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Electrical work is dangerous and highly regulated in Australia. Hiring the wrong electrician can result in safety hazards, failed inspections, and voided home insurance. Here are the 10 questions every homeowner should ask before hiring an electrician.

1. "What is your electrical licence number?"

This is non-negotiable. Every electrician in Australia must hold a valid electrical licence to perform electrical work. Ask for the number and verify it online:

• NSW: NSW Fair Trading (fairtrading.nsw.gov.au)
• VIC: Energy Safe Victoria (esv.vic.gov.au)
• QLD: Electrical Safety Office (worksafe.qld.gov.au)
• WA: EnergySafety (commerce.wa.gov.au)
• SA: Office of the Technical Regulator (sa.gov.au)

2. "Do you carry public liability insurance?"

A minimum of $5 million public liability insurance is standard for electricians. This protects you if the electrician accidentally damages your property during the work. Ask to see a Certificate of Currency — a legitimate electrician will have one readily available.

3. "Will you provide a compliance certificate?"

For most electrical work beyond changing a light bulb, the electrician must lodge a Certificate of Electrical Compliance (called different things in different states). This is a legal requirement — it certifies that the work meets Australian Standards and is safe.

4. "Can you provide a detailed, written quote?"

A professional quote should include:

• Scope of work (exactly what's being done)
• Materials list (brand and type of switches, GPOs, cables, etc.)
• Labour cost
• Callout fee (and whether it's deducted from the final bill)
• Compliance certificate cost
• GST (should be included if the electrician is GST-registered)
• Estimated timeline

Avoid electricians who only give verbal quotes or a single number without breakdown.

5. "What's your callout fee policy?"

Most electricians charge a callout fee ($80–$120 for metro areas). Ask:

• Is the callout fee waived if I proceed with the work?
• Is there a minimum charge (e.g., 1 hour)?
• What's the after-hours surcharge?

Understanding the fee structure upfront prevents bill shock.

6. "How long will the work take?"

A good electrician can estimate the job duration based on your description and any photos you provide. This helps you plan around the work, especially if power will be switched off during the job.

For common jobs:

• Extra powerpoint: 30–60 minutes
• Switchboard upgrade: 4–8 hours
• Full house rewire: 3–5 days

7. "What warranty do you offer?"

Ask about:

• Workmanship warranty: Typically 12 months. Covers any issues caused by the installation itself.
• Materials warranty: Manufacturer's warranty on switches, GPOs, and other components. Usually 1–5 years.

Get the warranty in writing as part of the quote or invoice.

8. "Do you have experience with this type of work?"

Electrical work spans a wide range — from simple powerpoint installs to complex switchboard upgrades, EV charger installations, and solar system connections. Ask the electrician whether they have specific experience with your type of job, especially for:

• Switchboard upgrades (older homes with ceramic fuses)
• EV charger installations (requires specific training)
• Solar system connections (CEC accreditation preferred)
• Three-phase power work
• Commercial or industrial electrical work

9. "Can you provide references or reviews?"

A reputable electrician should be able to provide:

• Google Reviews (look for 4.5+ stars with 20+ reviews)
• References from recent customers
• Photos of previous work (especially for larger jobs)

If they have no online presence and can't provide references, consider this a warning sign.

10. "Will you need to turn off power during the work?"

This is a practical question that helps you plan your day. For many jobs, the power will need to be off for some or all of the work. Ask:

• How long will the power be off?
• Can you work on one circuit at a time (so some power stays on)?
• Will I need to be home during the work?

Bonus: When to Get Multiple Quotes

For jobs under $500 (single powerpoint, light switch), one quote from a trusted electrician is usually fine. For jobs over $500, always get 3 quotes to compare pricing and approach. For major jobs (switchboard upgrade, rewire, EV charger), 3 quotes are essential.