Author: My Brisbane Electrician

Ensuring Electrical Compliance Before You Sell in Queensland

Posted on by My Brisbane Electrician

After careful thought and consideration, you have come to the decision to put your home up for sale. With so many different things to consider during this process, it is easy to overlook certain aspects.

Before putting your home on the market, it’s essential to conduct a thorough electrical compliance check to avoid potential legal issues, ensure the safety of future occupants, and streamline the selling process. To make the process easier on yourself here’s our comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the process.

What are the electrical requirements for selling a house in Queensland?

It is a legal requirement when selling your home in QLD to have both Safety Switches and Photoelectric, Interconnected Smoke Alarms installed prior to sale. This is something as the seller, you need to declare on the Form 24 (QLD Transfer of Title Form) and The Contract of Sale.

Can you sell a house in QLD without a safety switch?

Short answer, No

It is a legal requirement that all homes built after 1992 must have safety switches installed. If your home is older, you might still consider having them installed so that the buyer can not use it as a reason to negotiate the sale price, as it then becomes their legal requirement to have one installed within 3 months of purchase.

Do you need smoke alarms to sell a house in Queensland?

Absolutely.

Legally, all homes or units being sold require photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms. These alarms can be hardwired or have a non-removable 10-year battery, as long as the alarm itself complies with Australian Standard 3786:2014. All alarms must be interconnected, so if one goes off, they all activate together.

As the seller, you can not avoid this obligation and must comply with the minimum standards. Failing to comply is an offence, even if you disclose it – you can be fined (even once the property has been sold).

Non-compliance is something a buyer can use to negotiate the sale price as they may be entitled to a 0.15% adjustment of the purchase price (in their favour).

To demonstrate:

  • For a selling price of $750,000, that is $1125
  • For a selling price of $900,000 that is $1350
  • For a selling price of $1,500,000 that is $2250

Hint – Smoke Alarms cost less than that!

Queensland Smoke Alarm Requirements

Legislation requires smoke alarms to be installed in the following places:

  • In every bedroom,
  • In hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling,
  • On each level of the home.

This new legislation came into effect in January 2022 so if you bought your house prior to then, there is a chance it is no longer compliant.

When a contract of sale is signed after the 31/12/21, the seller is obligated to upgrade the dwelling to the updated interconnected domestic smoke alarm standard prior to the dwelling being transferred.

Do I need a Compliance Certificate when selling in QLD?

As the seller, you do not need to provide a certificate of compliance for your smoke alarms, you only need to tick the relevant box in the paperwork. However, as mentioned previously, it is an offence to have non-compliant alarms and is your responsibility to ensure compliance is met. The buyer is also entitled to have a qualified inspector check the compliance of smoke alarms (separate to any building and pest condition).  

Can you do your own electrical work in Queensland?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

The installation of Safety Switches and Smoke Alarms is considered electrical work and therefore can only be performed by a licenced electrician.

The Electrical Safety Office states very clearly:

“A person who performs electrical work in Queensland must have an electrical work licence authorising the work. Licensed electrical workers are required by law to ensure electrical work is performed in accordance with legislative requirements and any applicable codes of practice and technical standards.”

DIY electrical work is regarded as unlicensed electrical work, which is illegal, and has penalties of up to $40,000 for individuals.

Make sure your electrician has the correct licence here

Benefits of Ensuring Electrical Compliance Before Selling Your Home

By now you know the legal reasons for ensuring your home meets compliance standards before selling but there are more reasons than just following legal requirements.

Addressing compliance issues proactively streamlines the selling process by eliminating potential roadblocks and delays. Although Certificates of Compliance are not required, having documentation available instils confidence in prospective buyers and their parties, facilitating a smoother transaction.

Additionally, having an electrically compliant home reduces the risk of electrical accidents and hazards, safeguarding the well-being of occupants and minimising the likelihood of property damage. Prioritising safety enhances the desirability and marketability of your home. It can also contribute to a higher market value and attract more discerning buyers. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for properties that are up to date with safety and compliance.

Conducting a Pre-Sale Electrical Compliance Check

Here at My Brisbane Electrician, we strongly believe just because something is legally required, it does not mean it needs to be costly. We have seen firsthand many customers obtaining quotes from other companies for smoke alarms or safety switches prior to selling and quite frankly, being straight up taken advantage of.

We believe electrical safety and compliance is essential, not a privilege. Therefore, we ensure it is affordable for everyone. Especially in the lead up to selling when there are already so many other things that cost money.

We proudly offer a FREE On-site Compliance & Safety Check. During which we check all compliance requirements of your house and advise you of anything that needs actioning. We also look for other safety issues that you may encounter while preparing the house for sale and moving and how to stay safe.

Successfully Selling Your Home in Queensland

Regardless of how long you have lived in your home, no doubt the decision to sell wasn’t easy or without a mix of emotions. However, alongside the emotional journey, there are practical considerations that cannot be overlooked, especially when it comes to electrical compliance when selling your home in Queensland.

Before putting your property on the market, it’s essential to conduct a thorough electrical compliance check to avoid potential legal issues, ensure the safety of future occupants, and streamline the selling process.

Talk to us today to avoid getting overwhelmed!

Choose the Right Electrical Contractors for your Brisbane Business

Posted on by My Brisbane Electrician

Sourcing the best commercial electricians Brisbane has to offer is a crucial step in fitting your business out for success. This is because the right team will not only provide reliable technical service, they will also ensure that your lighting system complements your space and brand.  

How to find a good electrical contractor – Brisbane

Commercial electricians should: 

  • Be highly experienced in fitting and maintenance. Commercial jobs can be complex, so it is worth engaging a company that knows the in’s and out’s. In addition, such jobs will require maintenance and follow-up work over time, so invest time in choosing the right electrician to build an ongoing relationship with. 
  • Have an EXCELLENT understanding of how the lighting system can be used to enhance the look, feel and branding of your commercial space.  
  • Offer innovative solutions to highlight key areas, including stock displays, pathways and wall mounted logos and art. 
  • Have experience creating the right mood in tricky areas such as dining spaces and change rooms. 
  • Be tidy, quick and reliable – delays in commercial electrical work can put pressure on other aspects of your commercial build and are extremely expensive. This is why it pays to choose an electrical contractor with a track record of finishing on time and on budget.  
  • Know exactly what needs to be done, and when each aspect of the job should be completed. Ideally, look from someone who has a good understanding of large commercial projects – and be sure to brief them on the full project, including the timelines of the other trades.  
  • Offer fair pricing that is in line with industry standards and the level of service and experience they offer. 
  • Be able to source reasonably priced fittings that are ON BRAND for your project, if required. 

Why choose My Brisbane Electrician for your commercial electrical install? 

My Brisbane Electrician ticks all the boxes when it comes to professional commercial electrical installations and maintenance. 

With over a decade in experience working on major commercial projects, the team know how to provide you with top quality advice and service, with fair pricing and a commitment to completing jobs on time.   

In fact, pick a major shopping centre just about anywhere in Brisbane and we can tell you what the inside of the ceiling looks like (don’t worry, we won’t!). 

Call My Brisbane Electrician today to find out how we can enhance the impact of your commercial project

What Do I Need to Consider When Installing an EV (Electric Vehicle) Charger in My Home?

Posted on by My Brisbane Electrician

Have your eyes on a sleek and environmentally conscious new EV but are confused and dumbfounded when you contemplate how you will charge it?  Will you even be able to charge it in a practical way that will make it a viable option?   

So, what are the different types of EV chargers, and what do they mean for me?

There are various ways to charge your electric vehicle at home and figuring it out can become a bit of mental calisthenics. Numerous chargers charge your car at different rates. These go from level 1 to level 3. These levels also refer to the rate or speed of charging. The higher the level (e.g., level 3 ), the faster your EV will charge.  

Electric Car Stations in Brisbane Explained 

Level 1 Electric Car Chargers – these are usually portable and best suited to smaller batteries, typically in petrol/hybrid vehicles. However, they are typically slow chargers, so charging your car may take up to 12 hours to gain a 40km charge. Usually, come with the vehicle.  

Level 2 Electric Car Chargers – This charger is a wall-mounted unit that connects directly to the electrical circuit in your home. These require an electrician to install its own circuit like your oven has its RCD (residual Current Device) and trip switch. These can create up to 70km of charge and has the convenience of a faster charge. Must be installed under the Australian Wiring Rules.  

Level 3 Electric Car Chargers – These are usually three-phase, around 30 Amps, and are usually the commercial-grade DC chargers designed to blow 70km of charge into your car in 10 minutes. There are strict wiring rules associated with Level 3 chargers. Starting at 25k per unit, not including the installation at your house, even if you have three-phase already. These are DC or Direct currents and can charge quicker as the current can flow straight into the car and bypass the inverter that converts typical Household AC to Battery required DC. Commonly found at public charging stations or Hotel Parking.  

So which EV Charging Station Best Suits Residential Brisbane Homes

Living in Brisbane, the daily Commute is usually more than 40km, which is typically what your Level 1 portable charger will provide. So unless you rarely use the car and drive small distances, it’s unlikely this level will cut it unless it is a Hybrid.  

Level two chargers are the most popular and advised for personal residential use. They are small discreet units attached to the garage wall or area your car is parked. They require a qualified electrician to install a circuit and perhaps some wiring but are worth the investment and will generally pay for themselves in saving on Petrol within three years.  

Level three is very rarely advised for personal use. They are ordinarily three-phase, heavy-duty, and designed for commercial use or public docking stations. Most residential houses will not be wired to withstand the current demand of these hungry but efficient beasts of chargers.  

Still unsure what to do about installing your EV charging station in Brisbane? Do you want professional advice to suit your usage requirements with your home wiring needs in mind? Contact us at My Brisbane Electrician For professional advice catered to you and your own Electrical needs.  

Insurance Issues: When DIY Electrical Work Goes Bad

Posted on by My Brisbane Electrician

DIY electrical work sure seems like a good idea when you want to save some cash but what happens with insurance policies when the work goes bad? We all want to cut corners and costs but sometimes the risk is not worth it. Here are the risks of doing your own electrical work. 

What are the risks of DIY electrical work?

Safety Risks

Doing electrical work is already very dangerous no matter who does the work. The voltage of electricity in Australia is 240 volts which can easily electrocute you. To do electrical work without training is a very real risk to both you and your loved ones. You also may not know that your DIY work is faulty until the actual damage occurs. If wiring is not done correctly, overheating and house fires can occur. It can also lead to other problems later without you noticing down the line which can lead to electric shock or electrocution. Don’t risk your safety! 

Legal Risks

It is actually illegal to do unlicensed electrical work! Anything outside of very basic electrical work can lead to hefty fines. Anything more than something like changing a light bulb or installing battery powered smoke alarms must be done by a licensed and insured electrician. The penalties are also not something you can brush off. Unlicenced electrical work can have penalties for up to $40 000 for individuals. Unlicenced work causing exposure to risk of serious injury or death can cost up to $600 000 for individuals and five years imprisonment. Your attempt at saving money can end up costing even more. 

Insurance Risks

All these risks are the reason that can lead to your home insurance being invalidated. Unlicensed electrical work is not covered by insurance so if any troubles come your way from DIY work, you won’t be covered. So, for example, if an electrical fire causes a lot of damage as a result of your own work – any repairs will have to be out of your own pocket. Protect your future self and get a licenced electrician.  

For more information about electrical safety, click here. 

What can you do when you need some electrical work done?

Even if certain jobs may seem simple, such as changing a switch or repairing an electrical appliance – the risks are still all there. My Brisbane Electrician isn’t here just because we have a licence and know how to do the work, we also emphasise safety. My Brisbane Electrician is an honest and reliable service that can fix up any electrical issue leaving your safety, finances and insurance intact. 

Contact My Brisbane Electrician now!