How do safety switches differ from circuit breakers?

Safety switches provide personal protection from electric shock, while circuit breakers protect the wiring and electrical systems from damage.

Safety switches, also known as Residual Current Devices (RCDs), are designed to prevent fatal electric shocks if a person comes into contact with a live electrical wire. They work by constantly monitoring the flow of electricity through a circuit. If they detect a leakage of electrical current—such as might occur if a person touches a live wire—they instantly cut off the power. This happens so quickly (in milliseconds) that it can prevent a fatal electric shock.

Circuit breakers, on the other hand, are designed to protect the wiring and electrical systems in a building. They work by cutting off the power if they detect an overload or a short circuit. For example, if too many appliances are plugged into one circuit, the demand for electricity can exceed the capacity of the wiring. This can cause the wiring to overheat and potentially start a fire. A circuit breaker will detect this overload and instantly cut off the power to that circuit.

In summary, while both safety switches and circuit breakers are designed to cut off the power in certain situations, they serve different purposes. Safety switches are primarily designed to protect people from electric shocks, while circuit breakers are designed to protect the wiring and electrical systems in a building. Both are essential components of a safe electrical system.