What's The Difference Between CFL, Incandescent, and LED Light Bulbs?

Have you recently checked the types of light bulbs you have in your homes or commercial properties? Well, that’s probably the last thing you want to do since you always hire Bayside electricians to do all your electrical works for you.  

From time to time, it’s advisable to check the type of light bulb or lighting fixtures in your home or office spaces because they significantly impact your monthly electrical bill. Start checking your bulbs now to save money and resources.  

If you’re not sure what’s the difference between each type, this guide will help you. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the three major types of lighting solutions: incandescent, CFL, and led lights.  

CFL, Incandescent, and LED: Which is Which?  

Most homeowners do not know what lighting fixtures to purchase and use for their homes. Without the right information, they simply pick anything which can be costly and ineffective in the long run. That’s why Cheltenham electricians believe that it’s essential to know the major types of lighting solutions. Having a bit of a background on the subject can help you make a well-informed decision.  

Incandescent Light Bulbs

These lighting solutions were the first electrical light bulbs used. It was popularised by Thomas Edison, dating back to the 1800s. It has become a household lighting solution for its low production cost, combability with AC and DC, and intuitive technology.  

Over the years, incandescent bulbs have been used in many places, including cars, offices, and homes. However, it’s popularity significantly plummeted because of its glaring disadvantages.    

According to Cheltenham electricians, these are the advantages and disadvantages of incandescent light bulbs:  

Advantages: • They’re relatively cheaper to manufacture.   • You can easily buy or replace them.   • They’re available in a variety of sizes, voltage outputs, and styles.  

Disadvantages: • They convert energy to heat instead of light.   • They have a shorter life span (~ 1000 hours).   • They’re not cost-effective because you have to frequently replace them.   • These bulbs are extremely sensitive to vibrations, shock, and drastic weather changes.  

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL)

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. Because of the inefficiency of incandescent bulbs, CFL was developed. Unlike incandescent lamps, CFLs can effectively convert electricity into visible light, making them much more reliable lighting solutions.  

They also offer better output, energy consumption, and long-term savings. While CFLs are much more ideal than incandescent bulbs, they are more expensive to produce. Unlike incandescent bulbs, they only have limited shapes, sizes, and designs. Most Bayside electricians would suggest CFL in places where lighting is left on for extended periods and where full brightness is not always needed, such as in offices or common areas.  

Here are the pros and cons of CFLs:

Advantages:

• They can produce high light output.   • They offer different colour choices from warm, natural daylight, to cool white.   • They’re energy-efficient and have a longer life span (~10,000 hours).  

Disadvantages:

• They’re not eco-friendly.   • They emit a small amount of UV radiation.   • They may flicker once turned on.   • They’re also sensitive to vibrations, shock, and drastic weather changes.  

LED Bulbs

Last on our list is the LED bulbs. LED stands for light-emitting diode. These bulbs are great for several applications that require a constant and reliable light source. They are extremely efficient in converting electricity to light energy while keeping consumption low.  

Unlike the other types of light solutions, LED bulbs are extremely reliable. In fact, they are unaffected by frequent operation and can last up to 50,000 hours or more. Unlike incandescent bulbs and CFLs, the thermal radiation produced by LED lights is minimal. They do not require a warmup time, and full brightness output can be achieved in a matter of milliseconds.  

They can be used in all indoor, outdoor, and roadway applications where incandescent was traditionally found. LEDs are also perfect in spaces where lights are left for extended periods and changing light bulbs cannot be easily accomplished. If you need cabinet lighting or require a light source with thin profiles, most Melbourne electricians would recommend LEDs since they are the best option.  

Advantages:

• They have the best efficacy rate.   • They offer maximum light output yet minimal power consumption.   • You can find an extensive selection of colours from the entire colour spectrum, including infrared and ultraviolet light.   • They can instantly light up any space within milliseconds.   • They are not sensitive to extremely cold weather, vibrations, shock, and cycling operation.  

Disadvantages:

• They cost relatively high than other lighting solutions.   • They’re sensitive to voltage fluctuations.   • They require effective cooling to avoid overheating.    

Bottomline  

Choosing the right lighting solutions always depends on your usage and application. If you need help installing light bulbs or require assistance with your electrical problems, don’t hesitate to call Bell Electrical Contractor’s Bentleigh electricians.  

Call us now on 0411471922 or check out our website at http://www.bellelectrical.com.au/ for more information.

Need help in creating an energy-efficient space? Call Bell Electrical!    

Whether you want to improve your current electrical systems or install solar panels on your homes, you can count on Bell Electrical Contractors. We can do any job with quality results. Our expert Bentleigh electricians and other electricians in Sandringham, Melbourne, Hampton or even in the Bayside will be there to help.    

Our commitment to provide the highest customer satisfaction with the best price each and every time sets us apart from the rest. For a free quote, contact 0411471922.

Are you confused as to why your electricity bill is still high when you’re not using the heating and cooling systems? Wondering what other appliances consumes the most electricity? Do you often get charged higher than you were expecting? Well, there could be a lot of factors at play that determines the cost of your consumption.

However, one thing you can check immediately is the energy consumption of the appliances you use regularly. While you may already know some of the high-energy consuming appliances, you may be surprised at how much energy they use. That is why it’s essential to understand how these devices work for you to make smarter decisions on your energy consumption.

From the lounge room, the kitchen to the laundry room, you can significantly save more money by knowing which appliances cost more to maintain. Most Cheltenham electricians would suggest matching every appliance to your usage requirements to deliver better cost savings in the long term.

Energy-Draining Appliances: Which is Which?

Any electronic device or appliance can be wasting electricity if you’re not keen on your usage. According to professional Cheltenham electricians, most of the culprits for your high electricity bill are fridge and oven, washing machines and dryers, the air conditioner, and your home entertainment set-up.

When you are uncertain and confused about your electricity bill, the energy rating website is a good place to determine your current consumption. Other than that, it also has a feature that estimates the running cost of a new appliance if you’re planning to buy a new one.

What’s In Your Home

Most homeowners don’t pay close attention to the appliances in the kitchen, laundry room, or living room. After all, they’re mostly on standby. However, many Bayside electricians can agree that even if it’s on standby, it’s still using a lot of energy. Unfortunately, appliances on-standby, like the TV, fridge, and oven, are among the most energy-demanding appliances.

1. Fridge

Refrigerators have to be operating 24 hours a day to keep your food fresh. It immediately lends itself to high energy use. However, there are different things you can do to lessen energy consumption.

Many Bayside electricians would advise you to choose a size that’s right for the number of your family members. Always remember the larger the fridge, the more watts it will naturally consume, even for energy-saving ones.

2. Oven

When it comes to ovens, you generally have a choice between using electricity or gas. Some people can save more by using a gas oven, but every circumstance is different. So, you need to determine whether it suits your needs best.

Finding an energy-saving electric oven may be great if you use it more frequently. While this can cost you more during the purchase, it can potentially save money and resources in the long run.

3. Washing Machine

The energy consumption of a washing machine can vary wildly, whether it’s a front or top loader. So, when you’re planning to buy a new washing machine, find one that’s efficient for both energy and water use.

Like refrigerators, choosing the right size is a crucial step in achieving significant energy savings. More importantly, you need to practice loading the machine fully each time you do your laundry to save on the extra cost of repetitive washing.

4. Clothes Dryer

After washing the clothes, many Aussies prefer to use a clothes dryer than hanging their clothes on a clothesline. If you also do this, then it’s no surprise that your electricity bill is high. Clothes dryers are notoriously energy-demanding appliances.

If you need to use the clothes dryer, avoid overfilling it since it slows the drying process and can lead to higher energy usage. It’s also a good practice to put similar types of linen and fabrics together in the dryer. By doing so, you can save time in drying the clothes.

5. Air Conditioning Units/ Heating or Cooling Systems

Most homeowners notice a spike in their electricity bills during the winter or summer season. Studies show that cooling and heating space in your home can contribute to nearly 40% of your total energy consumption. That is why you need to use air conditioning units with inverter systems. These types of ACs use less power, which means it’s more energy efficient.

6. Water Heaters

Do you love taking hot showers and baths? If you do, maybe it’s time to rethink your choices. Water heaters contribute to almost 25% of every household’s total power consumption. When installing water heaters, always ask the expert Melbourne electricians about the ways you can do to keep the costs and electric bill low.

Manage Your Power Consumption Efficiently with the Help of Bell Electrical!

Do you want to cut down the costs of your electrical bill? Wondering about solar services? Looking for Bentleigh electricians for all your electrical needs? Bell Electrical has got you covered. Maintaining your electrical systems at home or in the office would be easier with our help.

Call us now on 0411471922 or check out our website at http://www.bellelectrical.com.au/ for more information.

Are you confused as to why your electricity bill is still high when you’re not using the heating and cooling systems? Wondering what other appliances consumes the most electricity? Do you often get charged higher than you were expecting? Well, there could be a lot of factors at play that determines the cost of your consumption.

However, one thing you can check immediately is the energy consumption of the appliances you use regularly. While you may already know some of the high-energy consuming appliances, you may be surprised at how much energy they use. That is why it’s essential to understand how these devices work for you to make smarter decisions on your energy consumption.

From the lounge room, the kitchen to the laundry room, you can significantly save more money by knowing which appliances cost more to maintain. Most Cheltenham electricians would suggest matching every appliance to your usage requirements to deliver better cost savings in the long term.

Electricity is one of the most essential utilities in your home. It makes life easier and more convenient. However, many people take it for granted, until they don’t have it. Remember the blackouts you’re not enjoying? Storms, earthquakes, and other catastrophic events are some of the reasons for the common electrical problems. But sometimes, the root cause starts from your home electrical systems. That’s why it’s best to ask the expert Cheltenham electricians.

Wondering if it’s time to upgrade your electrical systems? Sometimes, your home’s electrical system can’t keep up with your current needs due to increased electrical usage. And if left unattended, it may result in more problems, such as overloaded outlets, tripped circuit breakers, and more. With the current work-from-home setup, more of us are plugging in appliances and electronic devices, like laptops, printers, monitors, televisions, and the like. So, it not unusual to detect signs that you need a home electrical upgrade.  

Every electrical upgrade varies in complexity. Some electrical upgrades can take only a couple of hours, while others require more time. If you’re planning to upgrade your current electrical systems, understand the basics and watch out for these signs.  

Your Electrical System: How It Works?

Understanding your electrical system and identifying its weak points will make it easier for you to spot the real problem. Electricity is fed into the circuit panels, distributing power to different parts of your home.  

With an old circuit breaker panel, you may expect a host of problems. The circuit breakers may not have enough circuits to handle your electrical needs, or every single circuit breaker may not have sufficient capacity to operate efficiently.

When these things happen, it’s possible that that the excess heat buildup will melt your wiring’s insulation, making them more prone to tripping and causing the power to shut. These situations are inconvenient at best, and a danger at worst.  

1. Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping.

Imagine this: you’ve started your morning coffee routine. You’re planning to heat up yesterday’s dinner for your breakfast, but as you turn on the microwave, everything shuts off. What an inconvenience! This happens when your circuit breaker trips.

Circuit breaker tripping is one of the most evident and common signs that you need an electrical system upgrade. To solve this problem, you only need to replace the circuit breakers. If you don’t know how to do this, you can always call the experienced Cheltenham electricians to help you out.  

Whenever you have problems with circuit breakers tripping, it’s best to consult a qualified Melbourne electrician or contractor for you to assess all your options. While a simple replacement may do the job, there are instances when the problem requires more exhaustive methods.  

2. The Electrical Panels, Outlets, and Switch Plates Heat Up Than Usual.

Ever noticed that your light switch or outlet are unexpectedly warm? Know that you could be facing a serious electrical problem.  

Overheating should never happen in a properly designed and maintained home electrical system. Be cautious and consult a professional Cheltenham electrician immediately. Have your electrical systems checked to see if your home’s wiring is experiencing any electrical issues.  

3. You Heavily Rely on Extension Cords and Power Strips.  

Are there jumbles of wires under your office desk? Have you been tiptoeing across your room to avoid the extension cords all over the place? If you’re running out of wall outlets and heavily relying on power strips and extension cords to plug in your equipment, you need to assess your current electrical system.

Relying on multi-outlet power taps is not only a temporary solution, but it is also a messy one. You run the risk of overloading your main circuit, which can result in tripped breakers or even critical electrical hazards. The best solution is to let Melbourne electricians add extra outlets and upgrade the wiring and circuit breaker in your room.  

4. You Can See Obvious Discolouration on Your Outlets.

One way to know if it’s time for an electrical upgrade is by checking the surface of your outlets. Are there yellow spots or burn marks on or around them? If there are, it can mean something serious.

Often, discolouration indicates that the outlets are carrying more current than they should. It could suggest that your outlets are absorbing heat or subjected to higher temperatures. Without proper resolution from experienced Bayside electricians, outlets that continue to experience excessive heat may lead to sparking. Worse, they can be potential causes for fires.  

Let the Experts Help!  

Unresolved electrical problems are more than just minor inconveniences. They can significantly affect the safety of your homes and even damage your properties. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Schedule a thorough electrical check immediately.  

Whether you're in Melbourne, Bayside, Cheltenham, or Bentleigh, the electricians from Bell Electrical have got you covered. To know more about our services, get in touch with us! Call us at 0411471922.

It’s 2021 and, as the new year starts, many people look forward to new opportunities as the year opens. Whether you’ve been working as a solo operator for a while or you’ve been working from home since the pandemic, balancing home and work life can be tough.   Aside from the struggles you face daily because of this (not so) new set up, you’d be surprised how much your home office adds up to your power bill. Separating energy use for work and home can be tricky, so it’s essential to be energy-efficient always.   That’s why Bell Electrical’s reliable Bayside electricians introduce some simple power-saving tips to help you turn your home office into a more energy-efficient one.   1. Always set the right temperature.   When it comes to working comfortably, your ergonomic workspace is as good as your room’s temperature. Most people don’t realise that the heating and cooling systems in their homes account for a large chunk in their power consumption.   Considering that, every Bayside electrician will suggest using other cooling and heating alternatives aside from the AC, such as fans and windows. However, when the heat is quite unbearable, you can set the AC to 24 or 25°C.   Cranking up the temperature levels to the coolest or warmest can certainly make a huge difference to your energy consumption. So, be keen on other energy-saving alternatives to regulating the temperature.   2. Be keen on the lighting.   On average, lighting makes up 10% of an Australian household’s electricity bill. For those with home offices, this percentage is significantly greater. According to Bayside electricians, traditional incandescent lights convert only 10% of the energy they consume into light.   Using newer technology like light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can significantly reduce the energy required to light up your homes. What’s great about these lighting fixtures is that they’re relatively affordable, safer, and energy-efficient solutions that you can quickly switch without any hassle. You can have these solutions installed by professional Cheltenham electricians.   3. Utilise your environment.   Aside from switching to LEDs and CFLs, utilising your space’s functionality can be a game-changer for your power bills. If you’re planning to renovate your homes soon, you might consider adding skylights or windows to your home office. This increases the efficiency of your homes. It can also improve heating, interior lighting, and ventilation.   But remember skylights aren’t for everyone. So, consult with a professional to make sure that the existing design of your home can accommodate one. For a simpler alternative, you can try positioning your desk near a window. This way, you can use as much natural light as possible.   4. Work on your habits.   By understanding your energy consumption habits, you can identify more opportunities for energy savings. Most Cheltenham electricians would agree that having a digital meter or using an energy tracker app can make a significant difference. Use these to keep you on track and on the loop of your current usage and charges.   Whenever you know your consumption habits, it will be easier for you to manage it well, especially with your tight and hectic schedule. More importantly, take advantage of the time you spend working from home. You can get some household chores done during off-peak hours.   5. Be conscious of your power usage.   Since you already know which habits influence your energy consumption, it’s important to follow through and be vigilant with your actions. Your electricity bill will continue to soar if you won’t change anything with regards to your power usage.   Start by using the things that you need. Make sure you have the right light bulbs to illuminate your rooms – brighter lights use more energy. So, consult with Cheltenham electricians to know the right electrical solutions you’ll need.   6. Do not underestimate standby power.   Among the most important tools in home offices are computers, laptops, and printers. All of which can significantly drain power – whether they’re used or on standby.   Standby power can add up to 10% on your electrical bill, and one of the easiest energy-efficient tips to avoid this is by using a power board. You can plug in all your electronics into a power board and switch it off at the end of the day.   This way, you won’t have to unplug every electronic device you own from the socket. This means that you can save energy without all the hassle. You can even ask Melbourne electricians to install more energy-efficient tools for you.   Need help in creating an energy-efficient space? Call Bell Electrical!     Whether you want to improve your current electrical systems or install solar panels on your homes, you can count on Bell Electrical Contractors. We can do any job with quality results. Our expert Bentleigh electricians and other electricians in Sandringham, Melbourne, Hampton or even in the Bayside will be there to help.     Our commitment to provide the highest customer satisfaction with the best price each and every time sets us apart from the rest. For a free quote, contact 0411471922.

As the world reels from the coronavirus pandemic, everyone is advised to shelter in his/her own home. And because most people nowadays are working from home, kids are attending classes remotely, and there is a rising need for streamed entertainment, it is likely to see an increase in your monthly energy usage.  

For sure, you’ve been trying to find out different ways to reduce your household energy consumption for months now. However, you still haven’t cracked the code. Is it getting more and more frustrating to open your electricity bill? Well, if it is, then maybe you need to try these energy-saving tips advised by Bell Electrical's Cheltenham electricians to reduce your power consumption.

Tip #1: Conduct a comprehensive energy audit.

Are you wondering why your electricity bills are costing you a lot? Understand what's driving up the price of electricity, and how your lifestyle affects your bill by conducting a full energy audit.  

Start by investigating the trends of household’s energy to see the biggest contributors to your electricity bills. Make sure to assess your appliances’ power usage. You can also consider installing smart meters on your appliances and using more energy-efficient devices. More importantly, you can ask help and advice by calling the expert Cheltenham electricians.

Tip #2: Turn off the lights.  

This sounds like an obvious tip, but how often do you consciously turn off the lights? Look around you, and check the lights. Are there lights that are turned on while no one is using them? If so, turn them off.  

Turning off the lights when they aren’t in use can significantly decrease electricity use. To save even more, you can try opening your windows and use natural light instead. Before you go to bed, make sure all your lights are turned off at night.  

What’s more? You can also change your old light bulbs for new ones. If you’re planning to go to the grocery, check if you can buy LED light bulbs. Quality LED light bulbs only use 75 per cent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They can even last 25 times longer as well.  

Tip #3: Do not overindulge in the shower.

Let’s be frank, nobody wants to take a cold shower. However, showers do not only use a lot of water, but it consumes energy as well. Heating the water into that just-right temperature is costing you. Why not shorten your hot shower by a few minutes? This way, you can save both in terms of water and energy usage.

Tip #4: Unplug appliances on standby.  

Unplugging devices on standby is recommended by professional

Melbourne electricians

. It is one of the easiest ways to reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bill.

Most of your electronics remain on standby when not in use. Appliances like your game console, TV, and TV boxes continue to consume energy even when they are off, and these can all add up. That is why you must practise unplugging your appliances.  

By unplugging and properly switching off your appliances and electronics, you can save around $100 to $200 annually.  

Tip #5: Switch to energy-efficient appliances.

You’ve conducted your energy audit. Now, what have you noticed? Do you have energy-efficient appliances? You don’t have one, do you? The devices and equipment you currently own may be the most significant factor in having a high energy consumption.  

It’s time to replace your old bulbs and TV sets to energy-efficient ones. Check online shops and purchase more energy-efficient appliances. Let professional Bayside electricians install your new appliances for you.  

More Energy-Saving Tricks According to Your Bentleigh Electricians

Want to learn more tricks and techniques to save on energy? Sure, you do. Here’s a list of all the things you can do in every room of your home according to Bell Electrical’s Cheltenham electricians.

Living/Family Room

Try lowering the brightness on all TV screens.  

If your entertainment sets have energy-saving features, use them.

Practice plugging all electronics to a power strip, and don’t forget to turn off or unplug your power strip when devices are not in use.

Minimise streaming content. When streaming, do not use gaming consoles since they use ten times more power than streaming through a tablet or laptop.

Once you leave the room, check whether lights, fans, and other electronics are switched off.

Kitchen

Always dust off the exterior coils and top of your refrigerator clean to keep it running efficiently.

Avoid opening the oven door while food is cooking. By opening the oven door, you waste energy and lose up to 50 degrees in temperature.  

Cook several meals at the same time.  

Use the dishwasher when you have enough dirty dishes for a full load.  

Turn off your dishwasher’s dry cycle and let your dishes air dry.

Laundry Room

Most newer washers are designed for cold water. So, use cold water in washing your clothes in the washer.

If the dryer has an auto-dry feature, use that instead of timed dry. However, know that you can save more energy by air drying your laundry.

Do your laundry once you have accumulated a full load.

Are you looking for more tips and tricks on how to reduce your energy consumption? Do you have any electrical problems that require professional Cheltenham electricians? Planning to shift to solar energy? Contact Bell Electrical today!

Bell Electrical consists of a team of professional and reliable Melbourne electricians who are experts in performing all aspects of electrical and solar work.

For more details and enquiries, call us at 0411471922. You can also send us an email at

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Have you recently checked the types of light bulbs you have in your homes or commercial properties? Well, that’s probably the last thing you want to do since you always hire Bayside electricians to do all your electrical works for you.   

From time to time, it’s advisable to check the type of light bulb or lighting fixtures in your home or office spaces because they significantly impact your monthly electrical bill. Start checking your bulbs now to save money and resources.  

If you’re not sure what’s the difference between each type, this guide will help you. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the three major types of lighting solutions: incandescent, CFL, and led lights.

The size of your room will determine what size chandelier will be best suited to it. You want the proportions right: not a large room with a tiny chandelier and vice versa. If the ceiling is very high, you could install a multi-tiered fitting to cascade down through the space – providing, of course, that the chandelier still complements the room and its décor rather than overpowering it.

There’s no doubt a large light fitting can add drama to a room, but there are several things you need to know about having a chandelier installed.

The biggest considerations in practical terms are size and weight, according to Melbourne-based electrician, Andrew Bell of Bell Electrical Contractors “You want to make sure the light doesn’t make the room feel small, so check the ceiling is high enough for the chandelier you choose, and the room is big enough,” Mr Bell says.

“That way the light fitting does what you want it to, rather than making the space seem too crowded. You also want a light that suits the era or style of the house – it can look a bit odd if you choose an ultra-modern light for a period home, or the other way round.”

Mr Bell suggests someone who wants to have a chandelier installed talks to their electrician first to get some ideas about the right type of fitting and find out more information about what is involved.

“Ask the electrician how they plan to install the light. You don’t want your electrician using a small ladder and potentially falling and hurting themselves or damaging your house.”

According to Mr Bell, if you’re looking at a dramatic, heavy fitting, you will need several electricians on the job and they will need to use some form of a platform or manlift to get the job done.

“Your sparky may also need to install some type of bracing in the ceiling if the light is heavy, or call in some help from a carpenter and/or engineer to help make it safe and secure,” he says.

“Bracing is reasonably straightforward in a single-storey dwelling where access to the roof is fairly simple, however if you are installing the light on the bottom level of a two-storey house, it may not be possible to brace without damaging the plaster because there is limited access to the ceiling.”

Once you know if it is possible to install a chandelier and whether there are any weight restrictions, Mr Bell suggests you measure the room where you want the light installed, and take a photo, and take both to the lighting store.

That way, the sales team should be able to visualise what you want and what the room will allow for. You should also let them know if you want to be able to dim the light.

The size of your room will determine what size chandelier will be best suited to it. You want the proportions right: not a large room with a tiny chandelier and vice versa. So, for example, if your room measures 304cm x 426cm, the width of the fixture should be around 73cm.

It’s a similar situation with the height. Raising the chandelier too high may cancel out its impact. Hanging it too low could disturb the balance of the lighting in the room. However, if the room is big and the ceiling high, the general rule of thumb for chandeliers is usually the bigger the better.

If the ceiling is very high, you could install a multi-tiered fitting to cascade down through the space – providing, of course, that the chandelier still complements the room and its décor rather than overpowering it.

If your chandelier of choice features crystals, choose to use clear globes rather than frosted to ensure maximum coloured light refraction through the crystal. Clear globes also create the effect that the chandelier is lit by candles.

With a chandelier that is to be suspended over a table, choose one that is smaller in width than the width of the table, and hung high enough to ensure no-one bumps their head when they get up from eating dinner.

Measure your table and buy a chandelier that is about one-third to one-half of the width of the table – and make sure the chandelier is positioned exactly mid-centre.

If it has exposed globes, make sure they are low wattage so guests won’t feel overheated or find it too bright to relax – or consider including a dimmer in the installation, to change the mood and save energy.

Remember, while a chandelier provides a dramatic focal point, it shouldn’t be the only light source for the room. You should discuss this with your electrician. He may suggest some accent lights either side of the chandelier or over key pieces of furniture to help provide enough light.

It’s important to remember that a chandelier must be installed by a licensed electrician and Mr Bell suggests you ask for a certificate of electrical safety. Your electrician may not be the only professional you hire to deal with your chandelier. Ask your lighting supplier for suggestions on how to keep the chandelier clean or you may also need to consider calling in someone with experience in doing such a job.

It is paramount to call a trusted and licensed Bayside electrician to help you whenever you encounter electrical emergencies in your home or business. When left unattended, or worse, done wrongly, electrical works can lead to fatal consequences.

  With so many lives at risk, it has never been more important to choose a seasoned electrician for all your electrical projects – may it be commercial or residential. If you are tempted to opt for the cheapest quote or even DIY, you might be falling in an endless pit of costs.  

Knowing who to trust for your electrical installation and maintenance is not an easy job. There are many factors to consider when making the decision.   How will you know if you’re hiring the best one? Should you read the flashy reviews? Do expensive quotes mean quality? Do you have to go out of your way to do your research? Learn more about the important points for you to consider. What happens when you choose the wrong contractor? 

Imagine this; You found an electrical company that’s willing to do your emergency electrical work at a very cheap cost. What’s more? They can do it in a moment's notice.  A few hours later a group of men stand outside your property with tools that are old and rusty. Another man lights his cigarette, while the other blames the group for forgetting the necessary equipment to complete the job - queue in the bickering, the boisterous blame game. As they are nearing your property, you heard one of them mention that it’s his first time to do an electrical job his entire career.  

After witnessing all these, there’s a strong chance that you would just shut your door and not let this whole group touch your property, more so your electrical works. Why would you do that, you ask? Isn’t it obvious? This mix shouts all things wrong. They’re unprofessional and inexperienced.  

Unprofessional and inexperienced Cheltenham electricians are not the people you want to hire for a crucial electrical work. This lack of professionalism typically translates into an unacceptable quality of work. 

Don’t fall victim to their tricky tactics. Know how to spot them easily by learning these strategies:  

Five ways to choose the right contractor 

1. Certifications and Licenses  

Unlicensed electrical work is illegal in the country. The first thing you need to check whenever you require electrical assistance from expert Bayside electricians is their license and certifications.  

Without a license, you pose a serious health and safety risk to your properties and families. That is why hiring licensed work protects you from all risks. Every Bayside electrician knows that a certificate ensures the work undertaken complies with the appropriate state safety standards. 

Across the country, electricians must have a valid license and adhere to different state regulations. These are the official certificate every electrician in the country must acquire:  

• Northern Territory: an FM166 Certificate of Compliance  

• Queensland: a Testing and Compliance Certificate  

• New South Wales: a Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work 

• Australian Capital Territory: a Certificate of Electrical Safety  

• Victoria: a Certificate of Electrical Safety must be issued 

• Tasmania: a certificate of electrical compliance (CEC), replaced the electrical installation notice (EIN) in 2012. 

• South Australia: an Electrical Certificate of Compliance 

• Western Australia: an Electrical Safety Certificate  

2. Experience 

Other than checking for qualifications and licenses, it is essential to work with an electrician who knows the job with firsthand experience. A license helps any Melbourne electrician work professionally, but more families and households look for experienced workers. 

Hiring experienced electricians gives you a lot of advantages. They can get work done quickly without compromising quality. What’s more? They will even fix the job right the first time.  

If you’re planning to hire a Melbourne electrician, it is ideal to choose someone with three years of experience and more.  

3. Testimonials  

Everyone wants to hire Bayside electricians who are competent and skillful. However, the real measure of competence goes beyond skills and certificates –  excellent customer reviews count, too.

It’s quite unrealistic to expect perfection from all electricians. That’s why you can check their online presence. You don’t need to always look for 5-star reviews, but you should be prepared to read through those comments and testimonies. 

With hundreds of clients most electricians served over time, they will encounter some clients who are not pleased with their work. This doesn’t speak of their overall service. What’s important is that the company handled the issues well and addressed the problems efficiently. 

4. Insurance and Warranty 

What happens when a worker gets injured in my property? What if my electrical wirings get even more damaged after the job? What if my solar panels break within a few months? These are just some of the questions you ask yourself upon asking for electrical assistance. 

Quality work means accountable work. Qualified electricians will stand behind the services that they provide. When choosing an electrician to work with your properties, ask about their insurance and warranty policies. 

Do they have liability and homeowner’s insurance? If yes, then this means you won’t be held accountable for any accidents that happen on the job. 

5. Customer Service 

Customer satisfaction is one of the most evident factors to consider. From the initial quote down to the after-service support, every Cheltenham electrician should exhibit a positive attitude towards customers. 

Cheap service doesn’t always translate to bad quality. Do your research and check a suitable electrician who offers services that fit your budget. If you need our advice and find a Bayside electrician provider that ticks all the boxes, then great. If you are not sure where to start, then call off the search and speak with Bell Electrical.   

At Bell Electrical, we promise to always go beyond regular service and provide you with time-efficient and cost-effective electrical solutions that suit your varying needs. Call us on 0411471922 or email us at [email protected].

Electricity plays a vital role in your home, and any Cheltenham electrician would agree to that. Whether it be watching TV, powering up the AC, doing your laundries, or charging your cellphone, you rely on your home’s electrical system so much. Your home electrical system provides power when and where you need it.   Can you imagine living without electricity? We bet not! It is hardwired in our lives that even imagining living without it is a nightmare. However, most Australian households don’t even install electrical safety devices for their homes.   

Are you wondering what electrical safety devices should be installed in your home? Read on to learn more about different devices that ensure your property’s safety against electrical issues.  

Electricity is one of the most essential utilities in your home. It makes life easier and more convenient. However, many people take it for granted, until they don’t have it. Remember the blackouts you’re not enjoying? Storms, earthquakes, and other catastrophic events are some of the reasons for the common electrical problems. But sometimes, the root cause starts from your home electrical systems. That’s why it’s best to ask the expert Cheltenham electricians.

Staying at home has a lot of perks, but paying high electricity bills can be a downer. Read this article and learn from Melbourne electricians today.

Looking for Melbourne electricians to get the job done? Wondering how to hire the best? Here are five factors to consider before hiring an electrician.

Lightning strikes are inevitable occurrences but, they can cause power surges; this can be devasting for your homes. Learn tips on keeping your home safe now.

Australia’s fire season lasts the whole year, peaking usually in late January or early February. These fires can lead to serious property damage and loss of both human and animal life.  

Aside from fires, other more hazards may harm you and your family. But by fortifying your house with the best security and electrical systems, the risk of being in danger can be lessened by a huge percent. Melbourne electricians, as well as Brighton and Cheltenham electricians from Bell Electrical may help you with your home rewiring needs.  

What are some electrical safety tips and hazards you should remember or look out for? Read on to find out what a Hampton electrician wants you to keep in mind.