FAQ

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KOITEK ELECTRICAL provides a comprehensive range of electrical services in Perth for RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL premises. 

Basically we supply, install, maintain and monitor anything that requires electricity to function. 

• LED Lights installation 
• Downlights 
• Pendant lights 
• Wall lights 
• Sensor & security lights 
• Power sockets
• Three phase sockets
• TV antenna points
• Data points and internet
• Switchboard upgrades 
• Smoke detectors 
• Appliances installation 
• Electrical hot water systems
• RCD (safety switch)
• Fault finding
• Emergency calls & repairs
• Air conditioning
• Electrical repairs 
• Electrical inspections
• Electrical safety certificates
• Electrical maintenance 
• Ceiling fans
• Power outages 
• Commercial projects fit outs 
• Exhaust fans

KOITEK ELECTRICAL prioritise customer satisfaction, quality workmanship, and competitive pricing. Our team is dedicated to exceeding your expectations on every project, big or small. All of our electricians are fully licensed and fully insured professionals with years of experience in the industry. You can trust us to deliver safe and reliable electrical services in Perth.

KOITEK ELECTRICAL is here to help!! if you are experiencing a power outage in your home you can always call us for advice 0450 478 453.

Alternatively there are several steps you can take to ensure your safety and minimise disruption until the power is restored. 

Here's what to do if you encounter a power outage in Western Australia (WA):

• Check for the Source of the Outage: Determine if the power outage is affecting just your home or if it's a broader issue in your neighbourhood. Check if your neighbors' homes are also without power. If it's a widespread outage, contact your electricity provider to report the outage.

• Verify Circuit Breakers: Check your home's switchboard to see if any circuit breakers or RCDs have tripped. Sometimes, power outages can be caused by overloaded circuits or electrical faults within your home.

• Turn Off Appliances and Electronics: To prevent damage from power surges when the electricity is restored, turn off and unplug sensitive electronic devices, such as computers, TVs, and gaming consoles. Leave one light switch on to indicate when the power returns.

• Use Battery Powered Lighting: Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for illumination, especially in areas where safety may be compromised due to lack of lighting. Avoid using candles, as they pose a fire hazard.

• Keep Refrigerator and Freezer Closed: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature and preserve perishable food items. A well-insulated freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours during a power outage.

• Stay Clear of Downed Power Lines: If you notice downed power lines, keep a safe distance (at least 10 meters) and report them to your electricity provider immediately. Downed power lines can be energised and pose a serious electrocution hazard.

If the power outage persists for an extended period or if you encounter any emergency situations, such as medical issues or safety concerns, don't hesitate to contact emergency services for assistance.

The cost of hiring an electrician in Western Australia (WA) can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the job, the time required to complete the work, the electrician's level of experience, and the location within WA. 

Here's a breakdown of some of the key factors influencing the cost:

• Type of Service: The nature of the electrical service required will have a significant impact on the cost. For instance, basic services such as installing a new power outlet or replacing a light fixture may be less expensive than more complex tasks like rewiring a house or installing a solar power system.

• Hourly Rates vs. Fixed Prices: Electricians may charge either an hourly rate or provide fixed-price quotes for specific jobs. Fixed prices are often provided for standard tasks like installing ceiling fans, smoke alarms, or switchboard upgrades.

• Call-Out Fees: Some electricians may charge a call-out fee to cover the cost of traveling to your location. This fee can vary depending on the distance traveled and is usually in addition to the hourly rate or fixed price for the service.

• Materials and Equipment: The cost of materials and equipment required for the job will also be factored into the overall cost. This includes wiring, switches, outlets, light fixtures, circuit breakers, and any specialised tools needed to complete the work.

• Emergency Services: If you require emergency electrical services outside of regular business hours, you can expect to pay a premium for the call-out fee and hourly rate. Emergency rates are typically higher to compensate for the inconvenience and urgency of the situation.

• Licenses and Insurance: Reputable electricians in WA will have the necessary licenses and insurance to operate legally and ensure the safety of their work. While this may contribute to slightly higher upfront costs, it provides peace of mind knowing that the work is being done by qualified professionals.

• Location: The cost of living and demand for electricians can vary depending on the specific location within WA. Urban areas like Perth may have higher hourly rates compared to rural or remote areas where the cost of living is lower.

While cost is an important factor, quality workmanship and safety should not be compromised when hiring an electrician for your residential or commercial electrical needs in WA.

Absolutely! KOITEK ELECTRICAL conducts thorough electrical safety inspections for both residential and commercial properties in Perth to ensure compliance with regulations and identify any potential hazards.

By law, an electrical contractor/electrician who carries out any electrical installing work on a consumer's premises must provide an electrical safety certificate to the person for whom the work was done within 28 days of completion of the work (the relevant person may be the owner, occupier or another party such as a builder or property manager).

An electrical safety certificate is a legal document certifying that the installing work:

• has been completed;
• has been checked, tested and complies with all regulatory requirements; and
• is safe to connect to the electricity supply.

A copy of the electrical safety certificate must be retained by the electrical contractor for a minimum of five (5) years.

Some exemptions apply. For example, an electrical safety certificate is not necessary for maintenance work.

The certificate is a guarantee that the electrical installing work has been carried out by a licensed electrical contractor and is safe.

This information can be verified from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety from the Government of Western Australia 

KOITEK ELECTRICAL recommends having your electrical wiring inspected at least every 5-10 years, or sooner if you notice any signs of wear, such as flickering lights, sparking outlets, tripping circuit breakers, RCD or any kind of uncommon functionality of any electrical equipment in your property.

DIY (Do It Yourself) electrical work is not recommended in Western Australia, or anywhere else for that matter, due to several critical reasons:

• Safety Concerns: Electrical work involves handling live wires, which can pose serious risks of electric shock, fires, and even fatalities if not handled correctly. Professional electricians undergo extensive training and have the necessary knowledge to work safely with electricity, minimising the risk of accidents.

• Legal Requirements: In Western Australia, as in most places, electrical work must comply with strict regulations and codes to ensure safety. DIY electrical work may not meet these standards, leading to potential legal consequences and penalties. Only licensed electricians are authorised to perform electrical installations, repairs, and modifications in compliance with regulations.

• Complexity of Electrical Systems: Electrical systems are intricate and require specialised knowledge to understand and work with effectively. DIY enthusiasts may not have the expertise to troubleshoot complex issues or properly install electrical components, leading to improper connections, overloaded circuits, or other hazards.

• Insurance Implications: Insurance companies may not cover damages resulting from DIY electrical work gone wrong. If a fire or accident occurs due to faulty DIY electrical installations, homeowners may be held liable for damages and injuries, leading to financial loss and legal issues.

• Risk of Damage to Property: Incorrectly performed electrical work can damage appliances, equipment, and property infrastructure. This not only results in additional repair costs but also compromises the safety and functionality of the electrical system.

• Voiding Warranty: DIY electrical work may void warranties on electrical appliances and systems. Manufacturers typically require installations and repairs to be conducted by licensed professionals to ensure compliance with safety standards.

• Lack of Expertise: Professional electricians undergo rigorous training and have experience working on a wide range of electrical projects. They possess the expertise needed to diagnose problems accurately, recommend appropriate solutions, and ensure the long-term safety and efficiency of electrical systems.

In summary, DIY electrical work in Western Australia is discouraged due to the significant safety risks, legal requirements, complexity of electrical systems, insurance implications, potential property damage, warranty avoidance, and lack of expertise. 

It's always best to leave electrical work to licensed professionals who can ensure the safety, compliance, and reliability of electrical installations and repairs.

This information can be verified from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety from the Government of Western Australia

An RCD (Residual Current Device), is an essential safety device designed to protect against electric shock and fire hazards caused by electrical faults. Also known as a safety switch or ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in some regions, an RCD constantly monitors the flow of electricity through a circuit. 

Here's how it works:

• Detection of Electrical Faults: An RCD continuously compares the incoming current with the outgoing current in an electrical circuit. If there's an imbalance between the two currents, even by a small amount, it indicates the presence of a fault, such as a leakage of current to earth due to faulty wiring, damaged appliances, or electrical insulation breakdown.

• Immediate Disconnection: When the RCD detects a fault, it reacts quickly (usually within milliseconds) to disconnect the power supply to the circuit, thereby preventing electric shock or fire. This rapid response is crucial for minimising the risk of injury or damage.

• Types of RCDs: There are different types of RCDs available, including portable RCDs for use with electrical appliances, socket outlet RCDs installed in power outlets, and fixed RCDs integrated into switchboards to protect entire circuits. Each type serves specific purposes and provides varying levels of protection.

• Testing and Maintenance: It's important to regularly test RCDs to ensure they are functioning correctly. Most RCDs have a test button that simulates a fault to verify that the device trips as expected. Additionally, RCDs should be installed and maintained by licensed electricians to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.

Overall, RCDs play a critical role in electrical safety by quickly disconnecting power in the event of electrical faults, thereby reducing the risk of electric shock and fire hazards in homes, workplaces, and other settings. In many jurisdictions, including Australia, RCD installation is mandated by electrical safety regulations for new and existing buildings to enhance safety standards.

This information can be verified from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety from the Government of Western Australia