When the power point in the kitchen stops working, it can ruin the whole morning very quickly. It is a natural feeling to feel like you need it fixed immediately, and not at a later date. Many electrical repair tasks can be done in one visit, although there are others which simply cannot be rushed.
Tasks Which Can Be Done in a Same Day Visit
Many common repairs fit into a couple of hours on-site with a same day electrician Sydney. Tasks such as replacing a power point, light switch or a light fitting do not require a second trip, and the spare parts required for them tend to travel in the electrician’s van.
Tripping safety switches are another task which is often suited to a same-day visit. Often, proper diagnosis will determine the source of the problem to be just one appliance or one damaged circuit.
Smoke alarm replacement and ceiling fan installation are more of the same kind of task. There is no structural work involved or any work with electrical infrastructure. Both can usually be completed by lunchtime.
Jobs That Shouldn’t Be Rushed, Even If You Really Need Them Done Today
Rewiring is definitely at the opposite end of the scale. Running new cables through the ceiling and walls is a multi-day job, not a multi-hour one. And you’d be crazy to rush it, because you’ll almost certainly end up damaging insulation or forgetting to connect something behind the plaster.
Old switchboards are another thing that needs some careful thought before you touch them. You see, some old boards were mounted on a backing material that might, and I mean might, contain asbestos. Can’t tell by looking, no way, so you need to do some testing and careful handling first.
Working with the electricity network comes with its own set of timing constraints. Needing to change a meter, or get a new service line or upgrade the mains supply is a job that needs an Accredited Service Provider. And getting any of this sorted usually takes a while, no matter how desperate you feel the situation is.
How to Get Ready So That a Quick Visit Fixes The Problem?
Doing a bit of prep before the electrician arrives will save you both time and money in the long run. Grab a pen and write down when the fault started and which appliances were running at the same time. Patterns like tripping the circuit every time it rains, or whenever the kettle boils, could give you some real clues.
Taking some photos to send ahead of the electrician can also be a big help, especially of the switchboard and any dodgy outlets. This way, the electrician arrives with the right parts, and doesn’t waste time chucking around later. Fewer return visits, less wasted time and smaller bills all round.
And don’t underestimate the importance of getting any obstacles out of the way on the day:
- Give the electrician a clear path to the switchboard and meter box.
- Keep the furry critters secured away from the work site.
- Make sure any side gates or roof access points are unlocked.
- And don’t get in the way yourself, move any furniture near the affected outlets.
Small Businesses and The Cost of Sitting In The Dark
For a small business, losing power for an hour is a cash flow problem, like, right now. Cafes can’t keep their coolers running, shops can’t take card payments, and offices are stuck without the internet. Every hour in the dark is lost sales and lost customer goodwill.
Many small operators don’t have a dedicated maintenance team or a backup generator, so a single power fault can just shut them down for the day. Having a plan in place to deal with this sort of thing makes all the difference to how long the pause lasts.
Doing a bit of prep beforehand can make a real difference too. Keep a licensed electrician’s number handy, so you can get help quickly, and make sure the switchboard circuits are clearly labelled so your staff can isolate the problem for you while you wait for the help to arrive.
The Paperwork You Need After The Job’s Done
Even on a rush job, you shouldn’t sacrifice proper paperwork. NSW has some pretty strict regulations around electrical work, and that means you need a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work to confirm the job was done safely and to code.
Invoices are important too, not just for your own records, but for the buyer if you’re selling on. Each one should include the electrician’s licence number, what work was done and what parts were supplied. Keeps everything tidy and makes warranty claims and future inspections a breeze.
And if you’re ever claiming on the insurance after a storm or fire, having all that paperwork in order can make a big difference. And for buyers, a property with a clean electrical history is a much more attractive proposition.