We understand building a new or renovating an existing home can be a daunting yet challenging experience. Deciding on all of the finer details ahead of time for an end result can be confusing and frustrating and yet rewarding at the same time.

Lighting

LUX = Lighting output. The higher the brighter 1K = 1000 lux

Warm white = Yellow, Cool white = white , Daylight = white with blue tint

3000 K 4000K 5-6000K

Lighting shows itself when it is dark obviously. Don't shortcut the lighting to your entrance of your house if you want to show it off.

Security lighting and sensors should be functional yet discreet. Location is key. Consider intruders or even taking the bins out at night.

Inside ensure you have enough lighting for you functional work areas or walkways. Especially kitchens, offices and stairwells, if it is too bright you can always put a dimmer on to tone it reduce the levels of lux.

Have a good think over the plan and mark out what you want to get an idea where to start.

Fans

Size and location are key to creating and maintaining effective air flow throughout the building.

Consider some of the advice from the electrician regarding layout of lighting.

LED strip lighting, Two or three way switching.

Smoke Alarms save lives.

Recent LAW changes to the industry standard require smoke alarms to be installed in each bedroom and hallways leading to the bedrooms. In addition you require one on each level of the house near the stairwell. These are all required to be interconnected so if one goes off somewhere in the house they all go off. This enables the best chance of everybody escaping the fire safely. These additional costs are often overlooked by the architect as they are relatively new changes.

Powerpoints

Consider everyday functionality when placing these around the house or building. Think about kitchen benches, splashbacks, Oven/ Cooker switch locations. Above or below benches. Garage/ Driveway vacuuming, pressure washing. Don't forget garden lighting.

Renovating

Be aware there may be a lot of unknowns behind the walls. The electrical contractor can only give you an estimate of the visible condition of the house and switchboard. Once walls and ceilings are removed it often exposes home handyman wiring or quick fixes which are possible fire hazards.

Regularly check the condition of your switches and power points. Any switches or power points with cracks or scorch marks are UNSAFE and should not be used and replaced by an authorised Electrical Contractor as soon as possible.

Try to avoid using double adapters as these extend the connection and may provide a loose connection resulting in a fire hazard. If you require multiple points use a brand recognised plug board which has an earth leakage protection device built in.

Always remember if something isn't working right or has failed ( light, powerpoint etc) it is for a reason. Electricity is dangerous and POOR connections can cause fire hazards in a matter of minutes. If you are unsure disconnect and shut off the power source until you have it checked out.

PSC Electrical prides itself on doing the final checks and testing which a lot of the industry so called professionals shortcut. Time and profit is not the deciding factor in completing any of our work. The knowledge that we have left the job safe and completed the work as neatly as possible builds our business.

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Honest communication is key, if a contractor is late or doesn't show up on time or even at all chances are they will be slack on the job.

If PSC Electrical staff are running late or unexpected cancellation is necessary then expect a phone call out of courtesy not just a no show.

Presentation is a indication of professionalism on and off the job.

Look for quality hand tools and especially testing gear, if you see these it shows the contractor wants the best results and is willing to pay the costs to ensure accurate readings.

DIY handyman tools show a lack of respect for the dangerous industry they are working in.

Ensure a neat and tidy work area and drop sheets are being used to protect your flooring.

All work in neat and tidy remember insist on a quality job you are paying for it.

If the contractor doesn't know the answer he/ she will admit it and seek out a solution for you. We won't lie to you then charge you accordingly to make more profit.

Voluntarily clean up after themselves. Shows a level of respect for you the client.