Electrical for Homeowners

Discover Our Home Electrical Solutions and Expert Tips to Keep Your Home Powered and Safe!

Electricity. It’s not just about flipping a switch—it’s about flipping the script on outdated, unreliable setups.

Whether you’re wiring up your dream home or have a safety mindset that doesn’t settle for second best, our electrical solutions are built to deliver max performance with zero headaches. From sleek residential installs to repairs, we’ve got you wired for success with reliable, future-proofed tech that just works

Get in touch and level up your home’s electrical game today.

How safe is your home?

Use our interactive Electrical Safety Checklist to see how safe your home or business is.

Electrical Safety Quiz

1. Do you have safety switches (RCBO's) installed?

2. Have you noticed flickering lights or frequent power outages?

3. Are your powerpoints secure and damage-free?

4. How old is your switchboard?

5. When was your last electrical inspection?

6. Are there any exposed wires in your home?

7. Do your appliances have frayed or damaged cords?

8. Do you have smoke alarms installed and regularly tested?

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

BECAUSE YOUR WALLET DESERVES BETTER

Welcome to the ultimate guide for optimizing your home's energy efficiency. Less waste, lower bills, and a smaller carbon footprint—because smart choices shouldn’t cost the planet.

Domestic Electrical

Energy Efficient Appliances

Upgrade to Energy Star-certified appliances.

Unplug devices when idle or turn off at the power point for quick shutdowns.

Lighting Matters

Switch to LED bulbs—they use less power and last longer.

Embrace natural light and always turn off lights when leaving a room.

Heating & cooling Hacks

Adjust your thermostat (lower in winter, higher in summer).

Use ceiling fans to improve airflow.

Tint & Seal windows, insulate doors, and deploy curtains strategically for seasonal benefits.

Water Heating Wisdom

Set your water heater to 49°C.

Insulate water heaters and nearby pipes.

Use timers to align water heating with peak solar hours.

Smart Home Tech

Invest in smart thermostats, plugs, and lighting.

Automate outdoor lights and heavy appliances with timers.

Maintenance is Key

Seal drafts around windows and doors.

Replace/ Clean Air Conditioner filters regularly.

Laundry & Dishwashing Strategies

Wash clothes in cold water.

Air dry whenever possible.

Run full loads and use appliances during solar peak hours.

Slay Standby Power

Power Boards can help easily shut down devices that drain energy while idle.

Energy Audits are your Friend

Book a professional energy audit to identify weak points.

Use the Ergon Energy App to monitor and optimize usage.

Solar Power: The Game Changer

Contact us for custom solar system setups.

Store excess solar energy with battery systems.

Behavioral Tweaks

Turn off devices not in use.

Turn off Lights and devices when leaving a room.

Encourage your family to stay energy-aware.

Know your Tariffs

Move high-energy tasks (like pool pumps or air-con) to Tariff 11, and place on a timer to use Solar Power to run them.

Explore off-peak tariffs (e.g., T33) for savings until you can get Solarized!

Proper Wiring Matters

Well-maintained electrical systems are vital for both safety and efficiency:

Why Proper Wiring Matters:

Reduced Energy Loss: Well-sized and installed wiring minimizes energy loss due to resistance.

Optimized Appliance Performance: Appliances get the power they need, reducing inefficiencies and energy costs.

Longer Equipment Lifespan: Proper wiring prevents premature appliance failures, protecting your investment.

Minimised Voltage Drop: Correctly sized wiring maintains consistent voltage levels, supporting efficient operation.

Choosing the Right Light Bulb

Understanding the differences between light bulbs can greatly impact energy efficiency.

Incandescent Bulbs (Contains a filament that is heated)

Efficiency: High energy use, with 90% lost as heat.

Lifespan: Around 1,000 hours.

Environmental Impact: High energy consumption, frequent replacement.

CFL Bulbs (Compact Fluorescent Light)

Efficiency: Uses 75% less energy than incandescents.

Lifespan: Between 7,000 and 15,000 hours.

Environmental Impact: Contains mercury, requiring careful disposal.

LED Bulbs (Light-Emitting Diode)

Efficiency: Most energy-efficient, using 80-90% less energy.

Lifespan: 15,000 to 50,000 hours.

Environmental Impact: No hazardous materials, significantly lower energy use.


YOUR NEXT STEP? ACTION.

Start implementing these tips today. Your future self—and your energy bill—will thank you.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY SWITCHES: BECAUSE 'GOOD ENOUGH' ISN'T SAFE ENOUGH

Electrical safety switches—aka Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCBOs)—aren't just another box in your fuse panel. They're the unsung heroes of your home’s electrical system, designed to stop disasters before they start.

SHOCK-PROOF YOUR LIFE

Safety switches monitor current flow like a hawk. The second they detect an imbalance (like current leaking to the ground because someone’s touching a live wire), they cut the power. Instantly. The result? You stay alive. Simple.

FIRE? NOT ON THEIR WATCH

Faulty wiring, busted appliances, or overloaded circuits? These are sparks waiting to become infernos. Safety switches shut things down before overheating turns your home into a bonfire.

RULES ARE RULES


In Australia, safety switches aren’t optional—they’re mandatory. Building codes and regulations require them for a reason: to keep homes compliant, residents safe, and insurance claims mininmal.

EXTRA PROTECTION FOR VULNERABLE FOLKS

Kids, elderly family members, or anyone with reduced mobility benefit the most from safety switches. These devices act as a second layer of protection when reflexes aren’t enough.

RESET AND GO

Unlike old-school fuses that need replacing, safety switches are resettable. Trip, fix, reset—back in business with minimal downtime.

YOUR TECH DESERVES BETTER

Power surges and electrical faults can fry your expensive gadgets. Safety switches disconnect power before your smart TV becomes a very dumb paperweight.

BONATO ELECTRICAL'S SAFETY SWITCHES: ENGINEERED FOR PEACE OF MIND

At Bonato Electrical, we don’t cut corners on safety.

Our go-to?

Hager's range of domestic RCBOs: ADC316T, ADA325T, and ADC340T. They’re not just products—they’re peace of mind in a box.

FEATURES THAT MATTER:

  • 6kA Short Circuit Rating: Handles fault currents like a pro.

  • C-Curve Characteristics: Perfect for general light, power, and motor starts.

  • Compact Design: Because space in your switchboard is premium real estate.

  • Neutral Pigtail: Saves cable, time, and headaches.

  • Pad-Lockable Toggle: Safety meets security.

  • Free Tripping Mechanism: When it's time to trip, they trip—every time.

  • Fast Connection Pin/Fork Busbar Comb: Installers, rejoice.

  • RCM Approved: Meets the highest regulatory standards.

When you choose Bonato Electrical, you’re not just installing a safety switch. You’re future-proofing your home, your family, and your tech.


Safety isn’t a luxury—it’s the baseline.

Smoke Alarms

AS3786:2014 – The Australian Standard for Smoke Alarms

When it comes to fire safety, cutting corners isn’t an option. AS3786:2014 is the Australian gold standard for smoke alarms, laying down the rules for how they should be designed, installed, and maintained. Translation? It’s the benchmark for keeping your home or business safe when seconds count.

Why Does AS3786:2014 Matter?

Safety First

It’s simple: a properly designed smoke alarm can save lives. This standard ensures that alarms detect smoke quickly and give you the early warning you need.

Regulatory Compliance

Meeting AS3786:2014 means you’re ticking all the right boxes for Australian building codes. No compliance drama, just peace of mind.

Consumer Confidence

Certified smoke alarms aren’t just another gadget—they’re a promise of reliability when you need it most.

Why Invest in Smoke Alarms?

Early Detection Saves Lives

Seconds count in a fire. A smoke alarm gives you those seconds.

Lower Insurance Costs

Many insurers reward homes with compliant smoke alarms. More safety, less expense.

Peace of Mind

Protect your home, your family, and your sanity with a system that works when it matters most.

Key Features of AS3786:2014

Photoelectric vs. Ionization

The standard covers both types but recommends photoelectric smoke alarms for their superior ability to detect smoldering fires (the kind most common in homes).

Performance Requirement

Alarms must hit strict sensitivity and response benchmarks while cutting down on false alarms. No one wants the fire alarm going off because of burnt toast.

Power That Lasts

Whether it’s mains power, batteries, or a combo of both, the standard demands backup options to keep your smoke alarms operational 24/7.

Placement Is Key

AS3786:2014 maps out exactly where alarms should go—bedrooms, hallways, living areas—to maximize safety coverage.

Maintenance and Testing

Regular testing and cleaning are a must. The standard ensures your alarms stay sharp and ready for action

Interconnectivity

For wired systems, interconnected alarms mean if one goes off, they all go off. It’s an all-hands-on-deck approach to safety.

Our Go To?
Red Smoke Alarms

When it comes to protecting your home, not all smoke alarms are created equal. Red Smoke Alarms isn’t just another brand—it’s a 100% Australian-owned and operated powerhouse dedicated to keeping your family safe.

What Sets Red Apart?

  • Local Expertise
    Designed with Australian households in mind, Red Smoke Alarms understand the unique needs of our environment.

  • Certified Quality
    Every alarm is certified to AS3786:2014 standards. No shortcuts, just pure reliability.

  • 10-Year Warranty
    When Red says long-lasting, they mean it. Enjoy a full decade of worry-free coverage.

  • Top-Tier Photoelectric Tech
    Smarter, faster, and better at detecting smoldering fires.

  • Queensland Compliance
    Red Smoke Alarms meet Queensland’s latest smoke alarm laws, keeping your home legal and, more importantly, safe.

When safety meets innovation, you get Red Smoke Alarms. With local service, certified performance, and a commitment to excellence, Red is the trusted name in Australian fire safety.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Equip your home with Red Smoke Alarms today—because safety isn’t optional.


Protect What Matters Most

Generator Changeover Switches

Backup Power Without the Drama

Power outages are unpredictable. Your response to them shouldn’t be. Enter the generator changeover switch—a small but mighty device that makes all the difference between chaos and seamless backup power.

  • No Back-Feeding, No Risks
    A changeover switch ensures your generator and the grid never mix, preventing back-feeding electricity that could lead to fires, electrical shocks, or worse.

  • Simplified Transitions
    Forget fumbling with cables. The switch handles the heavy lifting, reducing errors and keeping you safe.

  • Fast Switchovers
    When the grid fails, your changeover switch is ready. Transitioning to generator power becomes effortless, cutting downtime to a minimum.

  • Zero Manual Labor
    Forget unplugging and plugging in cables like it’s the 1990s. The switch does the job for you, minus the stress.

  • No Surges, No Stress
    Changeover switches prevent power surges that could fry your electronics. Think of it as a bodyguard for your appliances.

  • Smooth Power Flow
    No jerky transitions or flickering lights—just stable, uninterrupted energy.

  • Selective Power Priority
    Only want the fridge, Wi-Fi, and lights running? No problem. Choose which circuits get powered and leave the rest turned off.

  • Meets Electrical Standards

    Professionally installed switches check all the boxes for local safety codes. No shortcuts, no legal headaches.

  • Scalable Solutions

    Whether you’re backing up a single room or an entire factory, there’s a switch for that.

Hager Changeover Switch
Generator Inlet

Electrical Vehicle Charging (EV)

What You Need to Know

Not all EV chargers are created equal. Here’s the quick-and-dirty breakdown to find the one that fits your needs:

Level 1: The Basics

  • Speed: 4–8 km/hour

  • Plug Into: Standard outlet (120V)

  • Perfect For: Overnight charging at home

  • The Vibe: No extra gear, but slow as molasses. Great for light, daily use.

Level 2: Faster and Smarter

  • Speed: 20–40 km/hour

  • Plug Into: 240V charging station (home or public)

  • Perfect For: Full charges overnight or mid-trip top-ups at malls and offices

  • The Vibe: Quick, efficient, and worth the upfront cost for home setups.

DC Fast Charging: Road Trip Hero

  • Speed: 100–300 km in 30 minutes

  • Plug Into: High-voltage public charging stations

  • Perfect For: Long trips and quick turnarounds

  • The Vibe: Fast, convenient, but pricier per charge.

Wireless Charging: The Future is Here

  • Speed: Slower than Level 2

  • Plug Into: Nothing—just park on a charging pad

  • Perfect For: Homes or lots where cables are a hassle

  • The Vibe: Sleek and convenient, but pricey and still evolving.

Solar Charging: Powered by the Sun

  • Speed: Depends on your solar setup

  • Plug Into: Your own solar-powered home grid

  • Perfect For: Eco-warriors reducing costs and carbon footprints

  • The Vibe: High initial investment, but sustainably awesome.

What’s Your Move?

Daily Drive? Level 1 or 2 at home has you covered.

Long Hauls? DC fast chargers keep you moving.

Eco Goals? Pair solar with Level 2 for green power and big savings

EV Charger Example

Book your Inspection Today!

Ready to keep your solar system running smoothly or tackle that electrical project? Complete our booking form today, and our expert team will get you sorted with reliable, hassle-free service!

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