Electrical Services
As the electrical industry continues to grow with new devices and smart systems FCF are upskilling at each advancement. With FCF it is standard practice to conduct monthly study groups to ensure that the latest industry information & technology is shared across our business. Our electricians and experience is diversified, working on domestic homes, retail, commercial, industrial, farming and mining. An FCF Electrician is who you need to get the job done.
Searching for a 24/7 service? Electrical install? Wiring? Our electricians do it all.
Choosing an electrician from a long list can be difficult, why FCF?
- Professional and correct WHOS uniforms
- No surprise extras in your agreed quote
- On time
- We clean up when we leave
- Free electrical safety check - valued at $110 when we complete the work
- Place yourself at ease with an FCF electrician
We want to leave your home and business like it's our own
Completing the job to a high-quality standard is our goal. Once we have completed the task, we ensure there is no mess or rubbish is left behind, as we don't do it in our own home and wouldn't do it to our clients either.
- Power points
- Lights
- Fans
- Stoves
- Ovens
- Hot water elements
- Smoke alarms
- Smoke alarm disconnect breakers
- Safety switches
- Surge protectors
- RCDS
- Thermal Imagining
New installations, renovations, maintenance, changeovers.
Book a free consultation with one of our electricians now - fill out our enquiry form or give us a call on 1300 323 753 today.
Switchboard Thermal Imaging
Property Managers and Facility Managers understand the need for thermal imaging.
Thermal imaging detects the issue before it becomes apparent to the naked eye or worst case a switchboard fire. Having a skilled electrician inspect a mains board or sub-board enables them to interrogate the issues that are hidden, for example:
- Loose terminals
- Undersized cables
- Faulty fuses or circuit breakers
- Incorrectly fitted components
Fixing the issue before it becomes a problem is the best way to maintain electrical equipment.
How to read a Thermal Imaging Report
A switchboard's temperature has to be matched against the ambient room's temperature in order to be able to identify if and where there's a potential hazard. If the switchboard's under too much stress or it is hot, then the internal elements may ignite. The darker the colour means the cooler the element or area is. The lighter the colour means the area is warmer and generally under more stress. A report is generated when the images are downloaded into the software and then shared with the electrician's notes to issues and requirements to correct before the damage is done.
How often does a switchboard need a Thermal Imaging test?
Thermal imaging for all your building's switchboards should be carried out every 12 months or more frequently if environmental conditions are influential. Many insurance companies are now making thermal imaging a condition of policy renewal.
RCD Testing
In Australia, all commercial businesses are required to maintain electrical safety. One important component of Electrical Safety is the installation of RCD Safety Switches. Once the RCD's are installed, they are also required to be tested periodically to ensure they are working correctly. There are RCD Testing Requirements in place help the owner maintain safety and compliance.
Residual current devices are used to prevent the probability of electric shock and fire. In commercial settings, they are vital to reducing the number of work-related injuries and fatalities. The regulations require all company owners to install at least two RCDs on their main switchboard. Business owners who wish to learn more about RCD Testing Requirements should contact FCF today. When it comes to RCD Testing, We can help your business stay 100% compliant, no matter where you are in Australia.
Electrical Test and Tag
One of the services FCF Fire & Electrical offer is Electrical Test & Tagging.
I spent a few hours this morning doing a three (3) monthly Test & Tag for a client who takes engineering power tools including extension leads onto mine sites & construction sites. These tools and leads need to test out at 100%, both for the safety of the users and also to satisfy the onsite WHS staff who conduct random audits on contract tradies' power tools.
The visual check of the cords, plugs and connections is just as important as plugging the power tool into the tester to check earth & insulation.
The visual check means a close inspection of the cord, plug and connections and will identify any nicks in the cord, damaged pins and loose connections where the cord enters the tool. Any tools/extension leads that fail are tagged out to be sent off for repair.
If your business takes power tools onto controlled work sites contact FCF Fire & Electrical to ensure your tools are good to go.
Exit and Emergency Lighting
Located in many buildings the traditional EXIT sign has been replaced with the running man style. AS2293 is the Australian Standard that electricians and fire technicians follow in testing the different types of lighting systems available. Some of these systems are:
- Standalone - these luminaries are controlled and powered by batteries stored within the fitting.
- Central Power - these luminaries are powered from a battery bank stored locally on the premises Not a common system due to battery storage and costs.
Monitored these luminaries are powered by batteries stored within the fitting, however, controlled and monitored via a management portal. Various systems are available and with WIFI becoming commonplace the technology is always advancing.
Emergency Exit Signs are installed to guide personnel and fire brigade out of a building. Australian Standards determine where Emergency Lights should be placed within a building. We know where and how many Emergency Exit Lights need to be installed in your building. These lights also need to be serviced and maintained periodically.
FCF became concerned with Emergency and Exit Lighting failure rates in 2012 as manufacturers competed with offshore built lights and the lower cost to market entry. For a client the lower prices seem reasonable, however, the life span of the lights significantly decreased. Which in turn meant buying more lights.
Exclusive 5 Year Warranty - After doing a lot of industry research, FCF partnered with a suitable supplier that didn't alter their products just to simply suit a more competitive market. With the customer's interests in mind from both a manufacturer and installer viewpoint, the 5 Year Exclusive Warranty was developed to ensure FCF clients got more value for money from their Emergency and Exit Lighting systems. This means that only FCF Clients can have confidence that approved Emergency Exit Lights supplied by FCF are longer lasting and backing this claim by offering a 5 Year Warranty instead of the usual industry standard of 2 years.
We are a service company engaged to deliver the best products for our clients.
Complete our consultation/enquiry form for one of our experts to give you a call to give you a quote and calculate the difference with you.
Residual current devices are installations that promote safety by shutting down the electrical power supply for the affected circuit. It maintains the same flow of electricity flowing into and out of the circuit. Its primary function is to prevent an electrical shock or conditions that could lead to an overload of current and start a fire.
Circuit breakers are connected to the fuse box inside the building. It is connected to a specific breaker or fuse. Its primary function is to prevent a power overload and common short circuits in the breaker box. They interrupt the power supply whenever too high of a volume of current is flowing to the specific breaker. This prevents electrical shock and common electrical fires attributed to higher energy flow.
Combination RCDs are a combination of a circuit breaker and another form of the residual current devices. They reduce the probability of electrocution. They also prevent equipment and appliance damage due to excessive currents. While they aren't standard requirements, they provide added protection in larger buildings.
RCDs, or Residual Current Devices, monitor the flow of electricity as it enters a building from the main switchboard. If an imbalance in the circuit is detected, the device cuts the power to avoid severe injury or electrocution. The requirement of having two devices allows the circuits to be evenly divided so some lights and power outlets will continue to operate if one device cuts the electrical supply.
Buildings constructed anywhere in Australia since the year 2000 should already be fitted with two devices. Homes on the real estate market, residential complexes, and businesses have to be updated in order to be in compliance with the law, as of 2009. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines.
It is the responsibility of homeowners, business owners, property managers, landlords, and real estate agents to ensure that two RCDs are fitted into buildings. The real estate agents are obligated to inform sellers of the law, and the property managers have to inform clients of the requirement, and document that they have done so to protect themselves from liability.
A land transfer on any property cannot be completed unless the building has been fitted with the required two switches. A licensed electrician is the only professional allowed to fit the switches to the switchboard. People living in rented properties, apartment complexes, or dormitories should check the property for compliance. If there are not two devices, notify the landlord or property manager immediately. If the situation is not corrected inn a timely manner, report the issue to the Department of Energy Safety.
Portable residual current devices are used when power tools or similar appliances are operated. The device plugs into the power board in the building. It interrupts the current if too much power is flowing through it. This prevents the potential for electric shock and damage to the connected device.
Power point devices are constructed of a plate design. They allow the workers to connect devices via an outlet. Each of these devices have tested and reset buttons for easy testing and shut off. They are installed in workshops and areas in which water is present such as kitchens and bathroom facilities.
RCD testing has to be completed every three months, and documented, to remain in compliance. There is a test button on the device that has to be pressed to determine if the switch is working correctly. It is working properly if the power goes off. if the power does not go off, an electrician has to be called to re-test the switch, repair it, or replace it. It is strongly recommended that all homeowners, even those not selling the property have the devices installed for safety. The cost of installing residual current devices is nominal, especially compared to the safety of family members.
RCD Regulations Australia indicate that the company must have at least two residual current devices connected to the main switchboard. However, compliance regulations could vary based on the size of the building and the current flowing to each section of it. If regulations aren't followed, the company could incur a fine of no more than $100,000.
RCD Regulations Australia indicate that the company must have at least two residual current devices connected to the main switchboard. However, compliance regulations could vary based on the size of the building and the current flowing to each section of it. If regulations aren't followed, the company could incur a fine of no more than $100,000.
Residual Current Devices, or RCDs. are safety switches that prevent people from getting electrocuted in homes and businesses. The device monitors the flow of electricity as it enters a property from the main distribution panel. A surge of electricity, or an imbalance of electrical power, can cause injury or death. If an imbalance in electricity is detected, the switch automatically cuts off the electricity. The installation of at least two RCD Safety Switches in a building allows the electrical circuits to be evenly divided. That increases safety two-fold by preventing electrocution, and allowing some lights and power to remain on in the building.
New buildings constructed since the year 2000 should already be fitted with two RCDs to be in compliance with building regulations. Existing buildings cannot be sold or rented without first being fitted with two of the devices. Homeowners, for example, have to show documentation regarding safety switches before a house can be transferred to a buyer. Real estate agents are required to make sellers of any property aware of this law when placing buildings on the market. Landlords have to ensure that buildings are fitted with two switches before the property can be rented. Property managers also have responsibilities under the law. They are required to check residential properties for compliance and notify the building owner if switches have to be installed. If the owner does not correct the situation, managers have to report that to Energy Safety. Those who do not comply are subject to significant fines.
A licensed electrician is required to install the switches. Testing of the switches should be completed every three months. That can be done by homeowners, landlords, property managers, and even tenants. It is a simple process that ensures the switches are operating properly. Each switch has a test button that is designed to be pushed in and released quickly. If the electricity is interrupted, the switch is working. It is recommended that people turn off computers and televisions when testing RCD switches. Clocks, timers, and programmable thermostats will have to be reset after testing is completed. It is important to test switches because any that need to be repaired or replaced will not prevent injury, electrocution, or property damage from electrical fires.
Complete our consultation/enquiry form for one of our experts to give you a call to give you a quote and calculate the difference with you.
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