Email Us
At Greg Ferris Electrical, we are often asked by our clients how they can ensure their property is electrically safe. We've listed our most frequently asked questions about storm safety, generators, hazardous areas and seasonal electronic appliances. If you have another question, please don't hesitate to contact us.
A. Even if you think you know what to do and are tempted at possibly saving a few dollars, it is illegal in Queensland for anyone who isn't a qualified electrician to conduct electrical work. Not only is there a penalty of up to $40,000, the cost of you or someone you love losing their life is too great to risk it.
You could be at risk of voiding your home and contents insurance by conducting DIY electrical work. As licensed electrical contractors, we are covered by public liability insurance with customer protection which is not assured for DIY work.
A. Living in Queensland, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. When the wet season rolls around, it's important to be prepared for storms and flooding. To ensure your home is protected, you should do the following beforehand:
Install safety switches & have them tested regularly
Know where to turn off your power, gas & water supply should there be an emergency
Turn off your solar power system, following the manufacturer instructions
Switch off & unplug all electrical equipment, including outside TVs & non-fixed aerials
Store all electrical equipment in a dry area
Make sure your generator, if you have one, is working properly & has a changeover switch installed
For more tips on how to be storm ready, check out this brochure from the Electrical Safety Office.
A. All electrical equipment, including Christmas lights, must meet safety standards and are to have an Australian certificate of approval before they are sold to consumers. If you are buying Christmas lights to decorate your house, ensure they are from a reputable dealer and avoid purchasing from an overseas retailer. Second-hand lights must be checked by a licensed electrician to make sure they are safe to use.
Here are some tips to be aware of when you start decorating:
A. As most generators produce a high level of carbon monoxide, which, like electricity, cannot be seen or smelt, it is important that they are operated safely. If a generator is run incorrectly, this may cause a risk of electrocution, CO poisoning or ignition. To avoid these hazards, follow these simple rules:
If you need to have the generator connected to the house wiring or power appliances, call our licensed electrical contractors.
Greg Ferris Electrical provides contracted work for general electrical installations and maintenance, air conditioning, data cabling and telecommunications, solar energy and generator changeovers. No matter how large or small, we handle all domestic, commercial and industrial jobs throughout Mackay. For a no-obligation, free quote, contact us today!