How to Safeguard Your Family from Electrical Hazards
Electricity is an essential component of our daily lives but it also carries significant risks if not handled correctly.
Protect Your Home from an Electrical Fire
Extension cables or leads and multiplug adaptors are a quick and easy ways to supply power to areas or electrical appliances in a home that do not have a power outlet close at hand, but you should be aware of the dangers when these are not used correctly.
Protect Appliances and Electronic Devices from Power Surges
Power outages are a fact of life for South Africans and so is the importance of protecting your appliances and electronic devices from power surges.
How Much Does An Electrician Cost?
How much can you expect to pay if you need an electrician for emergency repairs or fixes around the home?
How to Service and Maintain A Portable Generator
Portable generators are becoming essential in light of power outages across the country and you need to service and maintain a generator.
How To Replace A Light Fitting
Still have some old light fittings in your home that need replacing? Here's a simple way to swap them out for new light fittings.
When Should You Look At Rewiring Your House Electrical System?
If you have been living in your house for more than 30 years or are buying an older property, you should think about having the electrical system inspected and/or rewired.
2021 With A Very Expensive Bang!
This year, my family got to see 2021 in with a bang when our outside electrical box (where the meter is) literally exploded!
Protect Appliances and Electronics from Power Surges
Power surges are not something many of us think about, but they can damage appliances and electronic equipment unless they are protected.
Expert Advice: Never DIY Electrical Work And Repairs
Experts warn not to undertake electrical works as a DIY project for many reasons, such as the following..
The Specifics of the Hook-Up Wire
When you are seeking the correct type of wire for electronic devices that are enclosed, the wire needed is likely a hook-up wire.
Remove and replace a built-in oven
If you want to replace your old built-in oven with a brand new oven, it only requires a few simple steps - no electrician required!
Change light switch or plug covers
If your home still have dated metal light switch or plug covers, perhaps it's time to update these to modern light switch or plug covers.
Quick Tip: Cool or warm lighting
When buying CFL or LED lamps you have the option to choose between cool or warm light.
Get the ARB Electrical app
This useful, feature-packed Toolkit from ARB Electrical Wholesalers is the ideal utility application for electrical engineers, electricians and technicians and offers a wide range of electronic reference material.
What home electrical repairs can I do?
On Home-Dzine, and when hosting a DIY Divas Basic Electrical workshop, we receive lots of enquiries as to what a homeowner can and cannot do themselves. Here are some guidelines for what electrical repairs you can do at home.
Safe fitting of lights and fans to ceilings
When fitting new lights fixtures, smoke detectors, security alarms or fans to a ceiling, it is safer to use the proper fixings to ensure fittings are secure and won't fall down.
What is a Compliance Certificate?
At a recent DIY Divas workshop it came to light that not every homeowner knows what a Compliance Certificate is, and the importance of this certificate when buying or selling a property.
Replace incandescent fittings with CFL
As and when budget allows I am systematically going from room to room and replacing my old incandescent lights with light fittings that use CFL globes.
Convert single power socket to double or fit modern cover plate
There are some modern plug outlet and light switch covers available at your local Builders Warehouse. As part of my kitchen revamp I switched all the single power outlets to double, and replaced the old metal double plug outlets with new modern covers.
Install ceiling lights
Some rooms in my home have light fittings that were installed when the house was built - way back when. I thought it was about time I took my own advice - and installed more modern fittings!
How to wire a 3-pin plug
Although you can strip almost any wire or cable with nothing more than a craft knife, for safety reasons it is better to use a wire stripper.
How to connect wires
Most electrical problems - some of which can be extremely dangerous - can be prevented with a properly applied wire connector. In most cases, a connector is nothing more than a plastic cap with a spring inside.
Fit a 3-pin plug
By law, appliances, tools and other bought electrical items have to be fitted with a plug, but how many are fitted with a 2-pin plug. Stop running around trying to find a 2-pin adaptor.
What to do in a power failure
While our day to day lives are dependent on electricity, if you are sitting comfortably in front of the TV or PC and the power goes off. What do you do?
Test your earth leakage
Do you know why a switch trips? Here is a simple guide to how your fuse box gets electricity to your appliances.
Electrical repairs
There are some minor electrical faults that can be repaired yourself - without calling out an electrician. Save yourself some money and time spent waiting by doing a bit of research...
What to do when circuit breaker keeps tripping
Eskom power is cabled into a home via the circuit breaker. An electrical panel mounted within the home, a circuit breaker is a safety mechanism that is designed to trip and switch off the power when safety has been compromised.
How to use a continuity tester
You need to perform a continuity test to ascertain whether or not a switch has failed. A continuity test will determine if a continuous electrical path flows through a switch.
Electrical Safety: How to Ensure Your Home is Protected
It is always important as a homeowner or resident to practice optimal electrical safety.
Home Improvement Projects: DIY or Hire?
While there are many projects in your home that you can DIY to make your budget stretch, some are safer and more functional (and sometimes more affordable) when you hire someone to do it instead.
Do I need to invest in home backup generators?
Some reasons that should make you consider a backup generator for your home.
6 Reasons To Invest In A Portable Generator
Should the power unexpectedly cut out for an unpredictable duration, it can adversely affect your day-to-day operation but thankfully, modernization has made the invention of portable generators possible.
The Usefulness of Generators in the Society
Generators are one of the best ways to ensure you have access to electricity during power outages and blackouts.
Pros and Cons of Electric Water Heater
Before purchasing a water heater replacement cost and look for the most suitable water heater for your house, make sure to read this article.
Important Things to Look for When Hiring an Electrician
When confronted with electrical problems, a homeowner needs to act quickly to avoid things like fires and electrocutions.
How To Keep Your Home Electrical System Safe and Functional
It is your responsibility as a homeowner to keep the various components of your electrical system running smoothly.
Do It When Your Central Furnace Not Working Properly
This guide will help you troubleshoot the most common issues causing your furnace not to work properly.
7 Tips for Choosing a Local HVAC Company
Are you looking for the right people to work on your home's HVAC? Read here for seven practical tips for choosing a local HVAC company.
Ensuring Compliance in Renovations of Heating Systems
Ensuring compliance with electrical safety standards while renovating heating systems is essential to create a safe and efficient business environment.