Can’t stand how slow your phone is charging? Can never find a convenient space for your clunky phone charger? Wish you had more flexibility?

Well, thankfully, there’s a solution for you! Upgrading your home’s power outlets to power points with in-built USB chargers is a simple, cost-effective and affordable way to give yourself more flexibility when it comes to charging appliances.

From phones to portable speakers to electric razors and more, you can ensure all of your belongings are fully charged with ease when you switch to upgrade power outlets.

Spectra Electrical have upgraded the power outlets of many Sydney homes. Here, we outline the latest in USB and smart charging technology!

What to look for in a new wall outlet

Modern power outlets can completely transform the ergonomics of your home, but you have to look for the right one. Some of our favourite features of modern power outlets feature:

• USB-A connection
  Perfect for charging iPhones, speakers and other handheld appliances, an outlet with a USB-A connection saves you from having that random draw in your house that’s full of mismatched chargers and cables!

• USB C connection
  With many electronic manufacturers such as Samsung preferring USB-C over USB-A, it’s also good to look for a outlet that provides both. This way, Android users in your home or inner circle can enjoy the same fast, convenient charging qualities. It also comes in handy for newer laptops with USB-C ports, as they can often be charged directly via the outlet.

• High power level
  If you’re looking for an alternative route to laptop chargers, then you want to invest in an outlet that has sufficient power to deliver straight from the USB-A or -C plug to your laptop without needing the charger. Just ask Spectra Electrical about finding the right level of power output for your charging needs.

Benefits of modern upgraded outlets

There are a heap of benefits to switching to upgraded power outlets in your home:

• Convenience
  Charge all of your appliances at the same time, never run out of charging space and forget about using those clunky old chargers! USB-featuring power outlets are a step up in convenience.

• Ergonomic
  Having multiple USB-featuring power outlets throughout your home improves its ergonomics. You can charge your device wherever it’s convenient for you, making it easier to work from home and increasing productivity.

Spectra Electrical is Sydney’s expert team of electricians for upgrading your home’s outlets. Our specialist electricians can quickly and effectively replace your old, outdated outlets with brand new ones, making device charging easier than ever. Add home value and increase home ergonomics when you call Spectra Electrical for an outlet upgrade.

We might think of electricians as people we simply need to call when something isn’t working and we need it fixed. That’s fair enough; a lot of our work consists of repairs.

However, you might actually want to give us a call if you’re interested in saving money on power bills and reducing your carbon footprint.

How, you ask? There are plenty of upgrades you can make to your home’s electrical system that increase its energy-efficiency and result in massive cost savings on your power bills.

Let’s discuss the power of energy-efficient electrical upgrades, brought to you by the legends at Spectra Electrical.

Solar power installation

Solar power is, of course, right at the top of the list. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for 20 years, you’ll know that solar power has the ability to save you a huge chunk of change on power bills. In Australia, installing solar panels can save you around $1000 per year on power, if not more. With the average cost of solar installation sitting at less than $4000 according to Canstar.com.au, this means your solar panels could pay for itself in potentially just 4 years’ time!

Spectra Electrical have over 20 years of experience in installing solar power systems for homes and businesses. This is an electrical upgrade which is sure to make your home more energy-efficient and add value to your home.

Electrical panel upgrades

Old electrical panels simply aren’t as efficient as modern ones. Not only are modern circuit breakers more convenient and reliable than old ones, they can also distribute power more efficiently. If your panel is on the older side, Spectra Electrical can replace it with a modern, energy-efficient panel.

Upgrading old wiring

Electrical wiring lasts a long time, but it doesn’t last forever. Not only is it a safety hazard to keep using old, outdated wiring, it’s also a good way to suck up more electricity than you need to.

Wiring deteriorates over time, and becomes less energy efficient. New wiring can save you on your power bills and create a safer home, too.

Switching to LED light systems

Switching your entire house to LED light systems is an energy-efficient electrical upgrade that not only saves you on power bills, but makes your home look great too. Spectra Electrical can conduct a full-scale LED light conversion, transforming your home entirely.

Smart home automation

And finally, smart home automation! By automatically timing your lights and appliances to turn off at certain times, you can save significant amounts of power, and gain the control of switching off the power using your smartphone.

Spectra Electrical is Sydney’s #1 team of expert electricians for all of these energy-efficient electrical upgrades and more. From fuse box replacements to solar power installation to smart home conversion, we make homeowners happy by carrying out top quality electrical work which saves them money on power bills and reduces their carbon footprint. Get a quote from our friendly team today.

They’re better quality, cheaper to run, longer lasting and environmentally-friendlier than any other bulb on the market: LED lighting is a serious gamechanger for any home.

From bedroom lighting to outdoor patios, LEDs are a versatile way to transform your home and better illuminate your space.

Spectra Electrical have helped countless Sydney homeowners make the switch to LED lighting and can help you as well. Let’s explain LED lighting, why we love it so much and how we can help you transform your home:

What is LED lighting?

Light-emitting diode (LED) is a semi-conductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it. The difference with LED lights is that they do not produce a filament or gas when they produce light, instead relying on the movement of electrons which is far more efficient in producing illumination.

Best ways to use LED lighting to transform your home

LED lights are an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor purposes at home. Some of our favourite ways to use LED lighting at home include:

• Mood lighting for living rooms
  One of the best things about LED lights is that they come in a range of colours, making them perfect for mood lighting. If you love settling in for the night with a movie or book, then LED lights are ideal for living room mood lighting, available in darker hues to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

• Decorative lighting for kitchens
  LED lighting can completely transform your kitchen to a vibrant, attractive space. Bright LED underglow light strips for cabinets in striking shades like electrical blue and pink are sure to catch the eyes of visitors and really liven up your kitchen.

• Outdoor areas
  LED lighting is just as good for outdoor areas as it is for indoors. LED wall and garden lighting, for example, can bring out the best in your outdoor space, creating an inviting patio area.

Benefits of LED lighting

The benefits of LED lighting are endless:

• Energy efficiency
  LED lights are between 80-90% more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. 80% of the energy used by LED lights is converted to light, while only 20% is ‘wasted’ as heat.

• Longer lifespan
  In many cases, LED lights can last 20 years.

• Colour options
  LED lights give you the power of choice, coming in many different colour options.

• Brighter lighting
  They’re brighter than traditional bulbs too!

• Environmentally friendly
  Significantly reducing carbon footprint and being 100% recyclable, LED lights are the eco-friendly option.

If you’re looking at installing advanced LED lighting systems in your home, Spectra Electrical is at your service. We specialise in installing LED lights for commercial and residential homes, saving you in power bills and making your space look fantastic. Get in touch with Spectra Electrical Sydney for a quote today.

When it comes to emergency electrical repairs, you can’t take any gambles. You can’t gamble on whether or not your electrical problem is an emergency, or on calling a questionable electrician to come and inspect the problem. You need to act fast, and you need to call a reputable emergency electrician for the job.

Every homeowner should be prepared for an emergency electrical repair, and should know what to do if one occurs.

In this post, we’ll learn about emergency electrical repairs and why Spectra Electrical is your first choice team of electricians for emergencies in Sydney .

What is an electrical emergency?

An electrical emergency is any fault with your home’s electrical system that poses a threat to the safety of its inhabitants or the condition of the property itself. These risks include fire, electrical shock or injuries due to electrical failure. Faults that pose threats like these require urgent attention by professional electricians.

What causes an electrical emergency?

An electrical emergency can be caused by several possible factors. Electrical equipment failure such as outdated or faulty wiring is a leading cause of electrical emergencies, often resulting in sizzling or buzzing sounds or a burning odours. Natural causes, like a storm or flood, can also result in an electrical emergency, knocking out powerlines and posing a risk of exposed electrical wiring. Human error, in the form of poor electrical work, is rarer but it can also be the cause of an electrical emergency.

What to do if you think you have an electrical emergency at home

If you suspect you’ve got an electrical emergency on your hands, follow these steps:

• For medical emergencies, dial 000
  If someone has been hurt or there’s been an electrical fire, call 000 immediately.

• Shut off the power at the main breaker
  If safe to do so, shut off the power to prevent a high-risk situation from occurring.

• Turn off appliances
  To prevent a sudden surge when power resumes, turn off appliances and outlets if safe to do so.

• Call an emergency electrician
  Call Spectra Electrical and we’ll dispatch an emergency electrician to your location within minutes.

Why call Spectra Electrical for emergency electrical situations?

Spectra Electrical is one of Sydney’s top-performing specialists in emergency electrical work. From fallen trees on powerlines to tripped circuits and burnt out fuses, our expert emergency electricians are qualified to resolve all sorts of emergencies. We work safely and effectively to remove the hazard from your home and restore safety to your family.

Spectra Electrical is one of Sydney’s best teams in residential emergency electrical services. Our expert electricians are highly experienced in a range of emergency work, guaranteeing your home a safe and reliable electrical connection. We also work large industrial projects, civil projects and commercial applications. Contact Spectra Electrical when you’re in need of fast emergency electrical repairs.

Automation has made leaps and bounds in the past century. In the 1960s, the height of home automation was the digital alarm clock; today, we’ve got refrigerators that order more milk when you’re getting low!

Smart home solutions are the way of the future. They’re a convenient and value-adding feature of the home, freeing up your time to do more of the things you love.

Let’s discuss smart home solutions and how to integrate automation into your electrical system, thanks to the professionals at Spectra Electrical Sydney.

What are smart home solutions?

Smart home technology is the ability to control functions of your home, such as lighting, entertainment systems, thermostats and appliances, via your smartphone or tablet. For example, instead of having to go around at the end of the night and switch off every light or close every blind, smart home automation allows you to do this from the comfort of your bed.

Automation can connect to the internet to control your electrical appliances which are all hooked up to one central point – usually your smartphone or tablet.

Benefits of smart home solutions and integrating automation within your electrical system

While smart home systems may seem like a novelty, they’re actually a powerful tool that comes with a range of benefits. These include:

• Saved time
  Think about every wasted minute you’ve spent getting up to turn a light off, searching for a television remote, opening the garage door, closing the curtains, making your morning cup of coffee. Sure, they only take a few seconds or minutes to complete, but when you add it all up, it may add up to several hours per week. With electrical home automation, all of these things can be done automatically, saving you from thinking about them and adding time back to your day.

• Improved efficiency and cost reduction on electricity
  One of the best things about home automation is that smart homes can recognise the patterns of your home usage and self-learn how to best accommodate for them. For example, if your alarm is set to 7am, your smart home can have the coffee ready by 7.05am. On Wednesday nights, your smart home recognises that you leave the house for sports practice, so it switches off all the lights for you between 7-9pm. This results in massively improved efficiency and can reduce your power bills significantly. 

• Added home value
  And of course, added home value is another perk of smart home solutions. Investing in your home is a smart move if you’re planning to sell later down the track, and smart homes command higher prices than tech-deficient ones.

Interested in implementing automation in your electrical system? Spectra Electrical is your team of choice in Sydney. We help Sydney homes and businesses with a range of electrical work, including implementing automation via smart home technology. Get in touch with Spectra Electrical and organise a quote for your smart home tech today.

Safety is taken seriously in Australia. In any industry or workplace, you’ll have to complete regular modules about workplace safety – even if you’re simply working behind a desk in an office.

Even with this level of safety upheld in Australia, we still see electrical hazards from time to time. This needs to change, as no electrical hazard should be tolerated in the workplace.

In this article, Spectra Electrical outlines common electrical hazards and how to prevent them, creating a safer workplace for everyone.

Exposed electrical components

Temporary lighting, open power units or detached insulation parts on power cords – all of these are exposed electrical components which can result in electric shocks and burns. These items should be isolated or guarded off to prevent passers-by from being exposed to them, and a qualified electrician should be called immediately.

Damaged or worn equipment

Almost everything becomes worn after time, but when we’re dealing with electrical equipment, we need to be proactive in replacing it. Regularly checking for cracks and abrasions of wires, cords and cables is the best way to prevent the use of worn or damaged equipment. If a defect is found, replace the equipment straight away if safe to do so, or call a repairer to come and inspect it.

Wet environment

It’s a no-brainer that water and electricity do not mix. Sadly, wet environments are a common electrical problem, as water can affect any environment, from spilled drinking water on an electrical appliance to puddles on a construction site. When in doubt about water affecting your workplace, always call a qualified electrician to conduct a thorough inspection.

Lack of grounding

One of the most common electrical hazards is a lack of proper grounding/ Earthing.
Grounding / Earthing returns unwanted voltage to the ground, reducing the risk of electrocution. Regularly have your grounding checked by a specialist electrician who will implement correct grounding if a fault is found.

Damaged insulation

Insulation on equipment protects the user from being exposed to voltage. If the insulation is worn or in poor condition, this presents a major electrical hazard to the user of the equipment. We recommend regularly inspecting your equipment’s insulation and noticing any potential defects before they get out of hand. We recommend checking cords, leads and plugs prior to using them.

Overloading circuits

It’s easy to overload an electrical circuit. By adding more and more equipment to the same circuit, you slowly but surely increase the risk of electrical hazard. Distribute your equipment evenly across your outlets.

Need a high quality team of electricians in Sydney? Spectra Electrical is at your service. Our team of specialist electricians are qualified and ready for anything, making your home or workplace safer and more efficient. We’ve worked on everything from large commercial projects to home renovations and more, making us experienced in all areas of electrical work. Give us a call today and grab a quick quote from the team at Spectra Electrical.

Your energy meter is one of the most important functions in your home. It helps to accurately show your energy consumption, allowing you to pay an accurate energy bill each quarter and even observe the best ways to reduce your total consumption.

If you have an energy meter which isn’t performing the way it should, call up the team at Spectra Electrical for energy meter testing, service and repairs.

We’re Sydney’s professionals in energy meter work, including testing, servicing and repairs. We cater for all Sydney residents and business owners, and are equipped and qualified to conduct work on all types of energy meter.

Received a stonker of an energy bill but can’t figure out why? It could be a problem with your energy meter. Spectra Electrical can diagnose the issue, giving you the support you need to refute the erroneous bill.

• Crackling sounds
  If you hear some unusual sounds coming from your energy meter, like crackling, humming or vibrating, then it’s another sure sign that it needs a service. An electrician from Spectra electrical will address the issue and make your energy meter as good as new.

• Broken meters
  Energy meters are generally hardy and well-built, but there comes a time when they may indeed break. If this is the case, Spectra Electrical can repair or replace your broken energy meter.

Energy meter replacements

Got an energy meter that still isn’t fixed after testing, servicing or repairs? Spectra Electrical offer energy meter replacements, too. We’re qualified to conduct replacements for all types of energy meter, including accumulation meters, interval meters, smart meters and solar meters.

Why choose Spectra Electrical for energy meter testing, service and repairs:

Spectra Electrical is a top-performing team in electrical services across the board. We guarantee:

• Qualified, experienced electricians
• Variety of electrical services
• High attention to detail
• Excellent rates
• Efficient service
• Customer service next to none

Spectra Electrical and Communications are Sydney’s professional team of electricians for energy meter repairs and service. We cater for homes, offices, warehouses, workshops, industrial businesses and many other organisations who need diagnostics on their energy meters. Offering quality, friendly and affordable service, call Spectra Electrical to arrange an energy meter testing and service today.

As a home or business owner, we understand why you put safety above everything else. Whether you’re looking out for your family, your tenants or your employees, you can never be too safe when it comes to electrical appliances and equipment.

That’s where Spectra Electrical can help. We offer our highly reputable electrical safety inspections and testing to homes and business in the Sydney region.

This test and tag procedure is carried out with the utmost meticulousness and accuracy, ensuring that all your electrical equipment is 100% safe to use.

What is an electrical safety inspection?

An electrical safety inspection and test, commonly known as a ‘test and tag’, is exactly what it sounds like. When you have electrical work, or an appliance or piece of equipment, and want to be sure it’s fully safe to use, a qualified electrician from Spectra Electrical will carry out an inspection and a series of tests.

By testing the electrical equipment, we’re able to identify potential damage and electrical faults, which mitigates the amount of risk in your workplace.

In Australia, it’s mandatory for certain appliances and equipment to undergo electrical safety inspections and testing in the workplace every so often. Spectra Electrical is a qualified provider of test and tag procedures, ensuring your workplace is hazard-free.

How often does my workplace need to have an electrical safety test?

The ideal frequency of electrical safety inspections and testing depends on the type of business you’re running. At Spectra Electrical, we run our test and tag process by the book – we follow Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760:2022 which outlines the necessary guidelines for testing and tagging electrical equipment in specific environments.

Spectra Electrical’s inspection and testing service

All electrical inspections are carried out by experienced and qualified electricians using state-of-the-art testing technology. During the inspection and testing process, every appliance is rigorously tested and given a clear tag which indicates a Pass or a DANGER sign, in which the equipment must be repaired before it’s allowed to return to the workplace.

Why Spectra Electrical is Sydney’s favourite electrical testing team

Spectra Electrical is the first-choice team for test and tag for many businesses across Sydney. Here’s why:

• Expert staff
  Our electricians are some of Australia’s finest. Experience, work ethic and attention to detail is guaranteed.

• Competitive rates
  As a small business, we understand your need to keep a solid budget, which is why we offer competitive rates on test and tags.

• Efficient, fast service
  We’re proud to deliver a fast, efficient inspection and testing service.

Spectra Electrical and Communications are Sydney’s professional team of electricians for electrical testing and inspections. We cater for homes, offices, warehouses, workshops, industrial businesses and many other organisations who need testing and tagging services. Offering quality, friendly and affordable service, call Spectra Electrical to arrange an electrical inspection and testing service today.

Need a new energy meter in your home or business? Spectra Electrical are Sydney’s professionals in energy meter servicing, repairs and installation. We handle all types of energy meter work, from accumulation meters to interval meters and solar meters.

Right across Sydney, we’re known for our high quality work, experienced staff and unmatched level of customer service. Our friendly team of qualified electricians are here to help you install that new energy meter in your home or business.

Types of energy meters we install

We often get asked which type of energy meters we’re able to install. Rest assured, we’re qualified to install all types of energy meter, including:

• Accumulation meters:accumulation meters, or flat rate meters, record the total amount of electricity your home has used, meaning they don’t show the difference in energy usage in peak and off-peak times.
• Interval meters: interval meters record electricity usage every 30 minutes, providing a more in-depth analysis of household energy usage. Part of the attraction of interval meters is the possibility of your electricity provider charging you different rates depending on the electricity usage patterns shown by your interval meter data. For example, some providers charge lower rates for off-peak periods and higher for peak times.
• Smart meters:Spectra Electrical is also able to install smart energy meters. Smart meters measure your electricity consumption and send the data directly to your energy provider, meaning that estimated bills become more accurate and that there’s no need for physical meter readings.
• Solar meters:got some solar panels up there? We can install solar energy meters, too. They display the amount of energy generated by your solar panel system, as well as solar electricity fed back into the electricity supply.

Choose Spectra Electrical for your energy meter installation

For any of these energy meters, call the team at Spectra Electrical. Our high-quality electrical work is known across the Sydney region, having worked on countless electrical projects, from residential work to civil construction and more. Our energy meter installation services are characterised by:

• Experienced staff
  Our electricians are some of the best in the country. Experience, work ethic and attention to detail is guaranteed.
• Competitive rates
  As a small business, we understand your need to keep a solid budget, which is why we offer competitive rates on energy meter installations.
• Efficient, fast service
  We’re proud to deliver a fast, efficient service, helping to get your energy meter up and running as soon as possible.

Spectra Electrical and Communications are Sydney’s professional team of electricians for energy meter installations. We cater for homes, offices, warehouses, workshops, industrial businesses and many other organisations who need new energy meters. Offering quality, friendly and affordable service, call Spectra Electrical to arrange an energy meter installation today.