I.C.M Electrician

15/10/2026

Who signed it, and was it theirs to sign?

In Switchpoint HV, sign-off follows your site's authority rules. Each sign link works only for the person it was sent to, and a used or expired link opens nothing.

Once a program is submitted, it can't be edited. Any change sends it back for rework or to a new revision, checked and signed again.

Signed by the right people. Issued as approved. icmelectric.com/switchpoint

14/10/2026

What should a checker catch before anyone signs?

In this 30-second clip from Switchpoint HV's fictional demo site, a draft switching program leaves out the isolation at the network end. The checker runs every step against the site model and flags the earth switch closing onto a live conductor as a fatal finding. A failed program can't be submitted for sign-off.

Then walk the program on the single line, sign it off in order (HVO, HVC, HVA), and issue it sealed.

Book a demonstration: icmelectric.com/switchpoint

Build HV switching programs on your site drawing, check them against your site model and issue sealed, signed records. Book a Switchpoint demonstration.

06/10/2026

Switching programs shouldn't live in five places.

Switchpoint HV keeps the drawing, the program and the record together, from the first step written to the last step signed on site.

→ Build it on your site's single line
→ Check it against your site model
→ Sign it off in order: HVO, HVC, HVA
→ Issue it sealed, and take it to site

Built around practical HV switching and commissioning experience. Book a demonstration: icmelectric.com/switchpoint

30/09/2026

Storm season's here. Five minutes now saves a call-out later.

Before the storm approaches: test your safety switch (press the T button – it should trip; then reset it), secure loose outdoor lights and gear, know where your main switch is, and – where safe to do so – switch off and unplug the appliances you can, especially sensitive electronics.

During the storm: stay inside and away from any electrical gear that is wet or damaged. Don't go out to the switchboard or meter box while the storm is on.

Fallen powerline? Keep at least 10 metres clear, warn others and report it immediately on 000. Treat every fallen or low line as live.

Your electricity distributor is named on your bill. Energex: electrical emergencies 13 19 62, power outages 13 62 62. Ergon Energy: electrical emergencies 13 16 70, power outages 13 22 96.

After: flickering lights, a burning smell, a safety switch that won't stay on, or water in the switchboard – don't touch the board, leave it off and call a licensed electrician. Water-affected hard-wired gear like air-conditioners and stoves needs checking before it goes back on. Solar panels keep generating whenever there's light, so stay clear of damaged panels, batteries and isolators until they've been checked.

Storm damage assessments for insurers, fault finding and repairs across Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley and Somerset: 0407 705 917.

Ian Christopher Matthews — Licensed Queensland Electrical Contractor — Licence No. 1507486

21/09/2026

Not sure if we cover your area? Here's the short version.

I.C.M Electrician is a licensed Queensland electrical contractor based at Lockyer Waters, between Ipswich and Gatton. Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley (Gatton, Laidley, Plainland, Forest Hill, Grantham, Helidon, Withcott, Glenore Grove), Somerset (Fernvale, Lowood, Coominya, Esk, Toogoolawah), Minden and Marburg are regular territory. Brisbane for industrial and commercial work.

Homes and rural properties: fault finding, safety switches, smoke alarms, sheds, pumps, bores and generator changeovers. Commercial: fit-outs, lighting, switchboard upgrades, data cabling, maintenance and compliance testing. Industrial: switchboards, control panels, motor control, HV switching and hazardous-area work.

Written quotes with a clear scope. Mon–Fri 6.30am–3pm; weekends for genuine emergencies.

Call 0407 705 917 or www.icmelectric.com/request-a-quote

Ian Christopher Matthews — Licensed Queensland Electrical Contractor — Licence No. 1507486

13/09/2026

Queensland smoke alarm deadline: 1 January 2027

Selling, renting or re-renting a home? Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are already required – that rule has applied since 1 January 2022 and it is not a 2027 deadline. From 1 January 2027 the same standard applies to every other existing Queensland home, owner-occupied houses, townhouses and units included.

What compliant means (Queensland Fire Department): photoelectric alarms to AS 3786-2014, no ionisation alarms, less than 10 years old, in every bedroom, in hallways that connect bedrooms to the rest of the home and on every level, all interconnected so when one sounds they all sound. Interconnection can be wired or wireless.

Existing hardwired smoke alarms must be replaced with hardwired photoelectric alarms. Where battery-powered alarms are permitted, use compliant photoelectric alarms with a sealed, non-removable 10-year battery. All required alarms must be correctly located and interconnected. New construction and major renovations require hardwired alarms.

Not sure what you've got? We'll check what's there, tell you what actually needs replacing and do the hard-wired work with the test paperwork. Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley and Somerset – and the run into Christmas gets busy.

Call 0407 705 917 or www.icmelectric.com/request-a-quote

Ian Christopher Matthews — Licensed Queensland Electrical Contractor — Licence No. 1507486

23/07/2026

Power Surge or Storm Damage: What Queensland Homeowners Should Do Next

Queensland storms can bring lightning, strong winds, heavy rain and unexpected power interruptions. Even when a property appears undamaged, a storm or power surge can affect appliances, switchboards, wiring, solar systems and other electrical equipment.

Electrical surges are sudden increases in voltage. They may be caused by lightning, storms, accidents on the electricity network or even the switching of electrical equipment. A surge can damage anything connected through electrical or telecommunications wiring.

Knowing what to do after a storm can help protect your family, prevent further damage and make any insurance claim easier to support.

Signs of possible electrical storm damage

Electrical damage is not always immediately obvious. Warning signs may include:

safety switches or circuit breakers repeatedly tripping
lights flickering, dimming or becoming unusually bright
only part of the property having power
burning smells, buzzing or crackling sounds
discolored or warm power points
appliances that no longer operate correctly
damaged external wiring, meter boxes or switchboards
water entering electrical equipment
faults appearing in solar or battery systems

If your home has dull or flickering lights, low voltage or only a partial electricity supply, avoid touching the switchboard or metal fixtures. Where it can be done safely, switch off and unplug appliances and contact your electricity network provider.

Do not repeatedly reset a tripping safety switch

A safety switch that trips after a storm may be responding to water ingress, damaged wiring, a faulty appliance or another electrical fault.

Resetting it repeatedly without identifying the cause can expose people and equipment to unnecessary risk. Disconnect appliances from the affected circuit where this can be done safely, and arrange an inspection if the switch will not remain on.

Do not remove covers, open the switchboard or attempt your own electrical repairs.

Water-damaged equipment needs to be inspected

Electrical appliances and equipment that have been submerged, exposed to floodwater or visibly damaged should not be plugged back in until they have been assessed.

Queensland electrical-safety guidance advises that storm- or flood-affected switchboards, wiring, equipment and appliances should be tested by a licensed electrician before reconnection.

Equipment can remain dangerous even after it appears dry.

Be especially careful around solar and battery systems

Solar panels may continue generating electricity whenever exposed to light, even when the mains power supply has been disconnected.

After storm damage, stay clear of damaged panels, batteries, isolators and associated wiring. Queensland guidance recommends having a licensed electrician inspect the system before it is recommissioned or before clean-up work begins around the equipment.

Document the damage before repairs begin

Where it is safe to do so, photograph:

damaged appliances
tripped switches or fault indicators
damaged power points and fittings
water entry near electrical equipment
visible storm damage
model and serial numbers of affected appliances

Keep receipts, electrician invoices, assessment reports and correspondence with your electricity provider or insurer.

An electrical damage assessment can help establish what was tested, the condition of the installation, the faults identified and whether repair or replacement is recommended. However, the electrician determines the electrical findings; the insurer ultimately determines whether the loss is covered under the policy.

What an electrician may check

Depending on the reported damage, an electrical inspection may include:

the main switchboard and protective devices
safety-switch operation
insulation resistance of affected wiring
earthing and electrical continuity
damaged circuits and fittings
appliances connected during the incident
outdoor electrical equipment
solar and battery components
evidence of overheating, water ingress or surge damage

The aim is to identify unsafe equipment, restore reliable operation and provide clear findings about the work required.

When the situation is an emergency

Stay well away from fallen powerlines, damaged service lines or electrical equipment in contact with trees, fences, vehicles or water.

Call 000 where there is an immediate threat to life. Report fallen powerlines, electric shocks, tingling taps or network supply hazards to the relevant electricity network provider. Energex advises customers in its area to call 13 19 62 for life-threatening electrical emergencies and 13 62 62 for outages.

Need your property checked after a storm?

I.C.M Electrician can assist homeowners across Brisbane and the Lockyer Valley with fault finding, electrical safety inspections, repairs and documented electrical damage assessments.

Contact I.C.M Electrician before reconnecting or continuing to use electrical equipment that may have been affected by a storm, surge or water ingress.

https://www.icmelectric.com/blog/3291815_power-surge-or-storm-damage-what-queensland-homeowners-should-do-next

17/03/2026

🍀Happy St Patrick’s Day from the team🍀

Today we’re celebrating a bit of Irish luck, good mates, and the communities we’re proud to be part of across South East Queensland.

While we might not all be Irish, we can all appreciate a day that’s about good spirit, great people, and a bit of fun along the way.

Ádh mór ort (good luck to you) and may your day be filled with plenty of laughs and a touch of Irish cheer ☘️

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet one, a cold Guinness, or just getting through another busy workday, we hope luck is on your side today.
And remember… if something sparks today, make sure it’s only the celebrations 😉⚡

Sláinte! (cheers)
From our crew to yours

Happy St Patrick’s Day!
The I.C.M Team

07/03/2026

🔧 International Women’s Day Celebrating the Power Behind I.C.M 🔧

Today we recognise the incredible women who help keep our world moving, at home, in business, and across every industry.

At I.C.M, we’re lucky to have one of the best holding the fort.

Jaymie is the powerhouse behind the scenes, managing the office, keeping the wheels turning, and somehow still being an amazing mum to three energetic little legends (who definitely keep life interesting).

Running a growing business takes patience, organisation, resilience… and occasionally the ability to herd electricians like cats. Jaymie does it all

Today we celebrate the women who support businesses, families, and communities every single day.

Happy International Women’s Day to Jaymie and all the incredible women out there.

The Team at I.C.M

25/01/2026

If your safety switch keeps tripping, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t quite right with your electrical system. While it can be frustrating, a safety switch tripping is actually doing its job — protecting your family and home from electric shock or fire.