Like smoke alarms, safety switches need to be tested to make sure they are working properly. Set aside some time today to do a check. It takes a few minutes to follow these simple steps and it could save a life:

• Let everyone in your home know you’re about to test safety switches.
• Press the ‘T’ or ‘Test’ buttons on each safety switch. The power will be cut and switch to the ‘off’ position. This must occur without undue delay. You may hear a clunking sound.
• Check inside the home – there should be no power to lights, appliances and power switches on the circuit(s) you’re testing.
• Once you’re confident that the power is off, reset your safety switches by lifting or turning the switch back to the on position. Hint: Some switches will need to be pressed right down to the ‘off’ position before you can flick them back on.
• If lights or appliances don’t lose power then your safety switches may have failed. Contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible to investigate.
• If your safety switch doesn’t reset, contact a licensed electrician to replace it.
• Put a reminder in your calendar to test your safety switches again in 6 months (eg. when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings).

Tenants can ask their agent/landlord if there are safety switches, where they are located and permission to test them.