SAFETY SWITCHES: Your Questions Answered

Safety switches are the household or workplace safeguard against electric shock. They shut off the electricity supply when current leakage is detected. In the event of an electrical emergency, safety switches avoid serious injury from electric shock and possible electrical burns by stopping the current flowing through the person. Not to get confused with circuit breakers, safety switches will only protect the circuit it is connected to, therefore it is important to have multiple safety switches installed within your home or office as there likely would be multiple electrical circuits running. 

We answer your commonly asked questions about safety switches below to help you identify if you are at risk.

1. Are safety switches and circuit breakers the same thing?

While both safety switches and circuit breakers appear to do similar jobs, they have different objectives. Circuit breakers quickly cut power when there is a high current fault or overload that may generate a hazard, whereas safety switches shut off the electricity supply when it detects a leakage to earth. Circuit breakers are installed to protect the circuit wiring on the premise, while safety switches protect the people. This is extremely important to prevent injury and save lives.

2. Can I install my own safety switch?

Doing any electrical work yourself is dangerous and illegal. The installation of safety switches must be done by a qualified electrician to prevent safety hazards. If you have any concerns around the installation of a safety switch, you can check the Queensland Government’s Electrical Licence Search (ELIS), here.

3. How do I identify if I have a safety switch?

It is beneficial to know if your home or office has safety switches installed to protect yourself and others. To do this, all safety switches have a ‘T’ or ‘Test’ button on the front face. This is the distinguishing feature of a safety switch in comparison to a circuit breaker. If you cannot identify a ‘T’ or ‘Test’ button on your switchboard, they are probably circuit breakers. We suggest asking your electrician to help identify them during your next electrical service.   

4. I can identify one safety switch, do I need more?

Yes! Consider having safety switches installed on all circuits in your home or office. This may include power points, lights, air conditioning, oven, hot water and pool equipment circuits. If you are unsure, during your next essential electrical maintenance check, ask if the premise is properly protected and has safety switches installed on all circuits within the home or workplace.

4. Can I test a safety switch?

Remember the ‘T’ or ‘test’ button on the front face of the safety switch? This is what is used to test the liability of the switch. Safety switches are not failsafe and you should conduct a functionality test every 3 months to ensure the mechanism continues to operate freely and is not clogged with dirt or other foreign matter.

The below functionality testing guidelines are supplied from the Queensland Government: 

1. 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.

1. 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.

2. After testing, turn the safety switch back on. For circuits with a refrigerator or air conditioner, wait at two to three minutes before resetting to avoid possible appliance damage.

For further assistance with all of your commercial electrical needs, get in touch with the Ehlerth Electrical team via 1800 940 413 or make an enquiry here. We service clients from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

4 Signs Your Air-Conditioner Might Be Due For A Professional Clean

Cleaning the air-conditioner is important for maintaining good air quality in the office or home. Filters inside air-conditioners are designed to catch dust and sometimes other pollutants such as pollen and bacteria. If not cleaned regularly, they can clog up and collect moisture and even mould. This can be detrimental to both the occupants of the office or household and the efficiency of the unit. Generally, a professional service involves the removal and cleaning of the filters and a maintenance check or repair on the internal systems. All units are different and require a different method of cleaning, which is why it is important to book in a professional.

As some workplaces across Australia are preparing for a return to work and workplace health is our top priority, there is no better time to check up on the air-conditioner. If you notice any of the following 5 signs, then your unit is most likely due for a professional clean.

1. It’s been a long time coming

Rule-of-thumb is that every 12 months the unit should have a professional clean. This generally occurs after the warmer months when the unit has been frequently used. If it has been longer than the recommended time there is a possibility the unit has clogged filters. This doesn’t only impact the air quality, it also puts more strain on the air-conditioner. If this is the case for your workplace or home and to prevent this from happening in the future, it’s time to organise a routine cleaning schedule.

2. Dust, dust & more dust

Dust develops as a build-up of things like dust mites, pollen and bacteria. If dust is left within the filters of the air-conditioner, it may be more hazardous for your health than you might expect. As there is commonly a lot of moisture around a unit, this can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria or potentially mould. If these particles are circulating around the office it may lead to minor health issues, especially for those with allergies. Be sure to check the Queensland Government’s factsheet on any potential health risks related to dust. A visual check for dust levels around the unit will help decide if you need to book in a clean sooner than the 12-month routine-check.

3. Health concerns

If staff or household members have had the following complaints associated with poor air quality from circulating contaminated air, then it is time for a thorough clean. Below is a list of common symptoms according to the Queensland Government.

1. Asthma attacks and allergies such as hayfever

2. Sore, dry eyes

3. Flu-like symptoms or frequent colds

4. Respiratory problems

5. Headaches

4. Efficiency is at an all-time low

A build-up of dust can lead to bad airflow, poor performance and reduced efficiency. You can monitor this if you notice a higher energy bill in comparison to previous quarters with similar system use or if you notice a performance decrease. When the filters inside your air-conditioner are due for a clean, the system has to work harder and it draws more power to push the air through the filters. A professional deep clean will make sure that there are no nasty particles or mould in your air-conditioning unit and also improve the energy efficiency of your system!

For further assistance with all of your commercial electrical needs, get in touch with the Ehlerth Electrical team via 1800 940 413 or make an enquiry here. We service clients from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

Ways to Reduce Your Energy Usage When Working From Home

With more people working from home to help slow the spread of Coronavirus, thousands of Australians will see an increase in their energy usage. This increase will be caused by using home appliances more often than we would if we were to leave the house for work. According to Energy Networks Australia, if you are spending 8 hours a day in a home office and have an average of two people working, your electricity bill is likely to double. With this significant change on the horizon, it’s important to understand the small, simple measures you can take to help keep costs down. 

Whether you are just starting out or have been working at home for a while now, these small measures could see huge savings. Below we have outlined our five ways to help reduce energy usage when working from home.

1. Turn energy-draining appliances off at the wall

To better help reduce energy consumption let’s look at the appliances said to consume the most energy with increased use. According to Energy Australia, the energy used by appliances that are plugged into an ‘on’ power outlet and not in use, can cost up to an extra $100 each year. In the home office, these appliances include desktops, lamps, printers and scanners. When you have finished using these appliances, at the end of the day be sure to shut them down and switch them off at the wall. For your ceiling lighting, air conditioners and heaters, turn off when you are not occupying the room.

2. Utilise home automation

We understand that some households have increase traffic during this time and these energy-saving tasks can be difficult to achieve. To combat this, we suggest utilising smart home devices. Setting up your home automation device to turn the lights off at a certain time each day will ensure you are saving energy where possible- without having to physically do it yourself. If home automation isn’t accessible to your household, a sticky note near the exit door reminding you to switch off the light works great too.

3. Make a switch

Identifying the cost of energy-draining appliances can help when making the switch to more energy-efficient options within the home. For every $1 spent on energy, you will get 2 hours of heating or cooling using a split-cycle air conditioner or 20 hours using a portable fan or ceiling fan. It will also get you 55 hours of incandescent lighting or 550 hours of LED lighting. Considering we can spend up to 8 hours a day in the home office, using the ceiling fan over the air conditioner, where possible, will lead to potentially huge savings.

4. Adjust the temperature

Once you have identified how much your split-cycle air conditioner is costing, consider making slight adjustments to the way you use it. As we prepare for the cooler days coming into Winter, your energy bill will skyrocket if you have the heater on for the entire day. To avoid this, start by reducing the heat loss in your home by closing the doors. In the southern states, we understand it can get quite cold so if you need to use the heater we recommend adjusting the temperature. For example, adjusting the temperature from 18℃ or 19℃ rather than 20℃ or 22℃ means you’ll barely notice the comfort level and your heater won’t have to work as hard. By doing so, households can potentially see up to a 10% saving on the power bill.

5. Invest in appliances with a higher energy rating

If you have the option to do so or looking to replace old appliances, investing in a more energy-efficient option will deliver long-term benefits. Energy-efficient appliances are designed to utilise minimum energy to complete the required task. As you are using more energy elsewhere such as desktops and printers, think about switching out the long-standing appliances such as fridges and washing machines. Opt for energy ratings of a 5.5 star for fridges and a 5 or 6 star rating for a washing machine.

For further assistance with all of your electrical needs, get in touch with the Ehlerth Electrical team via 1800 940 413 or make an enquiry here. We service clients from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

5 Tips to Avoid Overloading Your Circuit at Home

Your home electrical circuit can become overloaded when we are using more appliances than usual, wiring is faulty or needs upgrading, or we don’t have a good understanding of the power wattage that the circuit can handle - amongst many other reasons. A circuit overload occurs when the electrical demand is higher than the amount that the circuit was designed to handle. In instances where you have more people in the household, such as guests over at holiday times, the overuse can cause a circuit overload. 

As well as this, many of us are tempted to use power boards and extension cords in areas where the house may not have been designed with enough outlets. It may seem like an easy fix, but the number of outlets often correlates to the amount of wattage a circuit can handle, so using more than the circuit was designed to handle can cause damage to your appliances, overload your electricity causing you to lose power, or even cause a safety hazard. Below we have outlined our five tips to avoid overloading your circuit, keep your home safe, and keep you connected. 

1. Inspect your wiring and appliances

Check the cords of all of your appliances to ensure there is no fraying and that the copper ‘wire’ inside is not exposed. It’s important to make sure your cords are all intact and not causing a potential hazard. If any cords are damaged, cease using them immediately - it’s not worth risking your safety to continue using damaged appliances as they are posing danger to your household members and the house itself.

2. Understand how much power your appliances use

Now is a good time to gain a better understanding of how much power your appliances use along with how much wattage your circuit/s have been designed to handle. Generally, you can refer to the tag on the cord of most appliances for the appliance’s wattage. Once you know the ‘typical wattages’ of some appliances, think about how long the device is used for. You will also need to consider the standby power of your appliances as these can chew up a lot of power too! 

Once you know how much power your appliances use, for how long, and how many simultaneously on the same circuit, you should refer to your circuit breaker to find out how many amps or watts it can safely load before it short-circuits.

3. Unplug major energy-draining appliances

Once you have identified which of your appliances are the most energy-draining, consider unplugging these when not in use so that they don’t unnecessarily use up power while on standby. This is important for appliances such as computers, televisions, kettles, and toasters which we often keep plugged into the wall when not in use. We can’t switch off items such as refrigerators, but unplugging or switching off the appliances that we can at the wall will also help increase the longevity of them. If you have multiple household members using energy-draining appliances at the same time, ensure the appliances are on separate circuits (more common in newer houses) or creating an alternating schedule for use of these appliances to avoid overloading your circuit. 

4. Invest in energy-saver appliances 

Investing in energy-saver appliances is great if you have the option to. This way, you can reduce the amount of power being loaded to your circuit, safely use more appliances at once (within the wattage of your circuit), reduce your energy bill and consumption, and be more eco-friendly. This article from Your Home by the Australian Government has great advice on choosing energy-star rated appliances. 

5. Consider home rewiring

Particularly with older homes, you will find that the circuits were not designed to handle the amount of power and appliances we use in our modern lifestyles today! If your home can’t keep up with the demands of your household, it may be time to consider rewiring your home to accommodate your lifestyle. It may be an upfront investment, but in the long run, it is more worthwhile for your increased efficiency, safety and security as well.

Need further advice on home rewiring? Get in touch with the Ehlerth Electrical team via 1800 940 413 or www.ehlerthelectrical.com.au to find out more information. We service clients from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

3 Electrical Considerations For Your Home To Make Your Life Easier

Whether you’re planning a new build or upgrading your existing home, considering the following upgrades can add value to your home, improve your lifestyle, and personalise your home to suit your needs. Often, factors that can make the biggest difference in terms of convenience, saving money, increasing security, and reducing energy are overlooked during the build stage, such as lighting options, outlet placement, and home security options. 

1. Lighting Upgrades

Dimmers are fantastic as they give you the option of flexibility to adjust the softness of your lighting depending on the time of day or occasion. They are a simple upgrade that can add a level of luxury and can improve the feeling of a space. And as a bonus, using dimmers can reduce your energy usage by up to 20%.

Strip lighting is another fantastic, easy lighting upgrade to make in your home. LED strip lights are versatile and can be used to add a sleek yet subtle design feature to your home while adding light to dark spaces. Strip lighting can be used in many creative ways. We see some of our clients use LED strip lights in kitchens (to light splash backs, cabinets and pantries), in bathrooms, in wardrobe/dressing areas, and even bookshelves to add an extra touch.

LED Lights are an electrical consideration/upgrade highly recommended by our team at Ehlerth Electrical. Investing in LED lights can reduce your energy usage by 85% as they are more durable and use eco-friendly. They look great in your home or office and offer a high level of control when it comes to lighting choices and are durable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Motion Lights can save you money by reducing your energy usage as the lights will only be in use when motion is detected. We recommend using motion lights in spaces such as your garage, hallway, outdoors, or basement/attic spaces for convenience. No longer will you have to fumble around looking for a light switch when you have your hands full, and you can save against unnecessary energy wastage from lights being left on accidentally. Motion lights outdoors are an essential investment not only for convenience but for added security, as they can help deter crime by making intruders visible/startling them.

2. Lightswitch / Outlet placement

With new builds in particular, you have the option to plan for convenience and suit your lifestyle when it comes to the placement options of light switches and power outlets in your home. Below are a few light switch and outlet placement options you may not have considered that could suit your lifestyle and needs, personalise your space, and add value to your home.

On your bedside. Any lights that don’t fit on your bedside table, or to save space on your table altogether with hanging pendant lights/ceiling lights in your bedroom, consider a light switch next to your bedside to be able to turn off your lights without getting out of bed. A wall outlet next to your bedside is a must-have as well – consider USB outlets so you can plug cords directly into the outlet as well.

Christmas decorations. If you are a fan of holiday decorations, plan for convenience by ensuring you have outlets in spots where you plan to have your Christmas tree/lights, etc. We recommended outlets recessed into bookcases, in-ground outlets near the base of the tree, on the mantelpiece and consider having these outlets on the same circuit to be switched on/off at once.

Bathrooms. Consider how many appliances you would use in your bathroom to ensure there are enough outlets in your space to allow for this. If you’re attuned to use your phone in the bathroom a lot while getting ready, you may consider a USB outlet or an extra wall outlet to charge your phone too. If you have electric toothbrushes or other appliances that require charging, consider outlets in under-sink cabinets in the bathroom too.

3. Advanced Home Safety and Security

Home security smart home automations are sought-after features that can add value to your home, and of course the extra security will give you and your family an added peace of mind. Consider upgrades or inclusions for your home as part of your new build such as security cameras, doors/gates that can be locked remotely using a phone (as well as with a combination code), and systems that can notify you if there is a leak.

For more advice on electrical upgrades for your home as part of a new build, reach out to Ehlerth Electrical here. 

Career Opportunity | Qualified Full-Time Electrician

An exciting opportunity has opened up within our Brisbane based electrical company! 

Ehlerth Electrical is seeking a qualified full-time electrician who has 5+ years experience as a tradesman to complete work in domestic electrical throughout Brisbane & SEQ.

The successful candidate will be technically qualified, self-motivated & able to liaise with multiple clients managing jobs. 

Your role will primarily be to oversee projects, including, but not limited to:

• Supervision & mentorship of company staff & apprentices

• Liaising with clients to oversee and complete projects.

• Organise staffing requirements and materials

• Work with & build strong relationships with stakeholders

• Adhere to project timelines, whilst following OH&S requirements

As a new and rapidly growing company, our goal is to provide a work environment where customer satisfaction is our number one goal. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop their skills in a variety of electrical fields, including high-end renovations, hotels, pubs, schools and the insurance industry. 

To be considered for the role you will possess the following qualities and skills;

• Demonstrated 5+ years tradesman experience in a similar role

• Demonstrated experience with solar system installations

• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently & effectively in time-critical situations

• Demonstrated ability to supervise & mentor staff

• Build & retain strong relationships with internal & external stakeholders

• A sound understanding of technical specifications including Electrical, Communications and Structural drawings

• Exceptional problem solving and fault finding skills

• Excellent communication and time management skills

• Commitment to client satisfaction with a strong customer service focus

• Self-motivated and able to work independently

• OHS Construction Induction Card

• Hold a current manual drivers licence

The successful candidate will receive the following perks;

• Work vehicle provided

• Uniforms provided

• Weekly phone allowance

• Positive team culture and work environment

• Opportunities to obtain licenses and be provided extra training.

To be eligible for this role you will need to have a current Queensland Electrical Licence.

To apply, please send your CV to info@ehlerthelectrical.com.au

Planning for Solar Panels in a New Build

Solar panels are fantastic for reducing your grid energy usage, lowering your electricity bill, and are more sustainable for the planet than non-renewable energy sources. Although it is an upfront investment, it’s a no-brainer when considering the future benefits and there is no better time to have solar panels installed than during a new build (rather than years down the track). Once you/your client has decided on solar panels, it’s imperative to consider the following 6 factors to ensure they are installed correctly and to reap the most benefits.

1. Location, Location, Location

First, consider the lay of the land. The way a block of land is shaped or positioned can have varying impacts on how effective the solar panels will be. If you’re considering a coastal block, your solar panels will likely need to be installed with the appropriate salt and wind corrosion ratings - this is worth checking with your electricity provider. You will also need to ensure that the panels can withstand the coastal conditions. Consider the positioning of the land to determine where and what time of the day the sun will hit the solar panels. 

When choosing a block of land, also keep in mind anything that may shade your solar panels during the day, such as neighbouring multi-storey houses or large trees. These are all important factors to note as they will play into the location of the solar panels on your roof and how efficient they will be.

2. Solar Inverter Location

The benefit of a new build is having more choice as to where services such as the switchboard and meter box are located to your solar inverter. A solar inverter is one of the most important elements of a solar power system as it converts the direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is the electricity that will be used to power your home and appliances. To minimise voltage rise and costs, it’s beneficial to have the solar inverter closer to the switchboard. It is easier to plan for this during a new build.

3. Roof Design

Roof design plays a crucial part in the efficiency of your solar panels. We recommend designing the most northern facing part of your roof with one level roofline as this will allow you to run long, straight rows of panels together. Consider any plans for antennas, satellite dishes, or the likes to be installed on the southern facing side of your roof so as not to impact the most effective placement of your solar panels. Try to minimise pipes and skylights in these locations too so they don’t impact the positioning options of your solar panels. 

4. Pre-Wiring

During a new build, you’re much more likely to have the option to install the pre-wiring for your solar power system before the walls have been gyprocked. This is much more efficient and will save you time and money when it comes time to install the solar panels.

TIP: For a multi-storey home, pre-lay your solar panels on the roof as well during the earlier stages of the build to avoid paying for the costs of scaffolding again at a later date.

5. Phase Supply

Typically, only larger houses with ducted air-conditioning use three-phase power, however, when considering a solar panel system, you may consider using three-phase power regardless of the house size. The difference between 3-Phase Supply and Single Phase is the inverter capacity for solar export to the grid is larger for 3-Phase. Within your new build, we would recommend installing a 3-Phase Supply system that has a higher kW capacity, as it will be more cost-effective for future options and provides a more stable voltage for your inverter (which can allow your inverter to produce more electricity).

6. Seek Professional Advice

Getting the fine details of your solar panel system right during a new build is the most cost-effective way to ensure you save money on the installation and reap the benefits of a reduced electricity bill from the get-go. Seek professional advice from a Solar expert to ensure the build and installation process run as smoothly as possible.

For more advice regarding planning, installation, and maintenance of Solar Panel systems, reach out to Ehlerth Electrical here. 

6 Things to Consider Before Your New Office Fit-Out

It’s officially 2020, and a new year may bring new goals and considerations for your workplace. As a Brisbane based electrician, we have been servicing many commercial clients with their office and workspace electrical needs for many years, as it’s something we love to do. We have seen it all, from wiring up a new space to rewiring an older space to improve safety. Whatever the client’s requirement, we have been there to help. 

Ensuring your new fit-out saves you money on your energy costs in the long-run is at the top of many office owner’s priority list. This comes down to choosing the right electrical appliances for the space. As we have noticed a few things along the way that have saved our clients money on energy costs and made their overall workplace environment more valuable, here are our top 6 things we encourage our clients to consider prior to going ahead with a new office fit-out: 

1. Know Your Budget 

Although this is a standard consideration when thinking about furniture and features, it’s also something that’s important when first meeting with your electrician. Prior to booking and electrician for the job, meet with them to transfer your vision across, that way we can provide a sufficient quote for your needs and you can choose how to navigate your next step. 

2. Choose LED Lighting

Have an epic LED sign to hang on the front door? Maybe you’re considering using on-trend indoor LED lighting? Either way, LED is the way to go if you are wanting to save money on energy costs. Sign lighting is where LEDs are best utilised as they give an impactful finish to the overall fit-out. Consider LED strip lighting for window displays. 

3. Understand the Power of a Feature Light

Majority of the time, the lighting features that are on-trend at the time of your fit-out have been trialed for efficiency when it comes to saving your office money on lighting. It’s good to see what's on-trend at the time of your fit-out so you can consider lighting features that look good and saves you money in the long run.  Trends and feature lighting go hand-in-hand. You will find many feature lights to be seasonal trends, however, it’s worth looking into the feature light as finding one that suits your office space may be more efficient than overhead lighting or other standard lights.

4. Invest in Office Security 

Having a secure office space is a top priority for most businesses. Considering SMART security systems lets you access systems remotely for boutique businesses or for larger office spaces, investing in quality office security is a priority. We recommend chatting to your electrician about the best security options for the space and have it fitted out prior to moving in. 

5. Get to Know Your Air-Conditioning Options

Given it’s an OH&S requirement to maintain a comfortable work environment for the workplace, installing an air conditioning unit on your new space is essential. This is best done prior to moving in and can be conducted by an electrician. If you are in charge of installing a new air-conditioning unit for your new space, we recommend going with a brand you trust and is reliable as the quality of the unit will impact how much energy is used per quarter. We also recommend keeping it on the golden temperature of 24℃. 

6. Understand the Smart Systems Available 

Ranging anywhere from smart plugs to air quality controls, smart automation within the office is proven to save time and money in the long run. To ensure you are choosing an appropriate system for your business, we recommend asking your electrician what will be best for the space you are moving into. 

Given the large variety of lighting, air-conditioning and smart office systems on the market, it pays to chat with your electrician about the right options for your space. If you would like to get in contact with the Ehlerth Electrical team before you begin your office fit-out this year, you can contact us here for a chat.