Safety switches
for domestic rental
properties
Preventing electric shock, electrocution and
property damage
Electrical Safety Office
Protecting tenants
and property
As of 1 March 2008,
it is compulsory for
all owners of leased
domestic residences
to have safety switches
installed for all power points.
Information for owners
If you own a leased domestic residence you have an
obligation to ensure all power points are protected by a
safety switch or switches. If the residence does not have
safety switch protection for all power points you need to
arrange installation by a licensed electrician.
Maximum penalties exceed $1000.
Information for tenants
If the property you are renting does not have a safety
switch, contact your landlord or rental agent to advise them
of the legal requirement to have safety switch protection
installed by a licensed electrician.
Why are safety switches so important?
A safety switch can help guard against an electrical tragedy
in your home. Safety switches are designed to cut the
supply of electricity in a fraction of a second when a harmful
level of electricity is detected leaking to earth.
How can I tell if there is a safety switch?
The switchboard is the best place to look for permanently
installed safety switches. Safety switches can be easily
identified – they are the ones with a ‘test’ button.
For more information visit www.deir.qld.gov.au
or telephone 1300 650 662
ES/BR10/V01/10/07 - DEIR 07/2850