Electrical safety can be defined as the set of rules and precautions taken to avoid hazards that cause injury or death by electricity. Electrical safety is essential because it can protect your life and the lives of other people. Using an electrician to do any electrical work ensures that you stay safe when working on electrical equipment at home or in a business.
Who Is an Electrician?
An electrician is a tradesman or professional charged with installing, maintaining, and testing electrical equipment. An electrician wears protective equipment such as rubber gloves, rubber-soled shoes, safety glasses, and sometimes even fully enclosed helmets with visors.
What Qualifications Are Needed to Become an Electrician?
An apprenticeship is the most common way to become an electrician. Not all Australian states and territories have compulsory trade apprenticeships, but it’s worth checking with your local state training authority. The National Electricians Registration Working Group sets nationally recognized standards for the registration of qualified electricians. All trained electrical workers should be registered under these guidelines and hold a national electrical code number unique identifier.
The leading national qualification for electricians is Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician. This qualification is to be complemented with practical work experience. No matter your educational background, you will need to work as an electrician for some time before your application is approved.
Different Types of Services Offered by An Electrician to Enhance Electric Safety
Here are a few different types of services that are offered by an Electrician:
- Testing and tagging of electrical appliances
- Electrical rewiring and fuse replacement
- Home electrical safety inspections
- Testing light bulbs, switches and power boards for continuity.
- Electric installations maintenance, mainly upgrading switchboards.
- Equipment installation e.g., tv mounting brackets, ceiling fans, exhaust fans, air-conditioning units etc.
- New lighting installation
- Breaker and fuse board repairs and replacements
Electrical Safety Measures That You Should Observe at Home
- Never try to fix any electrical problem in your house by yourself, even if you have some previous experience with electrical issues.
- Always switch off the main supply before inspecting household appliances and lighting or working on an extension lead.
- Do not place anything metallic such as keys, screws, or aluminium foil, next to power boards while switched on.
- Only use extension cords that have been approved by an electrical engineer or a registered testing agency.
- Don’t overload power boards with too many appliances and wiring.
- Replace worn wires and cables immediately. You can also hire an electrician to come around and inspect your home wiring.
- Always use approved safety switches in bathrooms, storerooms or garages where possible to avoid unnecessary contact with water.
- Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your house and near all bedrooms for added protection against electrical fires.
Importance of Hiring a Licensed Electrician for Electrical Safety
Knowledge and Professionalism
An electrician has a thorough knowledge of electrical safety and can perform most tasks properly and safely. They will also give you the best solution for your problems following safety standards.
Proper Installation
If you hire an electrician, they will ensure that all connections are made correctly, as per the Australian Standards.
Safety Inspections
A qualified electrician will identify potential hazards and ensure ongoing compliance with necessary regulations and good working practices to maintain risks at low levels.
Custom Wiring Solutions
An experienced electrician is your best option if you are looking for extra sockets, new light switches or even a new distribution board. A good electrician has access to many different devices and wiring solutions that will suit their customers’ needs.
First-Hand Experience
As an electrician has spent years working with electricity, they have seen hundreds of common accidents and problems caused by electrical faults, so they know what signs to look out for when inspecting your home.
Insurance
A qualified electrician holds trade insurance in case of any accidents that occur within their work. This means that should an accident not be your fault. You are protected, and so is the electrician who is insured against breakages and accidents.
Experience with New Technology
An experienced electrician can help you with the more modern electrical appliances such as wind turbines or solar panels. They have seen many different types of equipment in use over time and will know how to install them safely.
Legal Compliance
All Australian states & Territories require that all electrical safety assessments be undertaken by an Approved Electrical Contractor [AEC] or what we like to call a Sub-Cont Certification License [SCCL].
Electrical Compliance Inspections
Your electrician will make sure your business complies with all necessary regulations in the area of electrical safety, keeping you informed of any changes or updates to the relevant rules and regulations.
Unexpected Events
An experienced electrician will be able to handle any problem with electricity. As well as repair or replace wiring that may have been accidentally cut or frayed.
Summing Up
An electrician’s job can be hazardous if done without qualification. That’s why it’s essential to hire someone who knows what they’re doing. Get a competent electrician like ElecSmith Electrical Contractors who cares about doing an excellent installation or repair to avoid accidents that could harm yourself or your property.
