Your Renovation, Your Choice
Your Renovation, Your Choice
Your Renovation, Your Choice: What Homeowners Should Know About Trades
When you hire a builder for a renovation, it's common for them to bring along their own team of trades including an electrician. It's a system that works well; builders have established relationships, they know how each other operates, and it keeps the job moving smoothly. This is completely normal and, more often than not, works out just fine.
Something many homeowners simply don't know? you are not obligated to use your builder's electrician.
As the homeowner, you have every right to decide who carries out the electrical work in your home. Whether it's new power points, lighting installation, a switchboard upgrade, or a full rewire. That decision belongs to you. It's worth having a conversation with your builder early on to understand who they plan to bring in for the electrical side of things.
You may be completely happy going with whoever your builder recommends, and that's great. But if you have an electrician you already trust, or you'd simply like to explore your options, know that you're well within your rights to do so.
We're not here to ruffle any feathers, we just think every homeowner deserves to know their options before agreements are made & work begins. Glenn is only ever a call or email away if your looking for a quote or want to fall back on your regular electrician to complete the job.
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!
Embarking on an apprenticeship is the foundation for a successful career in the electrical industry and who you choose to indenture with can really shape the rest of your working life. Here are our top tips to help you secure an apprenticeship suited to you in 2025. 1. Punctuality Matters From the very first interaction, whether it’s a job interview or a meeting, punctuality speaks volumes about your professionalism and dedication. Arriving on time demonstrates respect for others' time and shows you are serious about the opportunity. 2. Follow Up with a Phone Call We cannot stress this one enough, after submitting your resume, don’t just sit back and wait. A polite phone call can highlight your eagerness and commitment. It also gives you a chance to ask questions and reiterate your interest in the position. Employers appreciate candidates who take the initiative! (This is Bossman's most important tip.) 3. Offer Your Time, Paid or Unpaid Experience is invaluable in this industry. Consider offering your time for free, or at a reduced rate. This could be a one-day or two-week trial period to showcase your skills and willingness to learn. Think about it, global companies like Kmart and McDonald’s often require trial shifts, so why shouldn’t smaller businesses do the same? Show that you’re willing to invest in your future. 4. Network and Build Relationships Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Attend; - Local trade shows: Makita, Milwaukee and more will do this in major cities and towns throughout the year. - Workshops: Get in touch with your local TAFE, they have more to offer than you’re probably aware of. If you are looking to go more industrial, WesTrac, Caterpillar and ARTC would hold information days and workshops, you just need to reach out. - Community events to meet professionals in the field: Many local electrical wholesalers will put on trade days and BBQs, go and show your face (and take resumes). Building relationships can open doors and lead to apprenticeship opportunities. By following these tips and showing some passion, you’ll position yourself as a standout apprentice. Currently, Wilton is not looking for an apprentice in 2025, but we love to see proactive individuals who are ready to learn and grow get a chance with a company who is the right fit rather than whoever will take them. From all of us here at Wilton Electrical, Good luck!
