How do I test my safety switches (RCDs)?
Short answer. Every six months, tell everyone in the home, press the T or Test button on each safety switch, check the power goes off on that circuit, then switch it back on. If the power does not go off, or the switch will not reset, call a licensed electrician. This is NSW Government’s own guidance.
Safety switches, also called RCDs, cut power in a fraction of a second if current leaks to earth. NSW Government says to test them twice a year, for example when the clocks change.
Safety first. Only press the Test button and the switch itself. Never open a switchboard, remove a cover from your battery or inverter, or touch any wiring. Anything beyond the app, a light you can read from a safe distance, or your own router is a job for a licensed electrician. If you see smoke, smell burning, hear arcing or see water on or near the unit: keep everyone away, switch off at your main switch only if it is safe to do so, and call 000 if there is any fire or smoke.
Steps (NSW Government)
- Let everyone in your home know you are about to test the safety switches.
- Press the T or Test button on each safety switch. The power should cut and the switch go to off, without delay. You may hear a clunk.
- Check inside the home: there should be no power to the lights, appliances and power points on that circuit.
- Once you are sure the power is off, reset the switch by lifting or turning it back to on. Some switches must be pressed right down to off before they can be turned on again.
- Set a reminder to test again in six months.
If something is wrong
- If lights or appliances do not lose power, the safety switch may have failed. Contact a licensed electrician as soon as possible.
- If a safety switch does not reset, contact a licensed electrician.
- If it trips again and again after solar or battery work, see our guide to tripping RCBOs and safety switches.
NSW Government also says each circuit should have its own protection, that a safety switch only protects the circuits it covers, and that older homes may have only one switch for several circuits. During a site visit we check your switchboard, including whether any RCBO upgrades are needed to meet current safety standards.
Your electrician must give you a Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work after any electrical work.
Read more: Switchboard upgrades and RCBOs from Sun Connect Solar
When to call us
If we installed your system, call us on 0483 903 020. Our service help for existing customers is free: we start by working through it with you by phone. If you are not yet a customer, a service call is $250 + GST, which covers one hour on site within 20 km of Mullumbimby; travel further out is quoted separately. Contact us or call 0483 903 020 (Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7am-4pm).
Quick questions
How often should I test them?
NSW Government says every six months.
What is the difference between a safety switch and a circuit breaker?
NSW Government says a safety switch protects people from electric shock, and a circuit breaker protects the wiring.
What is an RCBO?
A combined circuit breaker and safety switch for one circuit.
Will testing switch off my battery?
It may drop power to that circuit, including anything on it. Check your app afterwards, and tell us if you see an alarm.
Sources
Last checked 6 October 2026. Only the manufacturer’s, the network’s or the government’s own documents are used; app menus change between versions, so if your screen looks different, call us rather than guess.
