FAQ
Common electrical questions
Straight answers to the things Canberra homeowners ask us most.
- Do you work on homes only, or commercial too?
- Most of our work is residential — homes, renovations, extensions and new builds — plus ongoing maintenance for rental properties and agencies. If you have a small commercial job, call and describe it.
- My safety switch keeps tripping. What does that mean?
- A safety switch trips because it has detected current leaking to earth. Usually it's one faulty appliance or one damaged circuit. Unplug everything on that circuit and try resetting it — if it still trips, or trips again shortly after, the fault is in the wiring and needs testing.
- How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?
- If you still have ceramic fuses with fuse wire, no safety switches, breakers tripping under normal use, or no spare capacity for a new circuit, the board is due. Scorch marks, buzzing or heat at the board mean it should be looked at straight away.
- Can I install a power point or light fitting myself?
- No. In Australia, fixed electrical wiring work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. That includes new power points, hardwired light fittings, ceiling fans and anything inside the switchboard.
- Do you charge for quotes?
- For most jobs we can give you an idea over the phone once you describe it. Larger jobs — rewires, new builds, renovation packages — need a look at the property first. Call and we'll tell you which yours is.
- How quickly can you come out?
- It depends on the week and how urgent the fault is. Call and describe what's happening and we'll be straight with you about timing rather than promising something we can't hit.
- What areas do you cover?
- We work across Canberra, the ACT, Queanbeyan and surrounding NSW, including Belconnen, Gungahlin, Woden, Weston Creek, Tuggeranong, the inner north and south, and Queanbeyan.
Question not answered here?
Tell us what's going on and we'll let you know what's involved. No call centre — you talk to Mick.