Mains Supply Upgrades

The very least that a customer can expect from their electrician is that they are safe and have carried out their work in accordance with electrical standards. But you should ask for more.

The first important thing is that you feel comfortable with the electrician and/or their business. They should answer all of your questions politely and respectfully. They should also give you a firm start date and estimate of how long it will take.

If for any reason they have to do additional work, on top of the original quote, they must tell you before it happens and how much more it will be. If you have a problem or are unhappy with how they’re working or what they’re doing, feel free to speak up and talk to them – remember you’re the boss. If you can’t resolve the problem, call Fair Trading in your state or territory. They can help.

NSW: Fair Trading
VIC: Consumer Affairs
ACT: ACCC
WA: DOCEP
QLD: Fair Trading
NT: Consumer Affairs
TAS: Consumer Affairs

A double adaptor rarely includes overload protection. If the two items using the two outlets suddenly draw more current, the double adaptor could overload and an electrical fire could result. The propensity for electrical fire increases further when double adaptors are “piggy backed” to provide more outlets.

Double adaptors are extremely dangerous, and Energy Safe Victoria does not recommend using double adaptors in any environment.

 A single powerboard (4 outlet, 6 outlet, 8 outlet) with overload protection is an effective and safe method of temporarily providing additional power outlets for your appliances. However, Energy Safe Victoria do not recommend the “piggy-backing” of Powerboards, as there is a greater possibility of overload and electrical fire.

It is important to note, should the items utilising the outlets draw greater than expected current at the same time, the powerboard may overload and power may be switched off to those appliances. An example of this is when fridges and freezers are plugged in to the same powerboard and the compressors of each appliance start at the same time.

If you frequently need to plug in additional items, Energy Safe Victoria recommend engaging a licensed electrician to install more power points. Snapper Group can help - if you want to install more power points, or any other electrical service, please check out our Electrical section.