29 Nov 2023
Storm Season Alert: Stay Electrically Safe!

Storm Season Alert: Stay Electrically Safe!

Living here in Queensland we can experience unpredictable weather such as storms and floods. Be storm-ready with these tips to ensure you and your home stay electrically safe. Here is our storm season electrical safety checklist to keep on hand. 

✨ Preparation is Key: Before a storm or wet season hits:

✔️ Install a safety switch and test it regularly.

✔️ Know where to turn off power, gas, and water in emergencies.

✔️ Pack up unused electrical equipment; store it in a safe place.

✔️ Unplug outside TVs and non-fixed aerials; keep them dry.

✔️ Switch off and unplug electrical devices when a storm is imminent.

✔️ Shut down your solar PV system using the safe isolation procedure.

⚠️ During the Storm or Flood: Follow these simple steps to stay safe:

✅ Listen to your local radio for weather updates.

⚡ Turn off power points; unplug electrical devices if power is lost.

☎️ Avoid using fixed telephones during thunderstorms to prevent electric shock.

✨ Move electrical equipment to higher locations if floods are expected.

⚠️ Stay away from powerlines, trees, and watercourses.

✔️ Clean-Up After the Storm: Post-storm cleanup is crucial for safety:

✅ Listen to local radio for warnings and advice.

⚠️ Report damaged power lines; stay away from them.

⚡ Avoid electrical signs, streetlights, cables, or conductive materials.

✋ Don’t touch damaged switchboards; it’s dangerous. Use a licensed electrician.

✋ Don’t attempt DIY electrical work – it’s illegal and unsafe. Hire a licensed electrician.

☀️ If you have a solar PV system, stay clear during cleanup. Call an electrician to check it for safety.

✖️ Property or Connection Damage:

If your property or connection line is damaged by a storm or flood, you may need verification tests on your switchboard, wiring, equipment and appliances prior to reconnection to ensure the electrical circuits are still working and safe.

✅ Hire a licensed electrician for verification tests before reconnection.

✅ Get a certificate of test for reconnection approval.

✅ Check Queensland Disaster Management for comprehensive storm safety info.

Queensland Disaster management has more information about storm safety and actions to take before, during and after a storm.

☀️ Solar PV Systems: For damaged solar PV systems:

⚠️ Do not attempt to turn off the system after a storm/flood/cyclone.

⛔ Stay away from solar panels and wiring.

⚡ Have an electrician inspect, repair, and ensure safety before re-commissioning.

✖️ Electrical Appliances and Equipment: Using water-damaged equipment can be dangerous:

⚡ Dispose of or have a licensed electrician repair water-affected electrical item.

⚡ Have an electrician check water-damaged hard-wired appliances before reconnecting power.

For more information visit the electrical safety office and click on the link below: https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/electrical-safety-home/electrical-safety-during-storms

Contact a Licensed Electrician in Brisbane for Your Home Electrical Maintenance, Repairs, Installations, Inspections and Safety checks.

Allyn White Electrical - Best Electrician In Brisbane

Installation, repairs, upgrades, electrical inspections, safety checks and lighting advice for your home and outdoor spaces. No matter what your home renovation plan calls for, you can trust Allyn White.

With over 45 years of experience in all aspects of domestic, industrial, commercial and emergency electrical work, Allyn will be able to assist with your electrical needs  in Brisbane.

For a free quote by a licensed electrician call 0416 235 641 to arrange a time to discuss your electrical needs.

Our charge out rate remains the same during the week, weekends and after hours, so don’t hesitate to contact us today!

22 Nov 2023
Light Up Safely This Christmas

Light Up Safely This Christmas! with our Essential Guide to Electrical Safety This Festive Season

There are many holidays and occasions throughout the year that involve installing special lighting. Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe from electrical hazards when buying and installing lighting in and around your home.

Before you dive headfirst into decorating, let’s talk safety. Follow these tips to ensure a joyous and worry-free Christmas celebration!

Inspect and Replace

Before unleashing your inner decorator, give last year’s decorations a once-over. Look out for wear and tear – loose connections, frayed wires, or damaged cords. Swap out any worn-out items for shiny new ones!

Lights Examination

Check your Christmas lights for any cracked sockets, loose connections, and frayed wires. Remember, damaged wiring could lead to a potentially flammable short circuit. Throw away any damaged items and replace them with new, remember Safety first!

Choose the Right Lights:

  • Pick lights designed for their intended use – indoors or outdoors.
  • Read those package instructions! Don’t exceed the recommended wattage.
  • Only buy decorations from a reputable dealer who knows the electrical equipment safety requirements. Christmas lights must meet safety standards and are required to have an Australian certificate of approval. 

Extension Cord and Plug Safety

  • Don’t overload those extension cords – it’s a recipe for overheating and potential fire hazards.
  • Keep that third prong on plugs intact – it’s your friend against electrical shock.
  • Outdoor decorations? Plug them into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) for that added layer of protection.

Product Safety Guidelines:

  • Stick to reputable sources for your electrical products.
  • Watch out for typos – they might signal a dodgy or counterfeit product.
  • Check for the approval mark of an accredited certification agency; it’s your guarantee of meeting safety standards.

Installing Decorations:

  • Connect a maximum of three light strings – follow those manufacturer’s instructions.
  • No bulbs touching anything they shouldn’t!
  • Keep an eye out for overhead power lines – safety first, even on a ladder.
  • Don’t put Christmas lighting around or above swimming pools or have leads lying in water or wet areas 

Additional Safety Tips:

  • Beware of buying Christmas lights 
  • Ensure you have working smoke detectors.
  • Check that you have safety switches on all circuits and that your safety switches work – push the test button.
  • Ensure that you have no double adapters on power boards
  • Ensure all outdoor connections are weatherproof!
  • Ensure lights are extra low voltage.
  • Don’t put Christmas lighting around or above swimming pools or have leads lying in water or wet areas.
  • Ensure that lights are clear of power lines and driveways.
  • Keep decorations out of reach of children and away from curious pets.
  • Turn off outdoor lighting in rainy and stormy weather.
  • Turn off indoor and outdoor lights when you leave the house or hit the hay.

Indoor and Outdoor Lights Distinction:

  • Use lights where they’re meant to be used – indoors or outdoors.
  • Outdoor lights need that weatherproof rating (look for the IP number), and some might need transformers indoors.

Buying Christmas Lights:

  • Beware of buying Christmas lights from overseas as they have different safety standards, and their products may be unsafe for use here in Australia. Electrical equipment sold in Australia must meet strict electrical safety standards. 
  • Stick to reputable dealers with that Aussie certification.
  • Say no to online Christmas lights shopping from overseas – let’s keep it safe and local!

Visit www.eess.gov.au to search for registered products.

Connecting Safely:

  • Install a safety switch – test it out before the grand lighting ceremony.
  • Use power boards with overload protection – and ditch those double adaptors.
  • Check all leads for damage and unwind those extension leads to prevent overheating, discontinue and throw out if damage and replace with new.
  • Use extra low voltage outside, such as LED and solar lights where possible.

For more comprehensive electrical safety tips visit https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/electrical-equipment/christmas-lights

02 Nov 2023
Ceiling Fan

Keep Cool This Summer and Enhance Your Outdoor Areas with Stylish Outdoor Ceiling Fans 

With our hot summer months approaching, we tend to spend a lot more time outdoors with our families and friends. So, it’s important that we feel refreshed and cool on extremely hot days. Outdoor ceiling fans add style and make living outdoors so much more enjoyable and allow us to better utilise our outdoor spaces. 

outdoor ceiling fan

Adding ceiling fans to your outdoor spaces also increases the value and aesthetic of your home’s outdoor living spaces. There are many  customisation options to add style.

Here are some excellent reasons to invest in an outdoor ceiling fan that improves your lifestyle and comfort without breaking the bank.

Fun Fact: Did you know there’s a difference between indoor and outdoor ceiling fans? Both are inexpensive and circulate airflow for a pleasant breeze especially during our hot summer months. Outdoor ceiling fans are specifically designed and manufactured to deal with more exposure to the elements for your patio, balcony, verandah, or other outdoor spaces. Better still, these days, they’re made in a range of sizes, styles, colours combined with stronger materials that can cope with the wind, rain, mist and extremes of cold and heat.

Outdoor ceiling fans are so much sturdier and keep you cool

Alfresco fans are specially designed to be able to cope with the specific demands of an outdoor space that is more exposed to the harshness of the weather. That especially includes moisture, dampness and humidity, and some outdoor ceiling fans are rated for full-on rain – without worrying about corrosion or electrical issues.

Outdoor ceiling fans help to keep the bugs away

The number one  concern our customers have about their outdoor space is that bugs and mosquitoes become too much at a certain time of the day. The wind that the fan creates makes it difficult for bugs and insects to fly through. The cooling effect and the way the air is circulated with either downward or upward pressure make it much more difficult for flying insects to keep buzzing around. Fewer bugs mean more relaxation for everyone. 

outdoor ceiling fan

Outdoor Cooling – save money and keep you cool

An outdoor ceiling fan is effective for a wind-chill effect. In a counterclockwise direction, cool air is pushed downwards – and when clockwise, the updraft recirculates the warmer air downwards.

Enhance your outdoor spaces and add more style!

When it gets hot, it really does get hot! you’re less likely to use your outdoor spaces –With adding an outdoor ceiling fan, you can make spending time outside just that little bit cooler and breezier.

Outdoor ceiling fans come in a range of styles, materials, and colours which adds value and style to your home and outdoor spaces. 

Add additional lighting to brighten things up – utilise your outdoor spaces day and night!

Adding an outdoor ceiling fan can also give you additional lighting to help increase visibility and usability of your outdoor spaces at night while entertaining family and friends.

Did you know outside fans can come with lighting features too? Better still, you can customise the kind and intensity of the light as well to create the outdoor atmosphere that best suits your lifestyle.

Styling Ideas

Look at the design of your outdoor spaces, as well as the effect you want to create.  Some fans have built-in lights, the light can be operated independently so the fan can remain off, even when the light is on.

Stay cool this summer with expert Ceiling Fan Installation. Discover sizing, positioning, and styling tips for efficient and cost-effective cooling. Contact us for a professional installation today! 

Always work with a professional!

To ensure that your ceiling fan or fans are properly installed, always hire a licensed electrician. Having a professional install your fan also ensures that your warranty is not voided. Our popular ceiling fan installation services include supply and install or install only as well as servicing, repairs and advice.

Contact a Licensed Electrician in Brisbane for Your Home Electrical Maintenance, Repairs and Installations

Allyn White Electrical - Best Electrician In Brisbane

Installation, repairs, upgrades, lighting advice for your home and outdoor spaces. No matter what your home renovation plan calls for, you can trust Allyn White.

With over 45 years of experience in all aspects of domestic, industrial, commercial and emergency electrical work, Allyn will be able to assist with your electrical needs in Brisbane.

For a free quote by a licensed electrician call 0416 235 641 to arrange a time to discuss your electrical needs.

Our charge out rate remains the same during the week, weekends and after hours, so don’t hesitate to contact us today!

20 Oct 2023
Outdoor Lighting Ideas for your outdoor spaces

Outdoor Lighting Ideas for your outdoor spaces this Summer!

Outdoor Lighting Ideas for your outdoor spaces this Summer!

Warm summer months are coming our way and you will want to spend as much time as possible outdoors. To do that, you will need lighting. A well-lit backyard offers a warm and inviting place for your family and friends. Not only does outdoor lighting extend your living space, but it can also offer safety and security benefits.There are a range of affordable options that you can add to your outdoor spaces. If you are looking for a more permanent lighting solution here are a couple of our customers favourite choice picks for outdoor lighting as well as some benefits in adding outdoor lighting.

Take a look at our customers picks below:

Uplighting

Uplighting is a permanent lighting solution that highlights some of your home’s features. Rather than shining light down, uplighting shines light up. Uplighting is usually installed on the side of your home to highlight sconces or balconies but it is also used on the ground (or deck) to highlight trees, water features, garden spaces and pools.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are extremely versatile and not just for the indoors. Pendant lights can also be used in your outdoor spaces, for example outdoor seating areas, outdoor kitchen and pergola areas to create a cosy feel and to illuminate your outdoor spaces.

Highlight The External Appearance of Your Home


The obvious benefit of lighting up your outdoors is to enhance your home’s look and street appeal. With proper positioning, your outdoor lights can make a real difference and showcase your home’s best architectural features. You can also use outdoor and security lighting for your home or for your commercial premises.

Using lights throughout your garden will enhance your outdoor living spaces. Outdoor lights can be used overhead on decks, and verandahs, incorporated into railings or posts on external staircases, or placed in the ground, the options are endless.


Light Up Your Outdoor Living Space


The living room is not the only place in our home where you spend quality time with friends and family. As we know, we all love to spend time in our outdoor spaces, either in our backyard or relaxing on our back deck while entertaining. Outdoor lighting adds illumination to your outdoor spaces making them usable at night and also increases your home security giving you peace of mind.

Outdoor lights come in a variety of shapes and designs, from decorative to functional to improved security, you can’t go wrong with outdoor lighting!

Increase Safety and Security


Not only is outdoor lighting beautiful, but it is also an excellent way to make your home a safer place to live.

A well-lit backyard means you don’t have to grope about in the dark when driving home late at night. Quality light fittings will guide you at night which helps prevent injuries, so no nasty falls, you can see where you are going. It also makes your home less inviting to potential intruders, since there are no shadows or dark spots to provide them with cover.

Consider installing outdoor lighting in high-traffic areas like patios, decks, around the pool, outdoor seating areas, walkways and driveways.

Enhanced Home Value


Professional outdoor and landscape lighting adds value in more ways than one. It can highlight design elements or make an area appear larger. It adds style and increases usability to in-demand outdoor living spaces after dark and of course, adds security to your home. One of the easiest, most affordable ways to increase property value is to boost your street appeal with an entryway, or driveway and or garden landscaping with a lighting upgrade.

Enjoy Your Backyard

Above all else, good lighting makes every step outside even better. There’s no greater place than your own backyard to relax and entertain and also provides an inviting way for you to reach the front door, a well-lit exterior sets the tone for any home.


Have a Licensed Electrician Installing Your Garden Lighting


Contact a Licensed Electrician in Brisbane for Your Home Electrical Maintenance, Repairs and Installations

Installation, repairs, upgrades, lighting advice for your home and outdoor spaces. No matter what your home renovation plan calls for, you can trust Allyn White.

With over 45 years of experience in all aspects of domestic, industrial, commercial and emergency electrical work, Allyn will be able to assist with your electrical needs in Brisbane.

For a free quote by a licensed electrician call 0416 235 641 to arrange a time to discuss your electrical needs.

Our charge out rate remains the same during the week, weekends and after hours, so don’t hesitate to contact us today!

13 Oct 2023

Elevate Your Home’s Ambiance With A Lighting Makeover and Save on Renovation Costs

Here are our TOP lighting ideas and money savers that add value and style to your home. Consider adding aesthetic value to your home by simply updating your lightning!

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN IN BRISBANE & SURROUNDING SUBURBS

If you’re searching for the best-licensed electrician in the Brisbane area and surrounds (Alderley, Ashgrove, Bardon, Newmarket, Paddington, Stafford, The Gap), look no further than Allyn White Electrical.

Before you update your furnishings, replace your floors, or renovate your living spaces consider updating your lighting instead. Good Lighting is an example of quality design and one of the most cost-effective ways to modernise and up style your home without breaking the bank on expensive renovations.

Lighting, when done well, generates a composition of light, layers, direction, and flow.
The ambiance and style of your home is strongly influenced by how you use lighting and light fixtures.

Here Are Some Ideas to Follow

Remember the purpose of the room

This should be the first thing you think about before putting up and replacing light fixtures.
The lighting you put in your living spaces should be both calming and friendly.

Tip: Consider using pendant lights and under-cabinet LED lighting in your kitchen and laundry spaces as they work well with a variety of layouts.

Instead of using central lights, use ambient lighting

Small ambient lights, rather than the more traditional central lighting, give a place a more defined personality, warmth, and softness. They also have a better chance of reaching out to the room’s darkest corners.
Tip: Backlighting objects helps to highlight them. The extra oomph is added by casting indirect light on decorative objects and paintings.

Chandeliers can make a statement!

A chandelier can instantly transform a space. You can always find a chandelier that suits your taste, whether it’s trendy, contemporary, or traditional.
Tip: Before getting a chandelier, keep in mind the size of the room.

Illumination – Don’t overdo it

That is the issue with illumination. Keep it subtle too much light, especially at night, can be uncomfortable and rather jarring, ask your electrician for lighting advice to ensure the right amount of light will add depth to your space.

Unexpected lighting is a great idea.

To create the element of style surprise, look for opportunities to install light fixtures in alcoves, and wall niches.
Lightning can sometimes cost you more than your budget. It is important to know the cost of light fixtures before you light up your space.

Here Are Some Tips That Will Save You Money on Your Electricity Bill

Use dimmers wherever possible

Dimmers can instantly transform the mood of a room while also helping you save money on your electric bill. Not only do modern light dimmers save you energy, but they also extend the life of your light bulbs!

Light dimmers save energy by reducing the flow of electricity to the bulb and allowing lights to operate with lower power outputs.

Add a touch of glam with ceiling fan LED Lights

Ceiling fans with LED lights are a great choice for anyone looking to add both style and function to the home. They are energy efficient, versatile, and come in a wide variety of designs, making them the perfect choice for any space. 

The average ceiling fan will consume between 60w and 100w of energy, not much more than a 60w light bulb, and so are an extremely energy efficient form of cooling and heating.

Install task lighting

Turn on under-cabinet LED lights when entertaining to create a dramatic look. LED under cabinet lighting is energy efficient and will save you money on your electricity bill.

Installed as your light source, LED strip lights guzzle less electricity to produce the same light output. The potential savings are significant – LEDs draw up to 85% less electricity than conventional incandescent lighting, and around 18% less electricity than CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps).

Use LED downlights in common living spaces as they are energy efficient and will save you money on your electricity bill

Switching to LEDs will help you reduce the amount of energy you use. This means you can expect to see long-term cost savings on your bills. For example, if you change 20 halogen downlights to LED downlights, you can save up to $210 a year on energy costs.

Contact a Licensed Electrician in Brisbane for Your Home Electrical Maintenance, Repairs and Installations

Installation, repairs, upgrades, lighting advice for your home and outdoor spaces. No matter what your home renovation plan calls for, you can trust Allyn White. With over 45 years experience in all aspects of domestic, industrial, commercial and emergency electrical work, Allyn will be able to assist with your electrical problems in Brisbane.

For a free quote by a licensed electrician call 0416 235 641 to arrange a time to discuss your electrical needs.

Our charge out rate remains the same during the week, weekends and after hours, so don’t hesitate to contact us today!

19 Apr 2023

Garage Lighting Ideas For A Complete Reno Makeover!

Did you know that the quickest way to pull off a complete garage renovation is simply by changing the light fittings?

Don’t let your garage lighting be an afterthought. Smartly placed and stylishly chosen garage lighting fittings can maximise function as well as interior and exterior design

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN IN BRISBANE & SURROUNDING SUBURBS

If you’re searching for the best-licensed electrician in the Brisbane area and surrounds (Alderley, Ashgrove, Bardon, Newmarket, Paddington, Stafford, The Gap), look no further than Allyn White Electrical.

Garage lighting can work wonders to help provide safe passage from outside to inside and highlight your landscape features as well as improve usability for amenities such as workspaces, a home gym and storage.

Whether you use it for parking your car, or as a workshop, or a storage hub, or all the above, you need good lighting in your garage. Generally, garages tend to be poorly lit, which makes them difficult to navigate, causing eye strain if utilising workspaces and leaving you vulnerable to falls and injuries.

Above lighting

Here are some ideas to better illuminate your garage space to give it a boost and improve the overall safety and visibility.

Consider Installing Under Cabinet LED Lighting

Plenty of garages is where storage cabinets, tool boxes, and workbenches are placed. If you have cabinets or overhead shelving, it can block the lighting you need to make the most of your work area in your garage.

A workaround for inadequate lighting is to have under-cabinet LED lighting installed There are many types of under-cabinet light fittings available one example is using LED strip lighting.

Best Brisbane electrician | Allyn White Electrician

Don’t Just Stop At Overhead Lighting

Artificial lighting falls into one of three categories—ambient, task, and accent—and ideally your garage should have all forms.

– Ambient lighting is soft overhead light used to illuminate the floors and walls so you can safely walk around and park your car.
– Task lighting is brighter, intended for work and storage areas to lend increased visibility during detail-oriented projects and organisational tasks.
– Accent lighting, in between ambient and task lighting in brightness, shines on showpieces you want to emphasise, like a wine cellar rack or an old trophy collection.

Above lighting

Because the garage tends to be a multi-use space, it’s best to layer illumination so you’ll have the right light for parking, craftwork, storage, and display.

Consider High Bay Lights To Provide Bright Task Lights

Best Brisbane electrician | Allyn White Electrician

Along with fluorescent lights, high bay lights can be a good option, particularly for garages and commercial workshops that have high, exposed ceilings.

Remember To Light The Outside Of Your Garage

Above lighting

The interior of your garage isn’t the only area that can benefit from having improved lighting. Exterior garage lighting can be helpful in several ways—from providing help with parking in the garage for safer night-time entry to added home security.

There are even more options and styles available when you want to add exterior lights to your garage, whether you want a matching pair of stylish sconces or motion-detecting sensor lights, here at Allyn White Electrical we can help with your interior and exterior garage lighting plan, from design to supply and installation for your home or commercial premises.

Allyn White Electrical has 45 years experience in providing advice and serving customers advising on practical design solutions right through to installation and completion of the job.

Contact a Licensed Electrician in Brisbane for Your Home Electrical Maintenance, Repairs and Installations

Best Brisbane electrician | Allyn White Electrician

Installation, repairs, upgrades, lighting advice for your home and outdoor spaces. No matter what your home renovation plan calls for, you can trust Allyn White. With over 45 years experience in all aspects of domestic, industrial, commercial and emergency electrical work, Allyn will be able to assist with your electrical problems in Brisbane.

For a free quote by a licensed electrician call 0416 235 641 to arrange a time to discuss your electrical needs.

Our charge out rate remains the same during the week, weekends and after hours, so don’t hesitate to contact us today!

14 Apr 2023
Lighting Tips to Upgrade Your Laundry

Lighting Tips to Upgrade Your Laundry

Lighting for laundry areas is often overlooked, but adequate lighting can provide high functionality and style. Approach the lighting design of this room as you would any other room in your home. Layer the types of lighting from ambient to direct lighting.

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN IN BRISBANE & SURROUNDING SUBURBS

If you’re searching for the best licensed electrician in the Brisbane area and surrounds (Alderley, Ashgrove, Bardon, Newmarket, Paddington, Stafford, The Gap), look no further than Allyn White Electrical.

Under Cabinet Lighting

There are many choices for this type of lighting. An overhead light is the typical lighting choice for most lighting budgets. If you are looking for better task lighting, you may want to splurge on some under the cabinet lighting strips.

Overhead Long Ceiling Lights

You can go with any type of ceiling light that’s in keeping with your laundry design. One of the best utilitarian styles is a flush mount or a large panel style. This is a common light fitting often found in laundry rooms.

Industrial Style

If your style is industrial, there are lots of great lighting options for a laundry room to carry out your design theme. Some industrial styles are more expensive than popular common light fixtures.

Drop Ceiling Panel Lighting

Drop ceiling panel systems offer ideal opportunities for appropriate panel lighting that is a natural part of the ceiling panel style.

Depending on the size of your laundry room you may be able to use more than one light panel. Some light fittings come with dimmer capabilities for greater versatility in ambient lighting.

Doing a laundry area doesn’t have to be boring. Many laundry rooms are in windowless rooms.

LED Strip lighting 

Above lighting

One of the all-time favourites for a modern lighting style is LED strip lighting. LED strip lighting provides indirect light and can be used under cupboards to provide illumination light for bench surfaces.

Recessed Lighting

Above lighting

Recessed lighting is a wonderful way to add direct lighting to your laundry area. You can place this type of lighting on a dimmer for greater control of the lighting flow. This style can be installed under the cabinets, the ceiling directly over workstations/tables, washers, and dryers and/or in the middle of the laundry room.

Making Lighting Choices for a Laundry Room

A laundry room should have several types of lighting to accomplish the design look and also provide the functionality you are looking for and at the same time add value to your home.

Contact a Licensed Electrician in Brisbane for Your Home Electrical Maintenance, Upgrades and Repairs

Best Brisbane electrician | Allyn White Electrician

Installation, repairs, upgrades, lighting advice for your home and outdoor spaces. No matter what your home renovation plan calls for, you can trust Allyn White.

With over 45 years of experience in all aspects of domestic, industrial, commercial and emergency electrical work, Allyn will be able to assist with your electrical problems in Brisbane.

For a free quote by a licensed electrician call 0416 235 641 to arrange a time to discuss your electrical requirements.

Our charge out rate remains the same during the week, weekends and after hours, so don’t hesitate to contact us today!

31 Mar 2023
Hallway Lighting Ideas For Your Home!

Hallway Lighting Ideas For Your Home!

Some areas in our homes are often overlooked in spaces like hallways. Lighting is key to transforming a space and creating that WOW factor and feel.

While you’re busy configuring the light fixtures and ambience for the rest of your home, here’s a friendly design reminder: Don’t neglect your hallway space. While some may dismiss the hallway as a space that’s simply meant for walking through, it’s so much more as it often serves as the first impression of your home so give it a focal point on entry.

Best Brisbane electrician | Allyn White Electrician

PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN IN BRISBANE & SURROUNDING SUBURBS

If you’re searching for the best licensed electrician in the Brisbane area and surrounds (Alderley, Ashgrove, Bardon, Newmarket, Paddington, Stafford, The Gap), look no further than Allyn White Electrical.

When looking at your hallway design, you shouldn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Just like for the other spaces in your home, there are three types of lighting to consider when lighting a hallway. The first is the ambient lighting. This is the overall light that allows you to use the space, and it functions as good daylight would.

Next comes task lighting. This is the illumination that allows you to perform specific actions. If we were talking kitchens, this might be chopping and mixing; in the living room, it could be reading or sewing, for example. In the hall? If it’s big enough, you might have a desk area in which to work, but even in a small hall, you might need concentrated light to check if you have your car keys or tie your shoelaces before leaving your home. 

Best Brisbane electrician | Allyn White Electrician

Finally, there’s a feature or accent lighting. This draws attention to a particular aspect of the space. When lighting a hallway that focus could be artwork on the wall, a mirror, or perhaps a piece of furniture. However, it could also be used to wash light over a wall, for example, to create a decorative effect that adds interest to the space.

Top 5 key things to consider for your hallway lighting design.

1. Review the height of your ceiling before you buy

If your hall has a high ceiling, go for suspended lights or a chandelier – traditional or modern – to introduce a focal point in the space. Recessed ceiling lights can be a good solution if the height of the hall isn’t generous, as can scaled-down downlights.

Best Brisbane electrician | Allyn White Electrician

2. Create a focal point with hallway lighting

Let your hallway lighting do the talking with a simple design that catches the eye. A clear shade that shows off the bulbs won’t look obtrusive in a small or narrow hallway. As there is often little room for furniture, hallways can be rather drab. Interesting light fittings are a great way to add interest and set the tone for the rest of your design.

Best Brisbane electrician | Allyn White Electrician

An oversize pendant will add a decorative flourish without compromising the space. If you have space for a small console table, a table lamp adds a note of warmth and inviting welcome to your home.

3. Choose different light sources to serve different purposes

When it comes to lighting a hallway it’s important to think about the atmosphere you’re looking to create. You may want a top light for practical, day-to-day use and a table lamp for a warmer, more atmospheric feel when your guests, family and friends come over. The combination of both within a space allows for versatility while adding interest and texture.

Best Brisbane electrician | Allyn White Electrician

The hallway is the entrance to your home, so it’s vital to create a warm, inviting feel the minute you step through the door. To avoid a gloomy, dark corridor ensure your lighting comes from several sources. A pendant hung at the beginning of the hallway will only throw light down onto that section, so consider the addition of wall lights to create a pool of light running along the corridor.

4. Use wall lighting to illuminate specific space

This is one of the best hall lighting ideas for those blessed with a bigger hallway! In addition to adding a touch of sophistication, wall lighting is a great option if you need to illuminate a specific space – perhaps a coat storage unit or console or hallway table. As well as serving a practical purpose, they are a nice alternative if you want to create a statement look but don’t have a high enough ceiling for a chandelier or pendant lighting.

Best Brisbane electrician | Allyn White Electrician

5. Keep it subtle

For a more subtle glow for small spaces, consider a wall light (these can be installed with or without a dimmer switch) as the wall light will cast light downward giving your hallway space a cozy feeling.

Contact a Licensed Electrician in Brisbane for Your Home Electrical Maintenance, Repairs and Installations

Best Brisbane electrician | Allyn White Electrician

Installation, repairs, upgrades, and lighting advice for your home and outdoor spaces. No matter what your home renovation plan calls for, you can trust Allyn White.

With over 45 years of experience in all aspects of domestic, industrial, commercial and emergency electrical work, Allyn will be able to assist with your electrical needs in Brisbane.

For a free quote by a licensed electrician call 0416 235 641 to arrange a time to discuss your electrical needs.

Our charge out rate remains the same during the week, weekends and after hours, so don’t hesitate to contact us today!

23 Mar 2023
Bathroom Lighting

Small Bathroom Lighting Solutions Without Breaking The Bank

The lighting in any bathroom is important. However, in a small bathroom, the darker it is, the smaller it feels. No matter its size, a bathroom should always feel bright and open. When installing lighting in small bathrooms, it is important to create a lighting arrangement that fully illuminates the whole space but does not overpower the room, causing it to feel cluttered and even smaller.

A tip for small bathroom lighting is to think creatively. Move away from traditional bathroom lighting such as vanity lights, and instead, focus on bathroom light fixtures that will maximise the small space for both design and lighting. Whether installed together or separately, lighted mirrors or under cabinet or LED strip lights and flush mount ceiling lights are just some innovative and modern lighting ideas for small bathrooms keeping the room feeling open and well-lit.

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Lighted Mirrors and Cabinets

In small bathrooms, vanity lighting is often overlooked, as the space located around the mirror is limited. Instead, the vanity is usually illuminated by the light cast from a ceiling light, which results in unwanted shadows and splotchy lighting. A great way to create the bright task lighting ideal for a vanity without having to worry about limited space around the mirror is to install a lighted mirror.

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By combining the mirror and lighting into one, lighted mirrors are practical solutions for small spaces. Depending on the size and shape of the mirror, there is either a single light across the top, two lights along the left and right sides, or a halo of light all around the mirror.

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Lighted cabinets are another great lighting option–as well as a space-saving storage solution–for small bathrooms. By combining lighting, a mirror, and storage into one fixture, a lighted cabinet is perfect for not only a bathroom with limited wall space but for one with limited counter space and storage as well.

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Under Cabinet or LED strip lights

In a small bathroom, every amount of surface space counts. Even the space under cabinets and countertops should not be overlooked. Typically, the area under a shelf, cabinet, or countertop is hard to light, resulting in a dark space that inevitably causes the room to feel smaller. To combat poorly illuminated shelves or open counter space located under cabinets, install under cabinet lights or LED strip lights.

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Just like in a kitchen, the counter space surrounding a bathroom sink can often be left dark or in shadows because of cabinets or shelves located above it. By adding under-cabinet LED strip lights to the underside of shelves and cabinets, not only does this space become functional but it also makes the bathroom feel larger by diminishing a dark area.

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LED strip lights are another great way to add a layer of light to a small bathroom. These LED lights provide a warm glow that is perfect for hard-to-light spaces, such as a vanity or in a recessed niche, because of their flexibility. In addition to the light they provide, strip lights are easily tucked away out of sight for a neat, tailored look that will keep a small bathroom from feeling cluttered.

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Flush Mount Ceiling Lights

To keep a small bathroom feeling open and spacious, refrain from installing any large or decorative ceiling lights. Instead, a flush mount ceiling light is the ideal option.

A bathroom ceiling light mounted flush against the ceiling with sleek, clean lines and a white, frosted diffuser will seamlessly blend with the architecture of the room. When illuminated, the diffuser will evenly distribute the light throughout the space to keep the area well-lit. Because of the minimalist silhouette and the even amount of light cast, a flush mount ceiling light will keep a bathroom feeling open and uncluttered.

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In addition to fully illuminating the space, the diffused light from the ceiling light will soften the bright light cast from the vanity light or lighted mirror.

Remember to also add in heating in your bathroom design some space saver ideas including installing a wall heater, heated towel rack, and heating lamps. A heat lamp will also help ensure a clean and mould-free space all year round.

Contact a Licensed Electrician in Brisbane for Your Home Electrical Maintenance, Repairs, Installations, and Lighting advice.

Best Brisbane electrician | Allyn White Electrician

Installation, repairs, upgrades, and lighting advice for your home and outdoor spaces. No matter what your home renovation plan calls for, you can trust Allyn White.

With over 45 years of experience in all aspects of domestic, industrial, commercial and emergency electrical work, Allyn will be able to assist with your electrical needs in Brisbane.

For a free quote by a licensed electrician call 0416 235 641 to arrange a time to discuss your electrical needs.

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