Smoke alarms are electronic devices meant to be life-saving additions in any home. They detect smoke well before any sleeping occupant could do so themselves and provide critical seconds that give them time to perform actions that save life and property. It is legislation that one working smoke alarm is placed in each room and installed on each level in all buildings where people sleep. Use the professional expertise of an electrician in the Gold Coast, and you can join the ranks of the safest homes in Queensland after complying with the latest smoke alarm legislation.

Thanks to recommendations and investigations into the 2011 Slack Creek fatal house fire, the government put the new smoke alarm law in place. The new legislation is meant to ensure that this incident is never repeated because modern smoke alarm technology will alert everyone on the premises as early as possible.

What are the new smoke alarm laws in Queensland?

The legislation specifies that every Queensland residence should be fitted with photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in all bedrooms and hallways of homes. It’s vital that smoke alarms are interconnected because they are equally effective at warning everyone on the property regardless of where the fire starts. The alarm closest to you will alert you even if the area is closed off to the rest of the house. Photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms are the best in alarm technology because they are quick to alert the residents about fires as early as possible. Even with this in mind, all residents must note that hard-wired, interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms require a qualified electrician to handle the installation and ensure the proper checks.

What are interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms?

Photoelectric smoke alarms are designed to respond quickly and simultaneously to all kinds of fires, but they are extra responsive to smouldering fires and dense smoke, the most common type of household fire. Having interconnected alarms means when one alarm is activated, all alarms will sound across the home regardless of the fire’s origin. The extra time that gives residents can make all the difference in the world. These are the necessary requirements:

• Smoke alarms must be installed in every bedroom of a home
• All smoke alarms must be powered by either 240 volts or a ten-year lithium battery
• All smoke alarms must be interconnected to each other
• All smoke alarms must be photoelectric
• All smoke alarms must comply with AS3786:2014

Where to install smoke alarms?

The new smoke alarms will be installed by a professional that is well versed in their effective placement. Depending on the size and layout of your home, it may be necessary to install more than one smoke alarm to provide sufficient warning.

Choose a licensed electrician for your smoke alarm installation

Smoke alarms are an electrical installation we are more than pleased to conduct for Queensland residents because they provide added protection for your home. Using an experienced electrical specialist will ensure that you have the most effective and efficient alarm system put in place. Choose Powertrip Electrical, and you’ll be working with some of the best electricians on the Gold Coast. The team is experienced in residential and commercial electrical works in Gold Coast, Helensvale, Broadbeach, Bundall, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach, Nerang and Burleigh Heads.

Doing electrical maintenance is part of the job for a qualified electrician in the Gold Coast, and it should be part of your routine as a property owner. It includes performing a close inspection of main switchboards and the testing of safety switches. A lack of inspection and testing can contribute to significant safety hazards that can be avoided. The best way to make sure that it can is to employ a professional to inspect it for any issues.

How to prepare your switchboard?

Inside the main switchboards on all the properties across Queensland are safety switches. A licensed electrical contractor should test these to ensure they are tripping within the required time of 300 milliseconds of cutting power to any faulty source. Safety switches that fail to trip within the required time will be deemed defective and need replacement or repair. Safety switches must be tested in accordance with AS/NZ 3760:2010, and this dictates that an inspection must be completed every six months.

Why is a switchboard inspection necessary?

Everything powered by electricity in your electrical system runs through your switchboard, which means it isn’t something you should neglect. Even simple issues have the potential of causing unwanted damage, problems and maybe even a spark that becomes a fire. Houses are now using more and more power, and the higher load being put on boards can result in more significant faults. The effects of not performing general checks and tests can be substantial, so it’s best to avoid them. Here are some essential services and electrical maintenance that we recommend:

• Visual inspection and written detailed report to have on file
• Searching for unsafe components and exposed live parts
• Checking consumer mains, wiring and circuit breakers
• Check earthing electrode is compliant with standards
• Check compliance to current standards
• Take photographs of any anomalies
• Provide written quotation for recommendations

It’s time for a switchboard upgrade

These are warning signs that you have a switchboard close to malfunction and needs an electrical upgrade. To avoid the warning signs developing into something worse, it is essential that the switchboard on your property is upgraded and maintained to meet the mandatory Australian standard.

Choose a licensed electrician for your electrical maintenance

Routine maintenance work might seem like an inconvenience in your busy schedule. Still, all our licensed electricians are available to perform thorough electrical checks at the most suitable time for you. Choose Powertrip Electrical, and you’ll be working with some of the best electricians on the Gold Coast. The team is experienced in residential and commercial electrical works in Gold Coast, Helensvale, Broadbeach, Bundall, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach, Nerang and Burleigh Heads. Reach out to us to schedule an on-site inspection, and we can handle it all.

Newly constructed office spaces don’t just show up overnight with lights, plumbing and carpeting already set up. It takes a team of dedicated technicians to make commercial spaces fully functional spaces. Powertrip Electrical has been a trusted commercial electrician in the Gold Coast, and we’ve done a couple of electrical fit-outs in our day. You probably didn’t even realise that this is a service you need for your new commercial construction project. Keep reading, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know…

What is an office fit-out?

An office fit-out is taking a space and changing it into a usable office environment. That includes things like putting up structural features and designing and installing electrical systems. Electrical fitouts are entirely different worlds apart from changing a lightbulb. For this reason, you have to employ a commercial electrician, not your run-of-the-mill sparkie. Here is everything that is involved in an office fit-out:

What is involved in an electrical office fit-out?

• Switchboard Installation Process

The switchboard is the foundation of any property in the Gold Coast, including domestic electrical systems, but it is the heart of a commercial space because it’s how operations function. A licensed Gold Coast electrician will install a new switchboard before continuing with any other electrical installations.

• Safety switch installation

Safety switches are the new requirement as per national regulation. No commercial property can operate without one because they are set up and designed to prevent electrical hazards. 

• Lighting 

There’s special lighting needed in a commercial office space. Retail spaces that need to show off their products will need brighter lights than others, while regular office spaces need practical fluorescent lights. Lighting systems are large and very complicated in commercial areas because there’s a lot of lighting required for many hours of the day. 

• Sockets and cable installation 

These things have to be strategically placed at specific points in the office to ensure that everyone has access to power. The electrician will tactfully install cables and points at convenient places for the entire office. 

• Alarm and security installation 

Commercial spaces are also home to costly equipment, sometimes, and this needs to be protected. Before moving into your newly constructed building, the electrician must lay the electrical work to install a fully functional security system. Security cameras and sensor lighting may be installed outside as well.

Choose a licensed electrician for your office fit-out

Electricity is a critical element of any commercial establishment, and you want it to work right. Using an experienced electrical specialist will ensure that you have the most effective and efficient space to work in. Choose Powertrip Electrical, and you’ll be working with some of the best electricians on the Gold Coast. The team is experienced in residential and commercial electrical works in Gold Coast, Helensvale, Broadbeach, Bundall, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach, Nerang and Burleigh Heads. Reach out to us to schedule an on-site inspection, and we can handle it all. 

Gold Coast residents know why it’s called the Gold Coast. We enjoy many hours of sunshine over here, and it can get uncomfortably warm in these parts. An air conditioning system is an answer to all your problems, but with so many sizes and types on the market, we’re sure that you don’t know where to start. There are so many factors to consider, including the size of the space, your budget, and your needs. You can call your favourite Gold Coast electrician to help you make the right decision, but until you do, here’s a guide to give you a starting point…

What is the best type of air conditioning unit?

The most common type of air conditioning is a split system. Split system models are preferred because they’re the most energy-efficient, affordable, and the most appealing bonus is that they’re quiet. We’ve put together a cost guide for air conditioning costs for interested customers. This air conditioner model has a system that is split into two main parts—an air outlet unit that is inside and a compressor box that is fixed outside. The unit inside sucks out the hot air and replaces it with a cold air-conditioned refrigerant gas pipe. The pipe connects the two split systems. Split system ACs are usually attached high on a wall so that the outdoor unit can be installed on the same wall outside of the room or area in which the AC will work.

Benefits of a split system air conditioning system

• Most affordable

Split system air conditioning units are the most affordable on the market, and that’s why they are so popular. The price of installation isn’t too high either. You need to ensure that a licensed and fully trained technician correctly installs your unit because it can be dangerous work. Doing this also ensures that you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs due to faulty installation. 

• Quick Installation

It may be the customer’s favourite choice, but it is also the favourite choice of any electrician on the Gold Coast because it’s easy to install. The entire installation process only takes a few hours, and that’s across the spectrum of any property type. A quick installation means minor inconvenience to you as the customer, and that’s always a big win for us. 

• Flexible installation options 

Split air conditioning systems are made of two parts, and one of them has to be on the property’s exterior. As long as the room has a wall that’s outward-facing, you can install the unit anywhere. It doesn’t require a lot of space either. In fact, just an empty wall will do. It can be mounted on any wall wherever the unit can fit.

• Suitable for any home

We’ve already mentioned it, but split air conditioning units can be installed anywhere because of how flexible it is to install. This includes smaller houses or apartments too!

We’re licensed for air conditioning installation in the Gold Coast

The Powertrip Electrical team is experienced in residential and commercial fittings on the Gold Coast, Helensvale, Broadbeach, Bundall, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach, Nerang and Burleigh Heads. 

The beautiful sight of Christmas lights and decorations on the streets of Gold Coast is unmatched when it comes to any other time of year. Stringing lights across your roof and around your home can be a real safety hazard if you’re not careful, and we know based on all the calls we get during the festive season. Your local Gold Coast electrician is on standby to help with any unfortunate incidents, but you can do a few things to prevent them. Before you get cracking and switch on those dazzling setups with a spectacular light show, please keep reading to run through our quick and comprehensive safety checklist for installing Christmas lights…

Safety checklist for Christmas lights installation

1. When you pull out those old light strands and decorations, make sure to check them for cracked cords, frayed ends, or loose connections
2. You’re going to need additional extension cords, but make sure to check them as soon as you plug Christmas lights in for any signs of overheating. Just touch-test the line, and if it’s hot, it’s one of the signs that you need to make an emergency electrician call
3. When you’re fixing the lights on your walls, try not to use tacks, nails or screws. You could have an accident and pierce the cable. We suggest that you invest in insulated hooks instead
4. It’s Christmas, so you’re probably expecting a few visitors and more foot traffic than usual.  Tape down wiring and extension cord that may be in the way to protect people from tripping over them.
5. Only use electrical equipment that meets Australia strict electrical safety standards. You can check out the government portal dedicated to registered products for a search.
6. Once you purchase properly registered products for Christmas decorations, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding assembly, installation, and globe replacement.
7. Only use outdoor Christmas lights for outdoor purposes. You should also make sure you use extension cords that are safe for outdoor environments. 
8. Do not cover or modify decorative lights!
   
9. After installing those lights, try not to leave them running when you go to bed at night or when you leave the house.
10. As an experienced electrician in the Gold Coast for Christmas lights, our last piece of golden advice is, BE CAREFUL WITH LADDERS. 

Why you can benefit from electrical maintenance before the holidays

The best way to make sure that your home and electrical system are ready for holiday lights is to call in an expert to check things out. The experienced electricians here at Powertrip Electrical are always happy to help get your system up to scratch and ready for increased pressures for the Christmas season. We might discover that you need to install safety switches or something much less complicated like adding power points to upgrading wiring. The team is experienced in both residential and commercial electrical works on the Gold Coast including the following suburbs of Helensvale, Broadbeach, Bundall, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach, Nerang and Burleigh Heads. Reach out to us to schedule an inspection of your property’s electrical system, and we can handle it all. We’ll ensure that your home is as safe as possible this holiday season. 

Air conditioners are, without a doubt, an expensive investment, but one of the main mistakes clients make is to buy the wrong size. Buying the wrong size for your property can be the root cause of overspending, and we want to help you avoid that. Every room that needs air conditioning is different, so it’s a good idea to consult an expert as well before making a purchase. Speak to a licensed Gold Coast electrician to choose the perfect size air conditioner. We’ve put together this guide to help you better understand what size you need for your property. 

How to calculate the right air conditioner size?

It’s important to get a unit that fits your home because you want it to do its job of keeping you cool effectively. This means that you can’t get a 5kW system to cover extensive areas of 90m2. The first thing you need to do to get started is to measure the room by multiplying the length and width. You can then multiply that total by 160 watts, and you will have a more accurate estimation of which size air conditioner you need for that room. An expert can do this better than anyone else. Professional electricians on the Gold Coast will take into consideration the climate, windows and factors in the ceiling’s overall height. Have a look at this table to help you…

What can affect the size of the air conditioning unit you’ll need?

• The size of the room

The first and most important thing is the size of the room. What’s the length, width and ceiling height? You’ll have to calculate that and factor in other things like how a room with high ceilings will require more energy to cool.

• The insulation 

Do you already have some insulation built into your property’s structure? If not, it could make the entire installation different in size to make up for it. 

• The location of your property

In which part of Australia is your property because they all have their climate types. A room in Darwin will need a more powerful air conditioner than the same room in an area like Hobart. This could even affect the chances of repair or replacement of your unit in the future. 

• The orientation of your property

Unbelievably, the direction that the room faces will change what capacity air conditioner you need. North facing rooms with windows can let in a lot of heat in the summer, but south-facing rooms that are cooler and get more shares will need less air conditioning capacity. 

• The property’s purpose 

The size of air conditioning needed in office areas is way different than for your homeroom. Small spaces in an office could need larger units because they are made of other materials and rarely have insulation. 

We’re licensed for air conditioning installation in the Gold Coast

The team at Powertrip Electrical is experienced in both residential and commercial fittings in Gold Coast, Helensvale, Broadbeach, Bundall, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach, Nerang and Burleigh Heads. 

It’s our favourite time of the year again, and we can’t wait!

But it’s also maybe one of the most dangerous electrical seasons because Gold Coast electricians have to deal with Christmas light mishaps! We know that it’s time again to light up your house with Christmas lights and beautiful Christmas decorations, so we’ve put together a little Christmas guide with energy-saving tips to help you keep your electric bill nice and low…

How to save energy during the Christmas decoration season?

1. Use the latest in LED tech

Those old dusty Christmas lights that you have packed up in the cupboard might not be up to scratch. If you’re ready for an energy-saving change, donate them and call in a professional electrician to get you set up with Christmas LED lights. They use 90% less electricity, and they’re guaranteed to last much longer than traditional lighting. Plus, if you’re trying to make your display be the best and brightest on the street, LEDs are the way to go! They are brighter and have pretty colour tones that will give you that extra wow factor. 

2. Try festoon lighting 

Festoon lighting is also commonly known as rope lighting because the lights are fixed to a long solid line or plastic or other material with tiny light bulbs in it. These are the latest trends in Christmas lighting, and they’re fabulous because they don’t use that much energy! You can rope these around your trees or even your mailbox, and they’ll be excellent because they don’t generate a lot of heat, so that means low-fire risk!

3. Garden lighting 

Nothing says Christmas like lighting around the trees and vegetation in your garden. Let’s not forget the Christmas tree, which also needs its own unique lighting to make a jolly statement. Modern tech has advanced past the need for you to struggle with a box of tangled Christmas tree lights. You can invest in a new fibre optic Christmas tree. These high-tech trees will save you ten times the power and LED pre-lit Christmas trees are sure to shine much brighter. There are two main types to choose from. One of them comes fully covered in lights when you buy it, and the other one is an artificial tree with dotted fibre optics in its tree limbs. 

4. Energy-saving timers 

It might be challenging to keep up with how long your lights are on, and it shouldn’t be all up to you! To save energy, you should try to turn off your Christmas lights as soon as you go to bed, but many of us leave them running all night and even all day long! You can use products that can sort this issue for you without spending a lot of money. You’ll make money back tenfold in energy savings. You can buy an energy-saving timer that can be set for a few hours where your lights operate. Setting the timer can also make it automatically turn off the power and switch it back on again. Most timers can be automatically charged for a set of hours like 4 or 6 or 9; you can choose your specification based on your own Christmas spirit preference!

5. Ask for the advice of your local tradie

The best thing you can do for yourself is to speak to a local electrician about the best options for you because we don’t all have the same Christmas light plans. They know government electrical safety guidelines for Christmas lights and can give you suggestions about the best products to help. You can call the team at Powertrip Electrical if you are based in Gold Coast, Helensvale, Broadbeach, Bundall, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach, Nerang and Burleigh Heads.