TAB Electrical Pty Ltd

08/06/2026

How smart meters can spot equipment failure before it breaks

Wi-Fi smart metering isn't only for providing real-time power usage, but can also provide easy-to-read, valuable data that shows spikes and inconsistencies in cycles. Picking up on this can lead to preventative repairs versus costly replacements.

At TAB Electrical, we provide top-quality electrical, air conditioning, and solar services across Townsville and beyond.

02/06/2026

In 2020 a formal industry submission to the Essential Services Commission (ESC), a major Australian energy retailer highlighted an investigation into a newly built 39-unit complex. Upon auditing, they discovered that only 4 out of the 39 units were correctly allocated in the market system. In that specific block, nearly 90% of the residents were paying for the wrong apartment.

When cross-metering is finally discovered, energy retailers can back-bill to try and fix the mess, creating legal nightmares between landlords, tenants, and body corporates.

If you own an investment property in a Townsville unit complex, a smart meter upgrade combined with an electrician’s compliance check protects you from future tenancy disputes and back-billing shocks.

At TAB Electrical, we provide top-quality electrical, air conditioning, and solar services across Townsville and beyond.

12/05/2026

Phase imbalance (or load imbalance) occurs when the electrical demand is not distributed evenly across the three phases of a power supply.

This can happen due to high temperatures and heavy A/C use, pool pumps, heavy machinery, or uneven solar power distribution.

Signs of this can include flickering lights, audible humming, hot switchboards, or unexpectedly high power bills.

05/05/2026

Power has become more expensive, and the bills are just unpredictable.

If you have kids, live in a set of units, or have just switched to solar, having real-time data on your hourly consumption and remote control over your biggest power-drawing appliances is more important than ever.

Remote/Wi-Fi switching allows for all of this. It gives you better control and a deeper understanding of what uses power, the best time to use your appliances, and any potential power leaks that may be occurring at your property.

At TAB Electrical, we provide top-quality electrical, air conditioning, and solar services across Townsville and beyond.

14/04/2026

Electric cars are looking alot more viable now than they did 6 months ago. A key reason alot of people have held off is the uncertainty surrounding what infrustructure is required for households. While your standard wall socket might work in a pinch, it’s not the long-term answer for North Queensland’s climate.

Between our high humidity and the heavy power draw of an EV, your home needs a few key upgrades to stay safe and efficient. Here is the bare minimum checklist for a compliant NQ setup:
-Your charger needs its own direct line to the switchboard to prevent overheating.
-You’ll need a Type B or DC-sensitive safety switch. Standard switches can be "blinded" by EV batteries, leaving your home unprotected.
-If your board is over 15 years old, it may need a capacity boost to handle an EV alongside your aircon and pool pump.
-Surge Protection.
It may sound like alot, but getting these basics covered is a drop in the ocean when making the switch to an electric vehicle.

At TAB Electrical, we provide top-quality electrical, air conditioning, and solar services across Townsville and beyond.

31/03/2026

Switchboards like this are a common sight in many pre-1990 North Queensland homes, sheds, and warehouses. While the outdated switches are an obvious sign of age, the real hidden danger is the board they are mounted to.

Known as "Zelemite" or "Ebonite," these panels are composed of coal tar, resin, and non-friable asbestos.

Due care and diligence are legally required when working on these boards to prevent the release of hazardous particles. While simply having one in your home isn't a compliance breach, replacing it is highly advisable for several reasons:

𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Many insurers are tightening T&Cs around older infrastructure.

𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 & 𝗔𝗖 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀: You cannot legally add high-load circuits to these old panels without significant (and often costly) modifications.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀: These boards are a "major flag" on building inspections and must be disclosed during the sale of a property.

At TAB Electrical, we provide top-quality electrical, air conditioning, and solar services across Townsville and beyond.

17/03/2026

The exit sign, it’s not a particularly exciting topic.

If you notice an exit sign that isn't illuminated, you should let your building manager know immediately. These signs fall under strict fire safety compliance mandates, just like smoke alarms.

Even during a total power outage, these signs must be able to run independently for at least 90 minutes. In our heat, batteries often fail that 90-minute discharge test around the 3-year mark.

If your maintenance logbook shows 5 years of "Passes" without a single battery change, it’s a major red flag for auditors that the test likely wasn't performed correctly.

Don't wait for a QFES audit to find out your backup batteries are cooked.

04/03/2026

The smell of "burnt fish" or "melting plastic" is something many of us are familiar with, and probably ignore more often than we like to admit. Discoloured outlets are another key warning sign that leads to the same dangerous issue.

The culprit is often urea-formaldehyde or PVC insulation overheating. This occurs during "arcing", where electricity jumps a gap due to a loose wire. Arcing generates intense localised heat, often exceeding 500°C without necessarily tripping a standard circuit breaker.

By the time you see smoke, the internal wall structure may already be alight. Don't wait for a fire to start; if you see or smell these signs, get an inspection immediately.

23/02/2026

It might work, but it’s certainly not compliant.
By January 1st, 2027, all smoke alarms must be photoelectric and interconnected (either hard-wired or with a 10-year non-removable lithium battery).

As an owner-occupier, this can affect your insurance and leave you open to potential fines (approx. $800+).

If you look to sell your home, under the REIQ contract, if your alarms aren't 100% compliant by settlement, the buyer can legally take a chunk of your sale price: 0.15% of the purchase price. (On a $750,000 home, that’s $1,125 gone).

At TAB Electrical, we provide top-quality electrical, air conditioning, and solar services across Townsville and beyond.

12/02/2026

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿 (𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀)
Occasional flickers might seem harmless, but persistent dimming or buzzing lights can signal overloaded circuits, loose connections, or failing fittings. Each can become a serious fault and risk to your property.
A quick check can save you from costly surprises later.