GFCIs or ground fault circuit interrupters are safety devices that have been extremely effective in reducing the total number of home electrocutions by almost 50%, in Australia. Most new homes and businesses now have these devices installed in locations where water is present in and around the premises. It’s important that electrical installations in outdoor locations be protected from wind and rain; that’s the one way to prevent shock hazards.

Before we understand what a GFCI is, let’s understand what a ground fault is. It is the unintentional flow of electrical current between the source and any grounded surface. If the electrical installation isn’t properly protected, an individual that comes into contact with an energised part can suffer an electrical shock.

For instance, if the person is holding any deteriorated electrical cord attached to the hair dryer, and it happens to touch a plumbing fixture they are using, they can get electrocuted and will suffer a painful shock.

This small receptacle has “test” & “retest” buttons on it. It may sometimes be built into circuit breakers that are installed in the main electrical panels. When electricians are conducting an electrical audit, they also test whether the GFCIs are functioning properly. They might also recommend that you get GFCIs installed in the vicinity of plumbing fixtures.

These are extremely useful electrical safety devices which trip the electrical circuits in case they detect any leakage current or ground fault. An individual that’s become the pathway for a leaked current can get a severe shock or will get electrocuted. It is important to get GFCIs installed in any outdoor or indoor areas where you feel that water might come in contact with the electrical installations or fixtures you have on your property.

Ideally, the areas where GFCIs should be installed include:

It is important that these devices be checked with regularity. If you have opted for an electrical maintenance contract, the electricians will ensure that the GFCIs are checked along with all the other installations; this will help confirm they are working as they should and that they provide the necessary safety to those living or working on your premises. You can also test the GFCIs on your property, by following these basic steps:

If you aren’t too sure about whether you have GFCIs installed at the right points on your property, call in your local electrician. They will inspect all the fixtures and inform you if GFCIs have to be installed in any specific rooms or outdoor spaces. Aside from this, they will also audit the rest of the installations and tell you if any upgrades are required.

When it comes to DIY jobs, electrical wiring is one thing that you should avoid. Most wiring or rewiring jobs are incredibly complex, and require the expertise of trained and licensed professional electricians, such as the members of our staff. You also don’t want to trust this job to an amateur or a general “handyman” as they most likely lack the necessary training to do the job right.

One of the most popular rewiring jobs people choose to proceed with is finishing their basement, which requires a good amount of rewiring throughout. Keep reading to learn more about what this type of job requires, and why you should only trust the professionals to complete it.

Even the smallest drip coming through your below-grade walls can create a problem. You’ll want to have the outside checked to ensure that the ground is graded away from your foundation, and also will want to check for cracks in your foundation walls and have that damage repaired if necessary.

Chances are, you don’t know the local building codes in your area. Many times, you’ll need to get building permits to make any electrical changes to this room of your home, as that room may need to be inspected before the job begins. Our electricians are aware of these rules and will take the necessary steps to ensure the job is done correctly.

A drop, or suspended, ceiling is one that is lower than the natural ceiling of your basement. This allows you to conceal any new plumbing that is put in, as well as electrical components such as wires. The good news is, there are plenty of attractive options for these types of ceilings. This also allows you to give your lighting a recess, which allows you more space for light fixtures.

As tempting as it may be to finish your entire basement, keeping the space housing your HVAC units and water heater clear, open, and unfinished is a good idea. That’s because these spaces have specific code requirements, plus your service professionals will need access for maintenance and repairs.