Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If my wiring is okay but I suspect my switchboard is outdated do i need to replace it?

Q: What does a safety switch do and do I need to test it?

Q: Do these new compact fluorescent long lasting globes actually save power?

Q: Are low voltage downlights dangerous?

Q: How do I know when my house needs to be rewired?

Q: What can I do if my safety switch trips?

Q: Can I put dimmers throughout my house?

Q: Can sensors be attached to my outdoor lighting?

Q: If my wiring is okay but I suspect my switchboard is outdated do i need to replace it?
A: Modern day switchboards come with switch type circuit breakers and safety switches which help to save lives and prevent you and your family from being electricuted. Not only are these switchboards safer but also make resetting of circuits easier. Faults and problems are easier to detect and the chance of an electrical fire is greatly decreased.

Q: What does a safety switch do and do I need to test it?
A: Residual Current Devices or Safety Switches protect you and your family against being electricuted by cutting off the power before it reaches a dangerous current. these devices also pick up faults on appliances and everyday electrical goods. A safety switch has a test button on the front of it. when pressed should trip out the switch telling you that it works.

Q: Do these new compact fluorescent long lasting globes actually save power?
A: These globes (according to the wattage) do save a considerable amount of power which would be noticed over the period of a year. These globes also last a lot longer than your standard globe. These globes will cost you a lot more than a standard globe but will become chaeper in time.

Q: Are low voltage downlights dangerous?
A: Low voltage downlight globes can get quite hot and therefore can be considered dangerous if too close to roofing insulation. There are many new designs and gadgets which are approved which prevent this from happening.

Q: How do I know when my house needs to be rewired?
A: If you suspect your home needs to be rewired (wiring looks old, outdated switchboard with ceramic fuses, loss of power in parts of house) then it is essential that you get it checked out as this can lead to fires and blackouts. Old wiring can someties be detected by brittle black rubber insulation or even cotton insulated cables in wooden ducts.

Q: What can I do if my safety switch trips?
A: This means that the switch has detected a faulty appliance and in turn cut off the electricity. To find out which appliance is faulty you have to unplug every electrical appliance (remembering fridges, dishwashers, central heaters, pool equipment.) Now turn the safety switch back on and then plug all the appliances back into their powerpoints one at a time until the safety switch trips. The appliance that makes the safety switch trip is faulty and therefore needs repairing or replacing.

Q: Can I put dimmers throughout my house?
A: Dimmers can be used to dim all types of light except for fluorescent lighting. New switches will need to be installed in order to accomodate for the dimmer.

Q: Can sensors be attached to my outdoor lighting?
A: Sensors can be installed anywhere on a home that can be accessed. Some spot lights and flood lights come with sensors as an all in one unit but where there are existing light fittings a range different colours and shapes) of sensors can be used.