Electrical | BUILD | Page 22

Electrical

Learn about electrical systems for homes. All you need to know about smart meters, safety switches, circuit breakers, power points, fittings and more.

Cable and rail light mounts

When it comes to interior lighting, the way your lights are mounted can have just as much impact as the lights themselves. While traditional fittings are often fixed in place, cable and rail lighting systems offer a much more flexible and design-forward solution. These systems allow you to position and direct light exactly where you need it—making them ideal for modern homes, renovations or rooms with unique layout challenges.

Automated lighting control

Automated lighting control goes beyond smart switches—it’s a sophisticated system that integrates lighting, curtains, and even daylight to elevate your home’s comfort, ambience, security and energy efficiency. Systems equipped with sensors can dim or switch off lights and adjust shading based on daylight levels, time of day or occupancy.

How to clean light switches

Light switches are one of the most touched — and least cleaned — surfaces in your home. Over time, they collect fingerprints, grime and bacteria, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Giving your switches a regular clean keeps them looking good and helps maintain a more hygienic home.

How to clean light globes

Light globes are easy to forget in a regular cleaning routine—but over time, they collect dust, bugs and grime that can reduce their brightness and efficiency. Cleaning your globes is a quick and simple task that can help extend their lifespan and improve the look and feel of your home.

Lighting maintenance

Lighting plays a crucial role in both the functionality and comfort of your home. But even the most energy-efficient lights won’t perform well — or safely — if they’re not properly maintained. Dusty fittings, flickering globes and worn-out switches don’t just affect visibility. They can also lead to higher energy costs and potential safety hazards.

MEPS and LCA labels

When you're shopping for appliances, heating, cooling or lighting products, you're not just buying for today — you're investing in the long-term performance and efficiency of your home. That’s where energy labelling systems like MEPS and LCA labels come in.

BCA lighting restrictions

When renovating, it’s important to understand the Building Code of Australia (BCA) lighting requirements to ensure your project complies with regulations and meets energy efficiency standards. These rules set limits on how much lighting power (watts per square metre) you can use inside and outside your home.

How to recycle fluorescent globes

Fluorescent globes — including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and long-tube fluorescents — were once a popular energy-saving lighting option in Australian homes. But while they use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, they come with one major drawback: they contain mercury.
Phase out of incandescent light globes

Phase out of incandescent light globes

The difference between an efficient light globe and an inefficient one is amazing. To prevent unnecessary waste, inefficient incandescent GLS globes are being phased...

Light switch styles

Light switches might not seem like a big design choice, but they’re one of the most frequently touched and seen components in any home. Whether you’re building new, renovating or simply updating a room, the style of your light switches can affect both how a space looks and how easily it functions.