DIY Electrical basics Videos
How-to guides for electrical basics jobs around the home. If it’s more than you want to take on, find a local pro.
Electrical basicsHow to Reset a Safety Switch (RCD) on Your Switchboard
When the power suddenly goes off in part of the house, a safety switch (RCD) has usually tripped to protect you. Resetting it is safe and something every homeowner should know how to do. Key steps: 1. Open the switchboard and find the switch that is in the down or off position. 2. Unplug appliances on the affected circuits, then push the switch back up. 3. If it holds, plug appliances back in one at a time to find the one that trips it. 4. Leave the faulty appliance unplugged until it has been checked. Safety first: never open the switchboard cover or touch wiring. If the switch trips again straight away with nothing plugged in, or you see burning marks or smell burning, stop and call a licensed electrician. In Australia, New Zealand and most countries, electrical work beyond resetting switches and changing bulbs must be done by a licensed electrician.
Video by Justin Morris
Electrical basicsHow to Replace Smoke Alarm Batteries
Working smoke alarms save lives, and a chirping alarm is telling you its battery is low. Test your alarms monthly and replace batteries yearly, or when they chirp. You'll need: the right battery (usually 9V), a stable step ladder and a cloth to dust the alarm. Key steps: 1. Twist or slide the alarm off its base, or open the battery door. 2. Swap in the new battery, matching the + and − markings. 3. Clean dust from the vents and refit the alarm. 4. Press the test button until it sounds. When to call a pro: alarms older than 10 years should be replaced. Hard-wired (240V) alarms, and the interconnected alarms now required in many rental properties, must be installed or replaced by a licensed electrician.
Video by Bunnings Warehouse