Electricity: Top 5 Tips for Electrical Safety at Home

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All of us rely on electricity to get most of our daily chores done effectively. It is imperative to seek services from a professional Electrician such as Thomas Blake Electrical for any Safety Switches Electrician in Carindale to enhance your homes and its inhabitants’ safety. While electricity is something we require heavily on, there is a dangerous side.

Here are some of the crucial tips that will keep your home and family safe:

1. Get safety switches installed on all circuits:

A circuit can be described as a closed path supplying an electrical current. Electricity is supplied via the wires fixed inside the walls to switches and outlets of your homes and buildings. The safety switches instantly disrupt an electrical circuit when a problem is discovered. Safety Switches can help to protect you from several electrical shocks which is why the installation of safety switches has become essential for newly built homes.

2. Right earthing:

Correct earthing helps in averting any possibility of electric shock and eliminates the risk of fire. It also goes a long way in protecting your appliances from any damage. Earthing can also link electrical circuit’s elements to the ground through a big copper rod which can effectively offer a resistance path for faults. The wire is passed from the main switchboard to the rod typically in close vicinity to the switchboard.

3. Opt to upgrade your switchboards:

A switchboard can be defined as the control panel for your homes electrical requirements. It can transform power from the main lines into a system that your house can use. Old switchboards pose a huge risk of fire hazards and can lead to damaging your appliances.

4. Electrical installations must meet Australian standards:

The government and industrial sectors consistently follow Australian parameters for electrical installation. They have been designed to make sure that top-quality practices are followed. These standards help to minimise risks and ensure your premises’ safety and security. Brisbane Electrician Thomas Blake Electrical always meets Australian Standards.

5. Get wiring checked:

When you relocate to a new home that was constructed years ago, it is important to check the electrical installations. The electrical installations must meet Australian Standards. You must upgrade old switchboards to enhance the safety of everyone including your home, its members, and neighbours.

Conclusion:

You must get your electrical installations checked by an expert electrician, don’t be tempted to do any electrical work yourself. You must get in touch with smoke alarms Cleveland to install smoke detectors and enhance everyone’s safety. A licensed electrician will carry out a review of earth wiring, fittings, and switchboard maintenance in your home. The process will ensure that these things are correctly installed and offer advice for any upgrades.

5 Reasons to Change your Halogen Lights to LEDs!

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Recently, some countries introduced a ban on the manufacturing and export of halogen light bulbs. Although Halogen bulbs are still available for purchase, several types are not in production anymore. Therefore, it is the ideal time to switch to LED lighting. It is worth noting that LED lights are highly durable and last much longer than halogen bulbs. LED lights have been designed in such a way that they can operate for up to 35,000 hours, which may even stretch to 100,000 hours sometimes. LED lights do not burn out over a period of time like halogens or lose any brightness.

Here are some of the reasons that will reveal why you should prefer LED lights:

1. Energy-efficient:

LEDs have emerged to be highly energy-efficient. They offer users a whopping 80% to 90% efficiency which implies that 80 to 90% of LED lights’ energy is turned into light instead of heat. Over a period of time, you will discover it to be a wise investment as they last far longer than other available options. You can seize great deals when you contact electrician Capalaba for installation services.

2. No harmful ultraviolet ray emissions:

It is important to note that when you buy LED lights, you will notice the least infra-red light; they have emerged as an ideal option if you want to eliminate UV rays emission. LEDs are also appropriate for use in storage facilities and cupboards, as these lights do not degrade stored materials by UV rays or heat. You will notice that museums often use LED Lights to brighten displays sans affecting the artifacts.

3. Ecologically sound:

LEDs do not include any harmful compounds or elements such as mercury and they are totally recyclable. When you use these lights, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint by a third. These lights last for a long time and when compared with halogen lights they last 35 times longer. It also means that they can save considerably on material and production costs. You can get your LED lights installed at Thomas Blake Electrical, the top electrician in Brisbane.

4. LEDs are robust:

LEDs are manufactured from powerful materials and components so this is why they can withstand even harsh weather conditions with ease. LEDs can also sustain shocks, vibrations, and abrasion without any difficulty and, this is one of the reasons why they are used for roadside and civil engineering applications.

Conclusion:

LED lights will meet all your requirements with ease. You may seek leading electrical services from Thomas Blake Electrical to have them installed on your property. Contact Thomas Blake today to chat about your needs and how we can help.

Why You Should Always Hire an Electrician to Install Your Smoke Detectors

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Have you just built or renovated your home? There are many things that you need to take care of when you build a new home. You may need South Brisbane Electrical Services to install lighting and security systems. You will need to install smoke detectors as well to enhance their overall safety. It is worth noting that battery-powered detectors are quite economical and simple. However, it is imperative to seek the services of professionals for installing and replacing smoke detectors.

Here are the reasons as to why you should hire a professional electrician:

1. Australian Law mandates hiring a professional:

When it comes to installing smoke detectors, Australian law has strict rules and regulations in place. It is important to note that homes built before 1997 may depend on battery-powered alarms however, homes built after 2014 have interlinked smoke alarms that are hard-wired to your main power supply. Working in the main power supply is a risky job and you will need the professional assistance of a licensed electrician who can effectively install the smoke detectors and alarms by adhering to all legalities. It might seem like a simple task but, if you do not follow the rules and regulations, you may end up facing $5000 in fines.

2. An electrician will advise appropriately:

You may come across scores of smoke detectors in shops and online. However, it is not advisable to choose just any of them. If you seek to enhance your safety, your alarm must meet Australian Standard AS 3786-1993. The smoke detectors must also have a scientific Services Laboratory or SSL certification. Interestingly, you can discover an entire list of permitted alarms at ActiveFire.Gov.AU. Licensed electricians often tie-up with leading smoke detector producers and help in seizing deals on alarms. When you seek the services of an electrician in Coorparoo, you will be recommended an ideal device for all your requirements.

3. A professional electrician can deal with installation:

For effective results, it is appropriate to hire an expert to install your detectors. The expert will place your detectors in such a way so that there is the least possibility of false alarms. They will also be able to keep your device far from your AC, fans, and heaters.

Conclusion:

There are several advantages of hiring a licensed electrician. They can effectively install smoke alarms in Cleveland in a hassle-free manner. You will get increased protection and safety with the installation of smoke detectors on your property. Smoke detectors and alarms may appear to be small yet inexpensive devices, but they play a vital role in safeguarding your home. So speak to a professional electrician today about installing detectors in your home.

4 Main Advantages of LEDs Over Traditional Lighting Solutions

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The popularity of LED lighting is on the rise all across the globe. The most significant benefit of this lighting system compared to conventional lighting solutions is the increased lifespan. It is worth noting that an average LED lasts for a whopping 50,000 to 100,000 operating hours and sometimes even more. LED lighting is also quite economical due to their reasonable price point. These lights do not require frequent replacements and of course, less replacement means less maintenance costs and lower costs for replacing parts. The bulbs do not fail for a longer period.

Given below are some of the advantages of LEDs that you cannot ignore.

1. Higher energy efficiency:

These lights are more energy efficient as they require less amounts of power to run. Several LED lighting retrofit projects lead to a 65% to 75% improvement in the complete energy efficiency. The leading Brisbane electrician Thomas Blake, offers various kinds of LED installation for your home, business or office.

2. Safety:

One of the most ignored benefits of LED lightings is that they are actually the safest choice you can make when it comes to lighting. The major problem when it comes to lighting is excessive heat production and, in the case of LED lights, there is almost no forward heat. Meanwhile, incandescent lighting can convert over 90% of the entire energy used for power, directly into heat. This implies only 10% of energy powering incandescent lights is used for lighting.

3. Smaller in size:

The actual LED device happens to be very small in size. The small size of LED lights makes them flexible to a vast number of lighting applications. You may get in touch with Safety Switches expert, Thomas Blake Electrical to install LED lights in your home or organization.

4. Design flexibility:

As LEDs are quite compact in size they can be used in a variety of applications. They are flexible enough to be combined in groups for a conventional bulb but can also be used in segregation just like small equipment lights. Not to mention, you can get LED string lights/fairy lights…

Conclusion:

You may choose to purchase LEDs for your home if you want to enjoy their vast benefits. Safety Switches Electrician in Carindale Thomas Blake, will provide you LED lighting at cost-effective prices. It is also worth noting that LEDs switch on and off promptly so you will not witness any warm-up period in LEDs when compared to traditional lighting solutions.

The Importance of a Safety Switch in Your Home or Business

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Electricity is a vital power source that we use every day. And, considering the surging reliance on electricity for almost everything, it becomes significant to install safety switches. Installation of these switches is considerable for both offices and homes however commercial properties more so. Safety switches assist in enhancing the safety and security of families in their home and office employees.

Given below are details about these switches:

What is a safety switch?

Safety switches are popularly known as RCD. They help in eliminating all the risks emanating from any electrical devices. In the absence of safety switches, several accidents occurred in Australia that proved to be fatal in some cases. Safety switches have been designed to diagnose when an electricity leak may occur and when it may cut flow at the source. Safety switches help to boost security and save many lives every year. It can effectively enhance the protection of electrical devices. It’s best to seek professional advice when you plan to get them installed in your home or offices, Thomas Blake Electrical can help with this.

Do you require a safety?

A large number of people get safety switches installed at their property on the main power circuits, this helps in offering you a higher degree of safety. You must ensure that safety switches are installed at every single circuit point throughout the office or home.  Safety Switches Electrician Carindale Thomas Blake Electrical, offers individuals top-quality safety switches at cost-effective prices. Safety switches can effectively find out when an electrical appliance is about to short and may close down the circuit – this can save anybody from potential electrocution.

Are safety switches easy to operate?

The answer is a resounding yes – they are convenient and extremely simple to operate. Soon after you get them installed, you just need to ensure that they are functioning properly.

How can you get them installed?

A leading electrical service provider will be able to install reliable safety switches throughout your property. They will also be able to guide you with the ideal places to locate the safety switches in your homes and businesses. They will also give you an estimate as well about the entire cost for their installation on your property.

Conclusion:

You should never take a chance with electrical safety so ensure that you do all you can to ensure your family or employees safety. If you think safety switches sound like they might suit you, get in contact today with Thomas Blake Electrical for all your electrical needs.

Why You Should Always Hire a Licensed Electrician

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Many people think that they may conduct electrical repairs and save money by DIYing. However, they do not realise the significance of hiring a licensed Electrician Coorparoo. When you hire an expert electrician, they know how to take care of any electrical task at your property. Whether the job is big or small, they have got the required training to tackle any electrical repair, safely and accurately. Several people tamper with their electrical system in a bid to save money however, end up inviting huge risks into their lives and property which can end up being an expensive habit.

Here is why you should hire an expert electrician:

1. Safety:

Safety is one of the most significant reasons to hire a licensed electrician. Electrical faults may pose several dangers to your life and property so if something goes amiss and you knew it needed fixing, only you will be blamed. Not to mention, DIYing is not worth the risk. You can always trust a licensed electrician for providing top-notch services and ensuring your family is safe. If you are looking for fire alarms, you may contact Smoke Alarms Cleveland.

2. Avoid hazards:

Getting regular electrical inspections by a licensed electrician will ensure that your family are safe from any unforeseen hazards. Any licensed electrician has gone through thorough training to follow all the safety regulations. It is always best to seek professional advice in the matters of electrical repairs.

3. Training:

A licensed Brisbane electrician should be your preferred choice, because they undergo all the necessary training and testing. This ensures that you are receiving electrical work that has been approved and abides by all the necessary regulations.

4. Permits:

It is worth noting that a licensed electrician can secure permits on your behalf as there are some tasks that may require you to apply for a permit. If you perform a job that is not allowed, you may incur a fine. Meanwhile, a licensed electrician will assist you to recognise the necessary permits and escape from heavy fines and penalties.

5. Save money, time, and power:

A licensed electrician will guide you in the direction of highly energy-efficient materials and ways in which you can implement them to save even more energy.

Conclusion:

When there is electrical work to be done, you may seek South Brisbane Electrical Services from Thomas Blake Electrical. An expert electrician is competent enough to carry out such dangerous jobs and enhance your safety. Not to mention, they have a specialisation in executing both residential and commercial electrical repairs.

When Should You Replace Old Electrical Wiring?

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Did you build your home many years ago and are yet to replace the wiring? It may just be time to replace old wiring to enhance the safety of your home and its inhabitants. According to a recent study, defective or old wiring has emerged as the major cause of house fires or short circuits. Electrician Coorparoo says that materials like wire insulation may become damaged over a period of time. A large number of home electrical fire incidents involve receptacles and outlets, poor wiring, and other faulty electrical wiring. The electrical system in your house needs regular inspection and replacement. A thorough rewiring with the latest electrical panel may cost you, however, it really is the only option if you wish to live in a safe and comfortable home.

Here are a few signs when you should consider replacing your old electrical wiring:

Consistent fusing:

If you have a fuse breaker that consistently trips, this is a major indication that something is amiss. It may be a result of several single appliances being plugged into a circuit that may cause it to overload. You may unplug all the appliances and then plug them back in separately. If the fuse still trips, then that’s where the main problem is occurring. It could also indicate that there is a major fault in the circuit. It is best to seek professional advice from a renowned electrician in such a scenario.

Old switches or socket:

If your home has switches or sockets that are outdated then there is a strong possibility that the wiring is damaged. Another indication will be the presence of black rubber wiring. This is regularly the situation with houses that are more than 40 years old and not yet modernised. It is worth noting that rubber compounds tend to brittle as they age and can cause fire incidents.

You need extension cords consistently:

If you have been requiring extension cords at a regular interval, it is a sign that you are running short of outlets. If your room has only one or two outlets, it is time for an electrical review and update.

Stained outlets:

When you spot discolouring or staining on your electrical outlets, it means your home is witnessing a surge in power. This can pose a grave risk of fire hazard and should be addressed at the earliest possible point. You may hire Electrician Brisbane to get the problem checked.

Aluminium wiring:

In the earlier times, electricians frequently opted for aluminium wiring as it was economical. They also ignored optimising these systems for aluminium’s idiosyncrasies. It caused major failure rates at connection points and led to short circuits and electrical sparks. Aluminium is not bad but it is not as effective as copper. The possible safety hazard of aluminium wiring is called creeping. It is also recognised when connections slacken over a period of time. The gaps between the wiring and connectors may cause overheating and fire incidents.

Conclusion:

Your home wiring should be in an ideal condition for the safety of your house and its residents. If you feel a slight shock or tingle after touching a switch, call Electrician Capalaba and get all problems fixed. When you come across any of the above mentioned electrical issues, it is ideal to seek professional assistance. If you think you have faulty, damaged or old wiring, you should call a professional electrician immediately.

Common Electrical Problems Around The Home

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It’s surprising, the amount of electrical faults we may face during our day to day lives. South Brisbane Electrical Services at Thomas Blake Electrical, says that when it comes to household electrics, you must put your safety first. If you spot high bills, shaky bulbs, or damaged electrical equipment, it may a warning sign of electrical issues. There may be several electrical problems lurking within your home’s walls.

Before a problem turns out to be a huge blunder, it is time to identify them from the list given below:

1. Recurring electrical surges:

They may be caused as a result of defective appliances, poor electrical wiring, or damage to the power lines. A genuine surge may only last for a microsecond. But recurring surges have the potential to harm the electrical components linked to your house.

2. Sags and dips in electricity:

Have you been noticing sags and dips in the electricity supply of your home? This could mean the devices linked to your power grid are either defective or manufactured from inferior materials. They may also use massive amounts of power while they are switched on.

3. Light switches malfunctioning:

A dimmer switch that fails to adjust the light effectively may be caused due to low-quality products. If you notice some switches that do not activate anything, it may be a sign of outdated switches or a fault in an outlet, wiring or circuit. You should seek advice from Safety Switches Electrician Carindale in such matters.

4. Circuit breaker tripping consistently:

Items such as a microwave or hairdryers may trip circuit breakers as they are high wattage appliances. It occurs when other power-consuming appliances are also in use on a similar source. The role of a circuit breaker is to offer protection and when it trips it reflects it is doing its job.

5. Circuit overload:

If you notice your circuit breakers are tripping regularly, it may be due to circuit overload. This occurs due to the overloading of power boards. It is best to seek professional advice from Brisbane Electrician at Thomas Blake Electrical when it happens regularly.

6. Excessively bright or dim lights:

This occurs due to different kinds of lights with varying wattage. It is also due to a poor main neutral connection.

7. Surging electricity bill:

When you try reducing your high electricity bill, you may turn to a more economical provider. You may also need to check electrical appliances that may cause a rise in the bill.

8. Recessed lights going out coming back too often:

Recessed lighting is equipped with safety devices that may break the power to the light when it gets too hot. You may be using either high wattage on bulbs or insulation in the ceiling is closer to the bulb.

Conclusion:

If you spot any of these issues, contact Thomas Blake Electrical at your earliest convenience. The safety of your home and its inhabitants is paramount. The professionals at Thomas Blake Electrical will help in identifying the underlying cause of your problems and offer you a reliable solution.

5 Electrical Safety Components that you Need in your Home

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We use a number of electrical appliances in our homes, but are we aware of their safety? To make sure that you and your family members don’t fall victim to any electrical accidents, scroll down to learn about some of the electrical services safety components that you should consider installing in your home:

1. Circuit Breakers

You should ensure the circuit panel installed in your home is up to date – it should meet the latest safety requirements. If the electrical panel installed in your home doesn’t meet safety guidelines, you need to replace it. The circuit breakers are automatically operated switches used to detect any imbalance in the flow of currents in and around the circuit, and if it senses electrocution, it immediately shuts down the circuit. They can also be reset to resume operation normally.

2. Arc Fault Protection

Your homes electric panel should be able to protect against arc faults, which refers to the unintentional electric discharges within a circuit. An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breaks the circuit whenever it detects any potential arc faults. The AFCI helps in continuously monitoring the panel to detect any possibility of arc faults. The conventional circuit breakers are only suitable to avoid overloads and short circuits, they do not provide any protection against arc faults that arise due to erratic currents within the panel.

3. Outlets and Switches

Any damaged, broken, or cracked outlets should be replaced immediately as it can cause electrocution and catch fire. This can be dangerous if you have pets and kids in your home. Make sure that you cover the safety switches with some plastic material or something which doesn’t catch fire.

4. Electrocution Protection

Your electrician must install some devices in your circuit panel which protects you from electric shocks and fire. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) have saved many lives since their introduction. Nearly 50% of accidents due to electrocution have been prevented with GFCIs.

5. Appliances and Electronic Devices

Damaged plugs and worn parts of appliances (especially cords) are tremendously unsafe. Running power cords under rugs and damaged wiring can cause a fire. Ensure that you are using the right wattage bulbs in your home; check all the lamps, fixtures, and appliances for the correct wattage.

Use LED Lighting bulbs where possible, as they consume less power and reduce the risk of overheating. Always unplug devices when not in use, this is the easiest thing to forget in everyday lives, but one of the riskiest things too!

Conclusion:

While it’s important to understand the ins and outs of the electrical processes in your home, it’s always best to seek professional advice and leave the hard yards to your Electrician in Capalaba. We, at Thomas Blake Electrical, provide affordable electrical repairs and maintenance for residents and businesses in Brisbane. Contact us today!

What Are Electrical Short Circuits – Types, Causes, and Prevention

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A short circuit refers to a particular situation in which electricity drifts outside the established pathway of an electrical circuit. The situation will produce an excess of voltage streaming and may lead to a higher current flow in the power source. In easier words, electricity will move via a short route and create a short circuit. Brisbane Electrician helps in eliminating such situations by paying regular visits to check your electrical connections. There are several ramifications of a short circuit, keep reading to learn more.

Given below are details highlighting types, causes, and prevention:

Types of Short Circuits

There are two types of short circuits that include normal short circuits and ground fault short circuits. The first one occurs when a hot wire supplying current happens to come in touch with a neutral wire. In this scenario, the resistance comes down and a huge current begins to flow via an unpredicted pathway. The second situation occurs when a hot wire supplying current come in touch with the grounded area of a machine. It may be a grounded metal box, bare ground wire or an area of the machine. Safety Switches Electrician Carindale will help in fixing all your electrical problems with ease.

Causes of Short Circuit

There are various causes of a short circuit. It may include a wrong circuit wire insulation, loose wire connections, and wrong appliance wiring. In regards to wire insulation, if the insulation is old or broken, it will let hot wires touch with neutral thus causing a short circuit. If there is a loose wire connection, it may allow live and neutral wires to touch. And, if there is an issue in the appliance wiring, it may cause circuit issues. It is important to ensure that you have received short circuit protection for all machines. It is best to seek professional advice in matters of short circuit protection for higher safety.

Prevention from Short Circuit

You must take preventive measures to eliminate any unforeseen situation that may spell troubles for humans and property. All the outlets have a network of wires linked to it. In case there are defective wires, loose box connections or if the outlet is too old, it may cause a short circuit. Also, bare in mind turning off your power points during storms. Because a short circuit caused by a lightning strike may prove to be highly dangerous; always go for yearly electrical inspections.

Conclusion:

The above measures will help in eliminating short circuits. A large number of people also install smoke alarms Cleveland to prevent short circuits. Many individuals nowadays opt for circuit breakers or fuses; switching equipment that stops the high flow of current.