PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN IN BRISBANE & SURROUNDING SUBURBS
Here is a selection of the most commonly asked questions by our customers. Please refer to the answers below and if you have a question that is not here visit our homepage or call us direct on 0416 235 641.
If you’re searching for the best-licensed electrician in the Brisbane area and surrounds (Alderley, Ashgrove, Bardon, Enoggera, Paddington, The Gap), look no further than Allyn White Electrical.
Q: Are you qualified and licensed?
Yes. I am a licensed and qualified electrician and electrical contractor, with over 40+ years of experience in all aspects of domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical work (small to large jobs) as well as emergency electrical call-outs.
Q: Why hire a licensed contractor?
Peace of mind! Electricity can kill. It is dangerous and illegal to do any work yourself. You can perform a license search to check if your electrician is licensed at Electrical Licence Search (ELIS).
Q: What is a safety switch?
Safety switches are insurance against electric shock. They shut off the electricity supply when current leakage is detected. This avoids serious electric shock and possible electric burns by stopping the current flowing through a person.
Q: How do I know I have a safety switch?
The safety switch has a 'T' or 'test' button on the front face. If the devices in your switchboard do not have a test function, they are probably circuit breakers, not safety switches.
Q: Can I install a safety switch?
No. Only a licensed electrician or an electrical contractor can install a safety switch. DIY electrical work is dangerous and illegal.
Q: I already have a safety switch; do I need additional ones?
You should consider having safety switches installed on all circuits in your home, including power points, lights, air conditioning, oven, hot water and pool equipment circuits, even if they are on a separate tariff.
Q: What happens if I can't reset the safety switch?
This may mean that there is a fault on the circuit and will need the expertise of a licensed electrician to inspect and repair it.
Q: How often should I test my safety switch?
The Electrical Safety Office recommends that push-button testing should be done every three months. As a reminder, test them every time you receive your quarterly electricity account or set up a reminder on your calendar. Simply push the button marked 'T' or 'test'. If the safety switch flicks off and cuts the power to the intended circuits, it is working correctly. Check inside your home to see which lights or appliances have been turned off. The circuits turned off by the safety switch test mean they are protected by it. If it doesn't turn off the power, contact your licensed electrician to check it immediately. After testing, turn the safety switch back on. For circuits with a refrigerator or air conditioner, wait two to three minutes before resetting to avoid possible appliance damage.
Q: How long will a safety switch last?
Under the current Australian standard, a safety switch is manufactured to last for a period of 4000 tests. Unless there is a significant problem with a device, it should last a lifetime.
Q: How do I know if I need extra safety switches?
If you're not sure after looking at your switchboard, contact your electrician as they will be able to tell you which circuits are protected. Watch this short film that explains some of the differences to look for in your switchboard. View safety switch films.
Q: Will my safety switch always protect me?
A safety switch will turn off the power in a fraction of a second if a leakage of current to "earth" is detected. This can happen if there is a faulty power point or electrical appliance or you accidentally hit a live wire, but there may be instances where it doesn't operate if a person is not earthed. So even if you have safety switches fitted, it is important to only use electrical equipment that is in good working order and only in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Always check for signs of damage and never attempt your own electrical repairs. Damaged electrical equipment and appliances should either be disposed of or repaired by an authorised service agent or licensed electrician. To ensure a safety switch continues to work correctly, you should self-test your safety switch test every three months. It cannot protect you if it is not working properly. Regular testing is the best way to ensure that it continues to work.
Q: What are my legal obligations?
The Queensland Government has a longstanding commitment to increasing electrical safety in the community by requiring the installation of safety switches on domestic premises. The following situations for domestic homes are required by law in Queensland.
All new homes built or extended after 1992 but before 2000
Safety switches have been compulsory on all new homes in Queensland since 1992. Safety switches must also be fitted to all power point circuits when a new electrical installation occurs, such as a general power outlet (GPO).
All new homes built or extended after 2000
Safety switches have been compulsory on all power point and lighting circuits for new Queensland homes built since 2000, following the change in Wiring Rules.
Homes that have had the electrical installation extended to include additional lighting and power point circuits are required to have safety switch protection on both lighting and power point circuits.
Buying a property
If you buy a property without a safety switch, you must install a safety switch for the power point circuits within three months of a property transfer. This applies to any transfer of domestic premises.
Selling a property
If you sell a property, you first establish if a safety switch is installed for power point circuits, which must be declared on the standard sales contract and Form 24 Property Transfer.
Renting a home
A landlord renting out a home must ensure a safety switch has been installed for the power points within six months of the tenancy agreement if there is not a safety switch already present.
Q: I have circuit breakers. Is that the same thing?
Circuit breakers protect an electrical circuit by quickly cutting power when there is a high current fault or overload that may cause a hazard. A safety switch is different, it shuts off the electricity supply when it detects a leakage to earth. Circuit breakers are installed to protect circuit wiring and appliances, while safety switches protect people. Circuit Breakers can only be installed by qualified electricians.
Q: I have new LED lights. Can you install them?
Yes. We can install LED lights. We can also supply LED Lights if you require them. Ask us for our great rates.
Q: My hot water isn’t working; can you fix the hot water system?
Yes. We fix electric hot water systems.
Q: What causes electric shocks?
Faulty appliances, wrong repair and even naked wires can cause shocks. If you are worried about your power points, call a professional to inspect your home for peace of mind or to prevent any problems.
Q: How much does it cost?
The cost for an initial electrical service call is $150 this includes the first hour plus GST plus any materials required, (most small jobs are completed within the first hour) For bigger jobs it would be the initial service call of $150.00 which includes the first hour plus any additional hours required would be charged at $90 plus GST plus any materials required.
Our charge-out rate remains the same for weekdays, weekends, after hours and even on public holidays.
Q: What areas do you service?
We operate in the inner suburbs of Brisbane which includes Alderley, Ashgrove, Brisbane CBD, Bardon, Bowen Hills, Chapel Hill, Enoggera, Fortitude Valley, Grange, Indooroopilly, Kenmore, Keperra, Milton, Mitchelton, Newmarket, Paddington, Red Hill, Rosalie, Stafford, The Gap, Toowong, Wilston, Windsor.
Q: What hours are you open?
Office hours are 8 am – 6 pm weekdays and most Saturdays or by appointment. If you require immediate assistance, our emergency service can be at most service locations within 30 minutes. We can also attend to electrical emergencies during the weekends and even on public holidays.
Contact a Licensed Electrician in Brisbane for Your Home Electrical Maintenance, Repairs and Installations
Installation, repairs, upgrades, and lighting advice for your home and outdoor spaces. No matter what your home renovation plan calls for, you can trust Allyn White.
With over 40 plus years of experience in all aspects of domestic, industrial, commercial and emergency electrical work, Allyn will be able to assist with your electrical problems in Brisbane.