Electrical tips and advice
Plain-English advice from Jade on switchboards, safety, lighting, renovations and more, for homes across Wollongong, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
We service a large area including Wollongong, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions, including Nowra, Kiama, Helensburgh & surrounding regions. See all areas we cover
7 signs your switchboard needs upgrading
Ceramic fuses, tripping, warm panels or no safety switches? Seven signs your switchboard is due for an upgrade, from a Wollongong electrician.
6 October 2026 · 2 min readRead
Choosing an electrician in Wollongong: 8 questions to ask
How to pick a good electrician in Wollongong and the Illawarra: licence checks, insurance, written quotes, compliance certificates and more.
8 September 2026 · 2 min readRead
Safety switch keeps tripping? What to check before you call
Why your safety switch (RCD) keeps tripping, the simple checks you can safely do yourself, and when to call a licensed electrician.
10 August 2026 · 2 min readRead
Older homes in Port Kembla and Warrawong: electrical things to check
Bought or renting an older home in Port Kembla, Warrawong or Cringila? The electrical checks worth doing, from fuses and safety switches to old wiring.
14 July 2026 · 2 min readRead
Smoke alarms in NSW homes: a plain-English guide
Where smoke alarms should go, hardwired versus battery, interconnection and when to replace them. A plain-English guide for NSW homeowners and landlords.
26 June 2026 · 2 min readRead
Installing an EV charger at home: what to know first
Wall charger or power point? Single or three-phase? Will your switchboard cope? What Illawarra EV owners should know before installing a home charger.
6 May 2026 · 2 min readRead
Renovating a cottage in Thirroul, Austinmer or Bulli: electrical checklist
Renovating a beach cottage in Wollongong's northern suburbs? An electrical checklist for older homes, coastal conditions and steep escarpment blocks.
20 April 2026 · 2 min readRead
Choosing LED downlights: colour, ratings and dimmers
Warm white or cool white? What IC-4 means, how many downlights you need, and why the right dimmer matters. A practical guide to LED downlights.
16 March 2026 · 2 min readRead
Building in West Dapto, Calderwood or Tullimbar? Electrical upgrades to lock in
Building a new home in West Dapto, Calderwood or Tullimbar? Electrical upgrades worth locking in before the plasterboard goes up.
23 February 2026 · 2 min readRead
Living near the beach? How salt air affects your electrics
Coastal Illawarra homes are hard on outdoor power points, lights and meter boxes. How salt air causes faults and how to choose fittings that last.
19 January 2026 · 2 min readRead
Kitchen or bathroom renovation? Your electrical checklist
Plan power, lighting and appliances before the walls close up. An electrical checklist for kitchen and bathroom renovations in the Illawarra.
5 December 2025 · 2 min readRead
Moved into Shell Cove? Electrical extras new owners add first
Just moved into a new home in Shell Cove or Shellharbour? The electrical extras most new owners add in the first year, and what to plan for.
10 November 2025 · 2 min readRead
DIY electrical work in NSW: what you can and can't do
Changing a power point yourself is illegal in NSW. What homeowners can safely do, what needs a licensed electrician, and why the paperwork matters.
15 October 2025 · 2 min readRead
Electrical work in a Wollongong apartment: what strata owners should know
Own or rent an apartment in Wollongong? What to know about electrical work in strata units: approvals, common property, and getting it done smoothly.
22 September 2025 · 2 min readRead
Getting a split system? The electrical side explained
Does your new air-conditioner need its own circuit? What an isolator is, why switchboard capacity matters, and how to coordinate the installer and electrician.
25 August 2025 · 2 min readRead
Power to sheds, pumps and outbuildings on rural blocks around Berry
Need power to a shed, water pump or second building on a rural block around Berry or the Shoalhaven? What's involved and what to plan for.
28 July 2025 · 2 min readRead
How to choose the right ceiling fan for each room
Fan size, DC versus AC motors, lights, remotes and outdoor fans. How to choose a ceiling fan that's quiet, efficient and right for the room.
30 June 2025 · 2 min readRead
Power out in part of the house? A step-by-step guide
Half the house has no power? How to tell a tripped breaker from a network outage, what to check safely, and when to call an electrician.
15 May 2025 · 2 min readRead
Holiday rentals in Kiama and Gerringong: an electrical safety checklist
Own a holiday rental in Kiama, Gerringong or Gerroa? An electrical safety checklist for short-stay hosts: smoke alarms, safety switches and more.
7 April 2025 · 2 min readRead
Building a new home? Plan your electrical before frame stage
Power points, lighting, data, EV charging and solar. What to plan with your electrician before frame stage when building a new home in the Illawarra.
25 March 2025 · 2 min readRead
Switching to an induction cooktop? Check this first
Induction cooktops need more power than many old electric cooktops. What to check on your circuit and switchboard before you buy.
27 January 2025 · 2 min readRead
Using a generator during a blackout: safety tips for the Shoalhaven
Using a portable generator in a storm or bushfire outage around Nowra and the Shoalhaven? How to do it safely, and why a generator inlet matters.
13 January 2025 · 2 min readRead
Sensor lights: where to put them and how to set them
Where sensor and security lights work best, how to stop false triggering, and how to light your home without annoying the neighbours.
13 December 2024 · 2 min readRead
1970s and 80s homes in Oak Flats and Albion Park: common electrical upgrades
Own a 1970s or 80s home in Oak Flats, Albion Park or Warilla? The electrical upgrades that make the biggest difference, from lighting to switchboards.
18 November 2024 · 2 min readRead
Pool pump electrics: safety and running costs
Weatherproof outlets, safety switches, timers and variable speed pumps. Keep your pool equipment safe and cheaper to run.
23 October 2024 · 2 min readRead
Data cabling vs WiFi: what your home office really needs
Video calls dropping out? When a wired data point beats WiFi, where to put data points, and why cabling during a reno is worth it.
3 September 2024 · 2 min readRead
Running power to a shed, studio or granny flat
Underground cable, sub-boards and trenching. What's involved in getting safe power to a shed, studio or granny flat in your backyard.
8 July 2024 · 2 min readRead
Planning a shop or office fit-out? Questions to ask your electrician
Programme, after-hours work, data, exit lighting and paperwork. What to ask before you choose an electrician for a commercial fit-out.
24 May 2024 · 2 min readRead
Are power boards safe? When you need more power points
Daisy-chained power boards and double adaptors are a common fire risk. How to use them safely, and when it's time for extra power points.
3 April 2024 · 2 min readRead
Storm season electrical safety for Illawarra homes
Fallen power lines, flooded power points and surges. How to keep your family and home safe during and after Illawarra storms.
12 February 2024 · 2 min readRead