A Day in the Life of a Local Sparky – Winter Edition
Winter in Geelong can be pretty unpredictable, but that’s what makes being an electrician so interesting. Whether it’s fixing a faulty heater or ensuring safety switches are up to scratch, there’s always something to keep us busy. Here’s a look at what a typical winter day looks like for me at Boys Light Up Electrical.
Morning Check-In
The day starts early with a hot coffee to shake off the chill – and usually a bit of chaos from my two toddlers, Oliver and Brody, who are already bouncing around the house. Once I’ve managed to get them sorted, it’s time to dive into the day’s first job. At this time of year, I get a lot of calls for safety switch checks. With the colder weather settling in, it’s the perfect reminder to make sure your electrical systems are in good shape, especially with all the extra appliances running.
The First Job of the Day
My first job might be something like checking the heating system for a home that’s not warming up properly. Geelong winters can get pretty cold, so making sure your heater is running efficiently is key. I might also be doing an air conditioning service to ensure it’s still working well in case the weather warms up unexpectedly.
Lunch Break – A Chance to Warm Up
By lunchtime, it’s time for a quick break. I try to spend a bit of time with CJ and the boys, even if it’s just a quick walk down to the Barwon River with Maple, who’s always up for a stroll. Winter’s the best time to appreciate how nice it is to get out of the cold and back into a warm house.
Afternoon Hustle
The afternoon is when things usually get a bit more hands-on. Old wiring and electrical systems in Geelong homes can struggle in the colder months, so I might spend the afternoon fixing or upgrading systems to keep everything running smoothly. Lately, we’ve been doing a lot of switchboard upgrades, which is always reassuring because it’s about keeping families safe from potential electrical faults.
One of the most rewarding parts of the job is preventing future problems. Like when I recently upgraded a switchboard and found a safety hazard hiding in an old light fitting. It’s those types of issues that make me appreciate the work I do – fixing things before they become a problem.
Wrap Up the Day
By the end of the day, it’s time to check in with the team and make sure everything’s ready for tomorrow’s jobs. Winter often means working a bit later as people call in with issues they’ve noticed now that they’re using their heating systems more, but it’s always satisfying knowing I’ve helped make homes a little warmer and safer.
And that's a typical winter day for me – a mix of fixing heating, keeping safety switches up to date, and making sure everyone’s home is ready for the cold nights ahead. With two toddlers running around and plenty of cuppas to keep me going, there’s never a dull moment. That’s what makes every day exciting!