 30mA printed on them.
A safety switch power point looks like a normal outlet with test and reset buttons on the plate. It protects whatever is plugged into it and, depending on how it is wired, sometimes other points further along the same cable. A portable safety switch is a plug-in adaptor, power board or lead with the protection built in, and it covers only what is plugged into it.
Where the smaller types help
Portable safety switches are handy for power tools, mowers and outdoor work, especially somewhere you don't know what protection the board has. Most makers ask you to test them before each use. A safety switch power point can add protection at one spot, such as a garage bench or outdoor area, while a board that can't take more safety switches waits for an upgrade.
Neither protects the cable inside the wall before the outlet, the lights, or anything on another circuit. A fault in that wiring is outside what they can see.
Why the board still matters
The Wiring Rules call for safety switch protection on every final sub-circuit in a home. A switchboard safety switch or RCBO covers the whole circuit; an outlet type covers only part of it. For rentals, Consumer Affairs Victoria says that since 29 March 2023 all power outlets and lighting circuits must be connected to both a switchboard-type circuit breaker and a switchboard-type safety switch, so outlet and portable types don't meet that standard. If your board has no test buttons, or only some circuits are covered, adding safety switches or RCBOs at the board is the lasting fix.
What you can safely do now
- Look on your switchboard for devices with a test button and 30mA printed on them, without removing any covers.
- Use a portable safety switch for power tools and outdoor equipment when you're not sure the circuit is protected.
- Press the test button on safety switch power points and portable units as the maker's instructions describe.
Services that can help
Read more in our guides
Related questions
- What's the difference between a safety switch and a circuit breaker?A safety switch protects people.
- What should I do if a power point or appliance gets wet?Don't touch it.
- Why does my washing machine or dishwasher trip the safety switch?Water and worn heating elements are the usual causes.
- Why does the kettle or toaster trip the safety switch?Usually the appliance has a fault that lets a little current leak to earth.
Sources for this answer
3 sources, with the date each was checked
- 1.Energy Safe Victoria: monitors the flow of electricity through a circuit detects a problem that may pose a risk to personal safety turns the power off within 0.03 of a second always has a test button and '30ma' printed on them. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 2.Energy Safe Victoria: Clause 2.6.3.2.2 requires all final sub-circuits in a domestic installation be protected by a residual current device (RCD). A hot water service is included in this requirement Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 3.Consumer Affairs Victoria: From 29 March 2023 all power outlets and lighting circuits in a rental premises must connect to both a switchboard-type circuit breaker that complies with AS/NZS 3000 and a switchboard-type residual current device that… Accessed 30 September 2026.
General information for homes in Victoria. Every installation is different, so treat this as a starting point. Where this answer refers to Victorian safety or rental rules, the sources above have the current requirements.