Winter is upon us and, with the new season comes a need for extra light throughout the homes, especially for those living in cooler, darker climes.
This makes it an ideal time to install new lights throughout, while potentially also giving your home a new look and feel.
But can homeowners undertake such installations themselves?
Short answer: no. It’s illegal to undertake any electrical work in Australia, except for basics such as changing a light globe. Those who try to do so can be fined and their home insurance could also potentially be impacted.
Thus, a licensed electrician is needed for such work, including installing lights.
However, homeowners can still purchase light fittings at lighting and hardware stores, just check with the electrician first.
Electrician labour costs can vary widely, but homeowners can expect a per hour charge of between $80-$130, according to service.com.au.
Electricians may also issue a call-out, and/or flat fee.
Yet these figures depend on the job’s complexity and ease of access, the materials needed, the number of lights being installed and the home’s location.
Heavy, fragile ceiling chandeliers can be an issue in this way plus these lights,as well as pendant ones, may require longer electrical cords.
Extra wiring may also need to be installed if the light is being fixed to a new place, as wiring is only run to spots where it is already required.
Generally speaking, an electrician will do the following when undergoing a light installation:
Turn off the home’s power at the main circuit breaker switch board
Remove old light fixtures and fittings
Check existing wires for any damage and replace if required.
For light installations in new places:
Measure and mark the area for the new light fixture
Drill holes in the wall or ceiling at this space
Organise new wiring installations.
The next steps include installing new light fixtures, and possibly a mounting bracket; connect new fixtures to the wiring, turn power back on at circuit breaker switch board and test the new light.