When it comes to electrical work, safety and quality are paramount. Whether you’re planning a home renovation, upgrading your lighting, or fixing faulty wiring, choosing the right electrician can make all the difference. In Australia, electrical work is tightly regulated to ensure safety and compliance with national standards — so hiring an unqualified or unlicensed electrician could cost you dearly in repairs, safety hazards, or even legal issues.
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a detailed checklist for hiring an electrician in Australia, ensuring your project runs smoothly and safely from start to finish.
13 Checklist for Hiring an Electrician
1. Verify Licensing and Qualifications
The very first step when hiring an electrician in Australia is to confirm that they hold a valid electrical licence. Every state and territory requires electricians to be licensed, and this licence demonstrates that they’ve undergone proper training and have the skills to perform electrical work safely and legally.
You can check an electrician’s licence through your state’s electrical authority website. For example:
- NSW: Fair Trading NSW Licence Check
- VIC: Energy Safe Victoria Licence Search
- QLD: Electrical Safety Office Register
- WA: EnergySafety WA Register
Always ask for their licence number and verify it online. Never assume someone is qualified simply because they have experience — only a licensed electrician can legally carry out electrical work in Australia.
2. Ensure They Have Proper Insurance
Electrical work carries inherent risks. That’s why your electrician must have adequate insurance coverage. At a minimum, they should have:
- Public liability insurance to cover potential damage to your property or injuries to others.
- Workers’ compensation insurance (if they employ staff) to protect workers on your site.
Ask for proof of insurance before any work begins. A professional electrician won’t hesitate to show you their insurance certificates. This simple check protects you from liability if something goes wrong during the job.
3. Check for Experience and Specialisation
Not all electricians are the same. Some specialise in residential wiring and lighting, while others focus on industrial, commercial, or maintenance work. When hiring, look for an electrician with experience relevant to your project.
For instance:
- Residential electricians are ideal for home wiring, lighting installations, switchboard upgrades, and energy-efficient upgrades.
- Commercial electricians handle complex systems in offices, retail shops, and larger buildings, including data cabling and power distribution.
- Industrial electricians are trained for heavy-duty machinery, control systems, and high-voltage installations.
If you’re hiring for a specialised task — like installing solar panels, EV charging stations, or smart home systems — make sure the electrician has proven experience in that specific field.
4. Ask for References or Reviews
One of the best indicators of an electrician’s reliability is their reputation. Ask for references from past clients or check online reviews on Google, social media, or trade platforms like Hipages or ServiceSeeking.
Pay attention to feedback about:
- Punctuality and professionalism
- Quality of workmanship
- Transparency in pricing
- Communication and follow-up support
A reputable electrician will often have a portfolio or testimonials they can share. Don’t hesitate to ask — trustworthy professionals are proud to showcase their track record.
5. Request a Detailed Written Quote
Before any work begins, get a detailed quote in writing. Avoid verbal estimates or vague numbers that can lead to confusion or disputes later. A good quote should include:
- Breakdown of labour and materials
- Call-out fees (if any)
- Estimated time to complete the job
- Warranty terms on parts and labour
Compare quotes from at least two or three electricians to get a fair idea of pricing. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best — quality workmanship and safety are worth paying for.
6. Check for Compliance with Australian Standards
All electrical work in Australia must comply with the AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules (also known as the Australian/New Zealand Electrical Wiring Standards). These rules cover safety, installation, and maintenance requirements for all electrical systems.
When hiring, confirm that your electrician follows these standards and provides a Certificate of Compliance after completing the job. This certificate proves that the work meets national safety and quality regulations.
If your electrician cannot provide this document, that’s a red flag — it means the work may not be certified or legally compliant.
7. Evaluate Their Communication and Professionalism
A good electrician is not just technically skilled but also professional and easy to work with. Pay attention to how they communicate during your initial interaction.
Ask yourself:
- Do they respond promptly to calls or emails?
- Are they clear when explaining the work process or costs?
- Do they arrive on time for inspections or consultations?
Professional electricians respect your time, provide honest advice, and are transparent about pricing and timelines. Poor communication early on can be a sign of future frustrations, so choose someone who makes the process clear and stress-free.
8. Ask About Warranties and Guarantees
Reputable electricians stand by their work. Always ask if they provide a warranty or guarantee on the services performed. Most professional electricians offer at least a 12-month warranty on labour, along with manufacturer warranties for installed parts or equipment.
Having a warranty gives you peace of mind that if something goes wrong shortly after the work is completed, it will be fixed without additional costs.
9. Consider Availability and Response Time
Electrical emergencies can happen anytime — from a sudden power outage to sparking outlets. If you’re hiring an electrician for ongoing maintenance or property management, consider their availability and response time.
Ask whether they offer 24/7 emergency services or after-hours support. Quick response can prevent minor issues from becoming major hazards, especially in commercial or industrial environments where downtime can be costly.
10. Confirm Safety Procedures
Safety should always be a top priority. A qualified electrician will follow strict safety protocols, including:
- Turning off power at the main switch before work begins
- Using insulated tools and safety gear
- Following lockout/tagout procedures for industrial work
They should also conduct a safety inspection after completing the job to ensure all circuits and components are functioning correctly. If your electrician seems careless or dismissive about safety, it’s best to look elsewhere.
11. Look for Local Electricians
While you might find electricians from all over Australia online, it’s often better to hire someone local. Local electricians can respond faster, understand regional regulations, and often provide better after-service support.
For example, if you’re based in Sydney, hiring a Sydney-based electrician ensures they’re familiar with local council requirements and energy codes. They can also reach you quickly for maintenance or emergency repairs, saving you time and hassle.
12. Don’t Forget About Permits
Some types of electrical work — especially major installations or rewiring — require permits or notification to local authorities. Professional electricians will handle this process for you and ensure that all required documentation is submitted correctly.
Before hiring, ask your electrician if your project requires a permit and how they plan to manage it. This extra step ensures your project complies with both national and local regulations.
13. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts when hiring. If something feels off — whether it’s unclear communication, reluctance to provide credentials, or a quote that seems too good to be true — walk away. Electrical work is too critical to leave in untrustworthy hands.
Go with an electrician who is transparent, experienced, and genuinely interested in delivering a safe, high-quality job.
Final Thoughts
Hiring the right electrician in Australia is about more than just finding someone who can “get the job done.” It’s about choosing a qualified, licensed, and insured professional who values safety, communication, and customer satisfaction. By following this checklist, you can confidently select an electrician who meets all legal requirements and provides peace of mind long after the work is complete.
If you’re in Sydney and looking for a trusted, experienced, and fully licensed electrical team, Reds Power Solutions in Sydney offers professional residential, commercial, and industrial electrical services. From small repairs to major installations, their qualified electricians deliver reliable solutions with safety and quality at the forefront of every job.