Electrical Companies Melbourne – Electricians Today
What kinds of electrical work can I do for myself?
For electrical work, a general rule of thumb is that a licensed professional is needed for work on anything behind a light switch, power outlet, switchboard or light fitting.
Go to Energy Safe Victoria for more information
Do I need a certificate of compliance?
Ask for a Certificate of Compliance immediately on completion of any fixed wiring work, including fittings and power points that are connected to that wiring. Electrical workers are required by law to issue customers with a Certificate of Compliance. It is your assurance that the work done complies with the safety standards. Keep all Certificates of Compliance in a safe place for insurance purposes, as they will protect you from liability if something goes wrong.
Go to Energy Safe Victoria for more information
Do I need safety switches?
Safety switches are mandatory on all power circuits and recommended on lighting circuits. We can fit these to your main switchboard for a lot less than you would think. Safety switches save lives!
Is your home more than 20 years old? If so there is a good chance that your switchboard has ceramic wire type fuses. Whilst it is not a mandatory requirement to upgrade these to switch type circuit breakers, Electricians Today highly recommends that this upgrade is done to ensure you and your family’s safety. If the incorrect fuse wire is replaced in a ceramic fuse a fire can be started by a failure of the fuse to blow in the event of a faulty appliance. Call Electricians Today for advice or obligation free quote.
How do I know if my safety switches are working?
Safety switches need to be checked regularly to ensure that all power and lighting circuits are protected. Use the Test Button of the safety switch to check that it switches off. This will shut down the power for most dangerous situations that arise. Portable safety switches can be bought from most hardware stores and are recommended for protection when using power tools. Call Electricians Today if you require any safety switches installed.
Are the circuit breakers that replace the ceramic fuses any good?
Yes, they are a worthwhile upgrade, but you’ll be missing out on the Residual Current Device (safety switch) which is an even more worthwhile upgrade. The circuit breaker protects the wires; the RCD protects you. Call Electricians Today for advice or obligation free quote.
Do I need a switchboard upgrade?
Technology now has taken an important role in our lives, from standard televisions to High Definition Plasma and LCD screens, to higher powered microwaves, fridges and washers. We rely heavily on our appliances and therefore should rely heavily on our switchboard.
To ensure that your appliances are working efficiently and getting the power they need we need to take it back to the switchboard. In many cases older homes don’t have sufficient power to keep up with today’s technology and energy demands. The older switchboards were designed to distribute electricity to a limited amount of lighting points and electrical outlets.
Considering there used to be few electrical appliances such as television and fridges we must understand that they only consumed a certain amount of power compared to today’s modern appliances. For example, air-conditioning, hot water systems, electrical stoves etc.
Consider these questions:
- Does it seem like your appliances struggle to get the power they need?
- Does it seem like your fuse/ circuit breaker trips every time you turn on microwave or kettle?
- Do I have a safety switch installed?
- Do your lights constantly flicker back and forth from dim to bright?
- Can I see any ceramic fuses in my meter box / switchboard?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions then it is most likely time for a switchboard upgrade. Call Electricians Today for advice or obligation free quote.
I have no power to half of my house – what has caused this?
It is usually either a ceramic fuse, circuit breaker or a residual current device (RCD) that has blown or tripped. There is usually a reason for this – faulty light fitting, appliance, or a short in the wiring installation. Try to reset the circuit breaker and ascertain what caused the fault, then isolate or remove the fault if possible. Remember to turn everything off before you reset the circuit breaker or RCD. If the problem persists, call Electricians Today for advice.
Every time I put a new globe in it blows very quickly, why is this?
- High voltage – voltage ranges between 230 – 240 volts AC. Your property may be close to a transformer on the road which means your nominal voltage may be up around 240 volts or slightly higher. If this is the case, try buying lamps rated at 250V.
- Faulty light fittings. For example, if you have 12v halogen lighting it may not be the lamp. It could be the transformer, or most commonly, the leads the lamp plug into. Electricians Today can assess what the problem is and have it repaired quickly. Call Electricians Today for advice or obligation free quote.
I have changed a light bulb and it’s still not working – why is this?
Have you changed another faulty lamp? Change it out with one that you know is working, maybe from another light fitting. If you know the new lamp is OK you may have a faulty light fitting or switch. Call Electricians Today for advice or obligation free quote.
My oven isn’t working, what has happened for it to stop?
Firstly check that your oven isn’t on ‘auto’ mode. Most ovens have this function when you want to delay your cooking time. Sometimes it can be knocked by accident when you’re cleaning it. Also, check your switchboard, and see if your fuse has blown or circuit breaker has tripped. Remember to turn the main switch off first before you check it or reset it! Still not working? Call Electricians Today for advice or obligation free quote.
Our bathroom is damp and moldy, what can you do to stop this?
The most common way to get rid of damp in a bathroom is to install an extraction fan (exhaust fan). Depending on your bathroom, you can install a wall or ceiling mounted fan. Call Electricians Today for advice or obligation free quote and ask about our IXL tactics for your bathroom.
I have been told that my wiring isn’t earthed – what does this mean and why is it dangerous?
Earthing is important as it protects you from electric shock. In most cases where an appliance or electrical fitting is metal, it is required to be earthed. If it isn’t earthed, and there is a fault, that appliance or fitting can become live. Electricians Today can carry out comprehensive checks (Electrical Safety Audits) to ascertain if your dwelling is earthed and safe. Call Electricians Today for advice or obligation free quote.
My house was built in the 1920’s/30’s/40’s/50’/60’s/70’s and the wiring hasn’t been touched. Is this of concern?
Yes it could be – Houses that were built prior to 1970 could have old wiring. Generally there are two types of cable that was installed prior to 1970.
- VIR Cable – this was used up until around the 1950’s. It was usually contained in steel conduit or wooden capping. It is considered that this type of cable is past its use by date and should be replaced.
- TRS (tough rubber sheath) – this cable was popular from the 1950’s through till the late 60’s. It was replaced with TPS (tough plastic sheath) cable as it was found that the cable broke down and deteriorated considerably. If you have TRS, it is also considered that this type of cable is past its use by date and should also be replaced.
Electricians Today offer electrical safety audits. Give us a call and we can give your house a ‘health check’ and give you some advice on the type of cable you have and any remedial works that are required to make it safe.
Do you supply and install light fittings or do I need to supply the light fittings?
Yes we can supply and install your light fittings. Electricians Today can either supply and install or install only for all of the following services:
- Supply and installation of alarm systems
- Supply and installation of CCTV
- Supply and installation of ceiling fans
- Supply and installation of commercial data networks
- Supply and installation of commercial lighting
- Supply and installation of data cabling
- Supply and installation of data points
- Supply and installation of digital TV antennas
- Supply and installation of ducted vacuum systems
- Supply and installation of emergency lighting
- Supply and installation of exhaust fans
- Supply and installation of exit lighting
- Supply and installation of external lighting
- Supply and installation of external power
- Supply and installation of free to air TV antennas
- Supply and installation of home data networks
- Supply and installation of household lighting
- Supply and installation of internet points
- Supply and installation of IXL tastic
- Supply and installation of LED down lights
- Supply and installation of light fittings
- Supply and installation of low voltage down lights
- Supply and installation of MATV systems
- Supply and installation of optical fibre cabling
- Supply and installation of outdoor lighting
- Supply and installation of outdoor power
- Supply and installation of pay TV (Foxtel) points
- Supply and installation of pergola lighting
- Supply and installation of phone points
- Supply and installation of pool lighting
- Supply and installation of RCD’s
- Supply and installation of safety switches
- Supply and installation of satellite systems
- Supply and installation of security cameras
- Supply and installation of security lighting
- Supply and installation of sensor lights
- Supply and installation of smoke detectors
- Supply and installation of surge protectors
- Supply and installation of surveillance systems
- Supply and installation of TV points
- Supply and installation of underground power
- Supply and installation of video intercom systems
Call Electricians Today for advice or obligation free quote.
I have a block of units that need rewiring, can you help me out?
Yes we can rewire your units. Electricians Today can fully rewire all types of residential and commercial buildings from single story homes to multi storey complexes. We can rewire all of the following:
- Rewiring of commercial buildings
- Rewiring of common areas
- Rewiring of domestic buildings
- Rewiring of homes
- Rewiring of houses
- Rewiring of suites
- Rewiring of units
We can also restore the functionality of your premises by repairing or rewiring your lighting and power circuit failures from a single switch to an entire building no job is too big or too small. Call Electricians Today for advice or obligation free quote.
My power bills are high what can you do to try and bring it down?
Every business / home can reduce the amount of energy it consumes. By making a few simple changes your business /home can save energy, which means reducing your energy bills and your impact on the environment.
- Switch off appliances at the wall when not in use – appliances left on standby equate to 10% of Australia’s total household energy consumption.
- Change your incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) – they produce the same amount of light, use one third of the electricity and last up to ten times as long.
- Set your thermostat around 18-20°C in winter and 25°C in summer – for every degree you decrease your thermostat, you can save up to 15% off your heating bill.
- Turn your monitor off when you go home – leaving your computer and monitor on out of office hours can produce as much greenhouse pollution annually as driving your car from Melbourne to Perth.
- Switch lights off when not needed – lighting accounts for up to 60 per cent of energy use in an office.
- Switch to a laptop and save up to $200 in energy savings over 3 years – a desktop computer used 8 hours a day generates over 600 kilograms of greenhouse gases each year while laptops on the other hand, use 80% less energy.
- Improve insulation and draft proofing – seal off draughts and cracks around doors, windows and other vents, which are responsible for 15-20% of heat loss in winter and loss of cool air on extreme heat days.
- Purchase energy efficient appliances, and maintain your equipment to ensure it works efficiently.
- Install timers to switch lights off, or light motion sensors to ensure lights switch off automatically when areas are unoccupied.
- Remove screen savers from your computer – set your computer to ‘sleep’ or ‘power save’ mode so that it powers down when you’re not using it.
What areas do you service?
Electricians Today provides services through the entire Melbourne metro, surrounding Melbourne suburbs and Mornington Peninsula. We provide Melbourne’s best domestic and commercial electrical services.
Click here to view listing of Melbourne suburbs that we service.
Who is a Master Electrician?
Master Electricians are accredited to deliver the highest standards of quality, electrical safety, energy efficiency advice, and integrity. They are experienced, safe and informed electrical contractors who offer customers a 12-month guarantee on their workmanship. It is not possible for an electrical contractor to be associated with Master Electricians or use the logo without being accredited for safety, quality and service.
Why use a Master Electrician?
Electrical work is one of the most dangerous tasks that can be performed in a home or business. Every year, dozens of people are electrocuted or shocked by substandard electrical work. By choosing a Master Electrician, you are choosing a contractor whose safety systems are accredited and monitored, and who provides a workmanship guarantee. Master Electricians are also reliable contractors who provide excellent service and information, potentially saving you time and money.
How does an electrical contractor become a Master Electrician?
To become a Master Electrician, a contractor must:
- Have at least three years in the electrical industry or equivalent appropriate experience
- Implement a recognised safety management system
- Pass an annual safety and quality audit
- Be able to offer qualified energy efficiency advice to customers
- Adhere to a code of ethics
- Offer customers a 12-month guarantee on electrical work
How are the Master Electricians standards enforced?
Master Electricians Australia is responsible for monitoring the performance of Accredited Master Electricians. Master Electricians Australia checks the credentials and systems of electrical contractors who apply to be Master Electricians, undertakes regular audits, provides avenues for customer feedback, and investigates any complaints. You can leave feedback about your master electrician at www.masterelectricians.com.au.
How will I know I am dealing with a Master Electrician?
Accredited Master Electricians can identify themselves in their telephone listings, advertising and printed material they provide to customers. The Master Electricians website also contains a quick search function to allow consumers across Australia to locate the accredited Master Electrician nearest to them.www.masterelectricians.com.au.
