How To Choose A Good Electrician

Before hiring an electrician, check that they hold a current electrical licence. If they operate their own business, check that they also hold an electrical contractor licence. Confirm they have public liability insurance and experience with the type of work you need. Ask for a written quote with a clear breakdown of costs before work begins, and a Certificate of Electrical Compliance when the job is complete.

Why Getting This Right Matters

Electrical work can be dangerous, so it must follow strict rules across Australia. Poor or unlicensed work can cause electric shock, fire or damage to your home. It may also affect your home insurance or cause problems during a building inspection when you sell.

Household electricity is strong enough to cause serious injury or death. That’s why most electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. You can do simple tasks such as changing light bulbs, replacing smoke alarm batteries and testing safety switches.

Taking time to check an electrician’s licence and experience can help keep your home safe and prevent costly repairs later.

1. Check Their Licence

Checking the electrician’s licence is the most important first step.

What To Look For

• Electricians must hold a current state electrical licence to work on fixed wiring, even for a small job.
• If an electrician runs their own business, they also need an Electrical Contractor Licence, sometimes called a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) licence. This is separate from their personal licence.
• The contractor’s licence number should appear on their advertising, quotes and invoices.
• Ask for both licence numbers and check that they are current on your state’s public register.

State-By-State Verification

• Queensland: Check the Electrical Worker Licence and Electrical Contractor Licence through WorkSafe Queensland’s electrical licence search.
• Western Australia: Check the Electrical Contractor’s Licence (EC number) through Building and Energy WA’s licence search.
• Victoria: Check the Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) licence through Energy Safe Victoria’s public register.
• New South Wales: Check the electrical licence or certificate through NSW Fair Trading. For work on service mains or the electricity network, also check the official Accredited Service Provider (ASP) list for Level 2 accreditation.

Apprentices And Supervision

Apprentices must work under the supervision of a licensed electrician. They cannot do electrical work on their own. You can ask who will be doing the work at your home: a licensed electrician, another qualified worker or an apprentice working under supervision.

Industry Body Membership

You can also check whether the electrician belongs to a recognised industry group, such as Master Electricians Australia. Membership can give you extra confidence, as members may have their work and safety practices checked.

2. Confirm Insurance

• Check that the electrician has current public liability insurance. It may cover accidental damage to your property during the job.
• Ask for a Certificate of Currency to confirm the insurance is active.
• If they cannot show proof of insurance, find out what protection you would have if something goes wrong.

3. Match Their Experience To The Job

Electricians can be licensed but still have different areas of experience. Before hiring one, check that they have done the type of work you need.

Common Categories

• Domestic or residential electrician: Works on homes, including repairs, lighting, fans, power points and switchboard upgrades.
• Commercial or industrial electrician: Works on shops, offices, factories and larger electrical systems, such as three-phase power and machinery.
• ASP Level 2 electrician (NSW): Has extra accreditation for certain work that connects a property to the electricity network. (NSW Climate and Energy Action)
• Solar and battery electrician: Has experience installing solar panels or batteries. If your solar installation needs to qualify for government certificates, ask whether the installer has the required accreditation.
• Rental property electrician: Knows the electrical safety rules that apply to rental homes in your state.

Tell the electrician what work you need done and ask whether they have experience with that type of job.

Questions Worth Asking

• Have you done this type of job recently?
• How long have you been in business, and what work have you done before?
• Who will come to my property and do the work?

4. Get A Detailed, Written Quote

• Get a written, itemised quote before work starts. It should list the work, materials, labour costs and expected timeframe.
• Ask about extra charges, such as call-out fees and after-hours rates. Check whether the electrician charges by the hour or offers a fixed price.
• Compare a few quotes, but look at more than the price. Check what each quote includes and whether the electrician has the right experience.
• Agree to the quote before work begins so you know what you are paying for.

5. Ask About Warranties And Guarantees

A reliable electrician should explain what support you’ll get after the job. Ask about:

• A workmanship guarantee for problems caused by how the work was done.
• Manufacturer warranties for the parts and materials used. Check that the products meet Australian standards.
• A clear service policy explaining who to contact and what happens if a problem appears later.

Under Australian consumer law, you may be entitled to have faulty work fixed at no extra cost.

6. Check Reviews, References And Reputation

• Ask friends, family or your builder to recommend an electrician they trust.
• Read Google reviews and customer comments. Look for reviews about the type of work you need, such as finding a fault, servicing smoke alarms or installing an air conditioner.
• Look for a pattern across several detailed reviews. They can give you a better idea of what to expect than a single rating.

7. Confirm They’ll Provide A Certificate Of Electrical Compliance

In Queensland, the electrical contractor must give you a certificate after completing the job. For work on your home’s wiring, this is called a Certificate of Testing and Compliance. It confirms that the affected installation has been tested and meets the relevant safety requirements. For work on electrical equipment, the document is called a Certificate of Testing and Safety.

Ask about the certificate before work begins. If the electrician says they will not provide the certificate required for your job, treat that as a warning sign. Queensland electrical installation work must also follow the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000).

8. Know What You’re Legally Allowed to Do Yourself

You can change light bulbs, use appliances as intended and, in most states, replace smoke alarm batteries and test safety switches. Work on your home’s wiring must be done by a licensed electrician. Doing it yourself is dangerous and can cause electric shock or fire. It may also cause problems with your insurance or safety paperwork.

Red Flags To Watch For

Watch for these warning signs when choosing an electrician:

• They won’t give you their licence number.
• They can’t show proof of current public liability insurance.
• They won’t provide a written quote or pressure you to start work before you agree to one.
• Their quote is much cheaper than the others but doesn’t explain what’s included.
• You can’t find reliable business contact details.
• They won’t provide the required certificate after the work is done. In Queensland, this is usually a Certificate of Testing and Compliance for work on your home’s wiring.

Conclusion

Take time to choose the right electrician. Their work affects your safety and how well your home’s electrical system works.

Before hiring someone, check their electrical licence and, if they run the business, their Electrical Contractor Licence. Confirm their insurance, ask about similar jobs they’ve done, get a written quote and read customer reviews. Ask about warranties and the certificate you’ll receive when the work is finished.

In Queensland, electrical installation work requires a Certificate of Testing and Compliance. ALLEC Electrical Solutions follows these steps as part of its standard service.

FAQ

How Do I Check If An Electrician Is Licensed In My State?

Each state has a free website where you can check an electrician’s licence. Search using their name or licence number:

• Queensland: WorkSafe Queensland
• Western Australia: Building and Energy
• Victoria: Energy Safe Victoria
• New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading. For certain work connecting a property to the electricity network, also check the ASP list.

What’s The Difference Between An Electrician’s Licence And a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) Licence?

An electrician’s licence shows that the person is qualified to do electrical work. An Electrical Contractor Licence applies to the business. It shows that the business is allowed to offer electrical services and is responsible for the work it takes on.

Is it illegal to do electrical work myself in Australia?

Yes. You can do simple tasks like changing light bulbs and using appliances as intended. In most states, you can also change smoke alarm batteries and test safety switches. Other electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician.

What is a Certificate of Electrical Compliance?

It’s a document the electrician gives you after finishing the job. It shows that the work has been tested and meets the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000). Keep it with your home records, as it may be useful if you make an insurance claim or sell your home.

How Much Does Hiring An Electrician Cost?

The cost depends on the work, the materials needed and how long the job takes. Ask for a detailed written quote and check for extra costs, such as call-out fees or after-hours rates. Compare what each quote includes before choosing an electrician.

What Insurance Should My Electrician Have?

Ask whether the electrician has current public liability insurance, which can cover accidental damage during the job. You can ask to see a Certificate of Currency to check that the policy is active. Some states set a minimum level of cover for electrical contractors.

Can An Apprentice Do Electrical Work On My Property?

An apprentice can do electrical work only while supervised by a licensed electrician. They should not work alone, even on a small or cheap job.

You can check licence details through your state’s regulator:

• Queensland: WorkSafe Queensland
• Western Australia: Building and Energy
• Victoria: Energy Safe Victoria