Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions we get asked, please get in touch if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for.
Do you provide WINZ quotes?
Yes we do. Please email info@electroworx.co.nz or call 0800 000 121 to speak to one of our operators.
What are your payment terms and payment options?
Our standard terms of trade are the 7 days from the date of receiving the invoice.
You can pay online, via direct transfer with your bank, or with a credit card.
Can you give us a quote?
Yes we can. Please email info@electroworx.co.nz or call 0800 000 121 to speak to one of our operators.
Do you offer 24 emergency services?
Yes we do. Please call 0800 000 121 to speak to one of our operators. They are available 24 hours.
Does Electroworx have qualified electricians?
Yes we do. We are Master Electricians and pride ourselves on delivering robust training for our apprentices supporting them through to full registration.
A Master Electrician is trained to deliver professional, safe, reliable service at the highest standard. By using a Master Electrician you know that you are using someone committed to providing the best service with the highest level of safety. As part of our commitment to the Master Electricians, our electricians must attend regular training courses to ensure their skills are always up-to-date and are fully aware of best practices.
What should I do if an appliance continuously blows a fuse?
First, make sure there are not too many appliances plugged into one circuit, as this can overload it.
If it’s just one appliance, unplug it and either replace it or call us to repair it. You could also try connecting another appliance to the problematic receptacle. If it still shows signs of trouble, have the receptacle and or the circuit checked by our electrical experts.
What’s the difference between a blown fuse and a blown circuit breaker?
When the electrical current that passes through a fuse exceeds the limit, it burns a hole in the thin strip of metal. This stops the flow of current and it means you have a blown fuse. Fuses need to be replaced (not reset).
When the electrical current exceeds the limit through a circuit breaker (also known as a MCB), however, the breaker trip setting opens to stop the flow of current. Breakers are re-settable by flipping the handle on the face of the breaker.
How can I tell if a circuit is overloaded?
A common sign of an overloaded electrical circuit would be flickering lights or appliances that are not working as normal.
If you suspect that your circuits may have been overused, it is advised to contact a Qualified Electrician immediately and avoid using any electricity until they arrive on the scene.
How do you know when your home needs new wiring or additional circuits?
Electrical needs arise in homes for many reasons.
A new home may need additional wiring or more outlets to accommodate the electrical demands of modern appliances.
While an older home might need new circuits installed because it has outgrown its current circuit capacity.
No matter why you think your house may be suffering from a lack of electric supply, installing more circuits is the best way to ensure your appliances are getting the power they need.
How often should I have my electrical outlets or light switches checked out by an electrician?
Electrical outlets and switches should be checked at least once a year to ensure they're working properly.
If you notice any problems, such as flickering lights (which could indicate an overloaded circuit), or if your outlets aren't staying plugged in, it may be time for an electrical checkup, by a Qualified Electrician.
How do I choose the right sized circuit breaker/MCB?
The "size" of a circuit breaker is the maximum current that can pass through the breaker without tripping the circuit and causing a loss of power. In other words, the breaker controlling a circuit should be 125% of the continuous load (maximum current expected to last for three hours or more) and 100% of the non-continuous load (shorter bursts of power, such as that needed to start up). For example, a 15amp breaker would trip at 15amps, although the maximum continuous load of the circuit is 12amps.
In order to determine the right size of circuit breaker, you first must add up the current of all the devices on the circuit that are on continuously, such as lights. To find the current draw, you just divide this number by the voltage at which it operates, which is 240 volts in NZ.
Then, multiply this number by 125 percent. The rating of your circuit breaker must be larger than this total.
How do you determine the size of an electrical fuse?
An electrical fuse is basically a safety device that stops the flow of electricity when there are problems.
Electrical fuses have two main functions, protecting the wiring and components from damage caused by too much current passing through them, and limiting short circuits within an appliance or circuit to prevent overheating which can cause fires.
Electrical fuses come in different sizes depending on the current (i.e. amps) they can handle without blowing out, and are marked with this information as well as their amperage rating.
Electrical fuses come in different types including cartridge fuses, plug-in fuses, mini fuse blocks or adapter plugs; each type has its own way of installing them into an electrical circuit.
Electrical fuses are rated in amps.
Are LED lights better than incandescent lights?
LED lights are more expensive to purchase than incandescent lights, but they’re more efficient (they’ll last 50,000 hours instead of 1,200 hours). They also have a lower annual operating cost, which is great for people trying to “go green.”
How can I save electrical energy?
There are many ways in which saving electrical energy at home such as turning off appliances and lights when not in use.
Read How to save $$ on your power bill
How do Electrical Surge Protectors work?
When there is a power surge or increase in voltage, electrical current will quickly rise to dangerous levels which can potentially damage devices plugged into it.
Electrical surge protectors can absorb this energy through dissipating heat so your electronic equipment doesn't.
Electrical surges can happen as a result of severe weather such as lightning strikes or when power grids overload from high electrical demand periods, usually in the late afternoons and evenings.
What kinds of problems can cause an electrical fire?
Electrical fires occur for a number of reasons, but most commonly because something has gone wrong with either wiring or an appliance.
Electrical fires caused by faulty wiring usually result from damage to insulation that allows wires to come into contact with each other or another material that conducts electricity, this can happen because of fraying, chafing, corrosion or simply old age.
Electrical fires caused by faulty appliances are due to either internal breakdowns in the appliance's heating element or electrical components which become overloaded and overheat causing a fire hazard.
Is it safe to use an extension cord outdoors?
Electrical regs says you shouldn’t use an extension cord outdoors when there is a risk of it being exposed to falling rain or snow. While electricity has no issue with rain or snow falling on it, the moisture in those elements does cause problems for cords plugged into outlets.
Electrical components in the cord and plug can be compromised by water which presents an increased danger of shock, electrocution, fire and explosion from moisture getting into electrical connections.
If you want to use cords outdoors when there is no chance for precipitation then make sure they are rated as weatherproof, have a watertight connection between the cord and plug, or are specifically designed for outside use.
When should I call an Electrician?
Many people think that you only need an electrician when you are constructing a new home, but this is simply not the case. In fact, if you have anything in your home that has to do with electricity needing repairs, it is far better to call in an electrician than to attempt to repair it yourself. DIY mistakes can be costly and in some cases dangerous. With DIY projects, not only is there a risk of electrocution, but there is also a risk that an improper repair may create fire hazard.
Situations that require an Electrician include:
- Fuses keep blowing or circuit breakers keep tripping
- RCDs (Residual Current Device) outlets are not installed in an area that should be brought up to code.
- Extension cords are required because there are too few outlets in a room or they are spaced too far apart on the walls.
- Lights dim when appliances are turned on.
- Electrical switches or outlets feel warm or tingly or do not function properly.
- A need to add more outlets, switches or light fixtures in a room.
What is the difference between AC and DC?
Electricity flows in two ways: either in an alternating current (AC) or in a direct current (DC).
Electricity or "current" is nothing but the movement of electrons through a conductor, like a wire. The difference between AC and DC lies in the direction in which the electrons flow. In DC, the electrons flow steadily in a single direction, or "forward." In AC, electrons keep switching directions, sometimes going "forward" and then going "backward."
Many devices and household appliances, such as lamps, washing machines, and refrigerators, all use AC power, which is delivered directly from the power grid via power outlets.
Direct current can come from multiple sources, including batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, and some modified alternators. DC power can also be "made" from AC power by using a rectifier that converts AC to DC.
DC primarily comes into play, where a device needs to store power in batteries for future use. Smartphones, laptops, portable generators, torches, outdoor CCTV camera systems… you name it, anything battery-powered relies on storing DC power.
What is amperage?
Amperage (amps) is a measurement of current flow in terms of electricity usage, similar to how we measure water flow in terms of litres.
What is the difference between watts and volts?
A watt is a unit of power and volts are a measurement of energy.
What is a RCD?
An RCD is a Residual-Current Device, also known as a safety switch.
An RCD is a sensitive safety device that switches off electricity automatically if there is a fault. An RCD is designed to protect against the risks of electrocution and fire caused by earth faults.
The difference between a circuit breaker and an RCD switch is the purpose of a circuit breaker is to protect the electrical systems and wiring in a home while the purpose of an RCD switch is to protect people from electrocution.
What does MCB stand for?
MCB stands for ‘Miniature Circuit Breaker’ (also known as a ‘circuit breaker’), and is an automatic switch that opens when excessive current flows through the circuit. It can be re-closed without any manual replacement.
What guarantees are in-place?
As part of our service all quoted work comes with a 10 year workmanship guarantee. Customer service is everything to us and we have the systems in place so that we deliver on our promises. We are also Master Electricians and in that you automatically get a $20,000 Workmanship Guarantee on all residential work to give you peace of mind.
Will you provide a Certificate of Compliance (COC) for work carried out?
Yes, a certificate of compliance (COC) or electrical safety certificate (ESC) must be issued, in accordance with the New Zealand Electrical Safety Regulations 2010. This covers everything from changing out a faulty plug to putting in a new switchboard. It certifies that the work was carried out by a licensed electrician and has been proven to be safe.