FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

RCDs are safety devices designed to prevent death by electric shock.

These devices monitor the flow of electricity within a circuit. If the amount of electricity flowing into a circuit exceeds the amount leaving, the RCD automatically cuts the electricity supply within 10 to 50 milliseconds of detection.

An RCD is a life-saving investment for your family. To effectively reduce the risk of electric shock, RCD’s should be fitted to all power points and lighting circuits in your home.

To reduce electric shock incidents, the Western Australian Government changed RCD regulations in August 2009. The legislation demands every sold or leased home be fitted with a minimum of two RCDs, which must protect all power points and lighting circuits.

The test button must be pressed every three months to ensure that the RCD functions correctly. Pushing the test button simulates an earth leakage fault and indicates if the device operates correctly. Electrical clocks and timing devices may need to be reset after the test button has been pushed and the RCD turned back on.

If your RCD trips or will not reset, please don’t force it. There is either a fault on the circuit or with the RCD. Please contact us for an urgent appointment. If an appliance you need is on the problem circuit, try running an extension cord to another powerpoint until we can sort out the fault for you.

For more information, go to www.commerce.wa.gov.au/EnergySafety/RCD/

Smoke alarms are an essential safety device for your home.

In 2009 it became compulsory for all houses, units and dwellings being sold or rented to have smoke alarms fitted. Mains powered smoke alarms are wired into your house’s electrical system and have to be installed by a licensed electrical contractor.

All smoke alarms have a recognised service life of 10 years before they become unreliable. Smoke alarms, therefore, need to be changed every ten years. For safety reasons, smoke alarms are fitted with a battery back-up. When the battery requires replacing, a warning beep will sound every 60 seconds for a minimum of 7 days.

How do I know if they are working?
All smoke alarms are fitted with a test switch, and DFES recommends all units should be tested monthly. If you cannot do this yourself or find the smoke alarm does not sound, please call our office for one of our electricians to attend.

If the smoke alarm needs to be fixed in a position where power cables cannot be installed then a unit with a standalone 10 year life battery must be used

Designed to be highly sensitive, smoke alarms sound a warning alarm when smoke is detected in the home. Due to their sensitivity, smoke alarms can also detect smoke and moisture created by common household activities.

Smoke alarms must be regularly tested to ensure the alarm and batteries operate effectively. We recommend testing once a month and cleaning your alarm with a vacuum cleaner annually.

For more information, see www.dfes.wa.gov.au (Department of Fire & Emergency Services)

A 12 month warranty applies to all labour. Parts are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and repair/replacement is made at the manufacturers discretion.

Our Electrical Contractors Licence is E13001.

ABN Number 48 630 548 542. ACN Number 630 548 542

All electricians and electrical contractors must be licensed to work in Western Australia. Our electricians and appliance repair technicians hold current electrical workers’ licences and gas servicing licences. Our licence numbers and names can be checked on the Energy Safety website.  http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/energysafety/licensing-search

Under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991, electrical work must be performed by people with licences issued by the Electrical Licensing Board. Some types of work are exempted from these regulations.

A licensing system ensures only qualified electricians are employed by Electrical Contractors.

A safety certificate is provided on completion of all electrical work as required by Energy Safety. Preliminary Notices and Notices of Completion are submitted to Western Power on completion of jobs requiring this notification. Notices of completion for all gas installations are also submitted to Energy Safety.

All cabling work, including telephone, data, fire and security alarm systems cabling that connects with the telecommunications network, must be performed by a registered cabler or under the direct supervision of a registered cabler.

Under the Cabling Provider Rules (CPRs), cablers must register with one of the five registrars accredited by the ACMA.

All registered cablers are required to undertake appropriate training modules to ensure that they are competent to perform the cabling work according to the Wiring Rules (Australian Standard AS/CA S009), which ensure safety for consumers, cablers and the network.

Yes, Wirewest is fully insured and has $20 million public liability insurance for your peace of mind.