General Electrical
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A Buying Guide for Generators View
Before purchasing a generator you must consider what it will be used for. Will you be using a portable generator to take camping or will it be used as a standby generator for your home in case of a power outage?
You will also need to take into consideration the size of generator needed to supply the items you would like to power.
Type of generator
The first question to ask yourself will the generator be:
- Used with directly connected plug in appliances; or
- Connected via a plug and appliance inlet to your home via a changeover switch (installed by a qualified electrical contractor); or
- A hard wired connection to your home via a changeover switch (installed by a qualified electrical contractor).
If you will be purchasing a generator for use with plug in equipment like hand held equipment (e.g. a drill) you will need to purchase a generator that incorporates an RCD (Safety Switch).
If you will be purchasing a generator to plug in or hard wire directly into your home via a changeover switch, the RCD should not be incorporated into the generator. In this case the equipment in your home will be controlled by the RCD’s installed in your switchboard. Please note: To ensure the safety of the installation it is advisable to install a hard wired generator into the switchboard, this will eliminate the risk of someone using the plug in generator (which does not incorporate a RCD) for any other use.
The lead
If you are using a plug in type generator the supply lead from the generator to your house will need to be the correct size for the generator - if unsure check with your electrical contractor.
The supply lead will also need to be installed to be protected against any mechanical damage, for example installed in a suitable wiring enclosure.
As previously mentioned, it is advised that generators for this use be hard wired.
Where to put the generator
Gas or fume poisoning is not to be taken lightly, therefore generators need to be placed in areas where exhaust gases, smoke or fumes cannot reach dangerous levels or enter any areas that people may occupy. Generators must also not be exposed to the weather unless they are suitably protected.
Care must be taken with the positioning of the generator to make sure refuelling can be performed easily. High temperature surfaces or equipment that may emit arcs or sparks may cause ignition when refuelling.
Other information
Always read and follow your manufacturer’s instructions before using your generator and make sure you generator is properly maintained so it is ready for use when it is needed.
Earth stakes are not required or recommended on a generator as per AS 3010. If unsure please check with your electrical contractor. -
What's the Difference Between an Electrician and an Electrical Contractor View
An electrician is known as an electrical worker or an individual qualified tradesperson. An electrical contractor is a suitably trained individual or business that holds the required insurances and can employ an electrical worker. Electricians are typically not allowed to perform work for the public unless under the employment of an electrical contractor.
Electrical contracting businesses are licensed and insured to perform electrical services such as:
- Install a ceiling fan or power point
- Install or alter a switchboard or safety switch
- Install a split cycle air conditioner
- Repair a washing machine
- Maintain a processing plant
- Install or alter wiring or fixed appliances in a building.
While electrical contractors and electricians both hold licences, only electrical contractors hold the required insurances to properly and safely operate a business. These insurances protect the employees and home owners/business owners from insurance liabilities. These requirements vary from state to state. -
Electrical Safety Contact Numbers View
In an emergency dial 000. Keep the contact information of your local electrician handy in case you need to contact them urgently. If you need to report faulty or unsafe electrical work, contact the number listed below in your state.
ACT
Planning and Land Authority
02 6207 1923
NSW
Office of Fair Trading
13 32 20
NT
Department of Justice: Consumer Affairs
1800 019 319
QLD
Electrical Safety Office
1300 650 662
SA
Office of Consumer and Business Affairs Product Safety/Trade Standards
08 8152 0732
TAS
Department of Justice: Workplace Standards
03 6233 7657
VIC
Energy Safe Victoria
03 9203 9700
WA
Department of Employee and Consumer Protection
1300 30 40 54 -
Christmas Safety Checklist View
December is a time for Christmas cheer with many homes and gardens turned into spectacular festive displays.
During this time it's important to remember electrical safety. Too often decorative lighting isn’t installed correctly, or no electrical safety measures have been considered.
Master Electricians Australia urges everyone to be aware of common sense electrical safety measures to keep you and your family safe.
Australian Standards
When you’re purchasing decorative lights always look for an Australian Approval number such as Q12345, V01294, or N12345. Many decorative lights are manufactured outside of Australia where safety standards are lower but the approval number indicates the product is safe to use here.
Safety switches
A safety switch is the best way to secure your home and family’s electrical safety. In most electrical accidents a safety switch will sense danger instantly, cutting off the power in a fraction of a second.
A safety switch and approval number isn’t an alternative to proper electrical maintenance or safe practices. Your home can be covered in decorative lights inside and out and still be electrically sound; you just need to be vigilant and keep electrical safety top-of-mind.
Christmas Safety Checklist
When installing lights outdoors, only use lights designed for external use. Generally these types will have a transformer Use extra low voltage lights - look for lights with a transformer Always turn off outdoor lights during rain or storms Ensure your outdoor connections are weatherproofed Check for an Australian Approval number when purchasing lights Do not piggyback double adapters or power boards Always keep clear of powerlines, swimming pools, driveways, and walkways Secure outdoor lights to fixtures and keep out of children’s reach Follow the instructions and recommendations of manufacturer -
What Work Should an Electrician Perform View
While electrical problems are often inconvenient, almost all electrical problems require a qualified electrical contractor to solve them in a safe and reliable way.
For your own safety, do not try to do any of the following yourself:
- Repair any electrical appliances
- Replace a power point or light switch
- Change any pre-existing electrical wiring
- Install your own electrical wiring
- Change a plug on a lead.
These tasks may seem simple enough but without the correct training you will not be aware of all the risks you are exposed to by working with these electrical devices. Electricians are trained to assess the risk of a situation and know where is safe to work and act accordingly, ensuring your safety at all times. Around your home, there are some simple jobs that are safe for you to perform, such as:
- Resetting a safety switch or circuit breaker,
- Changing an electric light bulb or tube,
- Replacing a fuse,
- Changing a starter in a fluorescent light fitting.
When you are performing any of these tasks make sure the electricity is turned off and remember to take extreme care because electricity can injure or kill.
Every home should have a safety switch; if your home does not have one, contact a Master Electrician and have one installed as soon as possible. These devices are cheap, simple to install, and save many lives every year.
While using electricity please take care. Use common sense to avoid risk and to remain safe. Do not attempt any electrical work that should be performed by a qualified electrical contractor.
