There is no worse feeling than having just moved into your new apartment, you have just about settled and relaxed into your new surroundings when you wake up to no electricity. Unless you have a backup generator installed which has kicked in (that my friend did not have, unfortunately) you are more than likely going to be getting a takeaway coffee that morning.
We understand that these things do happen, that Mother Nature does enjoy throwing us a curveball once in a while, but did it have to be at the start of the weekend where we had planned the barbeque of the year?
Until this happens to you personally you never think about how many appliances or necessities rely on electricity, we needed the fridge for chilled drinks, the oven for holding cooked foods, but most importantly, how were we going to play any music? A nightmare comes true and that was unfolding between our very eyes.
Fear not
Thankfully, and not a moment too soon, my friend mentions that she knows an electrician that she has used a few times before, she would give him a call and fingers crossed pray that he was available that very day. Turns out he was – prayers answered.
We may not all have the luxury of a quick phone call to a tried and tested tradesman, and in this case, I highly recommend taking a moment to do some proper research and finding the best fit for you. One that is ideally located within the local area has been in business for a while so has the experience needed, and doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg to have a job completed.
How to choose?
It isn’t as daunting as you initially think, writing down what you think you want to pay, a rough estimate will give you a guideline so you don’t overspend or worse, get overcharged.
Do you have or want a maintenance plan put into place for routine checkups and assessments? Does the company or person come recommended or have good customer reviews on their website and trader webpages?
Writing these questions down for yourself and referring back to them as you find results of electrical engineers will keep you grounded and not veer off track or swayed by flashy advertising and shiny offers that inevitably end up costing you more at the end of the day.
Let’s take a look at a few key factors to tick off when it comes to hiring a utility person into your home. The list is endless and is essentially determined mostly by preferences but the basics remain the same, see here https://necaeducation.com.au/training-with-us/preapprenticeship/attributes-of-an-electrician/ for a few of the qualities and if these are on your checklist.
3 Main characteristics of a good electrician
- Certified. Are they qualified to carry out and execute the work, have they studied and have the knowledge and experience to ensure your family’s safety once the job is complete? If you don’t see any advertising of credentials do not hesitate to ask, it could mean the difference between a job well done and one costing you more in the long run.
- Experience. It is all good and well wanting to help a newly graduated student with the chance to gain hands-on practical experience, but only allow this if he is being fully supervised by someone who has been in the game for a few years. They will have seen most situations and dealt with various concerns, it also gives you peace of mind knowing you are in capable hands.
- Service. This pertains to a multitude of things, from what they offer in terms of jobs and options of servicing, customer care, and all-round friendliness and communication. You want someone who will look after you, is approachable and open about the procedure, and who will listen to your concerns and queries.
It is always best to try to work with businesses within your local community, this way each member supports the other, and it makes for a sense of homeliness in the village. Using a utility close to home is also more convenient.
A company or person who is reliable and reputable will give you a fair electrical quote, within the average range of prices, and who isn’t looking simply to make a quick sale for services rendered. They pride themselves on good quality work, and this builds for a better relationship in the future.
The world of electrics
Being an electrician may have its advantages of not working 9-5 at a desk all week, visiting new places, seeing and meeting new people, but this doesn’t come without precautions. Electricians work with highly dangerous levels of voltage, they need to ensure all safety measures are in place and adhered to at all times to be cautious.
Equipment needed
There is more to it than a simple tool belt and some overalls to get the job done, a hard hat helps, but specialized and necessary tools make the work more efficient and effective.
The main tool which every electrician owns is an AVI or Approved Voltage Indicator (read more about it in this link and how it works), but essentially it is an apparatus that tests to see if there is an electric current or not in sockets and fittings. A job is impossible to execute without it and not advised to continue if one is not to hand.
Then, and I was amazed at the advancement of tools, insulated screwdrivers are a must-have. You are fitting plugs or extensions daily and these protect you, some as high as up to 1000 volts, from electric shock.
Cutters, wire strippers, and the usual drill with bits all add to the mix and make the job that much easier. As you gain experience and take on new jobs your toolbox will slowly fill with tools you feel you work well with and those that seem tailor-made for tasks. Just take it one day at a time.
