5 FAQs about Home Electrical Jobs
Electrical work should never be taken lightly. Dodgy electrical work can cause life-threatening harm to yourself or other members of your household. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the basics of electrical work, and to understand why you should never attempt to do any installation or wiring jobs on your own. In this article, we’ll answer some of your most frequently asked questions about home electrical jobs.
What types of electrical jobs can an electrician do?
The full list of services an electrician can provide varies from business to business, however, you can count on most qualified electricians to be able to perform basic electrical repairs and installations around the home. Our electricians at Jim’s Electrical can cater to both residential properties and commercial properties. Our electricians can help with a range of jobs around the home, including:
- Moving or upgrading your meter box – Over time, our meter boxes will inevitably weather some damage. Upgrading your meter box will ensure that you’re meeting all Australian Standards and safety requirements. Sometimes, it might become necessary to relocate your meter box (for example, after renovating). In these cases, a qualified electrician can help you complete the relocation, and also fix up some other wiring work that may need to be done.
- Installing your smoke detectors – Smoke detectors are an essential for any Australian home. An electrician can come in and install a smoke detector in your home or your workplace, so you can rest assured knowing that your property is fully compliant and safe for use.
- Installing your lighting fixtures, including pendant lights and downlights – Lighting can make a huge difference to a space. By calling in an electrician to install your lighting fixtures for you, you can have peace of mind knowing that they’ve all been installed according to the highest industry standards.
Are electricians expensive?
Like with any service, the cost of hiring an electrician can vary greatly. Factors that may determine the final price include your location and how difficult the job is to complete. Many Australian electricians will charge a flat service fee and a per hour rate. Others may charge by the job. The best way to get a clearer idea of how much your electrical job will cost you is to reach out to local electricians for quotes.
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t necessarily be looking around for the cheapest option on the market. You’re better off spending a little more on a well-reputed professional than having to fix a botched job later on. When hiring an electrician, you should check to see if they’re licensed, if they’re insured, and if they have good reviews. At Jim’s Electrical, all of our electricians are fully insured, fully licensed, and members of Master Electricians Australia (MEA), a national leading accreditation body which sets industry benchmarks for electrical safety, excellence, trust, and confidence.
Are electricians essential for my home renovation?
Anyone who has renovated their home will tell you that planning is key to a successful home renovation project. It’s a good idea to map out exactly what will be done during the project, so that you can make sure you’ve lined up all the necessary tradies for your job. Depending on what your renovation includes, you’ll likely need an electrician at some point during the project. From running new wiring to adding new power points and installing ovens and cooktops, Jim’s Electrical can do it all. We’d recommend speaking to an electrician before you commence any work, because they might give you some brilliant ideas that will help to make your space more functional and user-friendly.
Can I do electrical work on my own?
The answer to this is really straightforward – you should not attempt to do any electrical work on your own. In Australia, we’re much stricter on DIY electrical work than other countries – and for good reason. Australia uses 240 volts of electricity, which can easily kill a person. America, on the other hand, with more lenient DIY rules, only uses 110 volts of electricity. Aside from the risk of electrocution, poor electrical work can cause serious fires in homes and workplaces – so it’s important to take all electrical work very seriously.
It’s illegal to perform your own electrical work across all states and territories in Australia, but the exact penalties vary depending on where you are. It’s safe to say that the penalties for doing your own electrical work are high nationwide. If you’re caught doing your own electrical installations, you could be fined up to $40,000. If the work poses a serious risk of electrocution, the fine could reach $600,000 or 5 years in jail. So, even if you think the job is easy, it’s not. No matter how small you think the job may be, it’s not worth the risk. If there are any electrical jobs that need to be done around your property, please find a qualified and licensed electrician to perform the task.
If you’ve lived in your home for a while and aren’t 100% sure if your electricity is in good working order, you can contact an electrician and ask them to perform an electrical inspection. This is a particularly good idea for older homes (25 years or older), which could probably have used older, outdated wiring techniques. When it comes to electricity, you can never be too careful, so don’t hesitate to get in touch today to book a general maintenance or inspection appointment.
Where can I find a local electrician?
With the internet readily available these days, it’s become easier than ever to find reliable electricians near you. You can always fall back on Google or local directories such as the Yellow Pages to find a local electrician. You can also ask a friend, family member, or colleague for some recommendations, if you’re more comfortable with a referral.
At Jim’s Electrical, we have local electricians in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Geelong, Perth, Sydney, and the Gold Coast. All of our electricians are fully insured, police checked, and licensed, so you can be sure that your property is in reliable and safe hands.
Looking for someone to perform some electrical work on your commercial or residential property? Our friendly and dedicated team would love to help. Get in touch today on 131 546 for an obligation-free quote.
