Are You Having Power Socket Problems?

Power sockets can be mystifying when they decide to stop working suddenly. We learn from an early age to never insert anything into the holes, so how are we supposed to go about fixing a problem if there is one? There are a few straight forward tasks that you can perform before calling in the help of a Professional Electrician in Point Cook.

The first thing to do when you notice that an appliance isn’t working is to determine whether the problem lies with the socket or the appliance itself. If you find that the kettle isn’t boiling, then carefully turn off the standby, unplug the kettle, and try it in another room in the house. If it works here, then you can most likely narrow down the issue to the single socket. However, if it doesn’t work here you can conclude one of two scenarios. Firstly, that it is the appliance which is faulty, or secondly that all the power in the house is out, suggesting your safety switch has tripped and prevented a short circuit. If this is the case, simply double check your fuse box located on the exterior of the house and flip the switch. In some older models you will need to light a flame to turn the power back on. If there is no issue in the fuse box, then you probably have something wrong with the appliance itself. In almost all cases, it is cheaper to buy a new, better quality product than try to have your existing one repaired.

If your kettle worked in the living room but not in the kitchen then you have an issue with your kitchen socket. You will want to perform a visual inspection first before contacting an electrician so you can give them as much information as possible about what they can expect. It is important that you are very careful around the socket, because you don’t know what kind of electrical fault is at work. First of all, turn off the standby switch and even the mains power if it makes you feel more comfortable. Then carefully grip the head of the plug and pull it form the socket at a right angle. Pulling from another angle can weaken the metal prongs and cause them to snap off, whereas pulling from the cord rather than the plug can weaken the cable. Once the plug is successfully removed, you will want to examine the socket as well as the plug. Is there any evidence of damage? Common signs include cracking of the plug, bent prongs, or burn marks on the socket.

If you notice some damage, and the socket happens to be connected to a power board, then this is most likely your problem. Power boards should only ever be used for short periods of time if at all. They demand double or sometimes four times the power that a single socket has been designed to supply. It is no wonder than power boards commonly overheat as they are demanding simply too much electricity. The heat alone could cause singing or burning, whereas a spark could create a full blown electrical fire. Communicate all of your observations when calling an electrician to come and take a look at the problem. This way, they will be able to advise you if you need to stay away from the socket until they arrive, and also what tools and equipment they will need to bring to the site. Trust this important job to the Specialist Electrician Force in Point Cook at Electricians On Call.

Create Stunning Mood Lighting In Your Home

Mood lighting can turn a room from ordinary into extraordinary. Choose this delicate atmosphere for rooms such as the bedrooms. Find out more about great mood lighting from a successful electrician in Hoppers Crossing.

Before you begin thinking about the actual lighting fixtures that will light up your space, there are some structural things to consider as well. This means that if you do intend to succeed with creating a muted and intriguing lighting environment, you will have to plan it right from the beginning. Mood lighting is all about subtlety, so you want to rethink your whole approach to lighting as solely a ceiling feature. One way to mute the intensity of the light is to take it out of the direct eye line. A common feature then is floor or low lighting, often under a ledge so that it looks like a soft glow. Under the bed, under the edges of cupboards or just under an overhanging skirting board can all look fantastic. Ceiling lights are of course not totally dismissed, and in fact recessed lighting in a ceiling cavity can really nail the look. This is particularly successful in en suites or walk in wardrobes. There are different purposes for different lighting throughout the home. Outdoors and bathrooms might need functional or safety lighting, whereas living rooms might go for a more decorative feel with pendants and floor lamps. The bedroom is a common spot for experimenting with ambient lighting which sets the tone of the space.

 Also in the structure of the room you will want to consider the textures of walls and surfaces. Glossy wallpaper, for example, is not the best choice to complement your soft lighting. This texture can sometimes bounce the light off the walls and ruin the subtle aesthetic. Grainy textures can also alter the impact of hidden or muted lighting, and glossy windows are also an obstacle. Cover these with rich matte curtains so you can enjoy sunlight in the day time and a sensual aesthetic in the evenings. Mirrors can either work in your favour or against you, depending on their placement. Never have a light directly shining on a mirror, as this will be far too blinding. However, mirrors more generally placed can exaggerate the effect that you have achieved.

Now that the rest of your room is adapted to catering for mood lighting, it is time to focus on the lights themselves. Subtlety is key and so mood lighting relies on the simplest of lighting fixtures, often the lighting devices themselves are hidden. Look at downlights that offer a warm, yellow light rather than a bathroom, clinical feel. Choose bulbs or lights with lower wattages so that the lighting intensity is appropriate for the style you are trying to achieve. Mood lighting also commonly plays around with colours and layers, and lamp shades or lanterns are magnificent additions to your space. You can cast subtle shadowy patterns or overlap different colours to create a mottled lighting effect. Of you do want to experiment with colour, stick to two or three colours that blend together well, otherwise the room can end up looking confused and messy. Unless you want your place to look like a club, it might be best to avoid brighter colours like blur or green and go for softer tones.

You can be quite inventive when it comes to mood lighting, and many of the standard practical lighting rules don’t apply. For example, you don’t need to light up every nook and cranny. In fact, a darkened corner can make the appearance of the room all the more impressive. Chat to a Professional Electrician Specialist in Hoppers Crossing from Electricians On Call. 

When is it time to call an electrician at Newport?

It’s important to be vigilant and know when the right time is to call an electrician to your Newport property. Next time your experience any of the following make sure you pick up your phone and give a professional electrician a call. It could be the difference between your family’s safety and a horrible incident.

Tingles
Have you every gone to wash your hands in the bathroom and got a strange tingle sensation when you touch the taps? I could be you get the same feeling when you touch any other metal fitting in your home. If the answer is yes, then there is a problem. This type of issue indicates an issue with your house’s electrics and should be investigated by a Professional Electrician Newport immediately. 

Shocks
Experiencing a tingle or a shock when using an electrical appliance of power tool is a problem. This type of issue should never be ignored because it suggests a bigger problem. The best thing to do is to immediately stop using the appliance or tool and disconnect it from the power. Then call the manufacturer of the product for further information. For peace of mind, you can also call an electrician to get them to check over your electrics, as well as the appliance or too.

Lighting changes
Over time you will become accustomed to the brightness or dullness to your indoor lighting. That’s why when you notice a change or inconsistencies in the brightness to your lighting; this should act as a light bulb moment, figuratively speaking. It’s important not to confuse changes in your lighting’s brightness with dips associated with start-up motors or heat pumps. If you have noticed that your lighting is inconsistent and always changing, be sure to contract a professional electrician to investigate the situation.

Fittings that are melted, cracked or discoloured?
At the first sign of noticing any damage to your light fittings or power points it’s crucial you call an experience electrician. These type of problems reveal an overheating problem with your electrical systems that can be dangerous. It’s important not to put your family at risk and get the issue investigated as soon as possible. 

Light switches or power points that make a sparking noise
It is typical for a power point or light switch to make a tiny flash when they are turned off, however, be vigilant about any noises that are also emitted. As parking noise shows a problem is present so at the first sign call an electrician to have a look. 

Blown fuses
There’s nothing more annoying that being in the middle of something only to have the electrical fuse or circuit breaker blow. If this type of event starts happening regularly, it’s time to call an electrician. Continual blown fuses could be indicative of a larger problem that needs to be urgently fixed to ensure your and your family’s safety.

Decreased efficiency with your appliances
If you’ve noticed that you’re waiting a lot longer for your kettle to boil or perhaps your toast to pop, there could be a problem with your electrics. When your appliances start taking longer to work, it usually signals an issue that needs to be addressed by a professional electrician. 

Earth wire check
Did you know that any stray electrical is conducted safely to the ground by earthing wires? This is to enhance your home’s safety and to stop any risks of electrocution. For this reason, it is very important to have your earthing wires check by a professional if you start noticing problems. For those in an older house, keeping an eye of your earthing wires is crucial. Also, if you have had any plumbing work or anything else that may have disturbed your earth performed, ensure an electrician has another look over it to make sure it’s working up to scratch. Another sign to look out for is if you notice a broken or damaged bare copper wire or green insulated wire stray on your property. 

If you would like to find out more about electrical hazards, call a professional electrician today from Electricians on Call in Newport. You can also visit their website for more information at http://electriciansoncall.com.au. 

Avoid Calling an Electrician to Your Port Melbourne Home By Avoiding These 6 Common Electrical Hazards

Any electrician in Port Melbourne will tell you that the modern home is full of potential electrical safety hazards. It is important to eliminate these dangers as much as you can to ensure you and your family is safe. Below we have outlined the six most common electrical hazards around the home and how you can prevent them.

Poor wiring and defective electric wires

It is paramount to ensure your home is fitted with quality wiring by a professional electrician. While it may be tempting to skimp on the price and pay a novice a lot less to perform the job, you are playing with your family’s life. Electrical wires that are improperly fitted are a major hazard that can result in a range of problems including electrocution, power surges and fire. Furthermore, wiring that is damaged, worn or corroded dramatically increases the risk of an electrical accident. Therefore, it is extremely important to be vigilant and have a professional electrician examine your wiring on a regular basis to make sure it is safe.

Outlets close to water

Areas like the kitchen and bathroom cannot function without electrical outlets. They are a hive of activity is any household with electronic devices constantly used in these rooms. The problem with these areas is they utilise water, which clearly does not mix with electricity. Therefore it is extremely important to have the outlets placed as far away as possible from the electrical outlets. If you are building a new home this is something you can talk to your builder about. For those who already live in a house, conduct yourself with caution when you use electrical products in these wet areas. By doing so you will dramatically decrease your chances of getting an electric shock.

Lightbulbs

Most people think lightbulbs are harmless and for the majority of time they are. However, problems arise when lightbulbs are placed near flammable materials. It is often overlooked that while lightbulbs cast light, they also generate heat. While the heat is not enough to warm a house up, it can be enough to start a fire, if left near flammable material for extended periods of time. Be vigilant with lightbulbs around plastic, curtains, upholstery and beds.

Covered electrical cords and wires

Electrical cords and wires are known to radiate heat. While often the heat is not enough to cause a problem, when these cords and wires are covered, a potential fire hazard is created. Avoid heavy covering, or covering at all, that is placed over cords and wires. To be extra safe, keep all cords and wires away from any flammable items.

Water and electrical fires

When a fire breaks out in your home, your first reaction is to get water and lots of it. However, this can actually make the problem ten times worse if it is an electrical fire. By pouring water on an electrical fire the flames actually worsen. Instead a fire extinguisher is much more effective, not to mention safer. For this very reason, it is important for all homes to be prepared and equip themselves with a fire extinguisher. It’s easy to purchase mini fire extinguishers that can be kept in an easy to reach place in your kitchen.

Inquisitive little kids

With so many new and exciting things to experience, toddlers and young children love to explore around your home. While this can be a great time as you watch their faces light up when they learn new things, it can be a little scary. As kids don’t know the dangers of electricity there are no boundaries in their explorations. This is why it is extremely important to be tentative and proactive about electrical dangers. Protect electrical outlets with plastic closures, as these are usually in the eye line of young kids and something they will want to play with. The protective devices will stop any little fingers or objects being shoved into the outlet.

If you would like to learn more about Making Your Home in Port Melbourne Electrically Safe, talk to an electrician from Electricians on Call today.

Alternatively you can check out their services by visiting their website at http://electriciansoncall.com.au.

Ask an Electrician Before Installing Lighting in Your Werribee Home

A professional electrician can help you select the right lighting for your Werribee home. A sign of good lighting is when it simply fades into the background and does its job. Funnily enough though, it’s when lighting is bad that people notice it. If you want to ensure you pick the right lighting for your home to make it shine, follow the tips below.

Ask yourself what your lighting goals are
There is a range of different lighting options available, which is why it’s important to decide what the aim of your lighting is. Working out the function, as well as the mood you wish to create will dramatically help your lighting purchase. Perhaps, you are placing lighting in a place like the kitchen that requires direct or task lighting, which allows you to focus on the task at hand. Alternatively, there is ambient or indirect lighting that is used for the lighting of your entire home.

Exterior lighting for safety and security
 When selecting exterior lighting for your home it is important to consider the lighting your neighbourhood already utilises. This should provide good guidance for what is necessary and appropriate for your home. It is crucial you choose lighting that isn’t too dim but isn’t too bright. Bright exterior lighting is not only pricey but it can bother your neigbhours. Alternatively, dim lighting can be an invitation to intruders and allow them to enter your property without being caught. You should install flood lighting on the exterior corners of your property, which are motion activated so any burglars are put off from even approaching your home. It’s also a good idea to place lighting around the perimeter of your home, focusing upon the sidewalks and walkways.

Exterior lighting doesn’t have to just be functional
At nightfall, outdoor lighting can create a real feature for your home. Just think about the carloads of people who drive around every year in December, just to get a glimpse of outdoor Christmas lighting displays. If you want to add a decorative effect to your outdoor lighting and make it an attractive feature, try wall sconces. With a wall sconce, the light washed up against the outdoor walls, producing a beautiful look in the night time. You can even try installing directional sconces, which you can point in any position you like to create a focal point in your outdoor area. You may like to point the light towards an architectural feature or special plants around your backyard.

Don’t forget night lighting in your kid’s bedrooms
Now that you’re an adult it’s easy to forget kids have a fear of the dark. As a youngster I always liked my bedroom light to be dimmed because I was fearful of the unknown in the veil of darkness. Taking into consideration your children’s needs before you select lighting, will ensure you don’t endure sleepless nights. The ability to dim lighting is not only useful for scared children but it also allows you to navigate through a dark room, without waking up your child.

High ceilings are often an enviable feature in homes. They create a spacious feel and look very elegant. The only trouble about high ceilings is finding the perfect lighting. If you have a home with high ceilings and modern décor, recessed lighting is the way to go. This type of lighting is idea, as it doesn’t detract away from the gorgeous ceiling, as it snugs into the ceiling subtly. If required this type of lighting can be directional and can also be dimmed.

Once you have decided on the right lighting for your home, ensure you pick the right electrician. Electricians on Call is a company you can trust with your household lighting. If you would like to hire a Electrician at Your Werribee Home today.