Author: Saalik Ahamed

doorbell-wiring

Doorbell Wiring: How to Wire Your Home’s Doorbell!

17Feb
by Saalik Ahamed  
0

Are you looking to install a wired doorbell at home but need to know how to go about it? Doorbell wiring may be more challenging than you think. However, it would help if you had a basic understanding of wiring a doorbell and how a wired doorbell operates.

In this article, we’ll take you through the basics of doorbell wiring, from types of doorbells to wiring a doorbell in Australia and more. Keep reading to learn more about it and how to wire your home’s doorbell today!

Introduction to Doorbell Wiring

The doorbell is one of the essential components of your home. It basically is the official greeter for everyone who stops by your home. However, it’s also one of the most overlooked items at your home.

After all, no one wants to think about the wiring of a doorbell until they have to. However, it’s essential to know the basics of wiring a doorbell and how to install it in your home.

A doorbell isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessary part of your home’s security system. It’s the first line of defense against intruders or other unwelcome visitors. It’s also a great way to ensure you’re always aware of who’s at your door. For these reasons, it is vital to ensure that your doorbell is wired correctly and adequately.

Let’s look at the basics of doorbell wiring and how to install a wired doorbell in your home.

What are the Different Types of Doorbells?

Before you can start wiring a doorbell, you need to know what type of doorbell is suitable for you. There are two main types of doorbells: wired doorbells and wireless doorbells. Let’s take a look at the differences between them.

  1. Wired doorbells are the traditional type of doorbell. They require electrical wiring to operate and are usually powered by a transformer. These bells are usually connected to a wall-mounted button, which triggers the doorbell when pressed.

  2. On the other hand, wireless doorbells don’t require any electrical wiring. Instead, they use a radio signal to communicate with the receiver. They’re usually powered by a battery and come with a wireless button, which is usually waterproof and can be mounted anywhere.

How Does a Wired Doorbell Work?

Now that you know the different types of doorbells, let’s look at how a wired doorbell works. A wired doorbell consists of three components. These components are the transformer, the doorbell button, and the chime.

1. Doorbell button

As the name suggests, it is the button you press to activate the alarm. It sends a current that triggers the chime.

2. Transformer

The transformer is the power source and converts the house’s electrical current into a low voltage. This low voltage is then sent to the doorbell button, which triggers the chime when you press the button.

3. The chime

The chime is the part of the doorbell that makes the sound when you press the button. It’s usually placed inside the house, but you can also place it outside too. When you press the button, the low voltage from the transformer is sent to the chime, which makes the sound.

What are the 3 Wires for my Doorbell?

Now that you know how a wired doorbell works, let’s look at the wiring. A wired doorbell requires three wires: the power wire, the neutral wire, and the ground wire.

  • The power wire is the wire that connects the transformer to the doorbell button. This wire carries the low voltage from the transformer to the button.

  • The neutral wire is the wire that connects the transformer to the chime. This wire carries the low voltage from the transformer to the chime.

  • The ground wire is the wire that connects the transformer to the ground. This wire helps to protect the doorbell from damage due to electrical surges.

Wiring a Doorbell in Australia

Now that you know the basics of wiring a doorbell, let’s take a look at wiring a doorbell in Australia.

In Australia, doorbells are usually wired in a two-wire system. This means that the power and neutral wires are connected to the same transformer. The ground wire is then connected to the transformer and the ground. This two-wire system is the most common type of doorbell wiring in Australia.

However, it’s important to note that doorbell wiring in Australia can vary depending on the type of your doorbell. Therefore it is always better to consult a qualified electrician for advice and help.

Do you Need an Electrician to Install a Wired Doorbell?

Now that you know the basics of doorbell wiring in Australia, you might wonder if you would need an electrician to install a wired doorbell. The answer is yes.


It’s essential to hire a qualified electrician when installing a wired doorbell. An electrician will be able to ensure that the wiring is done correctly and that the doorbell is working properly. They will also be able to advise you on the best type of doorbell for your home and make sure that it’s installed correctly.

It is illegal to do any electrical wiring, if you don’t have the required licenses and qualifications in Victoria. Further, doing any electrical work without experience can put your life in danger. Therefore it is advisable to seek help from a qualified electrician, even if the task is minor.

Troubleshooting your Doorbell Wiring

If your doorbell isn’t working properly, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.

First, check the wiring. Ensure all the wires are connected correctly and the power wire is connected to the transformer.

If the wiring is correct, then the problem could be with the transformer. Make sure the transformer is in good working condition and that it’s connected to a power source.

If the wiring and the transformer are in good condition, the problem could be with the doorbell button. Make sure the button is connected correctly and that it’s not damaged.

If the button is damaged, then you may need to replace it. It is always better to consult a licensed electrician to troubleshoot a problem with the doorbell wiring.

Tips to Consider When Wiring a Doorbell

Let’s look at some tips to consider when wiring a doorbell.

First, ensure you’re using the right type of wiring for your doorbell. Different types of doorbells require different types of wiring, so it’s essential to ensure you’re using the right type of wiring for your doorbell.

Second, make sure the wiring is installed correctly. Ensure all the wires are connected correctly, and the power wire is connected to the transformer. If the wiring isn’t installed correctly, it could damage the doorbell.

Finally, make sure you hire a qualified electrician to install the doorbell. An electrician will be able to make sure the wiring is done correctly and that the doorbell is working properly.

Conclusion

Wiring a doorbell can seem simple, but it requires expert skills. However, it would help if you had a basic understanding of doorbell wiring to understand its mechanism.

There are basically three parts to a wired doorbell. They are the doorbell button, transformer and chime. Further, three wires connect these three parts, so that the system operates smoothly.

Always consult a licensed electrician if you plan to install a wired doorbell. Don’t put your life at risk.

If you are looking for a licensed electrician in Geelong, don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Electric. Our team has served the Geelong community for many years. We can help you to do your doorbell wiring today. Contact us to get a quotation.

A Guide to Electrical Inspections in Geelong

A Guide to Electrical Inspections in Geelong

28Oct
by Saalik Ahamed  
0

Is your house safe from electrical hazards? To ensure that your property is free from electrical hazards you must do electrical inspections in Geelong.

Electrical hazards can lead to severe damages including house fires, electrocutions and even death. Therefore it is crucial to ensure that your property is up to the recommended electrical standards and free from electrical threats.

What is an electrical inspection? How important is it to do an electrical inspection? Keep reading this article to get a brief insight into electrical inspections and learn more about electrical inspections.

What is an electrical inspection?

As you know, identifying and fixing shortcomings in your property’s electrical system is crucial to ensure your safety. This is where the electrical inspections come into play.

Electrical inspections will provide a comprehensive checkup and review of your property’s electrical installations and wiring. Electrical inspections will help to ensure that the wiring and the electrical systems are up to legal safety standards.

What is done in an electrical inspection?

Now you know what an electrical inspection is, but do you know what is done in an electrical inspection? Once a registered electrical contractor or an electrician performs a job, they should issue a certificate. 

This  certificate is a proof that the electrical installation is done by a licensed electrician. It also ensures that the inspection is up to the specified standards. This certificate is known as the Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES).

Your licensed electrician will fill out the COES, and a licensed inspector should sign it after an inspection. An inspector will visit the premises and check whether the new electrical installation meets legal standards.

During the inspection, the inspector will check for insecure wiring, test power points and lights. They will also check smoke alarms, safety switches, inspect switchboard and electrical equipment, etc. The inspector will detect these errors and inform you or the electrician to take corrective actions.

The inspector will not sign the COES until the corrective actions are taken, and the installation is up to legal standards.

When do you need an electrical inspection?

The need for an inspection will depend on the nature of the electrical work. According to Energy Safe Victoria, there are two types of electrical works. They are commonly known as prescribed and non-prescribed electrical works.

Prescribed electrical work

These are the electrical work which should be performed under low voltages such as wiring and changing the switch panel etc. To get a clear picture of the prescribed electrical work, consider the following situations:

  • Changing and installing the mains and earthing the system.
  • Installing a new switchboard or changing the old one.
  • Electrical wiring.
  • Motor generator installations.
  • Changing or installing a new renewable energy generation system (solar systems).

A licensed inspector should do the electrical inspections for these electrical works. They should also confirm that it is up to the state’s legal standards. You cannot switch on or send power to these installations until an inspector approves it.

Non-prescribed electrical work

These are the non-risky electrical installations that do not fall into the category of prescribed electrical works. The non-prescribed electrical works include installations such as lighting, air conditioning, plug points, hot water service, etc.

A licensed electrician will fill out the COES for these installations. However, you don’t have to get the approval of an electrical inspector. You can switch on or send power to these installations without the approval of an inspector.

electrical work

Inspections without electrical installations

Further, you can do an electrical inspection in the following situations to ensure that your electrical system is safe:

  • If you live in a very old house – The switches, plug sockets, and earthing could be outdated in an old house. These outdated units could lead to electrical hazards. Therefore it is better to inspect these once in a while to ensure your safety.
  • If the wiring in your home is old – Old wiring could also lead to electrical hazards. Therefore if the wiring is more than 25 years old, you should probably do an inspection.
  • Before renting or buying a house – It is mandatory to do an electrical inspection within two years before renting a house.
  • Before or after a storm – Storms could damage the wiring in your house. Therefore inspections after a storm can save you from electrical hazards. Further, inspections before a storm can help to ensure that your electrical system is safe to face a storm.
  • As a regular electrical maintenance and inspection routine.

Who can do electrical inspections

Now you know how important it is to do an electrical inspection. But can anyone do an electrical inspection in Geelong?

The main authority governing and regulating electrical safety in Victoria is Energy Safe. Energy Safe Victoria is issuing various licenses to ensure that only skilled and qualified individuals will engage in electrical work.

Likewise, Energy Safe Victoria will also issue licenses to qualified electrical inspectors. This is commonly known as Electrical Inspectors License. There are various categories or classes of inspector licenses, each specifying different areas of inspection.

These license categories are:

  • Class G – Low-voltage installations.
  • Class H – Installations of electrical equipment in hazardous zones.
  • Class M – Fixed electrical equipment in patient areas.
  • Class V – High voltage installations.
electrical-Inspectors-license-type

Your licensed electrician will introduce a suitable licensed inspector for the inspections. Therefore you don’t need to worry about finding an inspector with a suitable license to attend to your needs. However, you can request to see their licenses before attending to your electrical installations.

Some people might confuse independent electrical inspections with the ESV audit. The licensed inspectors are independent parties who are qualified to check an installation. However, ESV will visit the place and audit the electrical work once they receive a copy of the COES. 

Once the job is complete, a copy of the COES will be submitted to the ESV by the electrician.

How much does an electrical inspection cost

An electrical inspector would charge by the hour, typically around $50 to $100 per hour. Therefore, the cost of an electrical inspection will be different from one job to another. 

A normal inspection would go on for two to four hours. The total inspector’s fee would be around $100 to $500. These values are rough estimates and could differ from time to time. The best way to find your inspection cost is to get quotations from several inspectors for the job.

Once your electrician completes the job, seek their advice to find an affordable inspector for the job. They have been in the market for a long time, and therefore they know the best available inspectors.

Is an electrical inspection a legal requirement for landlords

The landlords or the rental providers should ensure that their property is safe from electrical hazards. This is a legal requirement in the state of Victoria.

Therefore, the rental providers should ensure that all the electrical installations in the property are checked by a licensed electrician. This needs to be done every two years. The rental provider is bound to assure the tenant in writing that the electrical inspections were done, not exceeding two years.

If the rental provider rents a place that has not been inspected for two years, an electrical inspection is warranted. Therefore electrical inspections are a legal requirement for landlords.

Read more: ESV, Consumer Affairs Victoria

Summary

Electrical inspections are crucial to ensure electrical safety. Independent but ESV-licensed inspectors will do the electrical inspections in Geelong.

The need for electrical inspections will depend on the nature of the electrical installation. However, you still can arrange an inspection without an installation to ensure the safety of your home. Further, if you are a rental provider, you should do electrical inspections every two years.

The cost of electrical inspections will differ from one job to another. So the best way to determine the cost would be to obtain several quotations from electrical inspectors.

Are you planning to do an electrical inspection in Geelong? If yes, then Mr. Electric can help you. 

We have served the Geelong community for over three decades. We also hold the necessary licenses and certificates to help you with the inspections. Feel free to contact us for a free in-house quotation.

Switchboard Upgrade in Geelong - What You Need to Know - mr electric geelong

Switchboard Upgrade in Geelong – What You Need to Know

03Oct
by Saalik Ahamed  
0

It’s frustrating that you have to go outside to a charging station to charge your vehicle. You might even have to spend hours there until your vehicle gets fully charged. But what if you install an EV charger at your home?

This article is for all of you who own an EV or planning to buy one in the future. This article will give you some essential tips that you must consider before installing an EV charger at your home.

What is a switchboard?

Before jumping to the rest of the article, do you have a basic idea of what a switchboard does? You all have seen that panel with various breaker switches. That is a switchboard.

A switchboard controls the electricity received from the main supply and distributes it to the rest of the house or the property.

electrician-switchboard-with-fuses- mr electric geelong

To further simplify it, when you switch on an electrical appliance, the switchboard is the one that sends electricity to it.

Therefore, the switchboard does a tremendous job in handling the electrical power and controlling it so that the electrical appliances work without interference.

What is done in a switchboard upgrade?

With the rising use of electrical appliances, you should also take actions to increase the switchboard capacity.

Upgrading a switchboard would involve various activities. You might have to rewire, replace the old fuses with the modern ones, install new breakers, etc.

All of this is done to enhance the capacity of the switchboard and allow more electricity to flow through the system. It is crucial to cope with the rising demand for electricity due to modern appliances.

Why should you upgrade the switchboard?

As mentioned earlier, the main reason why you should upgrade your switchboard is to ensure your safety. If there is a fault or malfunction in the board, it can lead to life-threatening electrical hazards.

Apart from ensuring your safety, there are various other reasons to upgrade your old switchboard. These reasons are:

  1. Installing solar panels: With the world moving towards green energy, solar power has become more popular among many households. However, old switchboards cannot support solar power systems. Therefore you should change your old switchboard to a new one.
  2. Rules and regulations: There are various rules and regulations that you must comply with when implementing an electrical system. These rules have changed over time to increase electrical safety. As a result, your old switchboard might not comply with the current rules and regulations.
  3. Old fuses: Do you still have old ceramic fuses? They are not designed to handle an overload. These ceramic fuses have zero protection against electric shocks. Therefore they must be replaced immediately.
  4. New safety switches: Did you know that most new switchboards have built-in safety switches? This improves safety against electrical shocks and fire hazards.
  5. Smart metres: If you are keen on tracking your energy consumption and saving more energy, you should consider installing smart metres. However, these new smart metres require new switchboards to work.
  6. Overload: With the rising use of electrical devices, your switchboard needs more capacity to handle electrical needs. The older boards don’t have sufficient capacity. Therefore, they tend to overload. This can even lead to a fire.
  7. Tripping: When your switchboard cannot handle the load, it trips constantly. This will interrupt the power supply. In such situations, you should upgrade your switchboard. 
Switchboard Upgrade - mr electric geelong

Your switchboard should function efficiently to supply the electricity smoothly and avoid electrical hazards. Therefore keep your switchboard upgraded to avoid unnecessary power outages and electrical hazards.

How to know when your switchboard needs upgradation

Upgrading the switchboard when necessary is crucial to ensure electrical safety. The question is, how can you know when you should upgrade it?

There are a couple of signs and factors that you must consider to decide whether you should upgrade your switchboard.

  1. Age: When did you upgrade your wiring and the switchboard last? If you can’t remember, it could be long ago. If it is more than 20 years, you should probably consider upgrading the switchboard as soon as possible.
  2. Check the power outlets: You should check the power outlets in your house or property. Have they discoloured (burnt-like), or are there any burn marks on them? If so, that could be a sign of power overload. It should be checked immediately.
  3. Weird smell: Do you often smell something burning? Especially the burning smell of rubber or plastic? Then it can also be due to power overloading.
  4. Blown fuses: When the fuses cannot handle the electrical load, they will blow out. You should probably upgrade the switchboard if your fuses are blowing frequently. 
  5. Flickering lights: If there are any flickering lights, that could mean that your electrical system and the switchboard are insufficient to handle the house’s electrical needs. It could also be due to loose wiring.
  6. Buzzing noises: Electricity doesn’t generally generate any noise. If you hear a buzzing or a sizzling sound, then that could be a sign of a faulty switchboard.
  7. Tripping Appliances: If your appliances are dull and tripping constantly, it is time to upgrade.
  8. Sparks: If there are any sparks when plugging into an electrical outlet, then it could be a sign of a faulty switchboard.
  9. Electrical shocks: Are you experiencing a mild electrical shock when plugging equipment? Then it could be a sign of malfunction in the switchboard. However, it should probably be checked by a licensed electrician.
  10. Overheated wires: If the wiring in the house gets overheated, it could be a sign of power overload.

These signs can also occur due to various other reasons. Therefore if you see them, don’t jump to conclusions immediately. Instead, call your electrician at your earliest convenience. They will check and let you know the reasons and possible solutions.

Is a switchboard upgrade expensive?

Well, this is quite a complex question. The cost of upgrading a switchboard can differ from one job to another.

This is because the cost will depend on various factors. These factors are:

  • The capacity of the switchboard.
  • Does your house need rewiring?
  • The size of the switchboard.
  • Does your house need new cabling?
  • The phase of the switchboard.
  • The labour cost.

These factors will entirely depend on the nature and size of the job, and all of these factors can affect the project’s final cost.

Therefore the best way to find the final cost of the project is to obtain a quotation from a licensed electrician. It is ideal to obtain at least three different quotations in detail from three different electricians.

Finding the final cost is crucial to match your budget. However, you should never consider this as a cost, but consider this as an investment to ensure your safety.

Whom should you hire to upgrade switchboards in Geelong

Are you wondering whom to hire to upgrade your switchboard in Geelong? Then you should consider hiring a qualified electrician with the relevant licences and years of experience. They can understand your situation well and provide the best solutions.

If you are looking for such an electrician, consider contacting Mr. Electric. We have served the Geelong community for a long time, and all our electricians are highly skilled and experienced.

We will provide free in-house quotations and even workmanship guarantees. Don’t forget the 24/7 emergency service we provide for our clients. Your safety is of utmost importance to us.

What You Should Know Before Bathroom Exhaust Fan installation – A Brief Overview - mr electric geelong

What You Should Know Before Bathroom Exhaust Fan installation – A Brief Overview

26Aug
by Saalik Ahamed  
0

The bathroom is the one place that gets most dirty and wet during a given day. The bad odors and moisture in bathrooms can be unpleasant for the users.

Therefore it is ideal if the bathroom gets dried quickly and there is a proper ventilation system to draw out the odors. While several options are available for you, the exhaust fans are the best and most popular choices.

However, there are a couple of things that you should know before installing exhaust fans in your bathroom. This article will help you get a brief idea about the exhaust fans and their importance before installing them in your bathroom.

What are the types of exhaust fans?

There are basically four types of exhaust fans which you could choose depending on your bathroom’s configurations. These types are:

1. Ceiling exhaust fans

As the name suggests, ceiling exhaust fans are mounted on the house’s roof. Ceiling exhaust fans are the most preferred among most householders.

These fans will carry the air upwards through the ducts to the outside. Most individuals tend to vent the ceiling exhaust fans into the attic. However, getting them out outside the home is always better.

This is since your attic is not a temperature-controlled location. Therefore if you leave the vents in the attic, it could get heated and accumulate moisture which could lead to a whole set of new problems.

On the other hand, when installing ducts, ensure it has the shortest distance from the fan to the outside. If the distance is too long, then the exhaust fans’ effectiveness will be minimal.

2. Wall exhaust fans

These are the exhaust fans that are mounted on the walls of the bathroom. This is ideal when there is not enough space on the ceiling to install the ducts.

The wall exhaust fans will be installed on a wall that opens directly to the outside. Therefore this eliminates the need for long ducts.

3. Window exhaust fans

Window exhaust fans are generally used in apartments and places with limited roof space. Basically, window exhaust fans have two parts, which must be sandwiched together through a hole in the window’s glass.

This provides a weatherproof shield while the exhaust fans pull the air directly to the outside. Since window exhaust fans expel air directly to the outside, there is no need for a duct.

4. Inline exhaust fans

The inline exhaust fans are usually placed directly on a ceiling cavity and mounted in-between the lengths of a duct. These fans are usually in a remote location and connect to a duct that ends in a grille that opens into the bathroom.

While the inline exhaust fans are less noisy when compared to the ceiling fans, a single fan can serve more than one bathroom at a time.

These exhaust fans are also ideal when there is not enough roof clearance for ceiling exhaust fans. The extended ducts will expel the air to the outside through an opening on the wall or the roof.

How to pick an exhaust fan according to the size of the bathroom

Did you know that when picking an exhaust fan, you must consider its capacity? Yes, just like buying an air conditioner, you have to match the capacity of the exhaust fan according to your bathroom.

The required capacity of the exhaust fan will depend on the size of the bathroom and the number of air changes required per hour.

Types of exhaust fans - mr electric geelong

Number of air changes

The number of air changes means the number of times all the air in the room is replaced with new air. The number of air changes required in the bathroom will depend on the number of equipment in your bathroom. As a standard, these are the typical number of air changes required for different types of bathrooms and toilets.

  • Bathroom with no shower  – 6 to 8 times
  • Bathroom with a shower     – 15 to 25 times
  • Toilet                                   – 6 to 15 times

Size of the bathroom

Once you have a clear idea about the number of air changes required, you must measure the size of your bathroom. For this, you must calculate the room’s length, width, and height in meters and multiply them together.

For example, if the room is 2m wide, 3m long, and has a height of 3m, then the size would be 18m3  (2 x 3 x 3 = 18).

Combine the values

Once you have taken both the values, multiply them together to get a rough value of the required cubic meters per hour (CMH) you need when buying the fan. In some exhaust fans, its capacity is mentioned in CFM (cubic feet per minute). In such situations, convert the CMH to CFM.

When buying the exhaust fan, don’t buy a fan below the required capacity. Make sure to buy a fan that is slightly above the required capacity. It is ideal if you could seek help from a qualified person, preferably a licensed electrician, to select the suitable capacity.

Where should you place the exhaust fan?

This is a crucial decision since the place you fit the exhaust fan can significantly impact its efficiency. To get the best performance, consider placing them:

  • Directly over or closer to the sources of steam or moisture. In a bathroom, it is ideal for fixing over the shower or between the bath and the shower.
  • Place the exhaust vent directly opposite to the source of fresh air.
  • If you use a wall or a window exhaust fan, place them as high as possible to catch the rising warm air.
  • Make sure that the duct length is as short as possible if you choose a ceiling or an inline exhaust fan. When the duct is too long, the process becomes inefficient.
  • It is for the best if you don’t end the air vent in the attic. It is simply moving the problem into another room. Let the air vents out into the atmosphere

Modern exhaust features

In earlier days, exhaust fans came in as a single unit. However, some exhaust fans in today’s market come in as 3-in-1. These units have exhaust fans, heating, and LED lights.

Therefore you don’t have to spend so much on wiring three separate units. This modern equipment will provide perfect lighting, heating and cleans the air.

Consider the noise levels

We like to enjoy some quiet time when we are in the bathroom. However, this can be ruined by noisy exhaust fans. Most old fans in the market generate noise, which can be disturbing.

There is a saying that the higher the motor power in the exhaust fans, higher the noise. This is true for some brands. Most modern brands in the current market have high capacity and minimum noise. 

woman blocking hear ears - mrelectric

Therefore when buying an exhaust fan, consult your licensed electrician to get his opinion on the best available exhaust fans in the market.

Contact Mr. Electric

The ideal person to fix your exhaust fans is a licensed electrician. They should also have more experience and knowledge about the products in the market.

That is why Mr. Electric stays ahead in the Geelong community. We have been in the business for the last three decades, and our team has top-notch experience in the electrical industry. Don’t forget the 24/7 reliable emergency service that we provide to our clients.

If you are looking for a qualified electrician in Geelong, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will provide a free in-home quotation for your job.

Don’t have sufficient power outlets in your home Stop relying on extension cords - mr electric

Don’t have sufficient power outlets in your home? Stop relying on extension cords.

29Jul
by Saalik Ahamed  
0

It’s frustrating when you don’t have sufficient power outlets in your home. You would have to use extension cords and multi-plugs to get the job done.

Remember the last time you had to run around the house to find an extension cord? If this happens too often, you should not rely too much on the extension cords. If there are insufficient power outlets in your home, take steps to install new power outlets.

This article will explain why you shouldn’t rely too much on extension cords and why you should increase power outlets instead.

Why shouldn’t you rely too much on extension cords

If you use too many extension cords, it indicates fewer power outlets in your house. You should not substitute permanent wiring with the extension cords. These cords should only be used to get power to a location without a nearby power outlet and not as an alternative to multiple power outlets.

plugging in to an extension cord - mrelectric

Extension cords can cause life-threatening hazards to you and your loved ones. Here are some other reasons why you shouldn’t rely too much on extension cords.

Not made for continuous use.

If you are planning to use an extension code instead of increasing the outlets, then you must be expecting to use it continuously. However, don’t rely on the extension cords to work continuously. They should be unplugged once used. Continuous use can deteriorate the condition of the code and cause it to burn out.

One of the major reasons for house fires

Did you know that extension cords have led to house fires? Yes, if the cord has faulty wiring or if you use it continuously, it can lead to house fires. Therefore you should be extra vigilant to not to leave any switched-on extension cords unattended.

Not safe to connect multiple devices

Extension codes can only supply a limited amount of power compared to a direct power outlet. If you plug in multiple devices than the cord can handle, it will burn out, leading to a fire. It is safe to plug only a single piece of equipment at once, and you should not plug in high energy-consuming devices.

As a rule of thumb, heat-generating appliances such as irons, dryers, microwaves, etc., require high energy. Therefore make sure not to plug them into an extension cord, not even a single unit at a time.

Low-quality units in the market

Every extension code in the market is not up to the safety standards. These low-quality cords are more likely to cause life-threatening hazards. Therefore watch out whether the cords are made according to the standards and tested adequately.

Could affect your electricity bills

When you use an extension cord, you are more likely to leave it on standby. Did you know that leaving an extension code on standby mode can keep your electricity meter running? Therefore if you are using more extension cords in your house, your electricity bills could be relatively higher.

Electric meter - mr electric

When should you use extension codes?

That being said, you should not completely stay away from the extension cords. They are not your enemy; these cords can be helpful if you use them wisely.

  • Use the extension cords to connect low-power consuming devices such as computers, mobile phone chargers, television, etc.
  • Extension codes should only be used to get power to locations where you cannot install a power outlet.
  • Use three-prong extension cords for extra safety. Never try to use a three-prong plug on a power outlet with two slots.

Can you get more power outlets installed

If you don’t have sufficient power outlets in your home, you should probably install more power outlets instead of relying on extension cords. However, there could be certain complications when installing new power outlets.

  • The appliances in your house are powered through a circuit system. These circuits are a combination of wires, appliances and a breaker switch. There is no harm in just adding a power outlet to a current circuit system.

    However, if you plug in a high energy-consuming appliance or an appliance that exceeds the capacity of the circuit, then it could overload the system. This could cause the breaker to switch off, disconnecting the power in that circuit system. If it is not switched off automatically, then it could cause a fire.
  • If you are installing a new power outlet, have a clear idea of which appliances you will plug in. If you are plugging in high energy-consuming appliances, you might have to install a new designated circuit. If this is the case, there should be space available in the switch panel to install the circuit.
  • Are there any power outlets nearby the place you want the new outlet? If there is an outlet, then you can simply install the new outlet as an extension from the existing outlet without tearing the wall. No messy patches and ugly holes. However, if there are no nearby outlets, then the situation could change.

We didn’t mention these complications to scare you away. When you see these, you might even think it is better to use an extension cord instead. However, that is not the case. These complications might not even arise at the hands of a skilled electrician. Therefore before making any rash decision consult a certified electrician to find the best solution for your situation.

Can you install power outlets by yourself?

It is technically illegal to install power outlets even in your own house if you don’t have the required licenses. If you don’t have the experience and skills, you could be putting yourself in harm’s way by trying to do electrical work by yourself.

installing power outlet - mr electric

Insurance policies do not cover unlicensed electrical work. Therefore it is ideal to hire a licensed electrician to install the power outlet. They would calculate the current loading of the circuit system and advise whether a new outlet is suitable for the existing circuit. They know the best way to install new outlets without damaging the walls in your lovely home.

If you are looking for an electrician in Geelong, don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Electric. We are highly trained electricians and have served the Geelong community for over three decades. We can provide the best solution for your situation. Contact us today to get your free in-home quote. If it matches your budget, then let’s get the job done with a workmanship warranty.

May 2025
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