Electricity powers most Australian homes and businesses. From running the air-conditioning on a hot summer day to being able to cook dinner, have a coffee, and work from home, electricity makes it all possible.
Yet, electrical systems are complex. They keep the issues usually hidden and out of sight. And that’s why understanding how commercial electrical contractors deal with common electrical issues is important. When you hire professional electrical contractors in WA, they make sure that your electrical issues get expert attention.
For recurring electrical malfunctions in your home, the services of a licensed specialist will be the most effective. In addition to eliminating any urgent risks to your safety, a thorough assessment of the system will reveal aged wiring. It will also reveal ineffective use of energy resources and the possibility of reaching capacity restrictions in advance of their emergence. The services must adhere to the local codes and valid insurance. This service is also beneficial in prolonging the lifespan of your devices and entire electrical system. Ensure that for all your electrical work, you hire a licensed electrical contractor.
Over time, electrical systems tend to age. The majority of households’ electrical faults are related to the natural deterioration of the home electrical system components. Electrical maintenance services should be employed at regular intervals.
Below is a table showing the most common home electrical problems, their signs and symptoms, and the most likely underlying causes.
| Fault Type | Primary Cause |
| Frequent Safety Switch Tripping | Circuit Overloads |
| Flickering or Dimming Lights | Faulty Wiring / Gremlins |
| Dead or Scorch-Marked Outlets | Internal Arcing |
| Abnormally High Power Bills | Parasitic Loads |
It is about a tripped safety switch due to a faulty appliance or moisture ingress.
Lights flickering when a heavy appliance is turned on. Faulty or loose wiring at the switchboard.
Power outlets not working or with burn marks. Internal arcing at the power outlet.
Higher than normal electricity bill “Ghost” electrical appliances using power illegally.
To accurately diagnose an electrical issue, electrical contractors use calibrated electrical testing equipment. They conduct a series of industry-approved electrical tests. These tests can identify the root cause of the electrical fault. Below is a list of tests performed by licensed electricians to find electrical faults. These tests determine the best way to repair the issue.
Visual Inspection: Look for obvious signs of damage or faulty components
Insulation Test: Confirm integrity of the electrical cable insulation
Continuity and Earth Fault Loop Impedance Test: Verify correct earth connections
Thermal Imaging Scan: Look for hotspots, which may indicate electrical faults.
Load Test: Determine the amount of electricity being drawn by the circuit
Electricians start by looking at the switchboard and electrical components for obvious signs of faults, such as
As a rule of thumb, all electrical faults will present some kind of visual irregularity that can be used to either identify the fault or help narrow down the search.
The next step in the electrical fault diagnosis process involves using a multimeter to test the insulation integrity of the electrical cabling. This test is commonly referred to as a ‘megger test’ because the most popular testing instrument is called a ‘megger.’ During this test, the electrician connects the multimeter to the core of the electrical cable and the earth and then applies a high voltage to determine the insulation resistance.
The insulation resistance test can determine if the electrical cable is faulty before it actually fails completely due to an earth fault caused by rodent damage.
The latest portable thermal imaging technology allows licensed electricians to conduct a thermal scan of the switchboard. Once the switchboard has been scanned for hotspots, the electrician will be able to identify any faulty or overheating circuit breakers or fuses without having to dismantle any components.
DIY electrical repairs are not only extremely dangerous. But they are also illegal in Western Australia. Under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991, all electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor.
If you own a business, call commercial electrical contractors. The penalties for performing illegal unlicensed electrical work can range from a significant fine to personal injury or even death in the case of an electrical fire.
Whether you need electrical maintenance services, rewiring, or even new switchboards and air-conditioning installations for your business, it is always best to leave the job to the professionals. Licensed residential electrical contractors offer a wide range of electrical services. These include switchboard maintenance and upgrades and electrical rewiring.
Some of the services provided by licensed residential electricians include:
• Switchboard upgrades
• Rewiring—complete or partial
• Periodic inspections and maintenance
• Energy-saving solutions
An electrical fault in a home or in a business should never be taken lightly. There are commercial electrical contractors who can solve your issues effectively. What most people fail to realize is that the underlying electrical fault for a minor power cut may lead to a much bigger issue down the line, resulting in even more expensive electrical repairs and extensive fire damage to the property.
That is why learning about how residential electrical services identify and repair common household electrical faults is so important. Always remember to leave all electrical repairs and installations to the professionals. Licensed electrical contractors provide a wide range of services, including electrical rewiring, switchboard maintenance and upgrades, and more. Contact Universal Connect for your electrical work and ensure your safety.
When your home safety switch trips, it is always best to have a professionally licensed electrician come and inspect your house electrical system. If your safety switch keeps tripping even when you have unplugged all of your portable appliances, then the issue most likely lies within your property’s permanent wiring.
The recommended switchboard service period is every 3-5 years. If your home was built before 2000 and you still have ceramic fuses in your switchboard, then it is best to have a professional licensed electrician take a look at your switchboard to make sure there are no faults.
The circuit breaker is the switch that controls the electricity supply to a particular circuit, while the safety switch only opens the circuit in the case of an electrical fault.
If an outlet sparks, turn off the main power supply at the switchboard if you can do so safely. A burning smell coming from an outlet is usually a sign of an electrical fault, so it is best to contact a licensed electrical contractor to inspect the outlet and the wiring behind it.
According to the Electricity Regulations of Western Australia, anyone who wishes to install or maintain a permanent wiring fixture needs to be a licensed electrical contractor. Having said that, it is illegal for any person to install or maintain any ceiling fan or a permanent wiring installation in Western Australia. Any DIY electrical repairs or installations can result in injury, fire, or even death.
