Here's a selection of some recent client problems that we resolved:

1. Client Problem: The power was tripping on and off for over a month, just before the client called us her power had completely tripped and was not turning back on.

Resolution: 20 minutes of testing resulted in finding a damaged lead. The lead had been rubbing up against her couch and over time the insulation had worn down so much that the circuit breaker wouldn’t hold in any more. A quick trip to buy a new lead and the problem was fixed.

2. Client Problem: After waiting for an electrical company to begin work on a commercial fit out for a week and a half, our client called us seeing if we could meet their deadlines (which were quickly approaching).

Resolution: We were on site within 2 hours to look at the plans and make a few demolished walls safe. Over the next two weeks we worked with the foreman on site to complete the task set.

3. Client Problem: Sense was called resolve an issue where a client, doing work at their premises, accidentally cut through wires which were sitting in concrete, resulting in a neighbouring tenant’s power being cut. This left a business struggling to get their work done for the day.

Resolution: After being called we arrived within 45 minutes. The cables were joined and re-energised in 2 hours, leaving the client with enough time to finish their work for the day.

We asked Patrick, one of our friendly electricians, some questions about his career and work at Sense Electrical:

How long have you been an Electrician?

I started my work experience at the end of 2006 as I finished up Year 10. I started my apprenticeship at the start of 2007 which gives me almost bang on ten years in the trade now. I joined Sense Electrical last year.

What type of work do you have experience in?

My whole career has been based in domestic work, with a lot of that being in higher end builds, refurbishments and additions of older cottages and houses ranging from new houses for diplomats in O'Malley to restoring the original Duntroon cottages. I also did a few years working with back to the grid solar when it first became largely available in Canberra, being part of some of the first domestic 50kw systems installed in the area, as well as building one of the first three phase inverter setups in town.

What is you favourite part of being an Electrician?

One of the things I love most about the job is being presented with a new and different problem to solve every day. No electrical issue whether it be an electrical fault or how to hang a pendant light in a tricky spot is ever exactly the same. It's great to always be looking for new ways to complete a job and achieve the best possible result for the Client.

What is the most dangerous electrical issue that you have come across?

Thankfully I've never come across a major electrical issue. Although thanks to observation and safe procedures i was taught during my apprenticeship I know I have definitely been able to avoid a few potentially dangerous situations caused by other trades and clients themselves.

What three words would you use to describe Sense Electrical?

Reliable, creative and responsible.

What do you like about working with Sense Electrical?

While I've only been part of the team for a short time, there is already a pretty long list of reasons that make this a great outfit to be working for. The focus on organisation and time management is fantastic, as is the dedication to learning and building on new skills to increase the quality services we can offer to our client base. There's also a large focus on safety and responsible handling and disposal of materials which makes work far more stress free.

What is the most common client issue that you come across in your work?

In my role which focuses largely on maintenance, often I come across failed equipment, everything from power points and switches to circuit breakers, that have failed due to no other real reason other than just being cheaply built and of poor quality. We use quality brand name materials to ensure all our work has as long service life.

What is the best piece of advice that you have been given in your work?

I was always taught that no matter how long you had been doing something, you never stop learning. I was taught by an electrician who had 30+ years experience and he was always looking to discover and learn new ways of doing things. being taught with that mentality has always helped me think efficiently "in the box" but has also taught me that looking "outside the box". There are always new and different ways to accomplish tasks in the trade to get the best possible result and increase skills across all areas of the trade.

Do you have any general advice for clients in regards to electrical issues?

While all sorts of DIY projects at home can be fun and fulfilling, trying your hands at a licensed trade such as electrical or plumbing can have huge consequences. Voiding insurance and causing injury or even death to loved ones are all very likely risks that a lot of home handymen fail to understand. While it may just seem like a exaggerated cautionary tale, issues that could very easily cause death and injury as a result of home electrical work are issues we come across every other week, and it can be a real danger to all concerned, including us!

Contact us today to see how Patrick can help you with your electrical and data needs.

We asked Matt, one of our friendly electricians, some questions about his career and work at Sense Electrical:

How long have you been an Electrician?

I have been a fully qualified electrician since March 2009.

What type of work do you have experience in?

After my four-year apprenticeship, I spent a year in England working on a London Underground Train Depot. When I returned to Australia I continued working at the company I did my apprenticeship with. We mainly did commercial sized work, whether it was shopping centres, theatres, office blocks or oval lights. I then ran a small business for 3 years doing domestic electrical work before joining Sense Electrical last year.

What is your favourite part of being an Electrician?

I love problem solving, delivering a high standard of work, and the continual learning the job provides. But the best thing I get from my job is client satisfaction, if our clients are happy, when I go home I am happy!

What is the most dangerous electrical issue that you have come across?

A big problem over the last few years has been incorrectly installed halogen down lights. I have taken down a fair few that were very close to catching on fire.

What three words would you use to describe Sense Electrical?

Trustworthy

Reliable

Punctual

What do you like about working with Sense Electrical?

We do a wide range of work, and no job is too complicated or small. The Directors are very reliable, if they say that we will attend a site at a certain time, we will be there, ready to work.

What is the most common client issue that you come across in your work?

A big problem is where someone else (licensed or not) has had a go at fixing an issue and messed it up. Sometimes these issues can sit without being rectified for some time, which can add to the complexity and possibly the danger of the work.

Do you have any general advice for clients in regards to electrical issues?

If there is an issue with your electrical system and the problem can’t be fixed by unplugging something, and you need to reach for your tool box, it would be a better idea to reach for your phone because you need an electrician.

Contact us today to discuss how Matt can help you with your electrical and data projects.

Do you have halogen downlights? Here's 7 reasons why you should change to LED downlights:

1. LEDs use up to 80% less electricity than Halogens - that's a massive saving on your electricity bill!

2. They are more energy efficient so you can reduce your carbon footprint.

3. They don't get hot like halogens - so they can be installed next to timber in your ceiling and you can put insulation bats over the top of them

4. They have a sealed face so they don't let heat escape from your home in winter.

5. They are brighter than halogens and have a better light spread.

6. They last around 50,000 hours - at 5 hours per day this equates to 27 years.

7. They come in a range of colours - warm white, cool white, cool daylight, natural daylight, plus another 20 more colours!

If you would like a free quote to replace your halogen down-lights, please get in touch.

Appliances such as ovens, stoves or range hoods tend to be overlooked when thinking of upgrades. Usually they're unobtrusive and are often thought to be too built-in to the kitchen to be easily replaced.

However, while range hoods and ovens are often built-in, we have the skills and knowledge to easily replace your old and greasy range hood or oven with a brand new one, while leaving your kitchen looking untouched.

We can organise to provide and supply you with options for replacement models of range hoods or ovens, based on your specific requirements, or you can supply your preferred new appliance.

Here's an example of some before and after pictures of a range hood replacement:

Contact us today for a quote for the replacement of your appliances.

We are proud to provide a high quality service for our clients. Here's some recent testimonials:

It was an absolute pleasure working with you and the team and I will be recommending you without reservation to anyone requiring electricians. Thanks for making everything so easy for us!

We would like to indicate our appreciation, the work was carried out in a very professional manner and very timely too. All of the young men who worked on the job were very friendly, approachable and helpful. They needed to extend the cupboard and acquired a part to use quickly and the work was all completed in two days. We are most impressed with the standard and efficiency of your work and also of your charges. Thank you for your very good service. We would not hesitate to use Sense Electrical again and would certainly recommend your company.

Contact us today if you are looking for excellent customer service for your electrical and data needs.

NBN Panel Earthing

Lately I have received a number of calls from clients who are located in newer suburbs such as Bonner, Forde, Wright and Casey who have signed up for the NBN with their selected provider, however when the Technician attended to perform the connection they were advised that their panel needs earthing. If the NBN equipment is located in a steel enclosure it must be earthed so that the equipment works properly. This requires a qualified Electrician to perform this work.

If you are in this situation Sense Electrical can help by providing a fast turnaround so that you can arrange for the Technician to come to complete the connection. Call us today for a quotation - we are happy to help solve this problem for you.

Phone James on 0411 071 138.

It was a busy week for me at Sense Electrical.

Last Saturday I installed conduits in a concrete slab before they poured the concrete so that the lower level of the house has no surface wiring, i.e. it will be hidden.

One of the regular things that I do each week is teach at GETS - a training institute for Electrician and construction works (see www.gets.com.au). I really like this work because it enables me to pass on my skills, knowledge and passion for the industry to the next generation of Electricians. This week on Monday I taught a white card course which is the mandatory course for all construction site workers. On Tuesday I taught wiring methods to the apprentice electricians. On Wednesday I completed a site assessment for a 4th year electrician as part of his license process. On Thursday I taught DC circuits which is basic electrical theory.

On Tuesday I changed 11 light fittings for new ones in Weston. The client wanted to refresh the house in order to prepare it for sale. Simple changes like this can help to increase the value of your home, as well as increasing energy efficiency by upgrading light fittings to newer ones.

On Wednesday I inspected a house to check to see if there was any infinity cable present. Infinity cable is a brand of cable that has been recalled by the ACCC across Australia because it is likely to fail and cause electric shocks or fires in the next two years. For more information about this recall visit: https://www.accc.gov.au/update/infinity-electrical-cable-recall

On Wednesday I also changed three light fittings and a light switch. I fixed the problem where having too many items on in the kitchen caused the circuit breaker to trip. The reason it was tripping was because another electrician who upgraded the switchboard had the light and power circuit breakers back to front. I recognised the problem straight away and resolved it quickly. This action reduced the risk of a fire starting in the house.The client was very happy with my work as they are now able to use all of their appliances in their kitchen at once.

Today I removed a chandelier from above a staircase for transport to a new home and replaced it with another light fitting.

These are just some examples of the work I do on a weekly basis. Please contact me if you have any electrical or data needs or problems, I'd be happy to help.

Have a great weekend!

James

Sense Electrical is based in Higgins, ACT, however we are licensed to perform work throughout the ACT and NSW. We are happy to travel to clients all over the ACT and surrounding NSW region. We have performed work for clients in Yass, Murrumbateman and Gunning. If you are looking for a reliable, professional and friendly electrician then please contact us today.

We use technology to make your life as our clients easier - for example we use the system Appointments Online whereby you can log on and see our availability to make appointments. This means that you don't have to find time in your busy work day to call us - simply log on anytime of the day, select your appointment and we will be in touch. The great thing is also that you can select an appointment for a quotation, or alternatively we are happy to just come and complete the work on a hourly hire basis.

The other system that we use and love, is Quotient. Within a short timeframe, we email you your quote and you can view it online and take the time to consider your options. To accept your quote you simply just have to select the options that you want to choose and select "accept" and we will arrange to come and do the work - easy!

We can perform all types of electrical and data work for our clients -whether it is in your home or office we are qualified and have extensive experience in the electrical and data industry.

One of the things we are really proud of is our service to clients - a key aspect of this is that we offer specific times for appointments and we turn up on time to those appointments.

Communication with our clients is really important to us. We respond quickly to your initial enquiry and this theme of continual communication about your project is a theme throughout our time working together.

Contact us today for quality electrical and data work in Canberra.

We look forward to meeting you!