Ralph Ottman Electrical Sunshine Coast

Electrical safety in your home or business premises is often a hidden danger. Being able to identify whether you have an existing issue like faulty wiring might be crucial in ensuring a safe and secure living environment for you and your family, or your staff.

Faulty wiring may lead to electrical shocks, fires, and damage to expensive appliances. The importance of early detection and a prompt resolution may literally make the difference between life and death.

This article will help you to understand whether you have faulty wiring, and will provide potential troubleshooting options. You should always seek professional assistance when dealing with anything electrical.

What is faulty wiring and how does it occur?

Faulty wiring is any kind of electrical wiring that is damaged, defective, or improperly installed, which may potentially result in electrical hazards. Faulty wiring might occur in any building’s electrical system, including outlets, switches, circuit breakers, and wiring connections.

Various factors might contribute to faulty wiring, including age, general wear and tear, incorrect installations, and environmental factors. The potential consequences of neglecting faulty wiring might include electrical fires, electrical shocks, appliance damage, and increased energy consumption.

Identifying electrical safety for your home or business?

Faulty wiring may cause a number of issues which are indicated in the following ways:

Flickering or Dimming Lights: If you notice lights dimming or flickering, it may indicate loose connections, overloaded circuits, or faulty wiring. Pay attention to any specific areas affected so your electrician can attend to them.

Tripping Circuit Breakers: Circuit breakers are designed to trip when there is excessive electrical current. If you find your breakers frequently tripping, it might be due to an appliance or it could well be the sign of faulty wiring causing an overload.

Hot Outlets or Switches: Overheating outlets or switches can be indicative of loose connections or damaged wiring. If you notice any heat or discolouration, it is crucial to address it promptly.

Burning Smell or Discolouration: A burning smell or discolouration around outlets, switches, or electrical panels can indicate overheated wires or damaged insulation. Any burning smells or discolouration suggesting overheating requires immediate attention.

Sparking or Electrical Shocks: Electrical sparks or receiving electric shocks when using outlets or switches, is a clear indication of faulty wiring and should not be ignored.

Buzzing or Crackling Sounds: Unusual sounds such as buzzing, crackling, or popping noises coming from outlets or switches usually signify loose connections or faulty wiring. Don’t delay in having them checked by a licensed electrician.

Electrical trouble spots in your home or business

While the above are signs that might indicate faulty wiring is present, there are other circumstances that could be an issue. Keep an eye out for the following:

electrical safety

What to do immediately if you find faulty wiring

The short answer is to book an electrician as quickly as possible and explain the urgency.

The next step is to prioritise safety by turning off power to the affected area while you wait for the electrician to attend.

A licensed electrician will assess the situation and provide you with a suitable solution which might include rewiring or replacing damaged wiring sections. They will ensure the safety of your electrical system and therefore your property, family or staff.

When you need help with faulty wiring or electrical safety on the Sunshine Coast

For addressing faulty wiring and ensuring electrical safety, Ottmann Electrical Services on the Sunshine Coast is always available.

The Ottmann Electrical team of licensed and experienced electricians is committed to delivering fast and professional electrical services that adhere to Australian standards.

Call us today on 0458 999 017 or send a message by email.

A commercial electrician in your contacts list for your Sunshine Coast business is a good idea. Electrical safety is one of the most fundamental, crucial components for maintaining any business premises.

A properly functioning electrical system is essential for productivity, safety, security and so many other aspects of commercial operations. However, electrical issues can arise at any time, and not all problems can be resolved with a quick fix.

As a business owner, it's essential to know when to call a commercial electrician for help. Here are the top situations in which you should consider calling a commercial electrician:

Electrical Outlets & Switches Not Working

If you've noticed that electrical outlets and switches aren’t working or are giving off a burning smell, it's essential to call a commercial electrician immediately.

This issue could indicate a wiring problem or faulty outlet, which can be dangerous and pose a fire hazard. An experienced commercial electrician can assess the situation and provide the necessary repairs or replacements to ensure that your employees and customers are safe.

Power Surges & Outages

Power surges and outages can be caused by a variety of issues, including faulty wiring, overloading or problems with your electrical panel.

If you're experiencing frequent power surges or outages, it's critical to call a commercial electrician to identify and repair the underlying issue.

Not only can this help prevent damage to your electrical equipment, but it can also ensure that your business stays up and running.

Flickering Or Dimming Lights

Flickering or dimming lights are often a sign of electrical issues that require the attention of a commercial electrician. This could be caused by a problem with your wiring, an overloaded circuit or a faulty light fixture.

A commercial electrician can diagnose the issue and provide the necessary repairs or replacements to ensure that your lighting is functioning correctly.

Electrical Upgrades

If you're planning to expand your business, you may need to upgrade your electrical system to accommodate additional equipment and power demands.

A commercial electrician can assess your current system and provide the necessary upgrades to ensure that your business has the power it needs to operate effectively.

Electrical Safety Inspections

Regular electrical safety inspections can help identify potential hazards and prevent electrical issues from causing damage or injury.

A commercial electrician can perform a thorough safety inspection of your business's electrical system, identify potential hazards and provide the necessary repairs or upgrades to keep your employees and customers safe.

Circuit Breaker Tripping

If your circuit breaker is tripping frequently, it could be a sign of an overloaded circuit or a faulty electrical appliance.

A commercial electrician can diagnose the issue and provide the necessary repairs or upgrades to ensure that your electrical system is functioning correctly and prevent future circuit breaker trips.

Electrical Code Compliance

Electrical code compliance is essential for ensuring the safety of your employees and customers, as well as avoiding costly fines and legal issues.

A commercial electrician can help ensure that your electrical system is up to code and compliant with local regulations, helping you avoid potential legal issues and ensure the safety of everyone in your business.

In conclusion, electricity is a critical aspect of any business and ignoring electrical issues can be dangerous and costly.

By knowing when to call a commercial electrician, you can ensure that your business's electrical system continues to function correctly and safely, preventing potential hazards and ensuring the productivity of your employees and safety of your customers.

Whether you're experiencing electrical issues or need upgrades or inspections, a commercial electrician can provide the necessary services to keep your business running smoothly.

At Ralph Ottmann Electrical, we service the entire Sunshine Coast, including Pomona, Tewantin, Cooroy and Noosaville.

Commercial electricians are responsible for the design, installation, maintenance, and repair of the electrical systems in commercial buildings.

They work on all types of commercial buildings including offices, restaurants, shops, hotels, warehouses, medical facilities, industrial units, and factories.

Because these types of buildings use 3-phase power, commercial electricians need specialist knowledge of high-voltage distribution systems.

For this reason, most commercial electricians also hold Level 2 licenses. This allows them to work on systems inside the property and the service lines between the property and the supply network.


Services carried out by commercial electricians include:

  • Design and installation of electrical systems
  • Disconnection and reconnection
  • Portable appliance testing (PAT testing)
  • Routine electrical maintenance
  • Electrical installation condition reports
  • Fault finding electrical systems
  • Repairing electrical systems
  • Data cable installation

Are All Electricians Licensed To Carry Out Commercial Work?

All electricians need to hold Accredited Service Partner (ASP) status before they can carry out work on any type of property. There are two grades of Accredited Service Partner.

The grade you need will depend on the type of work you require. See below for more information on the different grades of electricians.

Level 1

Level 1 electricians can carry out basic electrical tasks in both commercial and domestic properties. Typical jobs include installing new circuits, carrying out safety assessments, fault finding, replacing faulty breakers, and upgrading electrical systems.

They are NOT qualified to work on the service lines between the building and the supply network.

Level 2

Level 2 electricians can carry out the same work as Level 1 electricians along with more advanced electrical tasks.

This allows them to work on all types of electrical installations including domestic, commercial, and industrial. And they can connect and disconnect properties from the local supply network.

Which Type Of Electrician Do You Need?

Building owners and managers need to know what type of electrician to call when they have a problem.

So we have created the following guide to help ensure you get an electrician with the right licenses and skills to work on your electrical systems.

When To Hire A Level 1 Electrician:

When To Hire A Level 2 Electrician:

Check out our blog post here, for more information about choosing the right commercial electrician.

Need A Commercial Electrician? We Can Help!

We are an established firm of electrical contractors on the Sunshine Coast. With more than 10 years of experience supporting all types of business in the area.

You can rest easy in the knowledge that we have the right mix of skills and experience to solve your electrical problems fast.

So no matter if you have an intermittent fault on a circuit or you need to replace an outdated distribution board. Our team of experienced and licensed electricians is here to help.

Contact us for a FREE quote by completing the contact form here.

Alternatively, give us a call on 0458 999 017. We are available Mon-Fri 6:30 AM - 5.00 PM.

When you're hiring a commercial electrician, it's important to be discerning. You need to make sure that you can trust the person you're hiring to accurately diagnose faults, properly install electrical components, and price each job fairly.

The state of your business's electrics is incredibly important, both for your safety and the safety of guests and visitors you invite onto your premises. So what should you look for in a commercial electrician to ensure that the work being completed is consistently high quality?

Check Your Electrician's Licence

Always ask to see your electricians details before you allow them to work on your property's electrics. In Australia, all professional electricians must be registered and licensed, and these details prove that the professional you're hiring has adequate knowledge and experience to safely carry out work on your property's electrics.

You should also check the electrician you're hiring is fully insured, which means that you will be covered in the event that anything goes wrong while they are working on your property.

Ask For Recommendations

One of the best ways to get an accurate idea of the quality of someone's work is to ask around for opinions and recommendations. Ask your friends if they've worked with tradespeople before and you'll get real opinions on the work they carry out and the customer service they offer.

You can also look for reviews and testimonials online; and remember that electricians with no reviews and no online presence may not have been long established; this could simply mean that they are inexperienced, or it could be a red flag that they are not professionals.

Speak To Your Electrician One-on-one

Before confirming the work that needs doing, take some time to speak with your electrician one-on-one and feel free to ask any questions you need to about the work itself as well as their details. Questions to consider asking include:

You can use this time with your electrician to ensure that they know what they're talking about, and to get a feeling of whether you trust them or not. It's important to only hire contractors that you feel you can trust to work on your property.

Get In Touch

When you're looking for a commercial electrician, it's important to shop around for multiple quotes to ensure that you're getting the best prices and service that you can get. Ralph Ottmann Electrical is a friendly local electric contracting business on the Sunshine Coast.

If you're looking for experienced, honest, and transparent electricians who can quickly and accurately diagnose electrical faults and make recommendations for upgrades suitable for your property, call us today for a free quote and a friendly chat.

Home Security

Australians are increasingly worried by the threat of home or business intrusion/burglary and the subsequent emotional and financial impact of a break-in.

Business Security

Queensland Police cite on their website: "To make your business more secure and less attractive to criminal activity, consider the following:

Security Lighting

External night lighting will enable police, security guards or passing people to monitor activities within the premises. A limited amount of internal lighting should also be left on at night.  Also, consider installing sensor lighting which is cost effective as it only activates when movement is detected within the zone.

Surveillance Equipment

When installing surveillance equipment:

Successful Security Deterrents

One of the first thing intruders check is a lack of security measures around the property. “Having false or poorly implemented security systems that could be easily disarmed were not counted as a successful deterrent.”  This property risk factor was only second to owners leaving doors and windows open!

The most successful deterrents to would be burglars– other than a barking dog, were:

So it is important to be proactive to protect your family, home property and/or business with a professionally installed security system, installed by Ralph Ottmann Electrical, your local Sunshine Coast Licensed Security System Installer Specialist.

With over 10 years experience in both commercial and residential security cameras and system installations, have peace of mind that your loved ones and valued possessions are protected with a system installed by Ralph Ottmann Electrical.

Whether you are upgrading an older security system or installing a new one, we pride ourselves on supplying the most suitable system for your requirements at the most cost-effective price.  Remember living near the sea, systems do require ongoing maintenance to operate at peak efficiency.

Ralph Ottmann Electrical guarantee all our workmanship and we only use quality products to make sure you are protected at the time when you need it most.  Our team of highly trained technicians are experts in providing sound and trustworthy advice on residential and commercial security cameras and systems as well as keeping up to date with the latest technology.

Security System Benefits

There are many benefits for homeowners and business owners when they decide to install a security system.

Some of the benefits of using the most up to date cameras, equipment and technology are crystal clear images which can be viewed wherever you have internet access - computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.  Being able to have a visual on what's happening when your security cameras and system is activated can help with police response times and catching offenders.

Some reasons our clients install a security system:

Analysis of your Home and Business Security Needs

Knowing your security system objectives will ensure the best security system solution can be reached.  We will discuss with you what you hope to achieve, assess your location/coverage requirements and formulate a security solution based on your budget.

Some factors affecting CCTV type selection are light levels, locations or rooms to be covered, external and internal coverage and angles and distance from camera location.

For advice you can trust, call Ralph at Ralph Ottmann Electrical on 0458 999 017 to discuss your security system requirements for your home or business.

Our Recommended Preferred Products are selected based on quality, reliability, and functionality.

For more information:

https://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/cscp/businessSecurity/Burglary.htm

Keeping energy costs down over the hot Summer months doesn't mean sweltering in the heat.

We are all concerned about rising energy costs and the impact this is having on our household budget. We can make a positive difference to our electricity bill by implementing a few small changes to our choices and routines around the home.  

Check out these tips to help you save energy and money in your home.

1. Appliances and Equipment 

Choose energy efficient appliances and equipment and use them efficiently. Household appliances and equipment account for about 33% of energy consumption and about 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in the average household. 

Living on the Sunshine Coast, most homes have air conditioners.  We recommend running your AC at no more than 24 degrees Celsius for thermal comfort in summer.  Anything higher could increase your cooling costs by as much as 47%.

Something else to consider - on really hot days, consider use program timers to start your AC before the temperature gets too hot.

It may sound counterproductive, but by switching your air conditioning unit on during the hottest part of the day means it needs to work much harder and takes longer to cool down the home.

2. LED Lighting

Whilst more expensive to buy initially, energy saving light bulbs will save you money in the long run. 

Quality LED bulbs consume very low amounts of power, delivering up to 60-70% improvement in energy efficiency per household. They also last 5 to 10 times longer than halogen light bulbs and consume a quarter of the energy to produce the same light output.

3. Washing Machine - water temperature

90% of the energy used by your Washing Machine will go to heating the water. Using cold or warm water will dramatically reduce your energy costs over time. 

You may have heard that hot water is the most effective cleaning temperature to remove stains and germs, and although we are not professional cleaners, the consensus online is that cold water is more than up to the challenge of washing everyday laundry.

Indeed, it was noted that cold water is actually good for certain clothes - protein stains (blood, sweat) can set in when washed in hot water, and hot water may shrink or wrinkle synthetic fabrics.

4. Reducing the heat in your home

We are lucky to enjoy on average more than 200 days in Queensland annually, so by utilising curtains or blinds you can reduce the amount of unwanted sunlight heat (estimated up to 30%) entering your house through south and west-facing windows. 

This simple action can save you up to 7% on bills and lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees. The other two main appliances in our homes that generate heat in the home are dryers and ovens. 

Consider alternatives to using dryers or leaving ovens on for unnecessary lengths of time.

5. Install Energy Efficient Hot Water Systems and Water and Pool pumps and use them wisely

Connect Off-Peak Tariff's for pool pumps and electric hot water systems can save you loads in energy and money.  **Ask us for more info about Star Rating and kW hour efficiency. You'll be surprised at the difference this can make to your electricity bill.

6. If it is not in use - Turn it off!

Turn off fans, air-conditioners, lights and TVs in rooms when they are not in use.  Don't leave ovens or dryers on for unnecessary lengths of time - extending energy use when not needed. Take a note of pre-heat times and check dryers periodically when in use - clothes may already be dry.

7. Ask yourself - Do I really need to use the Dryer today?

Dry your clothes naturally on the washing line (we do live in Queensland) instead of in the dryer.

8. A Clean Air-Conditioner works better

Air conditioning maintenance is not a glamorous job, and often forgotten by homeowners.  In fact, research reveals that 41% of homeowners have never cleaned their AC filters!  This is important because not regularly cleaning your AC filter can contribute to a significant increase in electricity bills.

A poorly maintained air conditioner needs to work much harder to keep the home cool during the hotter months, particularly after running a reverse cycle air conditioner throughout winter. We don't like to think about it, but over time, a significant volume of dust accumulates on the filter, reduce air flow, and diminishing the performance of the air conditioner. Have your Air-Conditioner cleaned periodically so that it is working to its full potential.

9. Standby Power

Look around your house and you'll find many appliances: TVs, Computers, Multifunction Printers, microwaves, phone chargers, washing machines, and Blu-Ray players just to name a few.

They all consume energy even when you think you've turned them off when they are on standby.  Take a few minutes now to count the number of appliances in your home and office that are on standby 24/7. 

Maybe get the kids to help you work it out so that they are engaged and aware too.  Although Equipment Energy Efficiency for power consumption is being built into new products, improving overall energy use, we can make a difference in our own power consumption by turning some of these appliances off at the wall.

10. Fridges and Freezers are Energy Hungry Appliances

When you are purchasing new appliances, be sure to choose your fridge and freezer wisely.  Make sure it has a good energy consumption rating (see product stickers), and that it is not too big for your needs. 

When you get it home, choose the location of your fridge and freezer wisely - don't place your fridge near the oven or in sunlight.  Finally, check your seals now and again - they do decay and can eventually need to be replaced.

Ralph Ottmann Electrical is fully qualified to help you with all your electrical needs - home and work.  If you would like Ralph to visit your property, to undertake an Energy Audit to see how you can save money, please contact us.

If you have found this list helpful, please share it with your friends and family.  With likely increases to energy tariffs never far away, we can all benefit from cheaper electricity bills and at the same time do our bit for our environment.

What exactly is the difference between a surge protector and an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) unit? You could be forgiven for not knowing what a UPS is, but a UPS could potentially save you thousands of dollars.

Surge Protectors

Surge protectors provide electrical protection by dissipating any excess power (surges) and preventing it from reaching your connected devices.

Electronic equipment, especially sensitive equipment such as computers, hard drives, modems and tv's are designed to operate within a certain power range. If too much voltage reaches a device, it can permanently damage or destroy it.

A surge protector can be thought of as providing protection from excessive levels of electricity only.

Uninterrupted Power Supply Units (UPS)

A UPS also provides protection against surges, but includes a built-in battery with varying capacity based on the model. The benefit of a UPS is to provide extra power in the event of a blackout, giving a user time to save their work and shut down.

The use of a battery also means that the devices connected to a properly-functioning UPS will receive steady voltage and current in the event of a brownout or blackout. Basically, the UPS receives electricity from the wall, passes it through the battery, and then feeds it to the connected devices.

A UPS provides protection from both excessive and insufficient levels of electricity, in addition to the benefit of keeping a computer functional during a power loss until it can be shut down properly.

Most UPS units come with both battery protected and surge protected outlets to plug in to, and with different sized batteries which determine the length of time equipment will receive power. Even if you are not at home, your equipment will shut down without receiving jolts of power


In summary, surge protectors are a minimum requirement for all important electronic equipment. Home businesses and those with home computers, especially if you live in an area prone to electrical issues, should strongly consider investing in a UPS.

While neither a surge protector nor a UPS will provide complete protection against devastating events such as a direct lightning strike, using one will give your electronics and computers the best chance at a long, trouble-free life.

We recommend having a surge protection device installed in your switchboard. This will reduce the over voltages and will minimise potential damage. It provides protection for all of your appliances.

Are you aware that new smoke alarm legislation commenced in Queensland on 1 January 2017?

Smoke Alarm and Detector with Smoke in an Office on the Sunshine Coast

Did you also know that when you sleep your sense of smell shuts down? As it turns out, the phrase 'wake up and smell the coffee' is true. You can only smell the coffee after you have woken up.

Not being able to smell when you are asleep is something of a human design fault. If a fire starts in your home, toxic fumes can overcome you. Smoke alarms are therefore very important domestic safety devices.

The new legislation's aim is to prevent all house fire deaths. There is plenty of time available for home owners to become compliant, but we believe it is a good idea to consider having the new alarms installed as soon as possible.

Smoke Detectors for New Homes and Renovations

New and substantially renovated homes are now required to have interconnected Australian Standard (AS) 3786-2014 photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms, in hallways where bedrooms are connected, and on each and every level of the residence. This applies to homes where building applications were lodged after 1 January 2017.

Smoke Detectors for Existing Homes

Requirements for other homes will be phased in over 10 years. Interconnected AS 3786-2014 photoelectric smoke alarms will be required from:

1 January 2022 in all homes leased and sold
1 January 2027 in all other homes.

In the meantime, if a homeowner replaces a legally required smoke alarm in an existing dwelling, it must be replaced with a photoelectric smoke alarm that complies with Australian Standard 3786:2014. If that smoke alarm is powered by 240 volts, it must be replaced with a 240-volt smoke alarm. If the smoke alarm is not powered by 240 volts, it may be replaced with tamper-proof, 10-year battery smoke alarm.

About Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

Photoelectric smoke alarms detect visible particles of combustion.

They respond to a wide range of fires, but are particularly responsive to smouldering fires and the dense smoke given off by foam-filled furnishings or overheated PVC wiring.

Advantages of Smoke Alarm Detectors

Your protection against fire increases with the quality and type of smoke alarm that is installed. Research indicates that photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more effective across a wider range of fires experienced in homes.

Download the Photoelectric Smoke​ Alarms Information Sheet (pdf) for more information.

30 Years in the Industry – 13 Years on the Sunshine Coast

Ralph Ottmann Electrical have been in the industry a long time and we are proud of the quality services we offer - from Pomona in the north throughout all areas of the Sunshine Coast and down to Brisbane. Look for our distinctive vans.

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