Hey! Matt and Pat here.
It’s cold. It’s dark. It’s winter in Sydney. But we have some nifty sensor lighting solutions to brighten your home this winter. Read on to learn more.
At Ku-ring-gai Electrical Service, we take your safety seriously. To arrange a time for us to visit your home or business, call us on 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au. For your protection, we follow COVIDSafe guidelines.
Cheers,
Matt Cox & Pat Dobbs
Have you ever opened the garage door or walk-in robe and found the light has been left on? Or perhaps you wish you had better lighting in your cupboards or garage?
Then we have the answer you’ve been looking for.
These days, LED downlights can come with built-in motion sensors. This means they will automatically turn on when the door opens or when someone enters the room, making them ideal for:
For kitchens and bathrooms, we can install LED strip lights with sensors. We fit these to your cabinetry kickboards. Then when you walk past, they’ll turn on; providing a soft light that won’t wake you up too much if you get up in the middle of the night.
LED downlights can look good throughout your home. They are very energy efficient with low running costs and long lifespans. However, by adding LED downlights with sensors in the tricky areas of your home, you never need to worry about lights being left on by mistake.
LED downlights can be fixed or gimble (that’s when they can be angled towards a specific area). They also come in different types of light:
We have lots of ideas for helping you light up your home and make life easier. For inspiration, visit our Facebook page and for help, call 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au to make a time for us to come to your home or office. Remember, we can usually quote and install in the same visit.
We talk a lot about motion sensors along your pathways and driveways but there are also some very cool options for hallways. One of our favourites is the Night Walk Sensor Light by Clipsal – a modular system that uses an existing double powerpoint.
One side of the powerpoint remains in place while the other side can be converted into a motion-activated sensor light. This night light has 2 modes:
The LED light has a 2 minute auto-off timer that restarts next time someone walks past. We think it’s ideal for families with young children.
Because this system is modular, you can convert the Night Walk Sensor Light back to a double powerpoint at any time. To learn more or to book a time for us to visit your home, get in touch with Ku-ring-gai Electrical Service on 0418 442 578 or info@kuring.com.au
Promise #3: We’re problem solvers
We will happily do the electrical work for new builds and renovations. But when it comes to adding or changing light fittings, powerpoints or switches to existing homes, it can get a little tricky. But we love the challenge of finding innovative ways to achieve what you want and make it look great.
For all your home and business wiring needs ….
Next time a friend or family member is talking about getting some electrical work done, please tell them about us. To talk to the team at Ku-ring-gai Electrical Service, call 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au
Hey! Matt and Pat here.
Have you ever considered using your outdoor entertaining area all year round? There are some fantastic heating and lighting options that will allow you to use this space throughout the year. Read on for more information.
At Ku-ring-gai Electrical Service, we take your safety seriously. To arrange a time for us to visit your home or business, call us on 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au.
Cheers,
Matt Cox & Pat Dobbs
Don’t let a chilly winter keep you indoors. There are lots of options to help you enjoy your outdoor area all year long. Whether it’s gorgeous outdoor lighting so you can enjoy your garden from the warmth of indoors. Or outdoor heating and lighting options to expand your living and entertaining areas. We have some great ideas for your home.
We also do a lot of work with hospitality businesses – especially with the restricted capacities restaurants and cafes experience during COVID spikes.
Read on for some sparkling outdoor lighting ideas or check out our Facebook posts to see some of our awesome installations. For information on safe and effective electric heating for outdoor spaces, scroll down.
7 Outdoor lighting ideas
1. Use a mass display of festoon or fairy lights above your alfresco dining area to create a whimsical and enchanting ambiance outdoors. This type of lighting looks great all year round and works equally well for commercial or residential spaces.
2. Bedrooms often look out onto neighbouring fences. To add interest, hang festoon lights from your eaves to the fence.
3. Add a modern and eclectic look by choosing festoon lights that can accommodate a mixture of bulb shapes, sizes or colours.
4. If you have a pergola or balcony, adorn the structure with fairy or festoon lights to emphasise the architectural features.
5. In courtyard gardens, consider hanging your festoon or fairy lights along your walls and fences to add interest and brighten a normally dull feature.
6. Don’t forget task lighting around your barbeque or outdoor kitchen area. It will make entertaining outdoors much easier.
7. Use a combination of festoon, fairy and uplights to light garden paths or highlight garden features such as gorgeous trees, water features or lush garden beds.
When installing outdoor lighting, we only use low voltage festoon and fairy lights which have been specifically designed for outdoor use and meet Australian safety standards. They are the safest for you and your family or staff and customers if installed in commercial areas.
Avoid the chill with safe, electric outdoor heating
It’s common to see gas heating in outdoor areas – especially in outdoor dining areas at cafes and restaurants. The problem with these units is, people sitting closest to the heater often complain of “feeling sunburnt” on their scalp due to the intense heat.
There are now several options of infra-red, electric radiant heaters that are designed to provide high intensity heating for the outdoors.
They are suitable for use in courtyards, verandahs, balconies, beer gardens and other outdoor entertaining areas – covered or open. We simply mount them to the ceiling or under the eaves. One thing to keep in mind is that most electric infra-red outdoor heaters have a minimum installation height of 2.1m and a maximum installation height of 2.8m.
No renovation required
Adding a heat source to your outdoor area is a marvellous, cost-effective way to add extra entertaining and living space to your home or business without the need to knockdown walls or build an extension.
To discuss your options or plan your outdoor lighting and heating requirements, get in touch with us by calling call 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au
Ku-ring-gai Electrical Service has been in business since 1974 and has a tradition of our own apprentices continuing the business when the previous owner retires. This has bred a special culture of valuing each and every client because we couldn’t remain in business all these years without their trust and loyalty.
In case you think all electricians are the same, here’s a reminder of our 4 Key Promises to you:
Promise #1: We value your time
With many trades, you need to be available so they can quote and then they’ll come back another day to do the work. But we understand you have a busy life. So when we come to give you a quote, we’ll also stay to do the work if you’d like to proceed.
There’s no obligation and no cost if you choose not to proceed or need some thinking time. It’s all part of our service.
Promise #2: We always use top quality materials
If you’ve ever received multiple quotes for the same electrical work, you may have found a huge difference in the price. The problem with the lower quotes could be the electrician is cutting costs by using cheaper materials.
At Ku-ring-gai Electrical Service, we’ll only use top quality materials that meet Australian Standards because we care about your safety. You’ll also find we are moderately priced if you choose to shop around.
Promise #3: We’re problem solvers
We will happily do the electrical work for new builds and renovations. But when it comes to adding or changing light fittings, powerpoints or switches to existing homes, it can get a little tricky. But we love the challenge of finding innovative ways to achieve what you want and make it look great.
Promise #4: We’re perfectionists
Whatever work we do for you, we guarantee it will always:
And we will stay at your home or business until it meets our exacting standards.
For all your home and business wiring needs ….
Next time a friend or family member is talking about getting some electrical work done, please tell them about us. To talk to the team at Ku-ring-gai Electrical Service, call 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au
Hey! Matt and Pat here.
When the weather is cold and the skies are grey, it’s tempting to hibernate at home. Or perhaps your workplace is allowing you to spend more time working from home.
These are all great things, if your technology is working well. This month, we’re talking about the ways we can help you with your NBN connections and boosting your Wi-Fi so read on to learn more.
To arrange a time for us to visit your home or office, call us on 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au. For your protection, we follow COVIDSafe guidelines.
Cheers,
Matt Cox & Pat Dobbs
On 23 December 2020, the federal government declared the NBN rollout is “built and fully operational” although there are still many millions of Australian businesses and households that are not yet connected. Even for premises that now have the NBN, there may be issues as the NBN providers connect to the most convenient spot for them – not for you.
That’s were the team from Ku-ring-gai Electrical Service can help. We can relocate your NBN connection and any data points to make them more convenient for you to use.
The relocation work may even be a tax deduction if you regularly work from home. But check with your accountant first.
With the end of financial year looming, perhaps it’s time to get your data outlets conveniently positioned. We’re here to help so get in touch. Ku-ring-gai Electrical Service, for all your home, office and “home office” wiring needs.
It’s not always possible to hardwire your technology. That’s one of the reasons Wi-Fi is so popular. Another reason is the flexibility that Wi-Fi provides. However, the stability of your Wi-Fi can be compromised by things like:
Installing a hardwired ethernet port can solve this problem. It can also prevent dropout. So imagine being able to:
If you anticipate doing more streaming, gaming and online meetings this winter, get in touch to discuss whether hardwiring your ethernet port could make your life easier.
Remember, we can’t help you with bottlenecks in your internet service but we can help you boost speeds, reduce interference from other devices and improve the reliability or your connections.
To discuss your requirements or to arrange a time for us to visit, call 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au
You may not see them but power surges, voltage spikes and lightning strikes are commonplace and if they hit your home, they will destroy your appliances and electronic devices.
While surge protection powerboards offer some protection, they can’t offer the same level of safety as surge protection devices installed directly inside your switchboard. Even worse, the smarter your appliances and the more sophisticated your electronic devices, the more sensitive they are to voltage spikes and power surges.
That’s why we recommend protecting your whole house with a surge protection device installed in your switchboard. It’s usually quick to do and with the average Australian home having over $15,000 worth of appliances, it offers great peace of mind.
To find out more or to book at time for us to protect your home or office, get in touch by calling 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au
Hey! Matt and Pat here.
The end of daylight saving signals the beginning of shorter daylight hours. That means safely negotiating your driveway or path could be difficult if it’s poorly lit. In this edition, we talk about your options for lighting garden paths, driveways and your front door area.
At Ku-ring-gai Electrical Service, we take your safety seriously. To arrange a time for us to visit your home or office, call us on 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au. For your protection, we follow COVIDSafe guidelines.
Cheers,
Matt Cox & Pat Dobbs
It always feels like summer is officially over when daylight saving ends. Over the next few months, the days will be shorter so you’ll be leaving for work and returning home again in the dark. That’s why we’re asking you “how safe is your garden path and driveway?”
Good garden lighting makes it easier for family members and guests to walk down your driveway or garden path in the dark. It also helps to improve personal safety and makes it easier to find the front door keyhole at night. Good lighting even makes it easier to take the bins out each week. So it makes sense to look after yourself by reviewing your outdoor lighting.
These days the options are endless and only limited by your imagination and budget. For your outdoor lighting needs, we’re happy to work with your landscaper or pool builder to install spectacular and/or functional lighting as part of an outdoor refresh or renovation. We can also retro fit some amazing lighting solutions for outdoors.
Here are 5 suggestions to inspire you:
1. Pathway lights
If you have space select post, pedestal or bollard-style lights to make a very stylish and elegant statement. Located at regular intervals down your path, they are usually simple to install if we can locate them where your path meets your lawn or garden area.
If your area is small or you prefer a more streamlined look, recessed path lights may be a great option. These are usually positioned at regular intervals in the path itself so are best installed as part of your new landscaping. If you’re not planning a garden renovation, there are some low-to-the-ground options that can be installed where your paving and garden meet.
2. Wall lights
If your home or garage is adjacent to your driveway or path, wall mounted downlights can be a great option. With this style of lighting, you can choose to have a single but powerful light fitting or a couple located in key areas.
Wall or ceiling mounted lights are also great by your front door to make it easier to find your keys and the keyhole in the dark.
3. Driveway lights
There’s nothing like the welcoming feeling of returning to a well-lit home at the end of a long day. That’s why we love driveway lighting.
If your home doesn’t have room for a garden path, your driveway lighting also helps family and friends navigate their way to your front door. In addition, we’re sure you’ll find driveway lighting very handy when you take the bins out.
If you are designing a new driveway, recessed spotlights are a great, streamlined option. Otherwise we suggest using inground up-lights, post or bollard style lights along the edge of your driveway.
4. Motion sensor outdoor lights
These are the coolest ones of all. They can even be installed to illuminate one section of your path or driveway at a time.
Using motion sensor lights outdoors means you don’t have to worry about whether the lights are on before your guests arrive or worry about whether the lights have been left on overnight. Because of this, they’re also energy saving as they only operate when required.
5. Ensure you choose outdoor light fittings
When selecting outdoor lights, ensure you choose fittings that are suitable for outdoor use as they need to withstand the elements – especially rain and, for garden lighting, your irrigation system.
We can help you design your outdoor lighting as well as install it. We’re always here to provide advice and guidance on what you need. All you need to do is ask.
To make a time for us to visit, simply call 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au
Hey! Matt and Pat here.
It’s safety month at Ku-ring-gai Electrical Service so throughout March, we’re offering a free switchboard and safety switch check with every visit to your home or small business.
Why is that important?
Read on to find out. At Ku-ring-gai Electrical Service, we take your safety seriously. To arrange a time for us to visit your home or office, call us on 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au. For your protection, we follow COVIDSafe guidelines.
Cheers,
Matt Cox & Pat Dobbs
According to the NSW Government website, 40% of house fires in NSW were caused by faulty wiring and appliances. That’s a staggering 1800 house fires which could have been prevented.
Another frightening statistic is from the government’s Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. It reports 1,493 workers were hospitalised as a result of an electrical injury over a 2 year period.
When it comes to electrical safety, having a safety switch is key. It’s located in your switchboard and its job is to turn off your electricity if a fault is detected. It also protects people from electric shocks.
Typically, there is one safety switch on each circuit (e.g. one for your lights, one for your powerpoints). In apartments, small offices and strata buildings, you may only have one safety switch installed in each unit’s switchboard.
Since 2000, safety switches have been a legal requirement for every new home. If your home was built before then, you need to check if a safety switch has been installed. If you are planning a renovation, you may be required to add more safety switches to your home in order to obtain your approvals.
What’s the difference between a circuit breaker and a safety switch?
Older homes typically have circuit breakers. Their role is to protect the electrical wiring of your home. Safety switches are designed to protect people from electric shocks which can occur from either faulty wiring, faulty appliances, damaged or overloaded powerpoints and faulty light switches.
That’s why simply relying on a circuit breaker in your older home is not enough to protect your family.
Safety switches must be checked!
Like smoke detectors, safety switches need regular checking. In fact for commercial buildings, it’s mandatory for your safety switches to be checked annually. However, the guidelines recommend safety switches are checked every 6 months.
When we visit our customers, we find approx. 1 in 10 safety switches aren’t working and we think that’s serious! But the good news is, they are usually easy to replace.
That’s why in March, we’re offering a free switchboard and safety switch check when visiting your home or small business to do other work.
But if you have any concerns about your wiring or you suspect you don’t have any safety switches installed, get in touch with us urgently. It may save a life or avoid serious injury. We’ll come to your home or workplace, provide an immediate quote and do the job straight away if you wish. It’s that easy.
To get in touch, call 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au
This year Easter occurs in early April and on Sunday 4th April daylight savings ends. That means it’s time to check your smoke detectors!
It’s a legal requirement to have photoelectric smoke detectors located between your kitchen and sleeping areas. These can be battery operated or hardwired. Hardwired alarms have a battery backup – either 9v or lithium ion. 9v batteries need to be replaced at least every year. Lithium ion batteries will last 10 years without changing.
We recommend hardwiring your smoke detectors so they run off your household electrical system. There are 2 reasons we prefer this method:
Experiencing annoying beeping?
That regular but annoying beeping a smoke detector sometimes emits means the battery needs replacing. Don’t ignore it!
If any of your smoke detectors are 10+ years old or you don’t know how old they are, you should replace them. Usually it’s quick and easy for us to do and while we’re at your place, we can chat to you about the benefits of hardwiring your smoke detectors.
To make a time for us to visit, simply call 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au
