A switchboard upgrade in Moreton Bay usually means replacing old ceramic fuses or a crowded, ageing board with modern circuit breakers and safety switches on every circuit. At Connected Electricians and Cablers, a standard home upgrade starts from $1,240. Told you need a whole new board and wondering if you're being upsold? This is the honest version: what we look for, what it costs and how it works.
$1,240Standard home upgrade starts from, including GST
$99Switchboard health check if you're not sure what you need
3 maxCircuits per safety switch on a new home board
5 yearsWritten workmanship guarantee on every upgrade
Signs your switchboard needs an upgrade
Most boards give you some warning before they become a real problem. Work through the checklist:
Switchboard warning signs checklistTick what you can see or hear
Tick any that applyWe'll tell you what it usually means.
Not every sign means a full new board. Sometimes adding safety switches or fixing one bad circuit solves it. That's what the $99 health check is for: we open the board, check what protection you actually have, test the safety switches, look for heat damage and loose connections, and tell you which of the three options you're looking at. Adding a couple of safety switches, doing targeted repairs, or replacing the board.
Do you need a full upgrade? Follow the decision tree
Start at the top and stop at the first "yes".
Burning smell, scorching, buzzing or a hot board?
Emergency. Call nowTurn off the main switch only if it's safe to reach, keep clear and call our 24/7 line.
Ceramic fuses, or an asbestos-type panel?
Full upgrade likelyA new board with breakers and safety switches on every circuit. Send photos for a fixed quote.
Adding an EV charger, air con or cooktop?
Check capacity firstSpare room and supply? Add the circuit. Board full? Upgrade, or look at load management.
Any circuits without a safety switch?
Add safety switchesIf the board is otherwise sound, this may be all you need.
Safety switches tripping often?
$99 health checkUsually one faulty circuit or appliance. We find the cause before recommending anything bigger.
No upgrade needed right nowPress each safety switch's test button every three months, as the Electrical Safety Office recommends.
Old fuses, ceramic boards and asbestos: what to look for
Many older homes around Caboolture, Redcliffe and Burpengary still have their original boards: white ceramic fuse holders, a dark mounting panel and a meter box untouched for decades.
Old fuse board
Modern switchboard
Overload protection
Ceramic fuses with wire that melts
Circuit breakers that switch off and reset
Shock protection
Often none, or one safety switch on power points
Safety switches on every circuit
After a fault
Find the fuse, replace the wire
Flick the switch back on
Room to grow
Usually full
Spare space for EV, air con and new circuits
Mounting panel
May contain asbestos
Modern, asbestos-free enclosure
Asbestos: don't touch an old board yourself
Queensland's asbestos guidance says switchboards built or imported before 2004 may contain asbestos, and most installed before 1990 very likely do. Signs include:
A smooth, dark brown to black panel behind the fuses or meter
A tar or bitumen smell
Brand names like Zelemite, Lebah, Ausbestos or Miscolite stamped on the back
A timber meter box lined with fibro sheeting
You can't tell by looking, so don't drill, sand or remove anything. We handle any asbestos panel safely as part of the job, itemised on your quote.
Why every circuit needs safety switch protection
Older homes often have one safety switch covering power points only, or none, leaving lights, hot water and hardwired appliances unprotected.
Illustration only. Your layout depends on how many circuits your home has.
Under the current Wiring Rules, AS/NZS 3000:2018, clause 2.6.3.2.2 requires 30 mA safety switch protection on all final subcircuits in homes. It also sets three rules for homes:
No more than three circuits on any one safety switch
At least two safety switches wherever there's more than one circuit
Lighting circuits shared out across different safety switches
We spread your circuits across several safety switches, so one fault never blacks out the whole house, and fit Type A safety switches, because older Type AC units can no longer be installed under the current Wiring Rules.
On most new boards we use RCBOs, which combine a safety switch and a circuit breaker in one device per circuit. They cost a little more than sharing one safety switch across three circuits, but when a fault happens only that circuit drops out. The fridge keeps running while you sort out the faulty outdoor light. It also makes fault finding much faster, because the board tells you which circuit is the problem.
Buying a home without a safety switch?
Queensland law says you must have a safety switch fitted to the power point circuits within 90 days of the property transfer.
What a switchboard upgrade involves, step by step
Assess and quoteWe check the board, wiring and supply, then give you a fixed written price.
Lodge the Energex paperworkIf the supply or meter is affected, we submit the request and book dates.
Isolate and removeWe make the site safe and remove the old board, handling any asbestos correctly.
Fit the new boardBreakers, safety switches and any new circuits you've asked for.
Label and testEvery circuit labelled and tested before power goes back on.
Certificate and walk-throughYour certificate, plus a quick tour of which switch does what.
How the Energex process works and who handles it
Some upgrades need the supply disconnected or the meter changed, which no electrician can do alone. Here's who does what:
Who
What they do
Us (your electrician)
Submit the Electrical Work Request (EWR) to Energex, book dates and do all the work at your board
Energex
Owns the network. Disconnects and reconnects the supply where needed
Your electricity retailer
Is notified by the EWR, sends Energex a service order and talks to you about any metering charges
The metering provider
Arranged by your retailer. Installs or changes the meter if needed
We handle the paperwork and plan around Energex's dates. Tip: keep your electricity account up to date, because Energex won't act until your retailer sends its service order.
Upgrading for an EV charger, air con or a bigger household load
Many switchboard calls aren't about faults. They're about growth:
We check your board and supply can handle it before you buy anything. We don't install solar or batteries, but we'll get your board ready for your installer.
Single-phase or three-phase: which one do you need?
Most Moreton Bay homes run on single-phase, and for most families that's plenty.
Single-phase
Three-phase
Best for
Most family homes
Large ducted air con, fast EV charging, workshops, acreage with big pumps
What changes
New board only
New board, Energex application and supply work
Often avoidable with
Not applicable
Smart load management on single-phase
Rough cost bands for switchboard upgrades in Moreton Bay
Our standard residential switchboard upgrade starts from $1,240, and a switchboard health check starts from $99, both including GST. For wider context, here's what other Brisbane electricians have published in their 2026 price guides:
Published Brisbane rangeConnected, from $1,240
Adding 1 to 2 safety switches
$180 to $500
Basic upgrade, fuses to breakers plus safety switches
$800 to $1,800
Full single-phase board replacement
$1,500 to $3,500
Full three-phase board replacement
$2,500 to $5,000+
Each additional circuit
$200 to $500
Asbestos board removal
Extra $200 to $500
$0$1,000$2,000$3,000$4,000$5,000+
Ranges from 2026 price guides published by Brisbane electrical contractors. Prices vary by home and scope.
Your price with us is fixed in writing before any work starts. The quote is the price.
What pushes the price up or down
Pushes the price up
More circuits in the home
New circuits added (EV, air con, oven)
Surge protection
Three-phase supply
Asbestos in the old panel
The meter needing to move
A board tucked into a tight garage corner
Keeps the price down
A board on an easy-to-reach outside wall
Sending clear photos so we can quote accurately
Adding future circuits in the same visit
Only adding safety switches when the board is otherwise sound
Doing it once, properly
A cheap partial fix that has to be redone in two years is the most expensive option of all. Ask Josh about payment options for larger jobs.
Surge protection is worth a mention here. A whole-home surge protector fitted at the board helps protect appliances and electronics from voltage spikes, which matters in a region that gets summer storms. It's an optional extra rather than a requirement, and we'll price it separately so you can decide.
Compliance, AS/NZS 3000 and your certificate
Every switchboard upgrade we do is built and tested to AS/NZS 3000, the Wiring Rules. When the work is finished, you receive a Certificate of Testing and Compliance, which Queensland electrical contractors must provide for electrical installation work. Keep it with your house papers for your insurer or a future buyer.
How long the power is off and how to plan for it
For most homes, the power is off for part of the day. Bigger jobs, or ones needing Energex, take longer, and we'll give you an estimate when we quote. To plan ahead:
Empty or run down the freezer
Charge phones, laptops and power banks the night before
Tell us about any medical equipment that needs power
If you work from home, plan an office day or a cafe day
Why a Master Electrician matters for switchboard work
Your switchboard is not the place for a cut-price job. Josh Atkinson, our owner, is a Master Electrician and was named Master Electrician of the Year for South East Queensland in 2021 by Master Electricians Australia.
"Josh was very knowledgeable and thoroughly checked all aspects of the job, which resulted in him finding a separate issue in our switchboard which he rectified for us free of charge."Shirley T., Morayfield, booked Josh for an oven install
#90211QLD Electrical Contractor Licence
5 yearsWritten workmanship guarantee
$20MPublic liability insurance
2021Master Electrician of the Year, SEQ
We're a family business based in Bellmere, covering Moreton Bay from Caloundra to Chermside, including Narangba, Kallangur, North Lakes, Bribie Island and Woodford.
Worried about your switchboard?
Send a few photos for a free, no-obligation quote, or call us. If there's a burning smell or sparks from the board, call our 24/7 emergency line straight away.
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost in Moreton Bay?
Our standard home switchboard upgrade starts from $1,240 including GST, with a fixed written price before work starts. Published 2026 Brisbane price guides put a basic upgrade at $800 to $1,800 and a full single-phase board replacement at $1,500 to $3,500.
Do I need a safety switch on every circuit?
For new home work, yes. The Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000:2018) require 30 mA safety switch protection on all final subcircuits in homes, with no more than three circuits per safety switch and at least two safety switches.
Does my old switchboard contain asbestos?
It might. Switchboards built or imported before 2004 may contain asbestos, and most installed before 1990 very likely do. You can't tell by looking, so don't drill, sand or remove anything yourself.
Do I need to contact Energex myself?
No. We submit the Electrical Work Request and book the dates. Your retailer may contact you about metering charges, so keep your account up to date.
RCD testing in Queensland means checking that your safety switches still cut the power fast enough to protect people from an electric shock. For workplaces, how often you test is set by the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026, and the testing itself is carried out to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760:2022. If RCD testing, smoke alarm rules and landlord compliance all blur into one confusing pile of paperwork for you, you're not alone. Landlords and small business owners across Moreton Bay ask us about it all the time, so here's the plain-English version.
300 msMaximum trip time for a standard 30 mA safety switch
1 Sep 2026New Electrical Safety Regulation 2026 took effect
3 monthsHow often the Electrical Safety Office says to press the test button
2 testsPush-button and trip-time. Only one proves the switch is fast enough
What an RCD safety switch is and how it protects you
An RCD (residual current device) is the safety switch in your switchboard. It constantly compares the current flowing out on the active wire with the current coming back on the neutral. If some of that current leaks away to earth, for example through a faulty appliance, water in a power point, or a person, the RCD senses the imbalance and cuts the power.
Illustration only. When what goes out doesn't come back, the missing current is going somewhere it shouldn't, and the RCD cuts the power.
The common household and workplace RCD is rated at 30 milliamps, which is the level designed to protect people from a serious shock. It's not the same as a circuit breaker.
Safety switch (RCD)
Circuit breaker
Protects
People, from electric shock
Wiring, from overload and short circuits
Reacts to
Tiny leakage to earth (30 mA)
Too much current on the circuit
How to spot it
Has a "Test" or "T" button
No test button
Needs regular testing
Yes
Not in the same way
Here's the part most people don't know: an RCD can look perfectly fine and still be faulty. The test button can click and the switch can still trip too slowly to do its job. That's exactly why proper testing matters.
Push-button tests versus trip-time tests
There are two very different tests, and they're often confused.
Push-button test
Trip-time (operating-time) test
Who does it
Anyone, including the business owner or tenant
A competent person with a calibrated RCD tester
What it proves
The switch's mechanism moves when you press the button
The switch cuts power within the time limit at its rated leakage current
Equipment needed
None
Specialist RCD test instrument
Recorded result
Pass or fail
Measured trip time in milliseconds
Catches a slow switch?
No
Yes
The push-button test is a quick health check. The trip-time test is the one that tells you whether the switch would actually save someone.
The rules that apply to RCD testing in Queensland
Queensland does things a little differently from the other states. There are four layers, and the higher layer wins when they disagree.
Electrical Safety Act 2002Sets the duty to keep people electrically safe at work and in the community.
Electrical Safety Regulation 2026Sets the maximum testing intervals for most workplaces. Takes precedence over AS/NZS 3760.
AS/NZS 3760:2022The Australian Standard for how RCDs and electrical equipment are inspected and tested.
AS/NZS 3012Covers RCDs on construction and demolition sites.
New regulation from 1 September 2026
The Electrical Safety Regulation 2026 replaced the 2013 Regulation, which expired on 31 August 2026. The Queensland Government says it doesn't introduce new obligations. It mainly renumbers and tidies up the rules. If you were compliant before 1 September, you're very likely still compliant, but any safety paperwork, procedures or tags that quote the 2013 Regulation should be updated.
AS/NZS 3760 doesn't use one interval for everything. A dusty factory floor or a building site is harsher on equipment than a quiet office, so harsher environments get shorter intervals.
Official RCD Testing in Queensland (free PDF guide)
Every testing interval, trip-time limit, landlord and tenant responsibility on one printable guide, plus a blank RCD test record sheet for your compliance folder.
How often your safety switches need testing depends on the type of work done on site. Pick yours below to see the maximum intervals from WorkSafe Queensland's published guidance.
Fixed RCDs (in the switchboard)
Push-button test
6 months
Trip-time test
2 years
Portable RCDs (plug-in)
Push-button test
3 months
Trip-time test
2 years
Maximum intervals. WorkSafe notes longer intervals may apply in some cases under AS/NZS 3760, so we'll confirm your exact schedule when we inspect.
Here's the full picture in one table.
Type of work
Fixed RCD push-button
Fixed RCD trip-time
Portable RCD push-button
Portable RCD trip-time
Office work
6 months
2 years
3 months
2 years
Service work (other)
6 months
2 years
6 months
2 years
Service work: commercial cleaning
N/A
N/A
Daily or before each use
6 months
Manufacturing work
6 months
12 months
Portable RCDs prohibited in manufacturing work since 1 March 2008
Amusement work
6 months
12 months
3 months
12 months
Construction work (AS/NZS 3012)
1 month
12 months
Daily or before each use
3 months
Source: WorkSafe Queensland, Testing and tagging of electrical equipment, updated September 2026. "Daily or before each use" means whichever is the longer.
How the intervals compare for fixed safety switches
Push-button testTrip-time test
Construction
1 month
12 months
Manufacturing
6 months
12 months
Amusement
6 months
12 months
Service
6 months
2 years
Office
6 months
2 years
Harsher sites get shorter bars. A building site needs its switchboard RCDs pushed every month, while a quiet office can go six months.
Who needs RCD testing: businesses, landlords and strata
Businesses
Anyone running a business or undertaking in Queensland has a duty to provide an electrically safe workplace. That includes retail shops, offices, cafes, warehouses, medical practices, aged care and education providers.
Landlords and property managers
Every power point circuit in a Queensland rental must have a safety switch. Many property managers book an electrical safety check between tenants so safety switches and smoke alarms are checked in one visit.
Strata and body corporate
The body corporate generally looks after the RCDs on common-property circuits, like car park lighting, common-area power and pool equipment.
What Queensland rental properties need
A safety switch on all power point circuits, as a minimum. If one isn't there, the owner must have an approved switch installed as soon as practical once a proposed tenancy agreement has gone to the tenant.
Regular push-button testing by the owner, property manager or tenant. The Electrical Safety Office recommends every three months.
If a safety switch doesn't cut the power when tested, the tenant should contact the emergency repair contact in their tenancy agreement straight away.
To enter and test, the owner or property manager must give the tenant proper notice with an Entry Notice (Form 9).
Best practice goes further: the Electrical Safety Office strongly recommends safety switches on every circuit, including lights, air conditioning, oven and hot water.
Buying or selling a home?
Sellers must declare whether a safety switch is fitted to the power point circuits. If you buy a home without one, you must have one installed within 90 days of the transfer.
Landlord or tenant: who is responsible for testing?
In a leased commercial property, responsibility is usually split. The lease can change this either way, so treat the table below as the typical starting point, not the final word.
Item
Usually the landlord
Usually the tenant
RCDs in the main switchboard
Yes, as part of the fixed installation
Sometimes, if the lease says so
Safe installation at lease start
Yes
No
Portable and plug-in RCDs
No
Yes, as the business operator
Power boards and equipment brought in
No
Yes
Common-property circuits (strata)
Body corporate
Some leases put all RCD testing on the tenant. Others leave it with the owner. Read your lease, and if it isn't clear, ask the property manager to confirm in writing before something goes wrong.
How fast an RCD should trip
A common 30 mA RCD must trip within 300 milliseconds when tested at its rated leakage current. That's less than a third of a second. A healthy switch usually trips well inside that limit.
30 mA RCD trip-time testExample readings for illustration
40 ms (10 mA limit)
300 ms limit
0 ms100200300400 ms
Healthy switch: trips in about 24 msWorn switch: 345 ms, fails even if the button works
RCD rating
Where you'll find it
Maximum trip time at rated current
10 mA
Medical areas and some special locations
40 ms
30 mA
Homes, rentals, shops, offices, most workplaces
300 ms
If the trip time comes in over the limit, the RCD has failed, even if the push-button test seemed fine. It's a counter-intuitive result for a lot of business owners, but the button and the timing test measure different things. A 30 mA switch also shouldn't trip at half its rating (15 mA), which helps separate a genuinely faulty switch from one that's simply doing its job.
What happens during a professional RCD test
When we test your safety switches, we work through your switchboard circuit by circuit and note every result:
Visual inspection of the switchboard and each RCD for damage, overheating or signs of moisture
Push-button test on every device
Timed test with a calibrated RCD tester, measuring how fast each switch cuts the power
A check of which circuits each RCD actually protects, so you know about any unprotected circuits
Every result recorded against the RCD's location, ready for your report
Power to each circuit is only off for a moment during testing. For a business, we can plan testing around your opening hours so your customers barely notice we're there.
What our RCD testing process looks like
Book a time
Call or book online. We'll confirm a fixed price and a time that suits your opening hours.
We test every RCD
A licensed electrician inspects, push-button tests and trip-time tests each safety switch.
You get the report
You receive a written report with every result, trip time and next due date.
Your test report and keeping compliance records
A test isn't much use if you can't prove it happened. Your report lists each RCD, where it is, the date tested, the result, the measured trip time and when it's next due. Here's what a few lines look like:
RCD
Location
Rating
Push-button
Trip time
Result
Next due
RCD 1
Main board, kitchen power
30 mA
Pass
22 ms
Pass
6 months
RCD 2
Main board, front power
30 mA
Pass
27 ms
Pass
6 months
RCD 3
Sub-board, workshop
30 mA
Pass
345 ms
Fail, replaced
Retested same day
Sample report lines for illustration only.
Keep it in one place
Keep the reports together, whether that's a folder in the office or a shared drive. If an inspector from the Electrical Safety Office, your insurer or a property manager asks for your records, you can hand them over in minutes.
What to do when an RCD fails its test
A failed RCD shouldn't stay in service
It means the switch may not protect anyone if a fault happens today. Portable equipment that fails must be taken out of use straight away and tagged so nobody uses it.
We replace failed RCDs, test the new device, and then look for the cause. Common culprits include:
A worn-out RCD that has simply reached the end of its life
A faulty appliance leaking current to earth
Water getting into an outdoor power point or light
Damaged or deteriorated wiring
Too many appliances on one RCD, so normal background leakage adds up and causes nuisance tripping
Why a safety switch keeps tripping
Every appliance leaks a tiny amount of current as part of normal operation. Manufacturer guidance is that a 30 mA RCD should normally carry no more than about a third of its rating, around 10 mA, in background leakage. Load too much onto one switch and it trips for no obvious reason. Spreading circuits across more RCDs usually fixes it, and it's often part of a switchboard upgrade.
When we replace an older switch, we fit a modern Type A RCD. The Wiring Rules were amended so that older Type AC RCDs are no longer installed, because Type A units also detect the pulsing DC leakage that modern electronics can produce. We'll give you a fixed written price for any repair before we do it.
Queensland licensing rules for who can test RCDs
Queensland has stricter rules than some other states:
A business that provides testing services to other people or businesses must hold an electrical contractor licence that covers the work.
The person doing the testing must be competent to do it, through training, experience, qualifications or a mix of these.
A short test and tag course on its own doesn't give a business the licence to sell the service.
Repairing electrical equipment without the right electrical work licence is an offence.
Connected Electricians and Cablers holds QLD Electrical Contractor Licence #90211, which you can check on the public register. Our owner, Josh Atkinson, is a Master Electrician and was named Master Electrician of the Year for South East Queensland in 2021 by Master Electricians Australia.
#90211QLD Electrical Contractor Licence
5 yearsWritten workmanship guarantee
$20MPublic liability insurance
2021Master Electrician of the Year, SEQ
RCD testing for Moreton Bay homes, rentals and businesses
We're a family-owned business based in Bellmere, and we test safety switches for homes, rental properties, strata buildings and businesses right across Moreton Bay, from Caloundra to Chermside. That includes Caboolture, Morayfield, Burpengary, Bribie Island, North Lakes and Redcliffe.
Every job comes with fixed written pricing before we start. If a safety switch keeps tripping and won't reset, that's a different story. Call our 24/7 emergency line and a local electrician will ring you straight back.
Need your safety switches tested?
Not sure whether your business is due, or which work category you fall into? We'll tell you when we inspect, and you'll get a fixed price before we start.
How often do RCDs need to be tested in Queensland?
For workplaces it depends on the type of work. Fixed switchboard RCDs need a push-button test at least every 6 months in most workplaces (every month on construction sites), and a trip-time test every 12 months to 2 years. Homes and rentals should push-button test every three months, as recommended by the Electrical Safety Office.
Can I test my own safety switches?
Yes, you can do the push-button test yourself by pressing the "Test" or "T" button on each switch. It proves the mechanism works. It doesn't measure how fast the switch trips, which needs a calibrated RCD tester and a competent person.
Do rental properties in Queensland need RCD testing?
Rentals must have a safety switch on every power point circuit. The Electrical Safety Office recommends push-button testing every three months, and many property managers also book a professional electrical safety check between tenants.
Did the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026 change the testing intervals?
The Queensland Government says the 2026 Regulation, which started on 1 September 2026, doesn't introduce new obligations. It restructures and clarifies the 2013 rules. It's worth updating any procedures or paperwork that still quote the 2013 Regulation.
What's the maximum trip time for a 30 mA RCD?
300 milliseconds when tested at its rated 30 mA. A 10 mA RCD must trip within 40 milliseconds. Anything slower is a fail, even if the test button works.
Will my power go off during testing?
Only for a moment on each circuit as its RCD is tested. For businesses we plan testing around your opening hours, and we'll let you know before we test circuits running computers or fridges.
Security Lights are a Great Foundation of a Secure Home Security System
[Pictured: Security Lighting Outside At A Pool At A Home.]
Like-minded homeowners and families in Moreton Bay Region often look for ways to improve home security. Its time to get lit, Bellmere! Dark, poorly lit homes have a greater risk of being targeted by intruders, no matter what the size of the property. For this reason, security lights have become so popular to ensure an added measure of protection for homes. It is often the first step homeowners take and is the foundation for home security systems.
What Our Clients Say About Security Lights
Grateful clients sleep better knowing that their concerns about effective security have been addressed through security lighting from the very first night of installation.ย They have shared experiences of their home security lighting instals:
Client One: Told us that their security camera wasnโt able to catch a close-up of an intruder at their front door because the security lights scared them off before they got to the top of the driveway.
Client Two: Shared that their home has never had a successful intrusion (unlike their neighbours homes) due to their home security lightsย automatically โlighting the place up like a battleshipโ when intruders come close.
[Pictured: Bellmere Family At Their Home, Outside Spending Time Together Safely.]
Why Security Sensor Lights?
When considering which security system and technology is the most effective first line of defence, I reflect on the hundreds of security system installations that Iโve been involved with, including:
[Pictured: Josh Atkinson, Electrical Contractor In Bellmere, Installing Lights.]
I have found that among these systems, the most basic foundational line of defence in home security is the good faithful โSensor Lightโ.
Assuming that the โSensor Lightsโ are in optimal working condition and that the positioning angles of the sensors (also referred to as a motion detector) cover all entry points to the home, they can be the most cost-effective and low maintenance, home security option available.ย
Sensor Lights Could Be The Perfect Solution To Keep Intruders Away
To a burglar, when given the choice between two identical homes, the darker, more poorly lit homes provide a much easier and attractive target for approach. Sensor lights have been tested and proven to be effective over many installations and many happy clients.
They are easily available on the market and can be designed and installed to fit your homeโs needs. As an Electrical Contractor, I take the greatest care to design and install your security lights in the hope that you may sleep as safe and soundly as we do at our home with our home security lights.
[Pictured: Home with light and dark contrast, showing a burglar targeting the darkly lit home. Connected Electricians and Cablers Logo Get Lit Bellmere - Security Lighting for your home safety system]
6 Questions to Answer Before Installing Your Security Light System
Here are 6 questions to help you decide what the best security lighting solution is to make your home more secure in the Moreton Bay Region:ย
Pro tip: Remember, if you can imagine it, and describe it, there is a product and wiring design to implement it. We can help you out with this in Bellmere!
Okay, here are the 6 questions to help you out:
How large is your home frontage and back yard? (Motion detectors have a maximum range of detection from 3m up to 18m)
What are the possible entry points that burglars could approach your doors and windows? (Think Home-Alone-Style burglars)
What objects are available for intruders to use as cover? (motion detectors need line-of-sight to trigger)
What additional features could you use for your security lighting? (For example, do you need access lighting to automatically provide illumination along pathways and driveways for visitors? Or functional task lighting to help when hanging out the washing? Or lights for servicing the pool equipment after dark?)
Is your home already lit up well enough outside and therefore only needs the additional functionality of motion detectors to be added and connected?
How much control would you like to have of your security lighting?
Depending on how you answered these questions, each homeowner will have specific security lighting needs. We can help you design and install the best type of security lighting for your home. It will provide you with the preferred coverage level of motion detection and a sufficiently bright level of illumination.ย
Popular Security Lighting for Smaller Homes
A popular security lighting layout for smaller homes is to add LED downlights under the eaves and soffits at the front, rear and sides of a home. Then, we connect two separate motion detectors covering the front and back door. This is effective to stop intruders in their tracks when they approach from either door. All of the connected lights are triggered when motion is detected.
Popular Security Lighting for Larger Homes
For a larger home with long driveways and big yards, two motion detectors and LED downlights alone might not provide enough motion detection coverage and light โfloodingโ of the space.
It would be ideal to connect additional motion detectors and carefully positionedย LED flood lights or spotlights to the small home security lighting system that was outlined above. This will provide adequate lighting coverage to protect your property.
Security Lighting Control
One aspect of security lighting that is often neglected is the controls. The best solution provides the owner with full control of the sensor lights at all times. It also has added flexibility of disabling them with a flick of a switch.ย
[Pictured: Smart Lighting And Control, Install Smart Lighting And Control Onto Your Already Existing Lights And Electrical Equipment Of All Types.]
Before you order your security lights, consider asking your installing electrician to add a 3 position switch so that you can easily bypass the motion detectors to:
Disable the outside lights (for example during a party when you want to light the birthday candles.)ย
Turn all the outside lights on permanently (for example when you have visitors coming and you want to leave the lights on so that your house is easy to find.)
Sensor Control Mode - the lights will only switch on and off automatically when motion is detected in the detection areas.
Perfect Security Lighting Solution for You
No matter if you live in a smaller home, or whether you have an acreage or bigger property, there are many available options for outdoor home security lights. You may find that many are very cost effectiveย too. We can help you design anything you need for your unique security lighting idea and home security system.
Pro tip: Bang for Your Buckย
To get the most bang for your buck, and the lowest cost for ongoing maintenance, make sure that you only purchase quality motion detectors and lights
Pictured: House At Night With Many Outside Lighting. Quote Saying: Make Sure You Only Purchase Quality Motion Detectors And Lights From Reputable Manufacturers.]
from reputable manufacturers. Many manufacturers offer on-site warranties for their motion sensors and lights, so that you can rest assured that if they fail (which some unfortunately do), you wonโt be out of pocket getting them repaired or replaced. Also, be sure to look for an Electrical Contractor that offers a lifetime guarantee on their workmanship!
Lights are Burglars’ Enemy
A pro tip: Look out for your lights or security lighting suddenly not working outside.
โLights are burglarsโ enemy,โ says Joel Logan, COO of Las Vegas-basedย Reliance Security. โIn lights, they can be seen.โ A thief whoโs planning to break in might unscrew the bulbs around your house so they donโt turn on and reveal the burglar. Check the bulbs if your lights stop working suddenly. If theyโre unscrewed but arenโt burnt out, a thief might be scoping your home.
Conclusion: Get Lit
To wrap things up, I love installing security systems, and especially security lighting for customers. They provide peace of mind to families and scare the living daylights (excuse the pun) out of intruders. If you have any questions about the best option for you, be sure to contact us for help on:
WhatsApp
Social Media
Email or give us a call.
FOLLOW us on our socials for more tips, tricks, must-knows and HOW-toโs for all things electrical.ย
We are happy to help you find the perfect home security lighting solution for you. And remember, be sure to look into all the options before you purchase your security lighting system.ย
Keep well and be well connected with us in the Bellmere and Moreton Bay region.
A ‘Cashy’ from a Licenced electrician could end up costing you more!
Why hire a Licenced Electrical Contractor? It’s very tempting to pay for โa cashy jobโ AKA a โcheap jobโ when you require new powerpoints or lights in your home. Workmen who offer such deals might not be able to provide the required documentation to comply with your insurance provider or those required by law for electrical work in QLD, because it is illegal to do electrical work for others in QLD without giving them a certificate (like this one, shown below), it could cause you, your family and your wallet harm in the long run.ย
Example Certificate From A Licenced Electrical Contractor
Why are some Electrical Quotes so cheap?
When comparing prices from others, you may be shocked to learn that some quotes could be less than half the cost of other quotes. There are many factors that go into pricing for electrical work. To help you decide who is the best option for the job, and what price is right, here are 5 VITAL questions you must ask about before hiring an electrician, or a seemingly unbeatable price could be a lesson hard learned for you and your wallet.ย
Here are five questions to ask your electricians before you ask for a quote.
If the answer is NO to any of the following questions, be aware, this might end up costing you more in the long run.
1. Are you a Licenced Electrical Contractor?
There are major differences between a Licenced Electrical Contractor and a Licenced Electrical Worker.
To become a Licenced Electricalย Contractor,ย it requires extra experience and qualifications. Once licensed electricians have put in the time and work to become an Electrical Contractor, they are more qualified and are able to build a team that works together for electrical operations.
Licenced Electrical Contractors take on additional responsibility including the following:
Become a โNominated Electrician in chargeโ who oversees the creation of safe systems of work and the supervision and training of all electricians and apprentices working for them (referred to as the ‘Qualified Technical Personโ in the Electrical Safety Act 2002)
Are awarded certification by a registered training organisation after completing additional prescribed courses and practical assessments to qualify for nomination, which are above and beyond those required of licenced electrical workers.
Additionally, a LicencedElectrical Contractor also nominates a ‘Qualified Business Person‘ who is in charge of and oversees “the development and maintenance of business systems and processes that ensure the economic viability and risk management relevant to conducting electrical work.” The qualified businessperson has also been certified by a registered training organisation after completing prescribed courses over and above that of electrical licenced workers.
To sum it up for you, Licenced Electrical Contractors can work independently due to their additional qualifications and experience, Licensed Electricians however, cannot legally independently work and need to have all of their work completed within the boundaries set by an electrical contractor. Without these boundaries the work could become potentially hazardous and cost you more down the track.ย
ย ย
2. Is Your Insurance Policy Up to Date?
In Queensland, Licenced Electrical Contractors always hold a minimum ofย $5 Million dollars public liability and a $50,000 consumer protection insurance policy. So, if there are ever any accidents on your job and your property is affected (or even worse someone gets hurt), you can be rest assured that you are protected and compensated when this answer is a YES. It should be YES every time.ย
3. Are Your Staff Licenced and Trained?
Electrical Contractors have a primary duty of care, to ensure that all staff are not only licenced but must also be properly trained for each task that they need to perform.
This means that, with the added potential to be held liable for any injuries and accidents caused by workers, customers have the benefit of knowing that the electricians that are sent out are much more likely to have been adequately trained and are properly supported behind the scenes to provide quality service and solutions.
4. Do You Supply Parts from Reputable Manufacturers with More Than the Minimum Guaranties Required by Consumer Laws?
When parts fail, it costs the Electrical Contractor money (that they cannot charge you) which is an added incentive to provide only the best quality parts that they can install with confidence. ย For โcashy on the sideโ Electrical Workers, there is no incentive to provide quality parts as there are no consumer guarantees that need apply to an โoff the bookโ cash sale. Their guarantees finish the moment they walk out the door.
For a quality product and best after sale service, trusted electrical contractors will also have the support of their local electrical wholesalers with replacement stock on hand and ready to go.
5. Do you have a lifetime guarantee on your workmanship?
This one is a BIGGY. When electrical devices stop working, the cause is either a faulty part, or a faulty installation.
If the part has failed because of faulty workmanship (which causes a reduced lifespan of the product), a reputable electrical contractor will use it as an opportunity to improve and update training, and to improve installation procedures within the business.ย
Others, (those who quote you a cashy, for example) may charge you to fix it and keep doing what they’re doing just to make more CASH. They will keep coming back and dent your walletโs lifespan too.ย
There you have it. To save you in the long run, be sure to hire a Licenced Electrical Contractor who answers YES to all the above questions. You will be in the best hands and have a quality product, installed by someone who will take the time to be thorough, and answer your call if anything goes wrong, long after they have walked out the front door..ย
If you found this helpful, be sure to FOLLOW us on our socials for more tips, tricks, must-knows and HOW-toโs for all things electrical.ย
We are happy to answer any Qโs you may have, so just reach out by email, phone, whatsapp or socials.ย
Earth Stake Testing for a Safer Home Electrical System
Your earth stake, also called an earth rod, grounding rod, or earthing electrode, is one of the most important safety parts of your homeโs electrical system. It connects with the earth wire to give fault current a safe path into the ground, helping reduce the risk of electric shock, appliance damage, and unsafe wiring conditions. That is why, when we install power points, lights, or carry out electrical work, locating and testing the earth stake is a key part of checking the installation is safe and effective. In many Bellmere and Moreton Bay homes, the earth stake is near the main switchboard or meter box, but it can also be hidden by gardens, decks, soil movement, or renovations. If you cannot find yours, or you are unsure whether your earthing system is working properly, a licenced electrician can test it correctly.
Usually when I ask the client where to findย their earth stake, Iโm greeted with a vacant bambi-eyed stare AKA homeowner A (and thatโs okay!) I also occasionally get homeowner Bโs who know what it is and where to find it. For all you homeowner Aโs out there don’t worry, thatโs what I am here for! So listen up.
Often, the earth stake is located within a few steps of the main switchboard. Occasionally, it is further away and hidden under a deck or some shrubs.
Earth stakes, also known as โgrounding stakes or grounding rodsโ, are an important component of many electrical systems.ย
They are used to create a safe and reliable connection to the earth, which helps to protect both people and equipment from electrical shocks and damage.
When Should You Have Your Earth Stake Checked?
An earth stake can look fine from the outside but still need professional testing. Corrosion, loose connections, dry or rocky soil, landscaping, renovations, or ground movement can all affect how well your homeโs earthing system performs. If you have had electrical work done, noticed damage near the switchboard, bought an older home, upgraded appliances, or simply do not know where your earth stake is, it is worth having it checked by a Queensland licenced electrician. A proper inspection can confirm whether the earth wire is connected securely, whether the earth rod is accessible, and whether your electrical system has a safe path for fault current. Connected Electricians and Cablers helps homeowners across Bellmere and the Moreton Bay Region stay safely connected with practical electrical safety checks, clear advice, and professional help when something does not look right.
Why are earth stakes so important?
There are many reasons why they are important. Here are just 3 reasons why they are so important:
1. Protection from electrical shocks
One of the primary purposes of earth stakes is to provide a safe path for excess electrical current to follow, in the event of a fault or surge.ย
Without an earth stake, this excess current can travel through other conductive materials, such as metal pipes or wiring, potentially causing an electrical shock to anyone who comes into contact with them. By providing a dedicated path to the earth, earth stakes help to prevent electrical shocks and keep you and your loved ones safe!
When an electrical system is properly grounded, it can operate with stabler voltages, which can result in improved efficiency and reliability. Additionally, a properly grounded system is less likely to experience issues such as electrical noise, which can degrade the performance of sensitive equipment. Another reason to check if yours is working properlyโฆ You donโt want to lose that new flat screen or brand-new fridge.
3. Enhanced protection for electrical equipment
Finally, earth stakes can help to protect the electrical equipment itself from damage. In the event of a fault or surge, an earth stake provides a safe path for excess current to follow, which can help to prevent damage to the equipment. This can save money on repairs and replacements, and can help to prolong the life of the equipment.ย
In conclusion, Earth stake, or earth rod, or grounding rods play a crucial role in protecting both people and equipment.ย
I also reckon that too much emphasis is placed on having them and not enough emphasis on understanding them.
Every switchboard is different, so how do we know if our safety switches are good enough, and what are some simple steps we can all take without having to call in the specialists? I hope my thoughts below can help! Many times, in my career, Iโve recommended for owners to add more safety switches in their homes, and their reply usually goes something like this: “but I got my home inspected by professionals before I bought it and they said we already have one. I don’t need any moreโ
Well, thatโs definitely NOT CORRECT even though it may be true that you already have one,
One is not good enough to ensure safety in your home!
These days they are put on every single electrical circuit in your home, but before 2000 most only had them put on PowerPoints!
I repeat, most homes pre 2000 only had safety switches put on power points! There were none put on the lights, the ceiling fans, the ovens or cook tops, the hot water systems or air conditioners, and in many cases even the fridge (an electrical appliance that is touched by all family members hundreds of times a day). Because of this, there is potentially a major safety risk in them.
So, letโs discuss how they work and how to test their functionality once they have been safely and correctly installed.
STEP 1:
Go out to your switchboard or box, look for circuit breakers / switches that have a small button (they range in colour / size/ shape so look closely) that has an inscription โTโ which stands for test.
STEP 2:
Press the button. You are now testing your safety switches and you will soon KNOW THAT IT IS GOOD or malfunctioning.
STEP 3:
See what happens. Did the switch trip and go to the โoffโ position? If so, itโs working! Or did the switch do nothing? This would indicate a malfunctioning switch.
And thatโs it!
You now know your safety switches better.
Here are some important things to know:
โก๏ธ Each of the Safety Switches that you just tested are infinitely more times sensitive than a circuit breaker or rewireable fuse.ย
โก๏ธ Some circuit breakers wouldnโt even trip if you get electrocuted. They would just respond as though you were cooking something in the ovenโฆ but tragically it could be YOU OR A LOVED ONE cooking and the circuit breaker would do nothing but stay on. โก๏ธ A safety switch will actually sense an imbalance (ie electricity flowing through a person and not where it’s meant to flow) and instantly STOP THE ELECTRIC SHOCK WITHIN ONLY A FRACTION OF A SECOND - quick enough to prevent your heart from fibrillating.
I recently learned a new name for a safety switch, which I LOVE and you should know:
This name really tells the whole story and helps a homeowner to truly understand the importance of them. With that name attached, why wouldnโt you want an ELECTROCUTION PROTECTION DEVICE on your lights, fans, ovens, cooktops, hot water systems, air conditioners, fridges and so on.ย
I’m a proud Mum of 4 boys and a dedicated administrator for our new Electrical Contracting business, founded by my Husband and I. My life is a wonderful balancing act between managing my bustling household and supporting the growth of our business. As a Mum, I’ve gotten my organisation skills perfected and I try to bring these skills to our company’s administrative tasks. I have a deep commitment to my family and our business and am excited to be on this journey and will always strive to make everything run smoothly behind the scenes. Thanks for getting to know us and we look forward to serving our local community.
Keep well! And be 
1. Protection from electrical shocks
2. Improved electrical system performance
