Handy Hints

Why your RCD keeps tripping

Most homes in Australia are now fitted with Residual Current Devices (RCDs), or as they are more commonly known as, Safety Switches. These are designed to trip whenever a leakage is detected from that circuit. A leakage is caused when someone gets an electric shock, so the RCD will disconnect the current before permanent injury has occurred. A faulty appliance can also cause a leakage.

What to do if your RCD trips

As long as the faulty appliance is still connected, the RCD will most likely not reset. So you will need to go to every power point on the circuit and switch off and remove the plug from the socket.

Then reset the RCD and start plugging back in the appliances one by one. Remember, that one of these could be faulty, so handle with care. When you plug in the faulty appliance it will trip the RCD again, so you now will be able to identify the faulty appliance. Remove it and get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

If you fail to find the faulty appliance, call Ampman Electrics on 1300 645 627. An RCD is there to protect your life, so you don't want a faulty one installed.

Lastly, it is a good habit to test your RCD every month to make sure it is still working. Simply press the test button on the switch and it will trip the power connection. Then reset by turning the switch back to "On". If it doesn't trip, contact us immediately to fix the fault.

If you are in doubt about anything electrical in your premises call Ampman Electrics. We are happy to give you advice to help isolate any problems and dispatch a qualified electrician to make a complete assessment.

Tips that can help you save electricity

Convert your home to solar power.
Switch off lights, appliances and equipment when they're not needed.
Install energy-efficient compact florescent lamps or Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
Make your home more comfortable by insulating, draught-sealing and shading windows in summer.
Manage your home heating and cooling by setting thermostats appropriately.
Reduce hot water usage by installing water-saving showerheads and using cold water to wash clothes.
Turn off your second fridge except when you really need it.
Use solar power to dry your clothes on the clothes line outside.
Choose appliances with more energy rating stars.

Tips that can help to keep you safe

Doing your own electrical work is illegal. Have all your electrical work carried out by a licensed electrical contractor – Ampman Electrics.

Some important electrical safety tips:

Install a safety switch, also known as a Residual Current Device (RCD).
Use appliances as instructed.
Switch off appliances before removing from the power point.
Switch off appliances at the power point when not in use.
If your appliance fails to operate, blows a fuse, overheats or sparks heavily, disconnect the appliance and have it checked by the Ampman.
Broken switches and sockets are dangerous. Contact Ampman Electrics to get them replaced.
Light fittings are usually connected to live wires. Light fittings, switches and power points should not be removed for painting.
Aluminium ladders, metal scaffold and painters' trestles should not be used when working close to wiring.
Avoid contact with electrical cables when nailing and fixing metal roofing and tile battens.
Keep electrical equipment away from pools and spas. Never use extension cords near a pool.
Check all electrical leads and plugs for any damage.
Ensure electrical leads do not run under carpets.
Never nail or staple leads in place.
Extension leads should never be a permanent solution.
Check that power points are not overloaded.
Never touch anything electrical with wet hands.
Watch out for overhead power lines when working with extensions ladders.

We at Northside Residential Joondalup would not hesitate to recommend the services that Ampman Electrics provides. Over the last 5 years we have found them to be reliable, honest and competetive with their pricing. Liam and Renae Norton have...

Northside Joondalup

I have had the pleasure of dealing with Ampman Electrics and in particular, Liam and Renee for a number of years. My business is primarily concerned with Strata Management and I deal extensively with a variety of tradesman on a day-to-day basis. I...

Paul Rados - Director

This is to confirm that we have used the services of Ampman Electrics Pty Ltd and have found it first class. We have always found Liam and staff polite and courteous and endeavour to carry out work on-site with as little disruption as possible. I...

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