Your Electrical Questions Answered

Common questions

Your Electrical Questions Answered

Straight answers on our electrical services, safety and how we work across Hobart and southern Tasmania.

Do you offer free quotes?

Yes, we provide obligation-free quotes for all our services. Enquire now to discuss your needs, and we’ll provide a clear estimate.

What’s involved in a switchboard upgrade?

A switchboard upgrade replaces outdated components with modern, safer ones. It ensures your home’s electrical system can handle today’s power demands, reducing risks of outages or fires.

What types of residential electrical installations do you handle?

Rock Electrical handles a wide range of residential installations, including lighting systems, power outlets, smoke alarms, ceiling fans, home automation systems, and more. We also provide customised solutions to suit individual needs and preferences.

Do you provide emergency electrical services for residential properties in Hobart?

Yes, Rock Electrical offers prompt 24/7 emergency electrical services, so homeowners in Hobart always have access to a residential electrician. Whether it's a power outage, exposed wiring, or any other urgent electrical issue, our team is available to ensure your home's safety.

Can you help with upgrading old switchboards to meet modern safety standards?

Yes, Rock Electrical specialises in upgrading outdated switchboards to ensure they meet current safety and compliance standards. This includes installing safety switches, circuit breakers, and other protective devices to enhance your home's electrical safety.

‍

What are the test and tag requirements in Tasmania?

The Test and Tag requirements in Tasmania are a system where electricians will test electrical equipment in a workplace for faults ensuring it is safe to be used by employees. The electrician will then attach a tag to the piece of equipment stating the date it was tested and when the next test is due.

What is a surge protector, and what does it do?

Surge protectors are designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes and safeguard your appliances and wiring from voltage surges such as those resulting from a lightning strike. Safety switches and surge protectors play entirely different roles. Surge protectors protect electrical appliances, and safety switches protect people.

Are smoke alarms compulsory in all homes?

By law, all homes and units in Tasmania must be fitted with smoke alarms. It is your responsibility to make sure you have a working smoke alarm installed. Homes built before August 1997 must have at least one 9-volt battery-operated smoke alarm, homes constructed or significantly renovated after August 1997 must have a 240-volt (hard-wired) smoke alarm.

Are safety switches compulsory in all homes?

Safety switches have been compulsory for power circuits in all new Tasmanian homes since July 1992. This means many Tasmanian homes already have a safety switch installed which protects most of the power circuits. However, safety switches may be missing from homes built before that time. The switchboard is the best place to look for permanently installed safety switches. Safety switches can be easily identified; they are the ones with a test or T button.

How does a safety switch save lives?

Safety switches monitor the flow of electricity through a circuit. They automatically shut off the electricity supply when current is detected leaking from faulty switches, wiring or electrical appliances. This stops the chance of current flowing to earth, through a person and electrocuting them.

Is a safety switch the same as a circuit breaker?

No, many homes already have circuit breakers installed. However, circuit breakers only protect against overloading and short circuits. They do not prevent electrocution.

If RCDs are fitted, how can I check if they are operating correctly?

All RCDs are manufactured with a test button. Homeowners and tenants should press the test button every three months. Pushing the test button simulates an earth leakage fault and indicates whether or not the device is operating correctly. Electrical clocks and timing devices may have to be reset after the test button has been pushed and the RCD turned back on.

How do you replace a fuse wire for homes that still have semi-enclosed rewirable fuses?

Caution: risk of electric shock. If you have any doubt about how to do this, call a licensed electrician.

If you are confident to replace it yourself:

Turn off the main switch at the switchboard.
Pull out the fuse carrier for the circuit that has lost power and remove the old, broken wire.
Fit new fuse wire with exactly the same amp rating shown on the fuse carrier. Never use thicker wire or anything other than fuse wire.
Push the carrier firmly back in and turn the main switch back on.

If the new fuse blows again straight away, leave it off and call an electrician, as there is a fault on that circuit. Rewirable fuses do not protect people from electric shock, so we recommend a switchboard upgrade to modern circuit breakers and safety switches.

Which areas do you service?

Rock Electrical caters to customers throughout Hobart and the surrounding areas including but not limited to Blackmans Bay, Bruny Island, Cygnet, Geeveston, Huonville, Kettering, Kingston, Margate, New Norfolk and Woodbridge.

Can I integrate my EV charger with solar power?

Yes! Many of the chargers can be configured to utilise excess solar energy from your system. This means instead of exporting surplus power back to the grid, you can use it to charge your vehicle, saving you even more on energy costs. It’s an environmentally friendly and efficient way to power your EV while reducing grid dependency.

Why should I install an EV charger at home?

Installing an EV charger at home provides unmatched convenience - instead of relying on public charging stations, you can charge your vehicle overnight or whenever it suits your schedule. It also saves money by allowing you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates or solar power. Additionally, having an EV charger can increase the value of your home, especially as more buyers look for EV-ready properties.

Can I install an EV charger if I don’t have solar?

Absolutely! EV chargers work with your home’s electrical system, whether or not you have solar panels installed.

How long does it take to charge my car with a home EV charger?

Charging times depend on your vehicle and charger type. A Level 2 charger typically adds 20–50km of range per hour, making it ideal for overnight charging.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions