Safety
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Simple steps for choosing an Electrician in Canberra
There are so many electricians in Canberra it’s a bit overwhelming. How do you decide which electrician is going to be better than another? Are you going to be comfortable hiring the first Electrician you find from a localised Canberra Google search? Should you trust the first three search results in Google as they’re Paid Ads? Hopefully, we can answer your questions today and provide you with some advice when it comes to selecting a suitable electrician for your Canberra home or business.
Only hire a fully qualified and licensed Electrician!
- NEVER use an unlicensed ‘handyman’ mate or a mate of a mate who said he’ll do your ceiling fan installation or new powerpoint installation just because he’ll do it for a case of beer! This could land you and him in serious legal trouble even after the house is sold.
- It’s your right to request the electrician to produce a currency of electrical licence or you can check for licensed tradies here on the ACTPLA website https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/services/licence/#/electrician
- Does the Electrician display their ACT/NSW Electrical licence information on their website?
- Does the Electrician display their ABN/ACN on their website?
- Is the electrician even based in Canberra?
- Is the electrician insured? When things go wrong even by no fault of the electrician, you want to ensure your electrician is insured! Simple issues such as the electrician accidentally leave a roof tile kicked right back and the heavens open and it rains for 3 days straight! You’re going to experience some water damage here and by making sure your electrician is properly insured will save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Just a few simple tips to save you time, money and some heartache!
Call Barry on 0487 789 585 for a quote on your next Canberra electrical job.
Electrical Safety Tips
The purpose of this post is to provide the residence of Canberra a few useful electrical safety tips. Most of you will already know about these tips, but there is nothing wrong with a little reminder and of course I am hoping some of you will learn something!
Download the Electrical Safety Tips here OR read the excerpt below:
Using electrical appliances can be dangerous
By ACTEWAGL (2.5mb) PDF
- Always read the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If an appliance has a damaged power cord, switch it off immediately at the power point, disconnect the appliance and have the cord repaired.
- Never handle wiring that is damaged or worn. Contact a licensed electrician to replace it.
- Never place metal ladders or steps, furniture or bed bases or other heavy objects on power or extension cords as they may cut through the cord’s electrical insulation.
- Never touch electrical appliances or switches with wet hands.
Using electrical appliances outdoors
- Plug appliances and power tools into an earthed power point or extension cord. It’s best to use a power point protected by a fixed or portable safety switch.
- Never leave electrical appliances and cords outdoors and exposed to rain.
- Never use electrical appliances and cords near a pool or spa.
- Never use power or wiring for pool pumps and spas to operate gardening power tools.
- Ensure that supply cords to caravans are in good condition, are 3 to 15 metres long and supported off the ground by 2.5 metres. They should be rated at 15 amps and plugged into an earthed, safety switch protected socket outlet installed by a licensed electrician.
- Don’t run extension cords through doorways or windows.
- Use approved plugs and extension sockets.
Cleaning electrical appliances
Cleaning your electrical appliances regularly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions is a simple but effective way of helping to ensure your appliances work safely and efficiently. Before cleaning, turn off and unplug them.
Second-hand appliances
Examine second-hand appliances for signs of damage. A safe appliance has a secure and undamaged flexible cord and plug, secure and undamaged covers, guards and control knobs and has been tested for performance at the point of sale.
Work around the home
It’s safe to do simple electrical work around your home, such as changing light bulbs and fuses, starters for fluorescent lighting fittings and resetting circuit breakers and safety switches. However, specialist tasks must always be performed by a licensed electrician. This includes work such as rewiring or replacing plugs, switches or power cords, repairing electrical appliances, or installing, repairing or replacing fixed electrical wiring.
If you don’t use a licensed electrician you could put you and your family at a serious safety risk, you could be fined and your home insurance policy could be voided.
If you have any questions or concerns with regards to domestic electrical safety in your ACT home then please don’t hesitate to contact me for further information or help.
Further safety tips can be found in the PDF here
Yours in safety
Barry 0487 789 585
PDF courtesy of ACTEWAGL
