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Electrical

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How is Electricity Created?

How to save on your electricity bill

By | Electrical

We all love using electricity – but when the time rolls around when we have to pay our electricity bill, sometimes we wish we hadn’t used so much.
How is Electricity Created?

If your electricity bill is too high, or you would like to save some extra money, have a look at these tips to help you save on electricity. Here are nine ways to save electricity and reduce your bill.

 

Energy-efficient lighting

Believe it or not, light bulbs can contribute a surprising amount to your power bill, especially if you have old incandescent or halogen light bulbs. Consider installing energy-efficient light globes. Not only do they use less electricity, but they can also last longer too, which means you don’t need to buy new ones as often.

Adjust the thermostat

While it is extremely important to stay nice and cool in the summer and warm and snug in the winter, heating and cooling can be expensive. When heating, set your thermostat to between 18 and 20 degrees – each degree above 20 can add up to 10% to its running costs. In the hotter seasons set the temperature to 25 or 26 degrees. Once again, every degree below 25 can add around 10% to its running costs.

Wash clothes with cold water

It is no secret that hot water uses a lot more power than cold water. Where you can, try to stick to the cold wash setting for day to day laundry. Furthermore, take advantage of washing machines with good quality, eco-friendly settings and make sure to set your washing machine to the correct load size.

Switch off appliances at the wall

Standby appliances can cost a typical household up to or over $100 per year in wasted electricity. As many people don’t know, appliances like televisions, microwaves, dishwashers and even phone chargers can consume electricity when they’re not being used, which can end up costing you bucket loads if you’re not careful. If you keep forgetting to switch off at the wall, consider buying a smart power board to stop standby electricity for you.

Close doors, windows and curtains

This tip is nice and simple. The harder an air conditioner has to work, the more power it uses and the higher your bill. When running your air conditioner, be sure to close your windows, doors and curtains.

Create a well-insulated home

Insulation is a cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency, helping reduce your heating and cooling costs. Insulation helps your home maintain a comfortable natural temperature. It acts like an esky to keep the cool in during summer, while acting like a thermo in winter to retain heat. In fact, adequate insulation can save homes up to 45% per year on their electricity costs.

Monitor energy

Tracking your electricity usage with an energy monitor means you can see exactly how and when you are using electricity. This helps you to identify opportunities to save electricity and reduce your power bill. Electricity monitoring is available to most smart meter customers, other meter types will require a meter attachment to access energy monitoring.

Check appliance settings

Adjusting the settings of certain appliances can have a huge impact on your power bill. For example, check the fridge isn’t running too cold and that your TV isn’t too bright. Also make sure you take advantage of any eco settings on appliances such as dishwashers, clothes dryers, washing machines and air conditioners.

Compare electricity providers

Last but certainly not least, compare electricity retailers. If you have been with the same electricity provider for years, then there’s a good chance there is a better provider out there for you. You can save a significant amount by shopping around for a better deal. 

By following these basic tips, you can ensure that your power bill is cheaper, leaving you more money for the things that matter more.

If you have any questions about prolonging the life of your AC, or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON today.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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Reading your electricity and gas meters

Reading your electricity and gas meters

By | Electrical

Meters are used to measure how much gas or electricity is being used at your property. There are many different types of meters that can be used to record and display your usage. 
Reading your electricity and gas meters

Meters record and display the information differently, and it is essential to understand how to read your meter correctly. Read on to find out how to read your electricity meter.

Accessing your meter

If you want to reach your meter to either check the meter number or to take your own meter reading, please be aware of the potential for danger. Although meters are designed to be very safe pieces of equipment, they can deteriorate over time. Look for any damage which may have been done. If you see anything that’s potentially hazardous, please don’t touch it or attempt to fix it but contact a professional instead. 

Meter Numbers

All electricity meters have a unique meter number. Your meter number is unique to the electricity meter at your premises. Every electricity meter also has an NMI (National Meter Identifier, which is used by the meter service provider to identify the meter).

Types of meters

There are many types of meters which all have various components. Use this guide to identify what kind of meter you have and how to read it properly. 

Clock face electricity meters

A clock face meter has several small clock faces. To conduct a reading, note the numbers from each clock, from left to right. If a pointer is between 2 numbers, note the lower number. When the pointer is between 0 and 9, read 9. The additional dial labelled 1/10 is not used to calculate your meter reading, so you can ignore this. Your usage for the period is calculated by subtracting the meter reading from your last bill from the reading you obtained from the meter.

Electronic electricity meters

To read your meter press the ‘display’ button which will display the reading options – the meter may scroll through a series of displays. As the meter scrolls, note each of the readings.

Smart meters

Smart meters (also known as interval meters) record usage in 15 or 30-minute intervals. These meters cannot be read manually; only the meter service provider can download the data. Most smart meters are read remotely, and the data is sent to the meter service provider daily.

Gas meters

The type of gas meter you have will depend on the gas pressure available in your area and the type of regulator located on your gas meter. All gas meters have a meter number, which matches the meter number on your bill. Each meter also has a MIRN (Meter Installation Registration Number) or a DPI (Delivery Point Identifier). These numbers are assigned to each address and are used by the meter service provider to identify your property. These numbers vary from State to State.

Metric gas meters

Metric gas meters measure usage in cubic metres. “Cubic metres” or “M³” will be displayed. A reading is done from left to right. The black and white digits should be read. If you see red numbers on your meter, ignore them as they are for testing.

Imperial gas meters

Imperial gas meters measure usage in “cubic feet” which will appear on the meter’s clock face, this is then converted to cubic meters.

A reading is done by noting the numbers from each clock, from left to right. If the pointer is between 2 numbers, note the lower number. When the pointer is between 0 and 9, read 9. The additional dials labelled ½, and two are not used to calculate your meter reading, so you can ignore these.

If you have any questions about electricity meters or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON today.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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Why Are the Lights in My House Flickering?

Why Are the Lights in My House Flickering?

By | Electrical

An occasional light flicker in your home is normal, bit if you find that it’s starting to happen regularly, it’s a good idea to investigate what might be the cause. Several different factors can cause lights to flicker, so it’s important to gain an understanding of whether it’s a simple fix or if you need to call in professional electrical assistance.

There are several different causes of frequently flickering lights in your home, here are some of the common reasons and how they can be fixed.

 

Bulb coming loose from the socket

If just one of your lights is flickering, first try tightening the bulb. Bulbs can come loose over time and lose connection with the socket, causing flickering. If that doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to replace the bulb.

Problems with the type of bulb

If your lightbulbs are fluorescent, it’s common for them to flicker a little bit, especially as they power up, or in cold temperatures. Unless they’re flickering constantly, then it’s probably nothing to worry about. If you’ve got LED bulbs, the flickering could be happening because of your dimmer switches. Most dimmer switches are made to handle higher loads of electricity and don’t work very well with lower-voltage LEDs. If it’s really bothering you, consider changing to dimmer switches that are compatible with LED bulbs.

Faulty light or fixture switch

Flickering can be caused by a poor connection between the light or fixture switch and the bulb. To test if this is the issue, try gently wobbling the switch to see if it causes a flicker. If so, there’s a good chance that this is your problem. Try and turn the switch on and to try and fix an already flickering light, if this fixes the problem, then you need to replace the switch.

Sensory overload on a circuit

If the flickering began shortly after starting a major electrical appliance, there’s a good chance that the appliance has pulled large amounts of energy on start-up, leading to a sensory overload on the circuit. If the flickering is brief or infrequent, then there’s usually no cause for concern, as many appliances draw more current to start up, leading to a momentary voltage drop. Usually this will fix itself on its own, but if it happens regularly or consistently then it’s very likely there’s a problem that needs to be looked at by an electrician.

Voltage fluctuations

Signs of fluctuating voltage include consistently flickering lights after turning on large appliances, flickering that continues after the appliance has been turned off, lights unexpectedly dimming on their own, and light bulbs burning out frequently. Slight fluctuations are normal, but if your home’s voltage is registering at an average above 125 volts, then this is the reason your lights have been flickering. You can check your home’s voltage using a voltmeter, and contact an electrician to find the best solution for your problem.

Loose or outdated wiring

Loose or outdated wiring can not only cause flickering lights, but they’re also leading causes of house fires. The issue may be systemic or found in only one location, but it is always dangerous. If you haven’t made any changes to your electrical system and are noticing an increase in flickering, there’s a chance loose or outdated wiring could be to blame. If you expect that loose or outdated wiring could be the cause of your flickering lights, and you haven’t found another cause, don’t hesitate to call your electrician as soon as possible. Wiring problems are not to be ignored.

Problems with the meter box or main service cable connection

If the lights are flickering throughout your home, there’s a good chance that this is because of a problem at the meter box connection or main service cable connection. This is a problem for your electrician, as these are high capacity wires and a potential fire hazard.

If you have any questions about flickering lights, or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON today.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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Accent Lighting for Your Home

Accent Lighting for Your Home

By | Electrical

Accent lighting is a unique design element that can highlight certain features of your home, as well as create ambient room lighting during the evenings. It’s an addition that can bring attention to the special attributes of your home while creating a warm homely atmosphere.
Accent Lighting for Your Home

Accent lighting can bring out a room’s best features and can help your home to tell a story. If you’ve been considering accent lighting for your home here’s a guide to get you started.

 

Why Accent Lighting?

At nighttime, human eyes adjust and adapt to low levels. Human vision is very perceptive and dynamic and can shift with the overall brightness of the space. For this reason, it’s not necessary to try to attempt to replicate daytime lighting in the evening, your eyes are built to adapt.

Human eyes have evolved to be attracted to bright objects, it’s an adaptation that’s intended to help people find objects of interest and potential reward. Highlighting something substantially above the ambient light level can draw attention to key spaces within a room such as an artwork or sculpture, or something more practical like a strategically placed reading lamp. Selecting a few lights in the right space can be all a room needs, which will save you money over ceiling lights, and meanwhile, you’ve created a unique ambience in your home.

Where Should I Install Accent Lights

When it comes to accent lighting, you can get as creative as you please. It’s important to think about your favourite parts of the house or places that could do with a little bit of extra attention. Start by having a walk through each room of your home, carefully thinking about the best features in each. Here are some ideas to get you thinking creatively:

• Ornament lights are great for highlighting your favourite object. It could be a sculpture, water feature or a nice healthy plant, but adding a bit of extra light will help it get the recognition it deserves.

• Picture lights come in many different forms, however, they all share the purpose of drawing attention to a painting and can give your room the feeling of an art gallery.

• Feature wall lights can add a lot of illumination to a space. Whether your wall sports a special design feature or a vintage tapestry, casting some light on the surface can create a mood-setting glow.

• Furniture lights can help to highlight a specific piece of furniture. It’s great for drawing attention to a vintage piece.

• Reading lamps can be placed on desks for specific purposes such as study, or on side tables near a couch, where they’ll come in handy when you’re getting immersed in a book.

• Stairway or walkway lights are a great way to light up an area of your home that might otherwise be hard to see or even hazardous.

Types of Accent Lighting

There are many different types of Accent Lighting and each is suitable for highlighting different situations and different amounts of light. Here are some common types:

• Sconces are lights that use only the wall for support. Most often they point light upwards and traditionally have held torches, candles or gas lights, however, modern sconces sport electric lights.

• Floodlights are high-intensity lights usually used outdoors in low light conditions.

• Recessed Lights are installed into hollow openings in a ceiling and concentrate light downwards in a broad spotlight fashion.

• Torchères are lights that sit upon a tall stand. They are often ornate and traditionally held candles.

• Lamps sit on a stand and come in many shapes and sizes and have the benefit of portability.

• Track Lighting is a series of lights that are attached to a continuous track containing electrical conductors.

• Spotlights shine a concentrated beam and are good for illuminating small but specific areas.

If you have any questions about accent lighting, or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON today.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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How to Save Energy When Gaming

How to Save Energy When Gaming

By | Electrical

Gaming consoles have become a standard fixture in most households and can provide hours of fun and entertainment, but they can use up more energy than you’d expect. The cost of gaming is roughly four times what it was in the ‘90s. As gaming and technology has improved, the amount of energy necessary to power gaming consoles has increased. Making some small changes to your gaming habits can help you cut your electricity bill and make your household more energy-efficient.
How to Save Energy When Gaming

Many of the fundamental features of modern gaming consoles can use a lot of electricity, but there are some small changes you can make to actively reduce your energy consumption when gaming.

 

Turn Off the Console When You’re Not Using it

The majority of gaming consoles will usually go into ‘standby’ or ‘sleep mode’ when you’re not using them. This reduces power usage but it doesn’t stop it entirely, as the console is still drawing power to remain in sleep mode. To stop drawing power completely, you should turn off the power at the console or at the wall switch when you’re no longer using it.

Activate Power Saving Settings

Many gaming consoles now have power saving settings to help reduce how much energy they use even while you’re still gaming. For example, Xbox One comes set-up to listen for the “Xbox on” command to turn it on, but you can disable this feature by configuring the ‘energy saving’ power mode, this can drop the standby power use by 98 per cent. Check out your console’s instruction manual to see what energy saving options you could be using.

Don’t Use Game Consoles to Stream

If you’re about to binge-watch your favourite Netflix shows through your gaming console, it may be a better idea to use a digital media player such as Apple TV or Google Chrome, these can use up to 15 times less energy.

Use a Monitor with a High Energy Rating

If you’re shopping for a new TV or specialised gaming monitor, try and opt for one with a five-star energy rating. LED screens or OLED TV’s are considered to be the most energy efficient. Smaller, energy-efficient monitors also use up far less electricity than larger screens.

Track your energy usage

You can identify which areas of your home or appliances are using up the most electricity by conducting a home energy audit. This will thoroughly assess your home and show you where you should make changes or upgrades to faulty or high-energy draining appliances to make your home more energy-efficient.

If you have any questions about your energy usage or powering your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

With over 9 years experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality. If you have any questions regarding electronics in your old home or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON today.

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How Does Electricity Actually Get To Your Home

How Does Electricity Actually Get To Your Home

By | Electrical

From pushing buttons to flicking a switch, electricity is always on tap. But have you ever considered how far electricity has to travel to get to your home? Often the power we use every day is created in generators hundreds of kilometres from our homes. Our energy system, often called the electrical grid, is a complex network of poles and wires that helps to keep our country powered.
How Does Electricity Actually Get To Your Home

From the power plant to your lights at home, let’s take a look at how electricity actually gets from the power station to your home.

 

Power Stations

All of the electricity that ends up in your home starts life in a power station, which is usually located next to or near an energy source such as a coal plant, hydroelectricity dam, natural gas station or solar and wind farms. In almost all cases the source of energy is used to spin an electrical generator, creating storable, transmittable energy. The power is then carried away through large overhead lines to substations, however, at this stage voltage is usually extremely high and can be over 25,000 volts.

Substation Transformer

The first stop for the newly generated power is the substation. Substations use transformers to alter the voltage of an electrical current, in this case, the voltage is raised to somewhere between 155,000 to 756,000 volts, which minimises power losses throughout the long journey. Australia’s lines are very efficient on a world standard, with an average loss of around 5%.

Transmission Networks

Transmission lines send the high voltage power over long distances, often hundreds of kilometres. Transmission networks can be either above or below ground. Above ground lines are easy to spot as they are made from heavy-duty steel pylons. Underground lines are buried beneath the earth and are heavily insulated to prevent currents from leaking into the ground where they can become a hazard.

Second Substation Transformer

After the energy has travelled hundreds of kilometres from a power station, it reaches a second substation transformer. However, unlike the first stop, this substation lowers the voltage to somewhere between 11,000 and 33,000 volts so that the electricity can be channelled into smaller power lines for domestic distribution purposes.

Distribution Power Lines

Distribution power lines take the lowered voltage energy and distribute it to each home. For most residential and commercial uses, there will be another transformer which decreases voltage to as low as 230 volts to make the power safe for home use.

Your Home

In the final stage the electricity will pass from the final transformer to your home through a meter, which measures your energy usage. It then travels through the wires in your house to switches and sockets, ready to be used as you please!

If you have any questions about the electrical grid or powering your home, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality. If you have any questions regarding electricity in your house or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON today.

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How is Electricity Created?

How is Electricity Created?

By | Electrical

Electricity is all around us, it lights our rooms, runs our technology and generally makes modern living a breeze. We’re so used to it that it almost feels as natural as the air we breathe, but it wasn’t always this way. Scientists only figured out how to harvest electrical energy in the 19th century, using natural metals such as copper, silver and gold to conduct currents. Over the last few hundred years the process of creating electricity has developed significantly, and each year energy sources are refined more and more.
How is Electricity Created?

Electricity is all around us, and we use it constantly throughout our days, yet it’s easy to take for granted. Let’s take a closer look at this precious resource and how it’s created.

So What is Electricity?

Before we delve too far into the source of electricity, it’s first important to be aware of what it actually is. Electricity is the stimulation of negatively charged electrons that surround an atom. When electrons are stimulated they move from atom to atom, creating electromagnetic energy. Metal materials have a loose hold on their outlying electrons, meaning the electron charge is easier to transfer, therefore they have better conductibility. On the other hand materials such as wood and glass have a strong hold on there electrons so they are less conductible.

How is Electricity Created?

The creation of electricity must be generated through other energy sources, such as coal, gas, hydropower, solar power and wind and the same principle of generation applies to all sources of energy. Power pushes a turbine which rotates a series of magnets within copper wire coils. This movement excites the electrons, creating charge and thereby generating electricity.

Types of Generation

Let’s take a bit of a closer look at some of the forms of energy that are used to generate electricity.

• Gas, coal and nuclear plants both work in a similar ways. Fuel is used to create heat, which boils water and creates steam which in turn pushes the turbine.
• Windmills operate differently, using the natural force of wind to push a turbine.
• Hydropower uses the power of waves to move turbines.
• Solar energy is different as it generates electrical power by converting solar radiation into electricity via semiconductors.

What Happens Next?

After energy is generated it needs to be transferred to the electrical grid. The newly generated electricity leaves generators and flows along large transmission lines. Substations increase volts for long distance travel, and on the other end secondary substations decrease voltage for different domestic, commercial and industrial purposes. By the time that you switch on a light bulb, the charge created in a generator has likely travelled hundreds of kilometres.

If you have any questions about how electricity is created or would like to know more about installation or maintenance of electrical items please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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What to Know Before Installing an Electrical Fireplace

What to Know Before Installing an Electrical Fireplace

By | Electrical

There’s nothing more comforting than a fireplace in winter. But wood and gas fireplaces can be a lot of work, expensive and sometimes a lot of mess. Is it really worth it? Lucky there’s an alternative.
What to Know Before Installing an Electrical Fireplace

Electric fireplaces give you all the cozy feeling you could ever want from a fireplace, with none of the hassle or costs associated with the installation or maintenance of other alternatives. And the best part you won’t have to worry about chopping wood any longer.

 
Electric fireplaces are a trendy new alternative that a lot of people are coming to love. They provide the warm flickering glow that everybody loves but are a lot more convenient. An added bonus is that they are a lot safer in terms of fire risks. These units sometimes come ‘plug and play’ and can warm an area of up to 80 square metres, depending on the make and model.

Research

Different Types of Electrical Fireplace

It’s easy to see why many people are switching to electric fireplaces for their source of heating.
They come in a range of different styles to suit all different situations, whether it’s a new fitting, or you’re looking to replace a hole in the wall where your old fireplace use to be. Here are some of the choices available:

• Freestanding – these fireplaces are the most common type and are made to look like a built-in fireplace. They can substitute a mantle in a living room and display a crackling flame.

• Fireplace inserts – if you have an existing fireplace that you would like to modernise, these are a great option. These fireplaces are fully enclosed and can look legitimately like a pile of glowing logs. If you choose to install one, make sure that your chimney has been blocked

• Wall mounted – these units are similar to freestanding fireplaces. They attach to your wall and can heat anywhere in your home, however they can require a bit more setup, just like any wall mounted appliance.

What Are The Running Costs?

Most plug-in electric fireplaces are rated at 1500 watts, regardless if the display flame is infrared, incandescent or LED. This power usage is identical to a standard 1500 watt electric baseboard heater. You can expect power expense to range from about 10 to 20 cents an hour depending on the setting you use and the specs of the make and model. By comparison, gas fireplaces can regularly cost towards 30 cents an hour.

Many of the fireplaces on the market have adjustable settings which can offer a lot of flexibility and cost savings. Running your unit on 750 watts with the flame for ambience can cut your bill in half!

Make Sure to have a Dedicated Outlet

A major consideration for the installation of an electric fireplace is its draw on your home’s circuitry. A 1500 watt fireplace engages the maximum amount of electricity that can be run through the circuit, so if you run anything else, the circuit will trip. It’s important that you have a dedicated circuit for your fireplace to avoid any problems.

What is the Installation Like?

Installing electrical fireplaces is generally quite easy. Given you have a free circuit most are simply a plug and play setup. Some will require a little bit of installation such as mounting brackets. If you intend to install an electric fireplace where your traditional fireplace was, you may need some basic carpentry knowledge.

Despite this, the main issue of installation is making sure that you have a dedicated circuit for your new fireplace. If you need any electric work done, be sure to hire a licensed electrician to help you install a new power outlet.

If you have any questions about electrical fireplaces, or would like to know more about installation or maintenance of electrical items please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

With over 9 years of experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing air con and electrical services of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today.

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5 Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Switchboard

5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Switchboard

By | Electrical

Electrical switchboards are one of the most important parts of your home, after all, what would you do without electricity? These devices route electricity right to where you need it, delivering the conveniences and comforts we are accustomed to.

Despite this, electrical switchboards can become outdated and even overwhelmed with the requirements of technology, such as lighting and appliances. If you suspect that your electrical switchboard might not be able to keep up with modern energy needs, it might be time for an upgrade.

Although many of our appliances claim to be energy efficient, households are consuming more and more energy each day, so it’s no surprise that old electrical switchboards can’t keep up. 5 Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Electrical Switchboard

It’s important to be aware of the signs that might point towards a need to upgrade your electrical switchboard. Here’s what to look out for.

 

You Live in an Old House

If you live in an older house your power board may not be up to the task of supporting the variety of appliances that are required in our modern lives. In times past, a single 60-amp electrical switchboard did the job, however, now homes generally require single phase 80amp or three phase 80amp. Your panel should display it’s specifications, however, if you are unsure it might be a good idea to get an electrician to take a look.

Your Appliances Aren’t Performing Properly

If you notice that your appliances aren’t working to the best of their ability, it might be a sign that your electrical switchboard panel isn’t keeping up. Some signs of an overworked panel include appliances cutting out, lights flickering and corrosion or signs of melting around the unit itself. If you regularly find that using multiple appliances trips breakers, this could also be a good indication that your electrical switchboard may need an upgrade.

Your electrical switchboard Uses a Fuse Rather Than Residual Circuit Breakers (RCBO)

Prior to the 1970s, most homes were built with fuses, which essentially operate in the same way as a circuit breaker, and protect from surges, however, they are prone to melting, blowing, short-circuiting, and in the worst cases, fires. Fuse based systems were adequate for the power needs of a home 50 years ago, however, in the modern age, they can easily become overloaded. If you have a fuse based system, the best bet is to have an electrician install a Residual Circuit Breaker.

Your Breakers Are Frequently Tripping

Circuit breakers are designed to trip when they detect an irregularity in a flow in electricity and protect the system from the dangers of an influx of current, which can in the worst case can cause fires. Tripping is an important feature to protect your system, however, if you find that your system is tripping regularly it’s a good indication that there’s something wrong with your electrical switchboard, or your electrical switchboard panel can’t cope with the electrical draw in your home.

You’re Renovating or Have Purchased New Appliances

If you have recently renovated your home, it’s a good idea to make sure that your electrical switchboard can handle any new changes to the circuit. Similarly, any new appliances may burden your system and cause it to overload.

When it comes to upgrading your electrical switchboard it’s not just a matter of convenience, it’s also a matter of safety.

If you have any questions about electrical switchboards, or if you believe it may be time for an upgrade the best bet is to talk to a professional.

With over 9 years experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality. If you have any questions regarding electronics in your old home or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON about Power Boards today.

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Does your Antique Home Need Rewiring

Does your Antique Home Need Rewiring?

By | Electrical

How old is your home? If your answer is over 30 years, you might need to consider rewiring. Like most things in life, a home’s wires deteriorate with time, so if you have a home of antiquity, you might need to consider a bit of restoration. Despite this, just because they’re old, doesn’t mean that they’re going to break, still, the safety hazards of leaving damaged wiring unchecked mean that getting your home inspected should be a regular priority.
Does your Antique Home Need Rewiring

Antique homes have a grace and charm like no other, but like any other classic item, they require a bit more maintenance to keep them working their best. Just like you’d refurbish an old car, old homes require the same treatment. Here are some reasons why it might be time to rewire your home.

 

Electrical Wiring Doesn’t Last Forever

Electrical wiring unfortunately doesn’t last forever, and as it reaches its last legs, wiring can become faulty, resulting in occurrences like lights flickering, fuzes tripping and even short circuits. Wires can lose their grounding over time, making electric shock a real risk, so it’s recommended that your wiring is checked every 10 years.

Your Outlets Could be Faulty

When electrical outlets aren’t in their best working order, they may not be properly grounded, which means there may be a chance of electric shock when plugging into the outlet.
Physical defects such as cracks, chips, missing parts, and loose screws could also mean that there isn’t enough tension to hold the cord into the outlet.

Your Power Box Might Be Dated

Your homes power box/service panel is the heart of your entire electrical system. Any fault to the power box can mean that your whole system goes down, and it’s a costly repair. Regularly checks can make sure that your power box is in working order. It’s also important to consider your power box when thinking about any new appliances or renovations. Old electric panels may not be up to the challenge of modern power needs, so you may be due for an upgrade.

Your Home is Old

A property over 30 years old with the original wiring is likely due for an upgrade. Old properties need to meet modern safety standards and be equip to deal with the energy needs of our technology-heavy times. Old wiring made the use of dated rubber, fabric or lead-insulated cabling, where modern wiring is PVCu coated and coloured grey-white. Old wiring can become ungrounded and faulty causing your system to trip or blow fuses or, at worst, spark a potentially lethal house fire or electrical shock. Modern wiring is twin earthed, which goes a long way to for safety purposes.

You Have Any of The Following Signs

If you have any of the following signs, it could be a good indication that your home’s wiring isn’t up to scratch. The best bet is to contact an electrician if you have or experience any of the following:
• An old fuse box with a wooden back and cast iron switches and ceramic fuse.
• Cables mounted on the surface that run along skirting boards or up walls.
• Lead, fabric or black rubber insulated cables.
• A mix of different sockets, indicating a partial rewire.
• You frequently experience tripped breakers or blown fuses.
• Dimming or flickering of lights.
• Hot or discoloured switch plates.
• Light bulbs burn out in their socket.
• Buzzing or burning smells.
• Loose outlets, cracks, cuts or broken insulation.
• Arcs, sparks or electrical shocks when you touch chords.

It’s Time To Get An Inspection

If you have a home older than 30 years, it’s recommended that you get a periodic inspection every 10 years. All the areas mentioned should be checked thoroughly to make sure that old circuits can handle the power needs of modern lifestyles.

Often a full rewire can be avoided if some of your circuitry is up to scratch. It’s sometimes possible to upgrade by adding a modern electrical panel and proper earthing arrangements.

With over 9 years experience under our belt, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service of the highest quality. If you have any questions regarding electronics in your old home or are looking for a quote for electrical installations, repairs, or general maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with HunterCON about Power Boards today.