Quick answer
A circuit breaker protects the wiring. It trips when current exceeds what the cable can safely carry, whether from overload or a short circuit. An earth leakage unit protects people. It compares current flowing out against current returning and trips when the difference indicates current is escaping to earth — through a person, or through water. SANS 10142 requires both, because each protects against something the other cannot detect.
What you can do now
- 1Identify both devices in your board — the earth leakage is the one with a test button
- 2Press the test button every six months; the unit must trip immediately
- 3If it does not trip when tested, treat it as not working and have it replaced
- 4Note that a circuit breaker will not protect you from a shock, no matter how new it is
- 5Check that the earth leakage actually covers the socket circuits, not just part of the board
When to call a professional
If your board has no earth leakage unit at all, arrange an upgrade now rather than at your next COC. Without it there is nothing detecting current leaking to earth through a person or through water, which is exactly the fault a geyser element or a wet outdoor socket produces. A registered electrician will fit it and issue an Electrical COC for the work.
Typical cost in Johannesburg
Earth leakage retro-fit R1,800–R2,800
Indicative ranges only. We provide written, itemised quotes before any work.
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