FAQ

A safety switch is a device that constantly monitors the flow of electricity in a circuit. If it detects a fault, it quickly shuts off the power to reduce the risk of electric shock, fire and other electrical hazards. It is one of the most important safety devices in your switchboard.

It is recommended you test your safety switches every three months. Most safety switches have a small “test” button you can press. If you are unsure where your safety switches are, or they do not trip when tested, contact a licensed electrician to check them.

Safety switches are designed and tested to last for thousands of operations. With regular testing and if there are no defects, a quality safety switch should last many years. Like all electrical equipment, they can fail or become less reliable over time, so periodic checks by an electrician are important.

RCD stands for Residual Current Device. It is another name for a safety switch. RCDs monitor the balance of current in a circuit and disconnect power quickly when they detect a problem, helping to protect people from electric shock.

As a guide, an electrical safety inspection every two years is a good starting point for most homes and small businesses. You should also have an inspection when you buy a property, complete major renovations, add new circuits or experience recurring electrical issues.

First, look outside to see if nearby homes or street lights are also without power. If your neighbours are out as well, it is likely an issue for the power company.

If your property is the only one affected, check your main switchboard. If the main switch, safety switch or circuit breakers have tripped and you cannot safely reset them, or they keep tripping, contact a local electrician.

A tripping safety switch or circuit breaker can be caused by a faulty appliance, a damaged cable or a wiring fault. A simple first step is to unplug all appliances on that circuit and try resetting the switch.

If it stays on, plug items back in one at a time until the problem returns. If the switch trips again with nothing plugged in, or you are unsure which circuit is affected, stop and contact a licensed electrician. Do not keep resetting a tripping switch without knowing the cause.

Frequent blown bulbs can result from poor quality lamps, loose lamp holders, excessive heat around the fitting or an underlying wiring or voltage issue.

If you are already using good quality bulbs and they still blow regularly, it is a good idea to have an electrician inspect the fittings and wiring to identify the root cause.

Old or damaged wiring can be a serious fire and safety risk. If your property still has original wiring, ceramic fuses, cotton or rubber insulation, or if you notice burning smells, discoloured outlets or regularly tripping circuits, you should organise an electrical inspection.

A licensed electrician can advise whether a full or partial rewire and switchboard upgrade is needed.

Warning signs of poor or unlicensed electrical work can include:

• Exposed, frayed or damaged cables
• Power points or switches that are loose, warm or discoloured
• Lights that flicker or buzz
• Overloaded power boards and makeshift connections

If anything looks unsafe or unusual, do not ignore it. Arrange an inspection by a licensed electrician.

No. In Queensland and across Australia, most electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. DIY wiring is extremely dangerous and can lead to electric shock, fires, property damage and insurance issues. Always use a licensed electrician for any electrical work.

You should use a licensed electrician for all electrical work, including installing or moving power points, lights, ovens, hot water systems, air conditioners, EV chargers and wiring for renovations or sheds.

If the work involves wires, cables, switchboards or permanent electrical fixtures, it is not a DIY job.

A Certificate of Compliance (or similar documentation) is issued by your electrician after completing notifiable electrical work. It confirms that the work has been carried out safely and meets current standards and regulations. You should keep this document with your records for future reference and resale.

When selecting a ceiling fan, consider:

• Room size and ceiling height
• Fan size and blade span
• Indoor or outdoor rating
• Style and materials
• Whether you want a light or remote control

An electrician can help you choose a fan that suits your room and ensure it is installed safely, in the right position and securely fixed.

Test and tag is a legal requirement for some higher risk industries, such as construction, demolition and mining. For other workplaces, it is considered good practice to have regular test and tag to manage electrical safety for staff, customers and contractors.

If you are unsure what your business needs, speak with an electrician who can recommend an appropriate schedule.

LED lighting uses much less power than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. Many households can save hundreds of dollars per year on power bills by replacing older lighting with efficient LED fittings, especially in areas where lights are used for long periods.

We can often provide estimates over the phone or by email for straightforward installation work. In some cases, an on site visit is needed to assess the job properly, which may involve a call out fee.

Contact us with a brief description of what you need and we will explain the best way to quote your project.