What are the licensing requirements?
Undertaking electrical work yourself, or using an unlicensed person, is illegal. Penalties may be imposed for unlicensed work and may pose serious risk to the health and safety of you and your family.
Before having electrical work done, check that the contractor engaged to perform the electrical work is a licensed electrical contractor. If work is to be carried out by a person other than the contactor, for example an employee, make sure they are qualified and licensed. All work to be performed should be supported by a written quote, specifying the total cost and a complete description of the work, or an agreed hourly rate.
Permanently connected smoke detectors and safety switches are now mandatory in all new houses, and alterations or additions in existing houses. Authorities recommend these devices be installed in all homes, as a safety measure. A contractor should install all electrical equipment to a standard as prescribed by the local government codes and regulations.
Choosing an Electrical Contractor
If you are like most people, your first experience with an electrical contactor will be when something goes wrong. Electrical contractors can offer a range of services, and not just general electrical light and power installations and maintenance. Electrical contractors can provide advice on ways to improve the electrical efficiency and safety of your home or business, including the installation of smoke detectors and safety switches. Many electrical contractors also carry an additional endorsement, qualifying them to install telephone, data and computer systems.
When choosing an electrical contractor, there are several things to think about. First, is the contractor licensed and have the right kind of experience for the particular job you have in mind? Another issue to consider when choosing an electrical contractor is the type of project you want done.
1. Are you adding a room to your house or does your project just involve repair work?
2. If you are considering repairs, ask about the contractor's hourly rate, and any other associated charges, and an indication of the likely duration.
3. If the work involves new construction or remodeling, ask for a quote on the entire project.
4. If you decide to proceed, ensure all details including the cost and completion date are in writing.
5. Ask the contractor what other services they provide, such as an after-hours emergency service. Compare prices and ask for references from other customers, to find out whether or not they were happy with the service provided.
Terms you should know
When working with an electrical contractor, there are some basic electrical terms you should understand.
(i) ‘Consumer mains’ is the cable that connects your home or business to the electricity supply.
(ii) The ‘Switchboard’ is the main control point...a box, cupboard or panel...that generally contains the electrical meter, main switch, fuses, circuit breakers and safety switches.
(iii) A ‘circuit’ is a system of cables or wires that provide a path for the electric current.
Circuits run from the switchboard or circuit breaker panel to each area of the house that requires electricity.
(i) A ‘circuit breaker’ is the switch on your switchboard that protects the circuits from overloading or from a short circuit.
(ii) A ‘circuit overload’ occurs when the circuit, from an appliance or other equipment, draws more power than the fuse protection or circuit breaker is designed to handle.
(iii) A ‘short circuit’ occurs when there is an improper connection between active, neutral and earth wires, through damage to the cable or appliance or incorrectly connected cables.
(iv) An ‘earth’ or a ‘ground’ is a connection between a circuit and the earthing/grounding system that protects the electrical system from lightning or malfunctions. Most appliances connect to this system with a three-pin plug.
(v) New houses and some older ones will also have ‘Residual Current Devices’, also known as ‘safety switches’, fitted to some circuits as an added safety measure, primarily to protect you from electrical shock.
Identifying Problems
Many electrical problems are usually prevented by a mechanism that is built into the power distribution system. For example, when a circuit overloads or a short circuit occurs, a circuit breaker trips, or a fuse blows, stopping the flow of electricity. If you are experiencing difficulties with your electrical supply, make sure your hands and the area in which you are standing are dry. If at any time, you see smoke, fire, or sparking, where possible, turn off the main switch, leave the house immediately, and call the fire department.
Should you lose all your power, first check with neighbors to see if it is just your home or if it is a larger problem effecting the street or area. If the area is affected then contact your electricity supply authority. If it is only your home, check that the main switch and safety switches are both on. Try resetting these switches, if safe to do so. If this does not correct the problem, then contact an electrical contractor or your electricity supply authority.
If the loss of power only effects part of your house, make sure the main switch is turned off, then unplug, and turn off any appliance connected to that circuit. Check the switchboard for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers. A breaker that has tripped may not be aligned with the others. A red mark or other indicator might also be visible. Most blown fuses will have a blackened window or a melted strip inside. If resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse doesn't work, or you're not sure what to do, contact an electrical contractor immediately.
If you have safety switches fitted to circuits, test them at least every three months by pressing the button marked ‘Test’. If the unit does not trip, contact an electrical contractor. Such things as frayed leads, cracked or broken plugs, switches or other obvious defects should also be attended by a licensed contractor.
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