The rise of Electric Vehicles and their impact

Whether you have driven an electric vehicle (EV) or not, chances are you will be in the not too distant future. There is an increased demand for EVs in Australia and worldwide thanks to the benefits of reduced fuel and maintenance costs, reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (if EVs are charged using renewable energy).

But, what does this mean for industries servicing these vehicles, and how can you make sure you are prepared for this change? The following blog aims to give insights into what electricians and consumers alike can expect from this change. 

Australia’s EV uptake

According to CarExpert, sales of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles surged in Australia over the first half of 2021. Their combined market share about doubled compared with last year’s tally. 7,248 electric vehicles (EV) were sold in Australia between January and June, according to the latest Electric Vehicle Council market report, in addition to 1,440 plug-in hybrids (PHEV). 

Electric vehicle uptake in Australia is currently lower than in other developed countries, but the number of EVs is expected to grow as cheaper models arrive and more charging infrastructure is rolled out. 

The Australian Electric Vehicle Market Study Report reports that EVs are expected to match petrol vehicles on both upfront price and range by the mid-2020s. Once EVs reach this price parity with internal combustion engine vehicles, sales of EVs are expected to increase rapidly. 

Government-led change 

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) focus has been on the integration of EVs with the electricity grid in a way that benefits electricity users. The Australian Government has also allocated funding in the 20/21 Federal Budget to address barriers to the rollout of new vehicle technologies. The Future Fuels Fund, launched in February 2021, is helping businesses and regional communities take advantage of opportunities offered by new vehicle technologies across battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell and biofuels.

Increased need for power 

All of these changes impact the electronic industry and electricians precisely due to their increased need for power to run. If not managed effectively, the electricity network demand will be quickly overwhelmed. However, by limiting charging to the non-peak hours, the electricity network will become more utilised and encourage the entire electricity system to work more efficiently. It would also support integrating small and large-scale renewable energy systems into the grid, creating better environmental solutions and reducing emissions. 

You have probably noticed the EV charging stations popping up in various locations in recent times. Ehlerth Electrical team has had the pleasure of working with EVSE Australia this year to install a range of EV charging stations across multiple Queensland sites.

Planning for the Future 

It is clear that this change is happening, so the best bet is to begin implementing solutions at the earliest chance possible. One recommendation we are making to our clients who are building a new house is to consider forward-planning for an electronic charger if they are interested in converting sooner rather than later. For already built homes, upgrades may be essential to make sure the amount of power needed can be met without putting strain on your current system. 

If you are interested in having an electronic charger installed or would like to know more about the process, please reach out to the Ehlerth Electrical team today! 

What are the Electrical Safety Requirements For Domestic Rental Properties?

Whether you are a long term renter or about to sign your first rental lease, many landlords and tenants aren’t aware of what’s required for their property when it comes to electrical safety and appliances.

We have broken down the electrical safety requirements for both landlords and tenants in Queensland to help better understand these expectations. Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act) states that the property owners must ensure that the property is not in breach of any health and safety law at the beginning of the property’s tenancy, and this includes the Electrical Safety Act 2002.

Mutual Responsibility

The Electrical Safety Act 2002 outlines that electrical safety is a mutual responsibility for both landlords and tenants. Specifically, it is the landlord's responsibility to ensure the property is safe upon moving in and through the duration of the lease agreement, and it is the tenant's responsibility to ensure their safety and the safety of others by being proactive in reporting any electrical issues.

Safety Switches

The property owner is responsible for a safety switch to be fitted to powerpoint circuits. If the property does not have one, one must be installed by a licensed electrician, otherwise, landlords risk getting a fine of up to $1,500. Safety switches are essential for all houses as they help prevent electrical shock and house fires when the circuit trips. It is also the landlord's responsibility to show where the tenants can find the safety switch, when testing is required and how to do this. Safety switches should be tested every 3 months to make sure they are compliant. Either the tenant can perform this, or the landlord (given they have submitted an entry notice form at least 24 hours beforehand).

Do Not DIY

In Queensland, it is illegal for anyone but a qualified electrician to perform electrical work. Even if the job is done to standard, it won’t pass the certification and therefore jeopardises insurance policies, as well as property value and safety. Discard faulty electrical appliances and avoid attempting to repair these. Also verifying the electrical license of the electrician employed for any jobs to safeguard hiring illegitimate contractors, this can be done by the ‘Find a licensed electrician’ function on the Electrical Safety Office website.

Emergency Repairs

A dangerous electrical fault or damage that makes the premise unsafe or insecure is deemed an emergency repair. In the case that the tenant experiences an electrical shock from electrical equipment or metal fittings, it should be reported, in writing, to the landlord as soon as noticed. If it is an electrical appliance, do not continue to use this until it has been assessed for future use.

Further Resources

The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) has a multitude of resources that can provide more insight into the electrical responsibilities for domestic rental properties. Such as, this downloaded guide on electrical safety for tenants and this free webinar on Electrical Safety for landlords.

If you need to organise an electrical safety audit of your rental properties, or simply if you have any questions about the above, the Ehlerth team are more than happy to assist. ⁣Contact us today!

Electrical Issues to Look Out For When Doing Home DIYs

There was a significant increase in home DIYs and home maintenance this past year. Whether you are simply repainting a wall or remodelling a whole room, DIYing is something that takes time to learn if you want to increase, not decrease, your property's value while keeping yourself safe. 

Certain aspects of DIYs will inevitably involve electrical appliances, so you must educate yourself on the risks before undertaking them. Keep in mind that in Queensland, it is illegal to do any domestic wiring or rewiring yourself unless you are a qualified electrician.

Below are the electrical issues that we recommend looking out for when doing home DIYs. 

Unclean Workspaces 

A clean workspace is one way of reducing the risk of accidents occuring. This is especially true if you are planning on using any electrical equipment. By limiting the debris, water spillage and any electrical cords, you safeguard yourself against potential electrocution, electrical fires and injuries from misstepping or slipping. 

Electrical Fire Hazard 

As mentioned above, electrical fires are a significant concern for home DIYs. Something important to remember is that you cannot use water to extinguish an electrical fire because it will conduct electricity. Anyone who gets wet can get electrocuted, so practising caution is crucial. Simple jobs, such as changing a light bulb or updating an outlet or switch, are often the ones that can be the most overlooked and cause the most damage. 

Faulty Tools 

If you aren’t a frequent user of electrical tools, it can be hard to identify which ones are unusable or not working as they should. Using faulty tools inevitably will result in injury. Keeping your tools appropriately stored, in good condition and discarding the tools that are no longer safe is the best way to avoid a trip to the emergency department. 

Hidden Electrical Damages 

Most of the electrical components of your home are hidden behind the walls and in the roofing, so it is easy not to be aware of any hidden electrical damages you may be facing at the beginning of a project.  If you are a homeowner, referring back to your house plans for the whereabouts of your electrical wiring system is a great way to avoid potential hazards and decrease the chances of receiving an electrical shock. 

Please remember, a qualified electrician should always perform all electrical work. You’re lucky because we happen to know a few!

⁣Contact the Ehlerth Electrical team today if you have any home DIY plans that need an electrician’s assistance.

What to Expect During Your Electrical Apprenticeship

Once you have secured an electrical apprenticeship, you have another four years ahead of you before you become a qualified electrician. These four years may feel like a long time, but they are imperative in building the foundation of your knowledge and skillset required for your electrical career. Our Director Brent offers his insights into what you can expect over the next four years to help prepare for this experience.  

Work Hours 

It’s not uncommon for electricians to work consistently 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. Where possible, arriving fifteen minutes early every day and being prepared for working overtime will not only impress your employer but help you adjust to these hours once you are a fully qualified electrician. Over your 4 years, there will be 8 weeks of TAFE learning per year. It’s important not to be discouraged by the lower pay initially, as electrical apprenticeships are a unique chance to earn while you learn. Most people still studying aren’t offered this opportunity. 

Impressing Your Employer 

Be prepared to get your hands dirty. Sometimes you will find yourself in stressful situations, which will be a great learning experience and will likely make you a more resilient and efficient worker. In the beginning, you might be standing around a lot, which is the perfect time to ask questions and learn from your supervisor. Don’t let yourself get distracted but instead, ask where you can be of assistance and take the initiative to clean or complete outstanding tasks. Finally, be respectful, and show your appreciation often. 

First Year

The first year of your apprenticeship will be a lot of learning, observing and cleaning. This includes dump runs and deliveries. You will be shadowing your mentor and completing mostly roof work, installation of powerpoints, lights and running cables. This could feel like basic and repetitive work, but you must develop these safe habits early before you move onto bigger jobs.

Second Year

Your second year will be a bit more exciting. It will include learning how to test and run circuits, fitting switchboards and completing components of the larger jobs. You will also have more expectations. More will also be expected from you when it comes to customer service, which is a significant part of being a successful electrician. 

Third Year

Once you are in your third year, you will have limited supervision when completing work and running smaller jobs. You will be responsible for discussing and planning work and organising materials for it. You are expected to complete the job paperwork and report to the office, and to have the required tools needed for the job.

Fourth Year

You’re nearly there! During your fourth year, your responsibilities will increase, as this is when you will potentially be running and completing jobs autonomously. These jobs could include air conditioning / solar , completing capstone and sign-offs and e profiling. In some cases, you will have access to a work car, too. 

After completing your apprenticeship and receiving your electrical license, get ready to apply your skills and learnings. You are now responsible for signing off on all work, and you might also have an apprentice to mentor. Depending on your employer, you can expect a work car, phone allowance, and a pay increase. 

Enjoy the process of becoming an electrician and get excited about a long, rewarding electrical career. If you have any questions or are interested in becoming an apprentice with Ehlerth Electrical, contact us here.

Tips for Becoming An Electrician

Our Director, Brent, with Dan while he was still completing his apprenticeship with Ehlerth Electrical.

Completing a trade is one of the best career pathways you can take. Not only do you get paid to learn, but you also will gain professional skills in an industry that is always growing in Australia. A trade can open up an opportunity to work overseas or quite easily set you on a path to own a business one day. 

The hardest part we found when talking to electricians was finding an apprenticeship. They are really sought after and hard to come by, but once you have comfortably begun one and eventually complete your trade it will open up a world of opportunities. In this blog our Director, Brent Ehlerth, gives insight to how to differentiate yourself from the crowd and solidify the start of your electrical career. 

Advice for School Leavers

If you’re currently at school or about to graduate, this is a perfect time to venture into your electrical career. You want to make sure that you are putting in the effort in Mathematics and English classes while also practising effective communication skills. To be a good electrician, you not only need to know your trade, but it helps to have a well-rounded understanding of business to make you an admirable employee and someone who people will want on their team. At Ehlerth Electrical we employ personality first before anything else, being able to talk to all types of people and communicate well is the greatest skill you can have. 

Reach Out To Electricians 

If you’re lucky enough to know someone in the industry - great! Contact them to ask valuable questions about their experience and any advice they may have. Don’t rely on your parents or friends of friends to do this on your behalf, show initiative and offer your time for potential work experience to see if you enjoy the work. Letting your parents call or send your resume just tells an employer you're not ready and potentially being pushed into a job. Keep in mind also that electricians are generally really busy, so if they don’t answer the first time, keep trying to call them to catch them at the right time and don’t be discouraged if it takes a few calls. Following electrical companies on social media and getting to know them and the business is another great way to familiarise yourself with their projects and work.

Complete Certificate II In Electrotechnology

A great way to kick start your career in the electrical industry is by completing a Certificate II in electrotechnology. It provides you with the base-level knowledge and skills necessary for the industry and can help get your first foot in the door for your apprenticeship. The good news is this course can be covered by JobTrainer, meaning that school leavers, young people and job seekers could have this course fully subsidised. 

Look Out For Apprenticeship Intakes

By showing your interest in the electrical industry early on with local electricians and leaving a positive impression, you can open up doors for future apprenticeship opportunities when they become available. Check social media as many small businesses now use these platforms instead of job listing websites. Make sure you personalise your resume for each role to show you have an understanding of their business. If you can, invest in yourself and purchase the tools before you begin your apprenticeship, this will demonstrate both your eagerness and commitment to your employer. 

Understand The Various Electrical Fields You Can Specialise In

There are several sectors you can branch out and specialise in during your electrical career. These include general electrical, commercial, industrial, solar, air conditioning, television and communications, and smart systems. Once you have worked as a tradesman for two years, you can apply for an Electrical Contractors License and begin your own business. On top of this, Australian trades are recognised all over the world, meaning you could travel or move to another country and be able to find job opportunities. 

Feel free to reach out to the Ehlerth Electrical team today with any questions about becoming an electrician or if you want to express your interest in starting an apprenticeship with us.

5 Electrical Safety Tips For Parents

Becoming a parent means you have a long list of things that you are now responsible for, including your child's safety within the home. Electrical safety should be prioritised considering the repercussions.

Introducing electrical safe practices for your family will give you peace of mind and assurance you're doing everything possible to prevent any electrical accidents in your home. Below we recommend 5 electrical safety tips for all parents to consider.

1. No Exposed Outlets 

Babies are very inquisitive creatures and when they start crawling and walking will explore every nook and cranny they can get themselves into. As there is a minimum of two power outlets in every room of the house, keeping the inactive ones covered is the first step in creating a safe environment to explore. You can purchase clear outlet plug-ins to do this that securely covers the open outlets and are difficult for children to remove. This primarily eliminates any potential of your child putting things into the outlet. 

2. Be Mindful Of Cords and Powerboards

Having a handful of loose cords and power boards around your home, especially if they are on the floor and easily accessible, is something to be mindful of when child-proofing. Where you can, avoid using a powerboard in main areas unless you can hide this behind large furniture pieces or out of sight. Avoid using extension cords unless absolutely necessary, and if you do have to, consider getting an electrician's advice on relocating your powerpoints.

3. Practise Caution With Electrical Appliances 

Household appliances can pose a threat in the wet areas of the home like the bathroom, kitchen, laundry and garden. Avoid electrical emergencies by consciously making an effort to put these appliances, such as hairdryers and toasters, away and out of reach and only using them when the areas are clean and dry.

4. Consider Safer Electrical Alternatives

If you are in an older house or apartment, it may be worthwhile to enlist the help of a qualified electrician to inspect your home for any underlying electrical issues, whether it be upgrading faulty light switches or removing any unnecessary lamps by installing more lights in the home. It is also worth mentioning the need for the smoke alarms in your home to be installed and serviced as per the Australian standards. Annual checks for these areas removes the likeliness of a house fire or other serious electrical emergencies occurring at your property.  

5. Educate Them About Being Safe 

You will learn early on that kids will follow your every move so modelling safe techniques around the house is the first place to start when educating. You can do this by showing them that you always dry your hands before touching anything electric, explaining to them that you are switching the power off at the wall before taking an appliance out of an outlet, showing them how you remove and insert the plug safely, and making sure they understand that even parents aren’t allowed to be doing anything dangerous with the electrical work. 

Taking these precautions limits the amount of stress you'll feel when preparing for your baby's arrival and their safety as they grow. If you do have any concerns about electrical safety in your home, the Ehlerth Electrical team are well-experienced to assist you. Contact us here.

Energy Vampires: Appliances That Are Draining Your Bank Account

Are you often finding yourself surprised at your electricity bill despite making conscious efforts to be power-saving? You could be suffering from a vampire infestation. There aren't the blood-sucking, big fangs, black cape Transylvanian type. These are the energy-draining appliances that suck your energy even when turned off, and they could be costing you thousands on your electricity bill. 

We've compiled a list of common household devices that are the most dangerous energy vampires and provide solutions that you can easily implement to avoid these extra costs. 

Chargers 

Yep, any electronic device that also includes a charger is a massive culprit for energy draining. Phones, laptops, speakers, vacuum cleaners, if you can charge it you can count the dollars of electricity it's using by just having their charges always plugged in. A tip we recommend is utilising a power strip adapter and turning it off at the wall when the chargers aren't in use. You can also invest in a smart adapter that will automatically turn the power off if it recognises the devices aren't in use. 

Televisions 

Having your TV constantly plugged in and on standby is another deadly offender. While we can appreciate the annoyance felt when you finally get comfy on the couch only to go to turn the tv on and find it's been turned off at the wall, implementing the daily practice of turning it on and off manually could be the difference between getting a takeaway dinner on Friday night or having to resort to 2-minute noodles. A power strip near your TV outlet will also be useful for any gaming consoles or DVD players you have in use, as these are also energy vampire devices.

Kitchen Appliances 

Energy-draining tendencies of kitchen appliances are a bit easier to combat. Things like the kettle, toaster, microwave and coffee maker (if it has a LED clock function) are all relatively easy to plug and unplug in the kitchen as they don't require constant use. Try getting into the habit of unplugging these before you head to work for the day. Appliances like fridges are obviously always on, but you can try and make your next upgrade one that is more energy-efficient to limit the power it uses. 

Washing Machine & Dryer

Because these aren't always in action, having them unplugged from the wall is going to be an easy thing to implement. Whilst they don't have the highest usage costs when idle, they can add up and contribute significantly to your electricity bill. 

For any assistance with your business and domestic electrical needs in South East Queensland, get in touch with the Ehlerth Electrical team on 1800 940 413 or make an enquiry here: https://bit.ly/3inSG0S

Your Checklist When Choosing an Electrical Team

Your electrical needs around the house, office or on a new project are a big deal. Cutting corners and working with an unreliable team can cost you more in the long run, not only with your initial investment, but stress and repair costs, and most importantly safety issues. Many businesses can ‘talk the talk’, but it’s important to check they can ‘walk the walk’ too, and that the services and expertise they offer are credible and reliable.

In this blog, we share 5 things to look for and consider when choosing an electrical team — whether you’re a business looking for a reliable trades partner for a new build, or you’re looking for an expert team for a residential job.

Specialised Services

A good starting point when choosing an electrical team is to look into what services they offer and if they offer specialised services. Some companies may specialise in commercial projects while others may primarily do emergency maintenance. At Ehlerth Electrical, our team is skilled and specialised in a number of electrical services, from Solar to Commercial to Hazardous Areas. We can help you evaluate and scope out your electrical needs for a project over a quick chat and provide a personalised quote. Explore our services here.

ISO Certifications and Accreditations

When choosing an electrical team to work with, something to look for is whether they have ISO certifications, industry accreditations and memberships. These accreditations can back up the credibility of the electrical business’ skills, systems and management to feel assured you’re in good hands. As well as this, many of these accreditations have a lengthy process where a high level of standards must be met, showing a company’s commitment to excellence.

Ehlerth Electrical holds the following certifications that display our commitment to excellence and industry standards:

• ISO9001 Quality management systems

• ISO14001 Environmental management systems

• ISO 45001 Occupational health and safety

• Gold Master Electrician

• Arc Tick Certified

• Active Safety System by Safety Connect Australia

• Industry Association Member for The Electrical Contractors Association

Testimonials and Reviews

Another way to assure an electrical team’s credibility is to read their testimonials and reviews on Google and Facebook. Real people sharing their experiences can help you decide if this is the right team to work with. Look for what their customers and partners say about their electrical services, such as:

• Reliability

• Level of professionalism

• Expertise, knowledge and skills

• Customer service and satisfaction

• Whether they become their customers’ go to

• Partners in project work

Industry Partners and Network

Look into what teams, partners and professional associations the company has in their network. When searching for an electrical business to work with, you want to choose a team who is well-known in the industry and has a network of industry connections who can back up their skills and values. 

Enhance customer satisfaction on a project by teaming up with an electrical partner who is experienced, has high industry standards that can provide the most support on your project.

Company Values

Lastly, look into the electrical business’s company values to check they align with your own and what you need to deliver your project successfully. Are they flexible, reliable and professional? Are they committed to training and up-skilling their team? These points can all help you make a better decision when choosing an electrical team to partner with.

For any assistance with all your business and domestic electrical needs or commercial projects across South East Queensland, get in touch with the Ehlerth Electrical team on 1800 940 413 or enquire here.