Electrician, handyman, and complete building maintenance
Don’t want to read the long discussion? …go straight to the conclusion Yep it’s another one about compliance, but with a slight twist! I have just finished a moderately large job for a client. It was for some outside lights and required some modifications to their switchboard – and this is where it gets interesting! … Continue reading The Rules…
Notes for home owners considering trade work A downloadable and printable PDF version of this document is available. In this article I cover: Licensing Trades people and Contractors – what is the difference? Insurance Receipts Australian Standards Electrical Licensing Australian Standards Compliance Certificates Licensing Most trades people are required to have a contractors license that … Continue reading Legal Requirements of Trades People
I was challenged by a friend this morning, who didn’t agree with the main point of my argument presented in: “cheaper is ok right” The reason he challenged me was that, in his mind the amount of money that someone is paid, doesn’t determine whether the job is a good job, or a bad job. He … Continue reading Cheaper or just more risky – part 2
I had an interesting discussion with someone yesterday who asked me about my work. When indicated that I was an electrician, the first thing I got asked was “what is your hourly rate”. There is now a part 2 to this article. It can be found at Cheaper or just more risky – part 2 … Continue reading Cheaper is OK… right?
I want to repair a light fitting myself. Parts are available, so why can't I fix it myself?
Have you ever wondered whether your job was a good one or a bad one. The job looks OK, but your not really sure. It was cheap, so is that OK? It works, and it seems OK, but is it really?
Rewirable "ceramic" fuses are commonly found in older Australian homes. Do they need to be replaced? Can they be repaired? What are the legal obligations for an electrician?
Section 8 of the Wiring Rules - AS/NZS 3000:2018 - lists of series of tests that all installations, additions and alterations to your electrical system must comply with. These tests are mandatory. Did the electrician you last used do these mandatory tests? What are they, and what do they mean…
I apologise for not updating my current information before this. Construction work in NSW is now allowed to resume (late July, early August 2021) but with significant restrictions. Work at occupied premises is now entirely contactless and can only occur if risk factors can be controlled. Some work must now be done offsite. I am … Continue reading Covid-19 in NSW
As you all know, we are now in lockdown again. As an essential worker, I am allowed to continue to visit customers and work outside of my home. I did this all through last year. However, I have decided that I will stop work until the afternoon of Wednesday 30th June, before reviewing the current … Continue reading Covid 19 and lockdown in NSW
I wrote an article on my FaceBook page a little while ago about downlights and requirements. https://www.facebook.com/greg.rowell.electrical/posts/544638732748180 Well, this article is a follow up from that, and I refer to the Wiring Rules – AS/NZS 3000:2018 Amt 1 Illegally installed socket outlet. Suspended without support. There are a lot of contractors offering cheap change-overs from … Continue reading Downlights – Changing over to LEDs
Well.... this was an interesting find! Yep it is a pot, but hey... what are those wires coming out of it? What an interesting find. Yep it's a POT. But what are those wires coming out of it? Holy Moly, there is something electrical in this thing! I've come across all sorts of things in … Continue reading The pot!
Just because you can buy an appliance at the local Bunnings store, doesn't mean that you can install it yourself. This article explores the warranty of your appliance should you install it yourself.
