Category: Electricians

Electrical Installations & Maintenance

Before carrying out a commercial electrical installation, Mr. Electric takes the time to understand what a client is looking for. Depending on a company’s needs, this could range from a full electrical installation for a new commercial property to a partial rewiring of your current premises – if you are planning to extend or renovate, for example.

Once we have this information, we’ll put a design brief and quote together, so you can get a better understanding of the work involved and how much it will cost. While some parts of the installation will be essential, others won’t be. This means we can tailor your electrical installation to the unique needs of your business. Every aspect of the installation will have a fixed cost, saving you from any nasty surprises once the work is completed.

As a NICEIC Approved Contractor, you can rely on Mr. Electric to provide a first-class electrical service. All our electricians are trained to the very highest standard and always ensure that any electrical work complies with the latest safety regulations, including Part ‘P’ of the Building Regulations, the Electricity Supply Regulations and the Electricity at Work Regulations.

Electrical Installation Certificate

Upon completion of an electrical installation, addition or alteration, Mr. Electric will provide you with a certificate declaring that it meets the appropriate safety standards. This will either be an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC).

Ongoing Electrical Maintenance

As an employer, it’s your responsibility to protect the health and safety of your employees. For that reason, you’ll need to ensure that your electrical installations are kept in good working order.

Commercial Electrical Maintenance Plans

Just like your HVAC system or plumbing, your electrical system needs periodic attention to maintain safety and reliability. Most everyone expects to flip the switch and see the lights come on. It is also a common expectation for the electrical systems in the house to last forever. Realistically, over time certain electrical components in a home can suffer just as much wear as plumbing or HVAC equipment. The contacts in light switches and receptacles can wear causing less than true connections. This can cause inconvenient flickering or blinking of lights or worse, overheating or arching which could be a potential fire hazard. Also, wiring heats up and cools down constantly as electrical components are turned on and off. This can lead to terminals on circuit breakers loosening due to expansion and contraction of the wire. This increases resistance and can cause wires to overheat. Since 1969, Peaden has been the trusted service contractor of choice for thousands of Northwest Florida Consumers. Over the past few years, our reputation and popularity as full service electrical contractor has grown in a similar fashion.

WHY INVEST IN AN ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE PLAN

The U.S. Fire Administration has advised that over $800 million in property damage are related to electrical fires. They go on to say that 33 percent of these are due to bad wiring that has aged or was substandard to start with. A Peaden EMP can help avoid these kinds of inconveniences and dangers by providing you a fixed price electrical system inspection and tune-up. We will inspect the main service entrance equipment, inspect all of the sub-panels, load test the existing circuits check for proper over-current protection of connected load, tighten all terminals and insure proper operation of ground fault devices.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ITEMS INSPECTED

Examination of main service entrance equipment

Check of main service entrance connections

Inspection of sub panels

Load test of existing circuits

Check for proper current protection

Ensure proper operation of all GFIC and AFCI devices

Test function of smoke detectors

Test function of carbon monoxide detectors

Visually inspect receptacles and switches

Inspect cold water ground and ground rod

Visually inspect disconnect and check terminations

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

Peaden aspires to build a lasting partnership with you and your facility. Peaden’s commitment is unlike any of our competitors. In becoming your partner, we will help you establish financial, energy, and environmental goals. Our experienced electricians will examine your electrical system to evaluate and understand how well your system will perform in the future. Our electricians are trained to look for unusual and odd circumstances that might be telling signs of a problem on the horizon. We are determined to become a fiduciary asset to you and your business

COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE PLAN ADVANTAGES

Evaluation of the Electrical System

Equipment Longevity

Maintain Manufacturer’s Warranty

Priority Service Call Response

Reduce System Breakdowns

3 Year Inflation Protection

15% Discount on Flat Rate Repairs

No Overtime Charges Ever

Are you searching for a reliable electrician?

We’re not like other electricians

Electricians Today has over 40 years electrical experience in every electrical service from household fit outs, safety audits and repairs to commercial contracts for Melbourne’s largest builders. Every project, big or small, gets the same attention to detail and high quality service. In fact, our professionals are handpicked for their expertise, reliability and problem-solving skills, and we carefully match the right electrician to your project. You can rest assured knowing that you’ll get a range of options to consider and each option will be great value for money. No empty promises. No inflated quotes. We want your building to be safer and your electricity usage cost effective.Take a look at some of our recent projects and see our services in action. Submit an online enquiry or give us a call on 1800 981 993 to discover how we can help you.

guarantee it

Enjoy the peace of mind of knowing you’ve hired a skilled professional who will provide great service and great value. All our technicians are certified, licensed and insured for both expert electrical work and safety. We only work with high quality parts and all our work is covered by a 2 year warranty.

Don’t need an electrician right now?

If you’re not ready to choose an electrician or electrical services provider just yet, contact us to get a copy of our brochure sent to you. It covers the electrical services we offer around Melbourne and why Electricians Today is the right choice for your project.

Winter Home Maintenance Tips

If you want to avoid costly repairs, make sure that your home is ready for the winter. But isn’t always easy to know what you can do now to help prepare and protect your property from the cold weather.

Check Your Gutters and Drainage

With winter comes increased rainfall, so you want to be ready. While cleaning out the gutter isn’t a fun job, it can save you money in the long run. Well maintained gutters can reduce the need to replace them, and the chance of roof damage.

Test Your Sump Pump

Sump pumps act as the last line of defense against condensation buildup, floods, and water from drains. Test the pump before winter hits. You want to make sure it works; otherwise, you could end up with a flooded basement and foundation damage.

Check Your Window Wells

Window wells are a great way to let natural light into your basement and provide ventilation. They also help keep soil away from the window fixtures. But if they are not maintained well, they can put your basement at risk.

Clean Your Dryer Vents

As the colder months set in, your dryer is likely to get more use. Dyers can be a fire hazard, causing over 15,000 fires each year, so it is important to reduce this risk.

Electric: Wired To Work

The Hidden Dangers of Putting Off Electrical Work at Your Property

As we are considering the health of our residents first, ignoring lingering electrical issues can create great dangers. In fact, hiring essential workers like plumbers and electricians, are very low risk of spreading germs.

Why It’s a Smart Idea To Have A Smart Doorbell Installed By An Electrician

In lieu of installing security cameras, more and more Maryland residents are opting for smart doorbells. Two of the most popular variety are Nest and Ring doorbells

Replacing Smoke Detectors – Outdated smoke detectors, or not having smoke detectors with carbon monoxide detectors is not only unsafe, it is illegal. Make sure your property is up to date with 10 year, hardwired dual protection units. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors save lives. Period.

Pool and Hot Tub Wiring – Preparation is key for fun in the sun, and no one wants to call for an emergency electrician on a Saturday evening! Make sure your property is wired to work well this summer, and perform electrical inspections by a licensed electrician.

Panel Inspections and Upgrades – With more people with home offices set up, more resident chefs with restaurants closed, electrical consumption is increased. If your residents are experiencing circuits tripping, or lights flickering, you might need to have the panels inspected, STAT.

THE AUTHORITY OF THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR

All electrical inspectors have authority. The question is, How do they use it? Is it about their ego or about the work and safety for the customer?

Authority is needed in society to establish order; otherwise, there is chaos. Inspectors have authority for a purpose: to protect people and property. Some inspectors have misused their authority. That’s not what inspecting is about. Every electrical wireman or installer can recall from personal experience an inspector that in his view was unreasonable, unapproachable, or seemed to abuse his or her authority. Hopefully, they can also recall an electrical inspector who was professional and who possessed great experience and education, as well as good people skills, that they enjoyed working with; maybe, they even learned something from that inspector! Being this kind of professional should be the goal of every inspector.

All authority has its limits; everyone answers to someone. In order to have authority, one must be under authority. If a person gets out from under the authority, he may soon wind up with no authority and in trouble. Inspectors must follow the instructions of inspection supervisors, and work with them and the customers toward the goal of electrical safety. It would be nice if inspections always fit neatly in a box, but often they do not. How does the inspector deal with the situations when they do not? Existing installations can be an example of that.

Attitude

In inspecting, as in life, attitude is everything. Inspectors must be able to maintain a good attitude, even under stress and with difficult customers. Are the people whose jobs they inspect or whose questions they answer viewed as customers or inconveniences? What is the attitude of the inspector when he is speaking with customers on the telephone or in person? Is the inspector generally happy and positive, or is he negative and sulky? Would the inspector want to be treated in the same manner if the “shoe were on the other foot”? Most inspectors work for public agencies, and nearly all work with the public. If they are having trouble keeping a good attitude, they must seek help.

Influence

Electrical inspectors are seen as authorities on the Code. If they handle themselves in a professional manner, people will respect and look up to them. That brings with it the power of influence, which can be wasted or used for good to help and serve others. Whether inspectors realize it or not, they have a huge influence in the lives of others. One way is through praising workers for doing a good job. Since most electrical inspectors worked “with the tools” before becoming inspectors, they remember important things such as pride in workmanship or fine craftsmanship, and the fulfillment of producing work that a person can be proud of. Inspectors can influence those whose work they inspect by giving sincere praise for a job well done. It will be appreciated by the workers, and it will encourage them all the more to do fine work. Everyone likes to receive a sincere compliment on a quality installation, but most people receive little or no encouragement. However, if the inspector is truly sincere, it will be seen, and the compliment will be received.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTIONS

Electricity is a wonderful thing; it allows us to heat and cool our homes, store our food, wash our clothes, and enjoy television and entertainment within our houses. We rely on electricity to be readily available to us whenever we need it, and it rarely crosses our minds that we may need to inspect or maintain electrical wiring for safety concerns

Signs You Need An Electrical Inspection

Did you know that electrical fires are responsible for over 13% of home fires? To put things into perspective, that accounts for over 51,000 fires every year occurring due to electrical distribution alone. Unfortunately, homeowners may oftentimes not be aware of the potential electrical dangers that they are surrounded by in their very own homes. For this reason, electrical inspections are critical for the safety of homeowners and their families. Below are a few signs that you should look out for. If you run into any of these sings, make sure to not ignore them and schedule an electrical inspection for your home as soon as possible, to prevent potential dangers and damages.

FLICKERING LIGHTS

Flickering lights are one of the most major signs to look out for when it comes to electrical safety. If you notice that your light bulbs are flickering, it usually means that there is an issue that has to do with other appliances attached to the same circuit. Certain appliances will need a certain amount of power to function. Such appliances are thus using more energy to work, and multiple heavy-duty appliances attached to the same circuit could be problematic and potentially dangerous. An electrical expert will be able to spot such issues and resolve them by attaching appliances to different circuits, to ensure the safety of you and your family.

SPARKS

Sparks from your home’s electrical system are never a good sign. This is a serious fire hazard – if you notice sparks from your home outlets or fuse boxes you should call an electrical expert straight away.

BURNING SMELL

If you notice a burning smell coming from any of your home’s electrical outlets of fuse boxes, it is a sign that you need an electrical inspection to ensure your safety. In such scenarios, we strongly advise you to stop using the power and call an electrical expert to take a inspect the situation.

Hiring a Home Inspector

It is often said that one of the most expensive and important purchases you will ever make will be your home. However, unlike the guarantee a buyer receives with most purchases, there’s no money-back guarantee or return policy if you’re not satisfied with your recently purchased home. Once you buy a home, you’re on your own to maintain it, repair it, anticipate problems and pay the bills. This is why it’s best to know as much as you can about potential problems before you buy.

What Home Inspectors Do

One of the best ways to see if a home is in good condition, livable and safe is to hire a professional home inspector. A properly trained home inspector will review your house as a system, looking at how one component of the house might affect how another component works or how long it will last. Home inspectors will go through the house and perform a complete visual inspection to assess its condition and all of its systems. They will determine the components that are not performing properly as well as items that are beyond their useful life or are unsafe. They will also identify areas where repairs may be needed or where there may have been problems in the past. Inspections are intended to help homebuyers better understand the condition of the house, as observed at the time of the inspection.

A pre-purchase inspection for a 165 to 205 m² (1,800 to 2,200 sq. ft.) home typically takes about three hours and costs around $500 (price may vary by province). Following the inspection, the buyer is presented with a written report, including all the details of the inspection. The home inspector should be willing to answer any questions a buyer might have and to clarify the limitations of the inspection to avoid misunderstandings.

Scope of the Inspection

A home inspection is intended to provide information about the condition of the home’s systems and components at the time of the inspection. An inspection will help you make an informed purchase decision. The home inspector will do a visual inspection by looking at the home’s various systems, including interior and exterior components. The inspector will check exterior components including roofing, flashing, chimneys, gutters, downspouts, wall surfaces, windows, doors, the foundation and the grading around it.

Note that, if the inspection takes place in the winter, the roof and the foundation may not be fully visible for inspection if they are covered with snow and ice. For safety and insurance reasons, the home inspector would not typically climb up on a roof covered with snow or ice. However, the home inspector will inspect the roof from the ground or other vantage point. This also applies to the chimney and downspouts

Electrical Permits – Residential

Work Limitations

Due to hazards involved, homeowners who are not certified master electricians cannot do work on the following :

Installing or relocating the main electrical service panel or service equipment

Installing swimming pool grounding and connecting the electrical equipment for a permanently installed swimming pool

A solar photo-voltaic (PV) system

If the home will be used for rental purposes

Inspection Information

A Homeowners Permit with an installation value (material only) of $1500 or less entitles the owner to one rough-in inspection. An installation value (material only) of more than $1500 will entitle the owner to two inspections, a rough-in and a final

Rough-in Wiring Inspection

All electrical outlet boxes are to be mounted and secured in place

All wiring has been installed, secured and brought into outlet boxes

All ground conductors have been terminated to the outlet box and necessary splices completed

All recessed lighting fixtures are installed and secured (except retrofit type fixtures) and wiring terminated in fixture junction box

You may install wiring in the main or sub panel (Caution: turn off main breaker before taking off panel cover and while installing wiring); do not connect wiring to branch circuit breakers at this time

Ensure all new wiring is isolated from all points that may become energized and re-install panel cover prior to turning on main breaker

Do not install any devices (receptacles, light fixtures) except those that may be needed for construction purposes

Electrical Inspections

Keep your Home Safe and Efficient with an Electrical Inspection!

Up To Code for Expansions & Renovations

A professional electrical inspection is a vital part of obtaining a code certification for any new construction, renovation, or expansion to your home. Our experienced electricians will conduct their inspection and are qualified by the state, as part of their certification process, to sign off on building code compliance for your electrical wiring

Quick and Efficient Service

While there is no way to guarantee the amount of time it will take to inspect your home, our electricians are experts in wiring, and can efficiently and comprehensively assess your home

Excellent Service Record

The choice for electrical inspection services, due in large part to our excellent service record and competitive pricing. We have a policy of no job being too large or too small, and provide comprehensive yet easy to understand reports for you at the end of our electrical inspection services.

Make sure your Home is running Efficiently

we electricians would be happy to inspect your current wiring, including performing connectivity and resistance checks between outlets, testing your circuit breaker panel for functionality, and generally giving your home an electrical checkup. If any issues are found, our experts will explain to you exactly what they found during the inspection and the best course of action to either repair, replace, or rectify any such issues

Starting an Electrician Business

If you are a qualified electrician with plenty of work experience under your belt and like the idea of being your own boss, then setting up your own electrical contracting business could be ideal.

There are a number of things to consider when starting your own electrical business from qualifications and legislation, to registration and finance. But once you have set up, chosen and business name and have started trading, how can you make sure that your business endeavour is successful?

Here are some tips to help make your electrical contracting business a success and get past those general contractor problems.

Build your brand

The way you present your brand is crucial to the success of your business. As a contractor, your clients will be trusting you to enter their home, so they need to know that they are choosing a trustworthy professional. You may be a new business, but that doesn’t mean you should look like an amateur. To look the part, design a company logo and use it consistently on your website, social media, business cards, flyers, adverts, branded transport and uniform with custom patches.

Choose good suppliers

While it may be tempting to choose the supplier who can offer the lowest price parts and equipment, sometimes the cheapest option may not be the best. As a startup business it is essential that your profit margins are healthy, but you also need to be able to provide your customers with a good, long-lasting service. Therefore, pick a supplier like The Electrical Guys who offers high quality reliable products at competitive prices, so that you can do the best job while maintaining profits.

Protect your business

When building a new business, it can be all too easy to focus on bringing in customers and funds, but don’t forget to safeguard your company. You need to be able to protect yourself and your business should the worst happen, which means you will need to purchase the correct insurances to cover the likes of injuries, accidents and damage. Without insurance, you could face costly financial and legal situations.

Clients, clients, clients

Without clients, a business simply cannot function. As the owner of an electrical company, your clients are your bread and butter without which you cannot survive. Make sure you invest time in attracting new clients, by building an online presence, cultivating reviews on trades websites and setting aside a budget for marketing. It’s also a good idea to reach out to past clients, which will show your customers that you care and may generate additional work.

Get insurance

Accidents and unforeseen events do happen, even to the most diligent workers. So, as a business owner, it’s vital that you have adequate insurance to protect you and your business should something go wrong, as well as any property, equipment or third parties involved.

You may want to look at a tailored electrical contractor’s insurance package including cover such as:

• Public liability insurance – protects you against a claim if a member of the public injures themselves as a result of your work or at your workplace, or if you accidentally damage someone’s property.
• Professional indemnity insurance – protects you if a customer claims they have suffered a financial loss due to work you completed or advice you gave.
• Employers’ liability insurance – if you have any employees this is a legal requirement and will cover you if they get injured or fall ill while working for you.
• Electrical contractors’ insurance – if you have any sub-contractors working for you on a supervised basis this is a legal requirement and will protect you against a claim if they get injured or fall ill while working for you.
• Specialist tool insurance – to cover the equipment you use for your work.

Investing in materials – The cost to set up an electrical business

Unless you already have your own equipment, an initial investment in materials is going to be your biggest outlay. While the administrative costs of setting up a business are fairly low, you’ll need to invest in a vehicle. A reliable used van or ute can set you back as little as $5000 if you shop around, but a brand new one could be northwards of $50K.

That said, there are some great financing options out there, so you won’t necessarily need a huge stash of cash to drive away in a new Ford Falcon. Equipment costs will also vary pretty significantly, depending on your need and preferences. This isn’t generally the best place to cut costs, as cheap tools are unreliable, and will deteriorate much faster than their sturdier counterparts. Brands we’ve tried, tested and trust include Klein, Knipex, Ideal, Greenlee, Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Bosch.

Costing up your initial outlay can be daunting, but remember that both your vehicle and your equipment are assets, not liabilities. All can be resold if necessary, or added to the total value of your business if you decide to source capital based loans or funding.

Accounting, taxes, and government regulation

As a small electrical business, the last thing you want to do is get on the wrong side of the tax man. Guaranteed, he’s going to come knocking eventually. And when he does, you could get hit with hefty back payments, interest rates and fines that could cripple your venture. Avoid this by playing by the rules right from the start. Find an accountant, and cash in on big time savings in the form of both time, and money.

Think about it this way… you sell your time for $65 per hour. If you do your own taxes, it takes you two hours of mucking around per week, which equates to a cost of $6760 a year. Plus, you’ll probably miss out on a heap of opportunities to maximise your rebate. Pay an accountant and maybe you’ll spend around $2000, but will free up two extra hours a week, which will earn you back that $6760 a year. Remember, two things in life are definite – death and taxes. You can’t avoid either, but a good accountant can take the sting out of your number crunching.

ELECTRICAL BUSINESS PROFIT MARGINS 

As a small business owner, you’re responsible for the financials of your company. Below, we’ve introduced a few key financial terms that are essential to running a business.

OVERHEAD COSTS

These are ongoing business expenses not related to labor or raw materials. Examples include rent, insurance, and utilities. These expenses remain the same every month regardless of the sales you make. They’re also known as fixed or indirect costs.

Calculating Overhead Costs:

• Add all the ongoing indirect business expenses that keep your business running. Don’t include direct expenses like wages and raw materials as they belong to the Cost of Goods (COGS) category. You want to cover all your fixed costs.

Once you know what your overheads are, you can begin to chart out your break-even point.

BREAK-EVEN POINT ANALYSIS

The Break-Even Point is a time in your business when your sales are covering all expenses. Break-Even is a significant milestone, as it’s the point when the business begins turning a profit.

What you Need to Become an Electrician

Education

You only need a high school diploma to become an electrician, but you will need to complete a four year apprenticeship which includes classroom and hands-on learning. You can get this training through one of the electricians’ unions like the National Electrical Contractors Association. Training to be an electrician includes learning how to read blueprints, how to understand electrical circuits and how to adhere to vital safety procedures. You’ll also learn skills like soldering and wiring outlets.

Electrician License

In most states you’ll need a state-wide electrician license to work as an electrician, although some states leave it up to each city to enforce licensing. Getting your electrician license generally involves taking an exam, completing some paperwork and paying a fee.

Once you’ve got your electrician certificate you’re considered a journeyman electrician. You can get specialist electrician licenses in different sub-topics of electrical work like refrigeration, heating and air conditioning units or elevator systems.
If you want you can complete additional skill building to become a master electrician. Master electrician requirements are different in every state, but generally you’ll need 4-8 years of experience, letters of reference from happy customers and to sit the master electrician exam.

You’ll also need a business permit and business license to run your own electrician business, depending on your local regulations.

Selecting the Right Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker, to most design engineers, is thought of as a low-cost commodity component that usually doesn’t get much attention when designing a new piece of equipment or system. In fact, on many occasions I have heard someone say, “It doesn’t matter; I just need a circuit breaker.” Yet a circuit breaker is an extremely important system component, and should not be handled in such a cavalier fashion. They are used to protect valuable equipment or devices from damage or more importantly they are used to prevent a life-threatening system disaster such as fire. It is important to take the time and make sure that the circuit breaker you are selecting is not only the right type for your application but it is also of high quality.

Today, there are many circuit breaker choices to fit virtually any industrial DIN rail application. However, even with so many choices available, selecting the proper circuit breaker can be an easy task

DIN rail circuit breakers are available in different package configurations ranging from a high-density space-saving size of 13mm per pole to 26mm per pole for a high-current type. Over the last few years, the price of a high quality circuit breaker has dropped below $10.00 per pole. This transition has allowed many more DIN rail mount circuit breakers to be used in place of fuses and fuse holders. In addition to being a cost savings, the circuit breaker is much more convenient; when a fuse blows, it has to be replaced by a new one; when a circuit breaker trips, it simply has to be reset.

Supplementary Protection

Supplementary circuit breakers, often referred to as UL1077 circuit breakers, are protectors that are typically used to provide protection to a device. Usually a branch UL489 circuit breaker is already installed up stream of the supplementary circuit breakers to protect the circuit wiring. Most supplementary circuit breakers are available in one, two and three poles with the option of short (B), medium (C) and long (D) trip curves. They typically can handle a minimum rating of 1A and a maximum amp rating of 63A. For convenience and ease of use the circuit breakers selected should have a reliable wire connection and have an on/off indicator to minimize troubleshooting time.

DC Protection

The DC circuit breakers are used in applications to provide protection where direct current or DC voltage is used. DC circuit breakers are available in both UL1077 and UL489 versions. Generally the DC circuit breakers are available in one or two poles with the short (B) or medium (C) trip curves. They are available with current ratings ranging from 1 to 63 Amps.

How to Determine Amperage of Circuit Breaker

Each circuit breaker has a specific rated amperage, or amount of current. When that amperage is exceeded, the circuit breaker shuts down the flow of current in that circuit to prevent damage to the wiring and appliances. Learn how to calculate the actual amperage of devices on the circuit and compare it to the rated amperage, so you can avoid unnecessary power interruptions and fire hazards.

Examine the electric panel. Each circuit breaker should have its amperage marked on the handle. This is the maximum amperage that the circuit can take before the circuit breaker trips

Multiply the amperage by 0.8. For everyday use, it’s a good idea to expose the breaker to a maximum of 80% of the rated amperage. It’s fine to exceed this for short periods of time, but continuous current above this amount could cause enough heat to trip the breaker

Understand double-pole breakers. Some high-voltage devices may be wired to a double-pole circuit breaker — two standard circuit breakers sharing a handle. Do not add together the amperage of the two breakers. Both circuits will be tripped simultaneously by the amperage displayed on one circuit breaker handle

Compare this to the current on the circuit. Now you know how much amperage your wiring and circuit breaker can handle. To find out whether your circuit exceeds this amperage, continue to the next method

Choosing the Right Circuit Breaker

Determine the Circuit Breaker Type

First, you need to determine whether you need a standard breaker, a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), or an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI).

Identify the Manufacturer and Brand of the Breaker and Panel

Not all circuit breakers are interchangeable. The panel label will list acceptable breakers, and if not (or if it’s too worn to read), check the other breakers or call in an expert. Older Westinghouse circuit breakers are quite different from modern Siemens circuit breakers, for example.

Check the Electrical Specifications

Next, you will need to find out a range of specs. If you are replacing an old breaker, you’ll find all the info you need on the unit itself

When you’re trying to determine amperage, but you do not have an old circuit breaker for comparison, you can use the wire gauge to guide your decision. You’ll find the gauge printed on the wire that will connect to the new breaker. The lower the gauge, the higher the breaker amperage. For example, a 10-gauge wire will need a 30-amp breaker, while a 14-gauge wire requires a 15-amp unit.

Confirm Any Special Requirements

For developers or contractors, you may need to fulfill certain special requirements for specific codes, localities, or client preferences. For example, you may need to use only new circuit breakers as opposed to reconditioned circuit breakers, you may need high vibration specifications for industrial facilities, or you may need to choose between a manual or automatic reset.

TIPS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CIRCUIT BREAKERS FOR YOUR HOME

A home electrical system is fitted with safety features such as circuit breakers, switching devices that are either automatically or manually controlled to protect your power system. If you do not have an electrical circuit breaker you are open to a high risk of electrical shocks, electrocution and electrical fires. Ask your local electrician on The Gold Coast to check your home electrical system to ensure it’s safe.

Main circuit breaker panel

Your electricity supply comes from your utility company and is fed through a meter to determine the amount of power you use and work out your power bill. It then goes to your breaker panel. Your electrician on the Gold Coast will help you chose the right size breaker panel to suit your home and the number of circuits you require.

Choosing the number of breaker switches required

You will need a breaker switch for every circuit of wiring around your home. Normally the different circuits are divided into areas and usage. There would be at least one internal lighting circuit and one external circuit.

Deciding on the amperage capacity of each circuit breaker

Most circuit breaker panels used in homes are rated to take 100 to 150 amps. The individual breaker switches are rated for the maximum amount of amperage they will be expected to handle at one time. Consult your electrician on The Gold Coast to determine the ratings required for each circuit or check each appliance. They will have a panel that gives their capacity and amp usage. It’s important to understand that often when some appliances start, they required much more power than when running. For example fridges, freezers, appliances with motors and even florescent lights use more power when starting to give an initial boost

Consider the types of breaker switches required

Single pole circuit breakers are normally used for lighting with ratings of between 10 to 20 amps. Double pole circuit breakers are used for water heaters and heavy duty appliances.

Selecting the Right Circuit Breaker and Its Type

A circuit breaker operates under fault conditions and isolates the faulty part of the circuit from the rest of it by breaking the circuit. This operation is performed automatically by employing a relay along with the circuit breaker.

It should be noted that circuit breakers may also be manually operated and can also be operated under normal conditions. Hence circuit breakers are also useful switching devices that are used to make or break a circuit in normal conditions.

Working Mechanism:

​In a general sense, a circuit breaker consists of two electrodes or contacts that under normal conditions remain in contact with each other allowing current to flow. But in case of a fault, the contacts open or become disconnected hence breaking the circuit and preventing the fault current from passing through

Arc Phenomena:

​Whenever a short circuit fault occurs, an extremely high current passes through the contacts of the circuit breakers. When these contacts start to open, the area of contact decreases and the current intensity increases rapidly. This causes the surrounding material to heat up rapidly and ionize. This ionized medium thus acts as a path for current to flow delaying the breaking of the circuit path.

Arc Extinction Methods:

This arc needs to be eliminated for the successful isolation and breaking of the circuit. Therefore, it is a major factor in determining the type and size of the circuit breaker to be used in different applications. For this purpose, we have two methods for arc extinction

Electrical Safety Inspection: The Ultimate Guide to Passing

Due to the fact that electricity is such a constant part of our daily lives, it’s easy to take it for granted. It feels comparable to the sun shining over our heads or the moon coming out at night. Many tend to adopt the same attitude towards electricity as they do towards the sun and moon: “It’ll take care of itself”. After all who ever heard of a sun technician?

But having that sort of attitude to electricity can be dangerous, even fatal. Every year, thousands of people are fatally injured and suffer damage worth billions because of a lack of electrical safety knowledge. According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, electrical outlets and receptacles alone account for more than 5,300 home fires, over 100 injuries and at least 40 deaths every single year.

What’s the point of  an electrical safety inspection anyway?

Having an electrical safety inspection done on your home might seem like a bother but try not to see it that way! Ensuring that the electrical safety inspection is conducted periodically and properly is extremely vital for your family and property.

Protect your property

Electrical surges are a common phenomenon in much of the United States. They can not only ruin your appliances but also create short circuits in your house, leading to fire that can cause severe property damage.

Someone could get hurt

Electrical wiring does not last forever. Due to wear and tear, it deteriorates along with its associated accessories. This deterioration can lead to nasty experiences such as electric shock or fire

Top Tips for Home Buyers

Make sure you know what you can afford – Speak to the bank first. It’s easy to get carried away looking for that dream property but make sure you can afford it first by getting an ‘Agreement in Principle’ from your bank

Check out the neighbourhood – Make sure you investigate where you are buying thoroughly, you can find out crime levels to school results simply by punching in the postcode but nothing beats visiting the neighbourhood on foot to get a feel for the area

Budget, budget, budget – there are lots of additional costs a first time buyer might not be aware of such as legal fees, stamp duty, surveys and other technical reports such as an Electrical Installation Condition Report. Don’t get tripped up by not being prepared

Don’t be fooled by staging – Cleverly placed mirrors, strategic lighting, manicured gardens and fresh paint are all ways sellers are able to make their home seem more appealing

The devil is in the detail – When viewing a property, make sure you check for any obvious issues such as damp, mould or cracks in the walls but don’t overlook potential hidden dangers like old or faulty wiring which can be dangerous and expensive to repair. Download Electrical Safety First’s ‘Home electrical safety check’ app to help you identify any visible electrical issues

Professional Electrical Safety Inspections Done Right

To avoid electrical related accidents, it’s always best to undergo electrical safety inspections. You don’t want to risk the lives of your loved ones, nor do you want to risk losing all of your possessions and valuables to an electrical fire. Everything can have an impact on your home’s electrical circuit including age, usage, and the installation of newer electrical devices. When buying, selling, or even just for your peace of mind, it’s important to have an electrical safety inspection done.

There are a few important things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to your household and electricity usage. In order to protect your family and loved ones it is in your best interest to know and understand your homes electrical panel. You need to know which fuse or switch on your panel controls the corresponding light or outlet. If you have any doubt with regards to your homes safety, have a licensed professional come to your home to conduct the necessary and relevant checks.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the standard code that all licensed electricians must adhere to in order to meet state and local regulations with regards to electrical safety standards. Remember, each state has its own specific rules and regulations regarding electrical codes. You need an electrician who is licensed to work in your specific state. It is illegal for any person to do an electrical installation if they are not state licensed. Licensed electricians need a minimum of 14 hours approved continuing education to ensure that they understand all code regulations and are up to date on any changes that may have occurred.

General Electrical Safety Checklist:

Are all light fixtures working and have diffusers been installed?

Are the cords in good condition without signs of deterioration, bends, or wear and tear?

Are extension cords being used in place of permanent wiring?

Are all appliances grounded?

Check the wiring methods and ensure that they are suitable for the current use.

Ensure that all conductors of a circuit are grouped together.

Check for wet and damp locations and the suitability of boxes and fittings in that area.

Check wiring and bending space in cabinets and boxes.

Ensure that any switches in wet or damp locations are properly installed in weatherproof enclosures.

Ensure that the household is compliant with branch-circuit voltage limitations.

Check what grounding electrodes are present on the premises.

WHY REGULAR ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTIONS ARE ESSENTIAL

Electricity is one of the biggest conveniences of the modern times. And when your lights, electrical appliances, and other gadgets are all working well, it is easy to assume that the underlying electrical work is in perfect condition. Even when something goes wrong, there is always a quick and easy fix, like replacing a bulb or a broken component in an appliance.

What Does An Electrical Home Inspection Entail?

Electrical home inspections involve the meticulous assessment of your entire electrical system to ensure that all electrical systems, cables, and components – including your home’s wiring and electrical appliances – satisfy the legal safety standards.

All licensed electricians operate under a National Code when assessing your residence, and are required to provide you with a detailed and prioritised list of areas that need immediate attention, as well as recommendations for improvements and upgrades.

Performing Electrical Inspections

For an electrical inspection to be truly helpful, it should only be performed by a licensed electrician with the skills and competency to perform electrical safety checks. You need a residential electrician who has been trained on common issues to look for in residential properties, and how to correct any problems they find.

Finding The Right Electrical Contractor

Electrical inspections are vital for the safety of your home, office, or building. Worn, naked wires and messy wiring create all kinds of hazardous situations that range from deadly electrocutions to destructive fires. Keep in mind that poorly maintained wiring and electrical components can lead to life-threatening problems.

Home Electrical Safety Tips

You power your home with energy, but do you know electrical safety? The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 31,000 home electrical fires occur every year, and with over 180 cases involving electrocution or electricity-related incidents that could have been avoided, home electrical safety is too important to ignore. At Constellation, we care about the safety of our customers, and by following these electrical safety tips you can protect your home and your family

What causes electrical fires in homes?

The National Fire Protection Association notes that faulty or damaged wiring and related electrical equipment cause 69 percent of electrical fires, followed by lamps, light fixtures, cords, plugs, transformers and other power supplies. When looking for potential fire hazards in your home, always be sure to consult with a professional.

Check that you’re using the correct wattage in all your fixtures and appliances.

Using the right bulbs can prevent electrical problems, so check all lamps, fixtures and appliances to ensure you’re using the correct wattage. If a light fixture has no wattage listed, use 60-watt bulbs or less. For unmarked ceiling fixtures, choose 25-watt bulbs.

Watch out for overloaded outlets to protect your home.

Overloading an electrical outlet is a common cause of electrical problems. Check all outlets to ensure they are cool to the touch, have protective faceplates and are in proper working order

Replace or repair damaged electrical cords to keep your home safe.

Damaged power cords are a serious residential electrical safety risk, and they are capable of causing both fires and electrocution. All power and extension cords should be checked regularly for signs of fraying and cracking, and they should then be repaired or replaced as needed. Power cords should not be stapled into place or run under rugs and furniture. Cords under rugs pose a tripping hazard and can overheat, while furniture can crush cord insulation and damage wires.

How to Select A Good Electrician

Whether your a new homeowner or an existing one, you will probably need an electrician several times. Afterall, it is critical to keep your home electrical system safe and functional. So, how do you select a good electrician

Most people begin by asking their family and friends. But what if your new to the neighborhood? While you might be tempted to pick a random name out of the phone book, you might accidentally hit an unreliable electrical contractor. Many people have had success using online directories like SmartGuy.com, which lists thousands of local professionals many with ratings you can verify.

Get Organized.  Make sure you know before you began the changes you want to make. It’s one thing if you want to add a light switch, but if you’re doing a whole room addition, that requires more planning. In order to minimize costs, you want to do it right the first time. Otherwise, you will run into change order, who can quickly increase the costs of the job.

Licensed, bonded and Insured.  You probably already know the importance of making sure the electrician you select be licensed, bonded and insured, but it must be emphasized. This can help protect you from unnecessary costs and stress if something goes wrong in your home. It also ensures that the electricians working on your home has the proper training to perform safe and effective work. Keep in mind, there are two types of licenses: a journeyman’s license (kind of like a beginner license), and a full electrician’s license. It’s always a good idea to choose a professional with an electrician’s license for the most skilled, experienced work.

Secure a few estimates. Seek a written detailed estimate from each of the electrical contractors. The electrical estimate should include a summary of labor, material costs, the specific brand of materials, and details of the scope of the job. Also, be sure to find out who is doing the work. Some electricians, especially when they are busy, subcontract the work to others who might not be as experienced.

How to Choose a Good Electrician

Choosing a good electrician can be a life or death decision for residents who have to live with their handiwork. There are a range of steps people can take to ensure they choose wisely.

Firstly, residents looking for a good electrician should search approved registers run by industry authorities. This will help narrow down the list to those who are qualified to carry out electrical work.

Then it’s important to contact at least three qualified electricians before commissioning any work. The shortlisted electricians should be given clear instructions about what work is required. They should all be asked for references and proof of their insurance and resolution process for complaints.

Once an electrician is chosen, it’s important to be very clear about the work that is required. The time frame, payment terms and expectations should be agreed in writing.

Finally, try to avoid paying in cash if possible, as that makes it harder to track or prove payments in the event of a dispute. A receipt should always be received for any payment made

How to choose a really good electrician

You’ve probably heard common complaints from your friends and family about poor quality of work and a general lack of professionalism from electricians, leaving behind a trail of head and heartaches. Electrical problems that are still not fixed and structural issues that appear which weren’t there before.

Then you have the “rogue traders”. Although they’re rightly demonised in the media, Ombudsman Services report that six in ten homeowners still fail to check any credentials before giving the go-ahead for any work.

So what can you do?

Usually, getting a personal recommendation from a friend or family member is the most trusted way to find a reliable tradesperson. But if this fails, what do you do next?

The NICEIC

Regulatory body for the electrical industry, the NICEIC, provides a register of all verified electricians, who have passed their qualifications. You can search by location to find a local, qualified electrician or by company name to see if an electrician are who they say they are. You can also find a naughty list, which names and shames electricians who claim to be NICEIC, but are not.

Commercial Directories

There are also commercial directories which recommend tradespeople based on previous customer ratings. Checkatrade has become one of the most popular directories in the UK thanks to their strict background checks on tradespeople before they can become members.

Choosing A Registered Electrician

Many of us consider the visible things in our homes to be the most important – we value our TVs, games consoles and comfy sofas, yet some of the most important and vital components that make up a home aren’t immediately visible.

The wiring behind your walls is a complex lifeline and one which should only ever be tackled by a registered and fully qualified electrician. The consequences of not doing so could very well mean that everything else goes up in smoke.

Why should you choose a registered electrician?

A properly installed and well-maintained installation can significantly reduce the possibility of accident or injury. So, it is important that any electrical installation work is carried out by people who have the knowledge, skills and experience needed to avoid the dangers that electricity can create.

Are you a registered member of one of the Government approved schemes?

Start by checking that the individual is a registered member of one of the Government approved schemes.  Choosing a registered electrician means you will get additional protections should something go wrong. Contact the scheme directly if you want to check the individual’s registration.

Could I see your paperwork?

Some people feel embarrassed about checking qualifications of the person they are employing, but if you are working with a tradesperson who is unwilling to show you evidence of their qualification and registration status then this could be a warning sign.

How to choose an electrician

Home electrics are a serious matter, even if the job seems small. While most of us are able to switch the fuse box on and off, anything that requires dealing with electric wiring should be (and legally has to be) looked at by a qualified electrician. Which is where things get complicated – how do you find a good electrician? Our advice, in a nutshell: don’t just ring the first person who comes up on an internet search. Follow our guide to finding the best possible person for the job – and make yourself aware of what to expect cost-wise, too.

HOW CAN I FIND A RELIABLE ELECTRICIAN?

Industry bodies like the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) and the National Association of Professional Inspectors & Testers (NAPIT) allow you to search for accredited electricians in your area.

With a little research, finding a reliable electrician should be hassle-free’, says Declan Curran, director and owner of property maintenance company, HomeFix-Direct. ‘It’s always worth asking a local estate agent for recommendations, too, as they will have tried and tested contractors before keeping the best on their suppliers’ list.’

SHOULD I ALWAYS CONSULT AN ELECTRICIAN BEFORE CHANGING MY HOME’S ELECTRICS?

‘Yes,’ advises Mike Andrews, chief executive of NAPIT. ‘Before any work is done, an approved electrician will check whether the earthing, bonding and other safety measures, such as your residual current device, are in place.

ARE THERE ANY CHECKS I SHOULD MAKE BEFORE HIRING AN ELECTRICIAN?

Always check electricians are Part P approved, which means they’ve been certified and that work they carry out is legal and, most importantly, safe. This is especially important if you’ve found your electrician through word-of-mouth, rather than the NICEIC or NAPIT websites.