Electrical Safety Requirements For Landlords
Electrical Safety Requirements For Landlords
Each year, 40% of house fires in NSW are caused by electrical faults and electrical appliances. So it's no surprise that, as a landlord, you need to be on top of the rules ®gulations around electrical safety.
Here are three very important requirements that should be undertaken with the utmost priority.
- Smoke Alarms - Ensure your electrician knows the rules around how many alarms your home needs. Having a multi-story home means having interlinked alarms, which without a doubt MUST be hardwired. Battery operated alarms no longer tick the box for real estate, or for your insurance company in event of a fire.
- Faulty appliances - If you are providing any appliances to your tenants - dishwashers or clothes dryers for example - it is imperative they have no faults and have been looked at, tested and tagged by a fully licensed electrician.
- RCD's - More commonly known as 'safety switches' at your switchboard. Some homes still have circuit breakers or ancient ceramic fuses. These are an absolute no-no for leasing out your property as they provide little to no protection. If anything were to happen to your property, your insurance company would be hesitant to cover your losses.
To ensure your home is always covered in the event of an emergency, make sure you have taken the necessary steps in hiring a fully licensed electrician to inspect and provide your property with an official safety check. For more questions on the rules and regulations around electrical safety or to book in a safety check of your home, do not hesitate to give us a call today on 0414 494 902.
Summer in Newcastle means long afternoons by the pool, backyard BBQs, and plenty of sunshine. But keeping your pool clean, safe, and looking fab takes a bit of planning!
With the right electrical set up this can be a reality before Summer!
You've probably worked out by now dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets are naturally curious! Their playful or inquisitive behaviour can sometimes lead to dangerous encounters with household electrical systems. Amongst our own team are dog & cat owners so we are big on helping families protect every member of the household - four-legged included. Pets, especially puppies & kittens, often chew on things they shouldn't. Unfortunately, power cords and chargers are common targets. This can lead to electric shocks or even house fires. One easy solution is to use protective cable covers or durable conduit tubing to shield wires from little teeth. You can also tuck cables behind furniture or invest in cord management systems to keep things neat and out of sight (they disappear into your skirting board, no one would ever know!) Wall sockets are another hazard so outlet covers or child-proof plugs are a quick fix to keep curious paws and noses away. Be mindful of portable heaters, fans, and lamps. Pets can knock these over or chew on their cords, so it's best to unplug them when not in use. Also, ensure your switchboards are secure and locked if they’re in an area your pets can access. While it might seem excessive, once an expensive appliance is damaged, warranty becomes void & it could end up beyond repair making the initial safety set up seem not so silly anymore! We can also make sure everything is up to modern safety standards while we’re there to give you peace of mind. A pet-safe home is a happy home. With a few small adjustments, we can help you prevent accidents, protect your pets, and avoid costly repairs. Need help making your home pet-safe? Contact Glenn!
At Wilton Electrical, we often get asked, "Why are my lights flickering?" Flickering lights can be frustrating, but they can also signal potential issues with your electrical system. Here are some common causes of this pesky problem: 1. Faulty LED Bulbs If you’re using LED lights, a common culprit is the bulb itself. LEDs can flicker if they’re defective, or even due to poor-quality bulbs. 2. Incompatible Dimmer Switch If your lights are connected to a dimmer switch, it may not be compatible with the style of lighting you have. Dimmer switches designed for incandescent bulbs may not work well with LED or CFL bulbs, causing flickering. 3. Loose or Faulty Wiring Flickering could indicate loose wiring or connections, which could be a serious safety hazard. Over time, wiring can degrade or become loose, causing inconsistencies. 4. Overloaded Circuit If too many devices are drawing power from the same circuit, your lights may flicker or even dim intermittently. This needs to be dealt with immediately. Other than changing the light bulb to something more compatible, we do not suggest fixing it yourself (as tempting as it might be), it’s always safest and most economical to call a licensed electrician. At Wilton, we can quickly identify the root cause of your flickering lights and provide a reliable and long-term solution, keeping your home safe and well-lit. Don’t hesitate to call Glenn for a quote or some advice! 📞 0414 494 902
Electrical fires can strike quickly and without warning! Understanding how to put out an electrical fire is crucial for keeping your home and family safe. Knowing the right steps and having the correct equipment can be the difference between a minor incident & a disaster. The first step in preventing electrical fires is awareness. Electrical fires often begin with faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or malfunctioning appliances. Think that tangled up power board behind the bed with multiple cables intertwined is a bad idea? Then it probably is! If an electrical fire occurs, you need to act fast but stay calm. What Equipment Should You Keep? An ABC-rated fire extinguisher is essential for every home. These are the extinguishers capable of putting out electrical fires (Class C), as well as fires involving ordinary materials and flammable liquids. Always keep one easily accessible and regularly checked. How to Put Out an Electrical Fire: 1. Turn off the Power: If it’s safe to do so, turn off the main switch at your switchboard to your home. 2. Use the Right Extinguisher: NEVER use water, as it can make the fire worse. Use an ABC fire extinguisher instead. 3. Aim at the Base of the Fire: Direct the spray at the base of the flames and sweep side-to-side. 4. Evacuate: If the fire doesn’t go out or grows, evacuate immediately and call the fire department on 000. Being prepared and knowledgeable can save lives. If this has made you rethink your setup at home or the safety of some of your appliances don’t hesitate to give us a call!
