Consumer mains power what it is and why it matters

You may not have even recognised the role of consumer mains power until there’s a need to install or upgrade outdated house mains. Your consumer mains power plays a vital role in electricity supply, and you can now read up on what consumer mains power is and why it matters.

You can also learn about the risks of outdated consumer mains installations, electrical defect notices, and reasons to upgrade consumer mains. This article also considers the methods for getting consumer mains installed, requirements for consumer mains installation, and commercial electrical services of level 2 ASP electricians. Read on for more!

What is the Function of Consumer Mains?

Consumer mains provide electrical power to your building and electrical switchboards. You can find them in the main switchboard. They are also referred to as supply cables. Without consumer mains, you will have no power supply to your property, and there can hardly be any electrical installation. You should have updated consumer mains to meet today’s power consumption needs.

Risks of Outdated Consumer Mains Installations

Older consumer mains range from 6mm – 16mm in size. This can be a limitation for commercial and larger buildings. Such cables may not be able to handle the needed amounts of power and voltage. For example, a 6mm cable can only rate up to 40 amps, whereas a 16mm cable can have a rating of 63 amps.

If you are still making use of outdated consumer mains, you may be at risk of the following:

Electric shocks and electrocution 

Large amounts of voltage in older cables or exposed wiring can cause electric shocks when you touch them. You may not even need to touch them for serious issues to arise.

Electrical fire hazards 

The old and worn-out cables may receive too much voltage and may spark. This can ultimately become a fire risk. Older homes also tend to have consumer mains with VIR (Vulcanised Indian Rubber) installations.

These outdated VIR cables have a shorter lifespan and can lead to electrical fires, short circuits, and other safety hazards. Ideally, it would be best to replace such consumer mains as soon as possible. You may also want to check and replace your main electrical switchboards if necessary.

Power outages

Older consumer mains may be susceptible to overloads. This can cause power issues, such as electrical appliances that stop working. Defective and overloaded consumer mains may also lead to power outages.

Electrical defect notices for outdated consumer mains

Electricity network providers such as Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy may issue an electrical defect notice because of the risk and danger posed by old consumer mains. Such consumer mains will need to be removed and upgraded with new ones.

Reasons to Upgrade Consumer Mains

You may decide to upgrade your existing consumer mains for the following reasons:

• Electrical faults or defects in the consumer mains.
• Deterioration or old consumer mains.
• Low insulation resistance.
• Issuance of an electrical defect notice by authority networks such as Endeavour Energy and Ausgrid.

Upgrading Consumer Mains with XLPE Cabling

Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) is a modern and safe consumer mains solution. They are 16mm and can adequately serve your residential buildings. In addition, they have strong insulation and high tensile strength. This insulation property helps improve flow resistance and ageing characteristics.

The technology of adding carbon black to XLPE boosts its mechanical properties and can enhance hot deformation. This also allows it to cut through resistance more easily.

Ultimately, these properties give XLPE good durability and reliability. That is why it is a preferred material for consumer main installations.

Getting your switchboard upgraded with XLPE cabling

XLPE cabling is not only used in consumer mains upgrades. In this case, you can use the XLPE cable in a domestic setting. The minimum size of 16mm is enough for you to get your switchboard wholly upgraded.

Methods for Getting Consumer Mains Installed

You can use any of several methods for installing consumer main cables. You have other options besides starting the consumer mains installation process at your street light or the green electrical transformer box. Here are some methods that are applicable for house mains and consumer mains installation:

Using the roof cavity

You can use the point of attachment of the primary overhead cables to the house. This is usually located in the roof cavity.

Using underground systems of private power poles

You could use the underground system at your private power pole. This private pole is usually located on your property.

Requirements for Consumer Mains Installation

You may think you can solve issues with consumers or house mains with a phone call to your electrician, but you need to think deeper. Only a level 2 ASP (Authorised Service Provider) electrician is allowed to install consumer mains cabling systems.

As such, you cannot invite an ordinary licensed electrician to connect the consumer mains to the supply network. Such electricians can only perform the preparatory work, while a level 2 electrician does the actual job. It is a legal requirement for only a fully licensed Level 2 Electrician to work with cables and mains connection.

Certified level 2 electrical contractors have the accreditation, qualifications, skills, and knowledge to perform safe electrical wiring. You can also be more confident that their procedures comply with local and federal electrical safety rules and regulations.

Services of Level 2 ASP Commercial Electricians

It is already a given that power networks require only well-qualified and properly licensed electricians to perform electrical installations. You can invite a level 2 ASP electrician for this purpose. You can also invite them for the following electrical services:

Consumer mains power connections

This can include services such as the following:

• Consumer mains installation upgrades.
• Mains supply power outage repairs.
• Overhead and underground power repairs.

Private power pole services

Licensed electricians can help you out with power supply upgrades, and this includes the following:

Installation and repair of private power poles

checking and fixing underground electrical cables, setting up and fixing overhead electrical cables.

General electrical installations

Commercial electricians can also provide the following general electrical installation services:

• Security lighting installation
• LED lighting installation
• Smoke alarm installation
• Ceiling fan installation
• Switch instals
• Surge protector installation

General electrical repairs

Licensed electricians can not only perform electrical installations. You can also call on them for lighting fixture repairs and tracing of electrical faults.

Electricity meter box upgrades

You may need to upgrade your electricity meter box. A licensed commercial electrician can help you out.

Fixing circuit breakers and safety switches

A licensed level 2 ASP electrician can help upgrade your circuit breakers, safety switches, wiring systems, and entire switchboard to reflect the latest standards.

You can also be sure that they will follow the requirements of the Australian/New Zealand electrical wiring rules.

Electrical safety inspections

You can rely on a qualified ASP Level 2 Electrician to perform electrical safety inspections that help to keep your home safe and secure.

Emergency electrical services

You can call on your commercial electrician for emergency electrician services. This includes installing your fans, setting up new power points, and fixing hot water systems.

Get Help from Licensed Electrical Contractors

You have now read up on consumer mains power: what it is and why it matters. You also know more about the risks of outdated consumer mains installations, reasons to upgrade consumer mains and requirements for consumer mains installation. If you have a problem with your house mains or consumer mains cables, it is advisable not to try to fix it yourself.

Doing so can be very dangerous, and you may end up doing more harm than good. Instead, it would be best if you invited a licensed electrical contractor. Good ones are professional and friendly, will arrive on time, and can get your consumer mains issues efficiently fixed.