12 Basic Electrician Questions – Answered by a Perth Electrician
- Luke Herman
We get it — when something electrical stops working properly at home, it’s equal parts annoying and confusing. Whether your lights are flickering, a switch is running hot, or your safety switch keeps tripping, it’s normal to have questions. So we’ve put together a list of some of the most common electrician basic questions we hear from Perth homeowners — with answers that actually make sense (no jargon needed).
1. What’s the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker?
Both fuses and circuit breakers serve the same purpose: they protect your electrical system by cutting off power when there’s too much current flowing through a circuit ([link to circuits in glossary]). The key difference is in how they do it.
A fuse contains a thin wire that melts when it overheats — once it’s blown, it has to be replaced. A circuit breaker, on the other hand, just “trips” and can be reset with the flick of a switch. Most modern homes use circuit breakers because they’re quicker, safer, and more convenient.
Want to learn more? Read our electrician terms glossary entry on circuits.
2. Why does my power keep tripping?
If your power keeps cutting out, your safety switches or circuit breakers are doing their job — something’s not right, and they’re stopping electricity from flowing to prevent damage or danger.
It could be an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance, water ingress, or even damaged wiring. If it’s happening often, don’t ignore it — read our full guide on why power keeps tripping, or call our team of licensed electricians.
This is one of the most common electrician basic questions we’re asked, especially in older homes or after storms.
3. Should I be worried if my power point or light switch cover is cracked?
Yes — even a small crack in a power point (also called a GPO — or switch cover can expose internal wiring, increasing the risk of electric shock or short circuits. Dust and moisture can get in, too.
If you notice any damage, it’s best to stop using that switch or outlet and get it replaced professionally. It’s a small job that can prevent a much bigger issue.
Want to learn more? Read: What is a GPO?
4. Why do my lights flicker?
Flickering lights can be caused by something as simple as a loose bulb — or something more serious like a loose connection in your wiring, faulty light fittings, or voltage fluctuations in the circuit.
If it’s only one light, it’s probably a minor issue. But if multiple lights flicker, especially when large appliances turn on, it’s time to get it checked.
5. Why is my light switch hot?
A hot light switch is a red flag. Switches should never feel warm to the touch. If they do, it could mean the switch is overloaded, the wiring is faulty, or there’s a loose connection.
This one comes up often in the “electrician basic questions” category, and it’s something you should never ignore.
6. Can I do small electrical jobs myself?
Tempting, right? But in WA, the rules are clear: only a licensed electrician can legally do electrical work — even seemingly small jobs like replacing a light fitting or adding a new power point.
DIY electrical work is not only dangerous but can also void your insurance and breach tenancy or property regulations. It’s just not worth the risk.
7. Why does one of my power points not work?
If a single outlet stops working, a few things could be going on. It might be a tripped breaker, loose wiring behind the wall, or an issue with the GPO itself.
First, check whether it’s just that one outlet. Try another appliance or check nearby switches. If others are working fine, you’re likely dealing with a local fault — time to call in a professional.
8. What is RCD protection, and do I need it?
Yes, you absolutely need it. An RCD — or Residual Current Device — monitors the flow of electricity and quickly shuts off power if it detects even a tiny leak of current, like the kind that happens when electricity flows through a person. It’s designed to save lives.
In WA, RCDs are mandatory in all homes — especially when a property is being sold or rented. If you’re not sure if your home has them installed, it’s worth checking.
Want to learn more? See our RCD glossary entry.
9. Can I plug my outdoor tools into an indoor power point using an extension lead?
You can, but you probably shouldn’t. Indoor power points and standard extension leads aren’t designed for outdoor use — they’re more vulnerable to water, dust, and wear and tear. And moisture + electricity is never a good combo.
For safety, use weatherproof outdoor-rated GPOs and extension leads specifically made for outdoor conditions.
10. Why are my safety switches so sensitive?
Safety switches — a.k.a. RCDs — are designed to act fast. If they’re tripping often, they’re doing what they’re meant to: detecting abnormal or dangerous electrical activity and cutting power before it becomes a threat.
This is another of those electrician basic questions that comes up when people move into a new home and suddenly find themselves resetting switches every few days.
11. Do I need to upgrade my switchboard?
If your switchboard is over 20 years old or you’re planning to install high-demand appliances (like an EV charger, air conditioner, or pool equipment), it’s worth reviewing. Older switchboards often don’t have RCD protection or enough capacity for modern living.
Upgrading doesn’t just improve safety — it can help prevent tripping, overheating, and other electrical headaches down the line.
12. How often should I get my home’s electrical system checked?
As a general rule, your electrical system should be inspected every 5–10 years — or sooner if you’re renovating, buying/selling a property, or noticing weird issues like flickering lights, buzzing sounds, or burning smells.
It’s one of those electrician basic questions that people forget to ask until something goes wrong — but staying on top of it can save time, money, and risk.
Not sure what’s going on? We’re here to help.
At P. Herman & Co, we’ve been helping Perth families with their electrical needs for over 35 years. We’ve seen it all — from the mysterious flicker that turns out to be faulty wiring, to cracked power points that are hiding much bigger problems.
When you call us, you’re not getting confusing technical jargon or upsells you don’t need — just honest answers, licensed expertise, and real support from a family-run business that values safety, clarity, and doing the job right the first time.
We created this guide to answer the electrician basic questions we hear every day, and to give you peace of mind when something isn’t quite right at home. If you’ve got an electrical issue — or just a question — don’t hesitate to get in touch. And if you’re still unsure about all those electrical terms being thrown around, check out our Electrical Glossary — it’s packed with clear, easy-to-understand explanations to help you feel more confident.