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The Benefits of Switching Appliances Off at the Wall

In today's world, where energy efficiency and cost savings are paramount, one simple habit can make a significant difference: switching appliances off at the wall rather than leaving them in standby mode. This small change can lead to substantial financial savings, reduce the risk of damage to your appliances, and potentially extend their lifespan. Let's explore these benefits in detail....

The Risks and Dangers of Damaged and Broken Switches.

Switches are an integral part of our daily lives, controlling the flow of electricity to various devices and appliances. However, when these switches become damaged or broken, they pose significant risks and dangers at home and in the workplace. Understanding these hazards and the benefits of using modern switches can help ensure a safer environment for everyone. ...

Stay Cool This Summer

As the summer months approach, keeping your home cool becomes a top priority. One of the most effective and energy-efficient ways to maintain a comfortable temperature is by installing ceiling fans in your main living areas. Not only do ceiling fans help to circulate air and create a cooling breeze, but they also offer several other benefits to homeowners. In this blog post, we’ll explore how ceiling fans can keep your home cooler, provide tips on their optimal use, and highlight their advanta...

Upskilling the team

Congratulations to Josh on successfully qualifying as an Independent Electrical Inspector. This now allows the business to provide mains electrical inspection services, undertake Caravan WoEF (warrant of electrical fitness), and, most importantly, it simplifies and speeds up job completion as we no longer have to wait on an inspector to be available to sign off on our jobs.Who said you can’t teach young pups anything nowadays? Well done, Josh....

Indoor and Outdoor Lighting Design

Lighting is not just a practical necessity; it's a style statement that can transform any space. At Harkness Electrical, we understand the power of proper lighting and how it can enhance indoor and outdoor areas' aesthetics, functionality, and safety. Our lighting design services are tailored to bring out the best in your space, ensuring that it looks, feels, and works exactly as you envision.Enhancing Spaces with Light Proper lighting can dramatically alter the perception of a space. It ca...

Training Staff On Electrical Safety

Training staff and employees on electrical safety is crucial for any business, especially those that handle electrical equipment or work in environments with electrical hazards.  Here's an outline and a series of bullet points on the topics every employee should know about electrical safety in the workplace:1. Introduction to Electrical SafetyThe significance of electrical safety training in the workplace.Common electrical hazards and the potential risks they pose.2. Identifying Electrical ...

Powering Safety: A Guide to Extension Lead Care and Selection.

Maintaining power extension leads is crucial for both safety and functionality. Regular inspection of extension cords can prevent electrical fires, shocks, and other accidents. It's essential to check for any physical damage, such as fraying, cuts, and abrasions, that can expose wires and increase the risk of electrical hazards. Overloading extension cords with excessive electrical load can also lead to overheating and potential fire hazards.Environmental exposure to moisture, extreme temperatur...

Ensure your electrical items are safe to use. Test Tag them.

Test Tagging, or test and tag, is a safety procedure where electrical appliances are inspected and tested for safety and functionality. The benefits of this process apply to both personal and professional settings.Test Tagging ensures that electrical equipment operates safely for the home user, preventing electric shocks, fires, and other hazards. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially in households with children or older people.The advantages extend further for businesses and tradespeople...

Maximising Your Heat Pump's Efficiency During Winter

As the winter chill sets in across New Zealand, ensuring your home remains warm and comfortable becomes a priority. Heat pumps are popular for many Kiwis, offering an energy-efficient way to keep the cold at bay. However, it's essential to understand and implement a few critical practices to get the best out of your heat pump during the colder months.Understanding Your Heat PumpHeat pumps work most efficiently when maintaining a temperature rather than constantly changing it. It's a common misco...

When the power goes out.

When a storm hits, and the electricity supply fails, it can be a challenging and stressful situation.Here are some tips on how to be prepared to manage in a storm when your electricity supply fails:1. Have an emergency kit ready: Prepare an emergency kit that includes flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, non-perishable food, water, and first aid supplies. Keep this kit in an easily accessible location.2. Invest in a generator: If you live in an area prone to storms and power outages,...

Get your switch board checked

Attention homeowners! 🏠💡 Have you checked the age or condition of your switchboard switches lately? If they resemble the ones below, they may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Our team has observed a spike in issues with these older models in recent months, causing unexpected power problems and electrical fires. Don't wait until a problem occurs to get them upgraded, as they are crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of not only your electrical system but also your home. Call Emil...

10 Tips To Help You Save Money On Heating During Winter

Saving money on heating during the winter months is a common concern for many households in New Zealand. Here are 10 tips and tricks to help you save money on heating while staying warm and comfortable: 1. Insulate your home: Proper insulation can help keep the heat inside your home, reducing the need for heating. Make sure your walls, ceiling, and floors are well-insulated to prevent heat loss. 2. Seal drafts: Drafts can let cold air into your home, making it harder to heat. Check for drafts ar...

The Hidden Hazards of Overloading Multiboxes: A Safety Guide

In today's gadget-driven world, multi-boxes, also known as power strips or extension blocks, have become ubiquitous in homes and offices. They are a convenient solution for operating multiple devices simultaneously. However, their convenience can lead to dangerous practices, such as overloading, which poses significant fire risks. Overloading occurs when the total demand on the multi-box exceeds its capacity, causing overheating and potentially leading to a fire.Understanding the capacity of you...

Celebrating Mum!

Mother’s Day is a time for us to reflect upon, appreciate and thank our mums for their impact on our lives. It's a day that brings into focus the strength, compassion, and unwavering support of the women who shaped our lives. From the gentle hands that held us, to the strong will that guides us, we owe an immeasurable debt to these remarkable women. To all the mum's out there, you have touched our lives with your kindness, wisdom, and courage, and for that, we offer our heartfelt thanks.#mothe...

Second Hand Electrical Appliances

All second-hand electrical appliances sold in New Zealand must be electrically safe. A way of demonstrating this is to have them tested to Australian and New Zealand Electrical Safety Standard (AS/NZS) 5761, or have them disabled and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 4701....

What are the differences between LED, CFL, and Halogen lights?

1. Energy Efficiency: LED lights are the most energy-efficient of the three, using up to 80% less energy than halogen lights and 20-30% less energy than CFLs.2. Lifespan: LED lights also have a much longer lifespan than halogen or CFL lights, lasting up to 25 times longer.3. Heat Emission: Halogen lights produce a lot of heat, making them less efficient and potentially hazardous if they are placed too close to flammable materials. CFLs produce less heat than halogen bulbs, but still more than LE...

3 steps to finding a good electrician

1. Ask for Recommendations: Ask family, friends, and neighbours for recommendations. You can also ask for referrals from other Trades or electrical supply stores.2. Research Online: Check online directories or review sites to find Registered electricians in your area. Look for reviews and ratings from previous customers to help you narrow down your options.3. Check Credentials: Verify that the electrician you are considering is Registered and insured. You can check on-line with the Electrical Wo...

The Dangers of DIY

And if it’s in the middle of the night or right when you walk into the house after a hard day at the office, you just want things back to normal ASAP. Does that mean you should attempt to fix electrical issues yourself?Well, small things like changing light bulbs, checking the wattage and replacing or checking your circuit breaker for tripping is all doable stuff for the amateur.But in most cases, tempting though it is to have a crack yourself (thanks to Mr Google and YouTube) in the interests...

What is the big deal with LED Lights?

1. Energy efficiency: LED lights are highly energy efficient, using up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. This means that they can help reduce energy bills and lower carbon emissions.2. Long lifespan: LED lights have a much longer lifespan than traditional bulbs, lasting up to 25 times longer. This means that they require less frequent replacement, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.3. Durability: LED lights are more durable than traditional bulbs, as they are r...

10 Electrical Safety Tips

Electrical safety is a general practice of handling and maintaining electrically powered equipment to prevent incidents. Adequate training is required to properly identify and control hazards to keep the environment safe for those around.Whether you’re at work or at home, both settings operate on electricity. Here are 10 electrical safety tips to help you avoid electrical hazards....