FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LED Lighting
Upgrade and Repair
Our Services
- Eco-friendly
- Long lifespan
- Efficiency
- No heat
- Dimming capabilities
- Instant lighting
- Great brilliance and disbursement of light
Office fit-outs
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members.
Fault Finding & Repairs
Due to the fact that electricity is potentially dangerous and the cause of electrical fires, fault finding is not typically a DIY project – it’s always safer to contact a licensed electrician.
What is an Electrical Fault?
An electrical fault can be any apparatus or piece of electrical equipment that has an imperfection in its electrical circuit, causing the current to deflect from its intended path.
To put it another way, the fault is the imperfection in the electrical system, which can disrupt the normal flow of electricity and cause damage to electrical equipment such as computers, televisions, printers, and machinery with electrical motors, etc. The fault lowers not only the insulation strength but also the impedance between the Earth and phase conductors. When this occurs, a robust short circuit current can enter the system and cause damage to power system equipment.
Signs of an Electrical Fault
In Australia, it’s not uncommon for electrical faults to cause house and business fires each year.
In order to protect domestic and commercial structures from the potential of an electrical fire, due to an electrical fault, it’s important to recognise the following signs:
- Dimming or flickering lights
- Too many extension cords
- Sparking sounds
- Funny odours
- Hot switch pieces and receptacles
- Buzzing or humming noises
- Constant blowing of fuses or breakers tripping
If any of these signs are present, it’s a good time to contact us as soon as possible.
Detect an Electrical Fault
Its important to understand that electrical fault finding can be difficult for the average person.
When it comes to tracing and repairing faults, there are generally three types of faults, which include electrical fault with a short circuit, open circuit or an Earth fault. Specialised equipment typically used to detect electrical faults include a digital voltmeter (DVOM), multimeters, and for more complex fault finding, scopes are the preferred tool.
One of the best techniques for finding the source of the fault can be done by performing a ‘wiggle test’ on the wiring, which involves wiggling the wires by hand to see if the electrical fault occurs. This test can help to narrow down the source of the electrical fault to a certain section.
Additionally, having the electrical diagram on the circuit can simplify the process as it helps identify multiple components to see if they’re working properly.
What causes an Electrical Fault?
Intermittent electrical faults are generally caused by:
- Dirty connections
- Poor wiring
- Damaged wiring insulation
- Broken wires inside of the insulation, especially in mechanical components where movement is present
- Excessive loads on electrical circuits
- Excessive loads on wiring
- Loose connections
- Tightly packed wiring inside of the panel itself
Our Services
VC Electrical is Melbourne’s best electrical fault finding solution for home and business owners. We utilise a variety of voltage testers, receptacle analysers, and specialised equipment for fault finding and troubleshooting problems throughout the greater Melbourne area.
Our electrical fault finding services include:
- Domestic electrical fault finding
- Commercial electrical fault finding
- Fault finding and troubleshooting
- Fault finding and repairs
- Fast and dependable service
- Free advice and quotes
We provide routine maintenance and inspection services that can detect and electrical fault before it becomes a major problem or potential life-threatening hazard.
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members
Power & Data Installations
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members.
Exit & Emergency Lighting
Emergency and exit lighting is an integral part of all high rise, commercial and industrial buildings, and is to be conducted by a trained professional. Emergency and exit lighting operate when there is a loss of power for any reason. They provide a clear path during an emergency to the nearest exit to avoid chances of harm.
There are a few regulations in regards to emergency and exit lighting that must be adhered to. The most important one is AS 2293. Failure to comply with this rule may lead to penalties being issued. To avoid potential issues, the testing of the system is required to be conducted on a six-month basis.
Our Services
VC Electrical is qualified to provide the service of emergency and exit lighting test and provides reminders for when the next test is due.
Emergency and exit lighting test consists of:
-
Inspecting all bulbs and lights, replacing any if needed
-
Inspecting all diffusers and ensuring all defective diffusers are replaced
-
Cleaning all light fittings to ensure maximum light output is achieved
-
Ensuring the current set up adhered to current safety standards
-
Conducting a 90-minute discharge test of all fittings and ensuring batteries are not faulty
-
Filling out the log book with details - what has passed, what has failed and what has been done to rectify the faults
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members.
Maintenance
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members.
Test & Tagging
Test and tagging is the process used to check the safety of portable electrical appliances.
The electrical appliance undergoes a test and a tag is placed on the appliance, confirming it has been tested. On the tag it will display the date which the test was conducted and the date the next test is due.
Test and tagging is conducted to ensure the safety of people in the work place who are handling these appliances to reduce the risk of any electrical hazards.
Our Services
VC Electrical is qualified to provide the service of test and tagging and provides reminders for when the next test is due.
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members.
Commercial
Domestic
LED Lighting
Our Services
-
Eco-friendly -
Long lifespan -
Efficiency -
No heat -
Dimming capabilities -
Instant lighting -
Great brilliance and disbursement of light
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members.
Switchboards
There are still many domestic and commercial premises that have old ceramic fuse boards installed.
Ceramic fuses take longer to blow during a fault, there are instances where they don’t blow at all, constantly supplying power to the fault. They pose a high fire risk by not being able to detect a fault and cut supply. It’s always recommended to upgrade a ceramic fuse board even if there are no current issues. It’s just future protection from what may happen. It is a requirement to upgrade a switchboard when there is a new addition to that circuit.
A switchboard upgrade is the only solution. As part of the switchboard upgrade, residual current devices will be installed. But in recent times regulations surrounding switchboards, when they are required to be upgraded and what they consist of have changed. Previously you would find one safety switch would control the majority of the house. Now, it is a requirement that a safety switch can only protect up to three circuits.
At VC Electrical we prefer to use one safety switch per circuit, also know as an RCBO. The reason behind this is if you lose one circuit, you don’t lose multiple circuits. It also isolated where the problem is making the process to problem solve so much faster. Losing a single circuit is also not an emergency as the majority of the circuits are still operational.
People do also get circuit breakers and RCD’s confused. The difference between the two are:
RCD (Residual Current Device)
An RCD can detect if there is a fault along the circuit. This includes a faulty appliance, condensation or water getting inside a light fitting or in an appliance, cables being chewed through, etc.
Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is essentially an on/off switch at the switchboard. It will detect if there is an overload in the circuit and switch the circuit breaker off.
RCBO
RCBO’s are combination switches. It’s a safety switch and circuit breaker all in one. The advantage of this is you won’t loose entire banks of power and lighting when an issue arises. You will instead only lose the affected circuit still allowing the majority of circuits to operate.
Surge Protector
A surge protector is an over voltage device and easily installed. A surge protected will protect you surges through your switchboard and appliances. It will divert any excess voltage through the earth, rather than any of your electronic devices.
Our Services
VC Electrical is qualified to provide the service of switchboard upgrades and offers a free inspection and quote. We also provide a detailed account of our plan and what will be required so you can make the safest decision.
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members.
Fault Finding & Repairs
Due to the fact that electricity is potentially dangerous and the cause of electrical fires, fault finding is not typically a DIY project – it’s always safer to contact a licensed electrician.
What is an Electrical Fault?
An electrical fault can be any apparatus or piece of electrical equipment that has an imperfection in its electrical circuit, causing the current to deflect from its intended path.
To put it another way, the fault is the imperfection in the electrical system, which can disrupt the normal flow of electricity and cause damage to electrical equipment such as computers, televisions, printers, and machinery with electrical motors, etc. The fault lowers not only the insulation strength but also the impedance between the Earth and phase conductors. When this occurs, a robust short circuit current can enter the system and cause damage to power system equipment.
Signs of an Electrical Fault
In Australia, it’s not uncommon for electrical faults to cause house and business fires each year.
In order to protect domestic and commercial structures from the potential of an electrical fire, due to an electrical fault, it’s important to recognise the following signs:
- Dimming or flickering lights
- Too many extension cords
- Sparking sounds
- Funny odours
- Hot switch pieces and receptacles
- Buzzing or humming noises
- RCD's constantly tripping
If any of these signs are present, it’s a good time to contact us as soon as possible.
Detect an Electrical Fault?
Its important to understand that electrical fault finding can be difficult for the average person.
When it comes to tracing and repairing faults, there are generally three types of faults, which include electrical fault with a short circuit, open circuit or an Earth fault. Specialised equipment typically used to detect electrical faults include a digital voltmeter (DVOM), multimeters, and for more complex fault finding, scopes are the preferred tool.
One of the best techniques for finding the source of the fault can be done by performing a ‘wiggle test’ on the wiring, which involves wiggling the wires by hand to see if the electrical fault occurs. This test can help to narrow down the source of the electrical fault to a certain section.
Additionally, having the electrical diagram on the circuit can simplify the process as it helps identify multiple components to see if they’re working properly.
What causes an Electrical Fault?
Intermittent electrical faults are generally caused by:
- Dirty connections
- Poor wiring
- Damaged wiring insulation
- Broken wires inside of the insulation, especially in mechanical components where movement is present
- Excessive loads on electrical circuits
- Excessive loads on wiring
- Loose connections
- Tightly packed wiring inside of the panel itself
Our Services
VC Electrical is Melbourne’s best electrical fault finding solution for home and business owners. We utilise a variety of voltage testers, receptacle analysers, and specialised equipment for fault finding and troubleshooting problems throughout the greater Melbourne area.
Our electrical fault finding services include:
- Domestic electrical fault finding
- Commercial electrical fault finding
- Fault finding and troubleshooting
- Fault finding and repairs
- Fast and dependable service
- Free advice and quotes
We provide routine maintenance and inspection services that can detect and electrical fault before it becomes a major problem or potential life-threatening hazard.
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members
Renovations
At some point in our lives, most of us will conduct some sort of renovation within our home. It’s an exciting time to plan and bring to life the vision of our dream home. These renovations can extend anywhere from minor kitchen or bathroom upgrades all the way to adding a few new rooms onto the existing dwelling.
Renovation works can become very stressful, but we’re here to take the stress away. We take the time to discuss and design an electrical plan that will work with our clients’ needs and the architectural structure. We will provide innovative solutions and use certified material, that will be both cost efficient and energy efficient.
As part of our service, we will guarantee to have our work completed in a timely manner with the site left clean and in a safe fashion. The work completed by all of us here at VC Electrical, is to a high standard and in accordance to Australian rules and standards. Once we’re done, we supply a Certificate of Electrical Safety and guarantee the finished product.
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members, to begin your journey.
Re-wires
Why is it worth looking into rewiring a house?
Rewiring your home is something that needs to be consider when you have an older home. As time progresses new and improved products come out on the market. This also extends to the cables that are used to wire up a house.
Over time these cables have become more capable of holding more power along with an increasing fire rating. Early electrical installations comprise of cotton sheathed cables that offer no fire rating. Older cables pose a major risk in causing electrocution or fire.
Older wiring can also cause issues such as:
- lights to dimming
- cords to get warm
- electrical shock from switches, power points and appliances
- power outages
- safety switches and circuit breakers tripping
- fuses blowing (we recommend that old fuse boards are replaced with a modern switchboard)
What is the best way to proceed?
The best way to start and determine if your home require a rewire, is to first organise an electrical assessment of the premises. At VC Electrical we can provide this comprehensive report that will outline what is required and what currently complies with current Australian standards.
After this report is completed, we are able to assess what works are required and provide a quote accordingly. The quote will detail what works are required to bring the house up to current Australian standards.
Rewiring a house
Rewiring a house on average takes four to five days. In saying that depending on the structure type and size will determine the time required to complete a rewire.
At VC Electrical we take pride in our work and ensure that we provide our clients with the highest standard of electrical work.
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members.
Chandeliers
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members.
New houses
Contact us today and consult with one of our friendly staff members.