Electricity is essential for modern Australians. Electricity is the power that powers our appliances, lights and pool systems as well as computers, chargers and commercial and industrial equipment. Healthcare facilities also depend on it.
Electricians are essential to our lives. They install, maintain and repair our electrical systems.
Are you familiar with the services that electricians provide? Are you able to identify a reliable electrical contractor? This article will help you answer both questions.
We’ll be covering electrical contractor services in Part 1. Part Two will show you how to locate a professional electrician in Port Macquarie.
Part One: Electrician Services
Many services are offered by electrical companies that you might not know about until you actually need them. Here is a partial listing of the services provided by most electrical companies.
Electric Inspections
As you would schedule your annual physical with your doctor you should also schedule an inspection of your home or building with your electrician. Home safety inspections can be performed by electrical contractors as an independent service.
Annual inspections uncover abnormalities, damage or weaknesses in electrical wiring and components of buildings. Problems can be caught early and avoid costly repairs later.
Inspections also reveal issues in wiring and outlets that, if not addressed, could lead to fires.
Protection from Surge
Although power surges can be caused by many different reasons, the main reason is the same: A sudden spike in voltage which overheats or burns wiring. These items can be destroyed if the wiring is in appliances, electronics, or devices.
Surge protectors for consumers are cheap and look like large outlet strips. These protectors are useful, but they may not be 100% effective. They must usually be replaced after a voltage surge.
A whole-house surge protector is the best way to protect against voltage spikes. A licensed electrician must install this system. It offers maximum protection against sudden voltage surges.
Electric Repair
An electrician can repair damage to electrical components. An example of this is lights that won’t turn on because their sockets are bad, outlets that have been struck by lightning, and wiring that has been chewed up by rodents.
GFCI Installation
GFCI outlets have a special component that prevents electric shock. When there is an imbalance in current flow, the “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter” component interrupts or stops it. To restore flow, the outlet has a reset button.
GFCI outlets can be found in bathrooms and kitchens, but they are also available in garages, laundry areas, and outside poolside bars.
Rewiring
The wiring in a building or house should be in good condition and be able to keep up with the demand. These signs could be caused by a faulty or overloaded system.
- Outlets and light bulbs buzz, sizzle or buzz
- Warm or hot plugs, cords and switch plates
- Many breakers go on trips
- The lights flicker and dimming of the bulbs
- When you plug in a cord, you feel a slight shock
- When a cord is plugged into an outlet, it sparks
To ease strain on the system, or to replace worn-out segments, it may be necessary for the entire building to be rewired or a part of it.
Upgrades to Electrical Panels
The electrical panel is the point at which electricity is distributed to other structures in a typical home or building that gets it from a power company.
As more devices and appliances are added to the home and plugged in, so does the demand for electricity. Sometimes, electrical panels may need to be updated so that the house’s electric system can meet the increasing demand.
In homes and buildings older than 40 years, panels may need to be upgraded. They are subject to wear and failure and may not be in compliance with regulations and codes.
You may need to upgrade your electrical panel if you notice the following:
- The panel’s interior feels warm
- The panel makes crackling noises.
- The circuit breakers have rusty/corroded appearances
- Your appliances run at half speed
What is involved in an electrical panel upgrade? A typical service involves replacing circuit breakers and replacing the bus bar. It also includes electrical panel rewiring. Sometimes, the upgrade requires moving the panel to another part of the home or building.
Ceiling Fan and Light Fixture Installation
Electricians install ceiling fans and light fixtures. A licensed electrician can install fans and lights that have become damaged over time or are being replaced by property owners. A licensed electrician can install recessed, ceiling-mounted, sconces and chandeliers as well as bathroom lights and paddle fans.
Outdoor and Landscape Lighting
Electricians can install landscape lighting, deck lighting, patio lighting, and pool lighting. Electrical contractors can also install commercial outdoor lighting such as illuminated signs, parking lot lighting, security lighting, and other lighting.
Landscape lighting can improve the exterior of a house or business and increase curb appeal and property value.
Emergency Electrical Services
Many electrical companies provide 24/7 emergency service, just like other service providers. It’s important to have an electrician who is available after-hours as electrical emergencies can happen at any hour of the day or night.
Part 2: Finding a Great Electrician
It is almost a given that you will need the services of an electrician at some point. We’ll show you how to locate several providers, narrow down your choices and finally make your final choice.
Begin by asking around
When looking for an excellent electrician, word-of-mouth referrals are your best bet. Ask around. Ask people you trust, locals, and with similar expectations.
Ask for referrals by joining a Nextdoor or Facebook group.
Ask if there are any local electricians you should avoid hiring. This information is just as valuable as referrals.
Online Reviews and Ratings
Although testimonials on an electrician’s site are great, reviews from impartial websites give a better picture of the company. For reviews, visit sites such as Yelp or the Better Business Bureau. You can also check out Google reviews for businesses.