Hiring Help

Finding a licensed electrician

Electrical work is not a do it yourself job. This page explains how to find a licensed electrician, what to check before you book, and why you should always confirm the licence yourself.

Before You Start

This guide does not carry out electrical work

3 Phase Power Guide is a consumer information resource. We do not carry out electrical work, we do not give quotes, and we cannot assess your property or tell you what your installation needs.

Everything on this site is general information to help you understand three phase power and ask better questions. When it comes to the actual work, you need to contact a licensed electrician directly. They are the only people who can inspect your switchboard, check your supply capacity and give you a quote for your property.

We also do not recommend one business over another, and we cannot verify the work of any electrician you speak to. That is your job, and the steps below show you how.

The Important Bit

Check the licence with the regulator

In Australia, electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician, and the business doing the work should hold an electrical contractor licence. Licence numbers and registers are managed by state and territory regulators, so the check looks slightly different depending on where you live.

  • Ask for the electrical contractor licence numberThe person or business quoting for the work should be able to give you their contractor licence number straight away. If they cannot, that is a red flag.
  • Look up that number with your state or territory regulatorEach state and territory has its own electrical regulator and public licence register. Search the number there and confirm the licence is current and covers the type of work you need.
  • Check the name matchesThe name on the licence should match the business quoting you. If a subcontractor is being sent, ask about their licence too.
  • Ask about insuranceAsk for a certificate of currency for public liability insurance and, where relevant, workers compensation cover for anyone on site.
  • Get the quote and scope in writingA written quote that itemises the work makes it much easier to compare electricians and to sort out any disputes later.
  • Ask about certificates of electrical safetyMost states and territories require a compliance certificate or certificate of electrical safety for the work carried out. Ask who lodges it and make sure you receive your copy.
On The Phone

Questions worth asking any electrician

Are you licensed for this work?

Ask for the contractor licence number and note it down. Then check it with your state or territory regulator before you book anything in.

Have you done this before?

Three phase upgrades, switchboard replacements and air conditioning installs all need different experience. Ask how many similar jobs they have completed.

What is included in the quote?

Ask whether the quote covers supply authority fees, metering changes, certificates and any make good work, not just the electrical labour.

Example

What a local electrician looks like

Most people start by searching for an electrician in their own city or suburb. As one example of a local business offering this type of work, you can look at 3 phase power upgrade brisbane.

Whoever you look at, treat it as a starting point only. Check the licence number with your state or territory regulator, compare a few quotes, and make your own decision about who to hire.

Common Questions

Questions about hiring an electrician

Can this guide quote me for a three phase upgrade?

No. We do not carry out electrical work and we do not give quotes. Only a licensed electrician who has inspected your property can quote for the work.

How do I know if an electrician is licensed?

Ask for their electrical contractor licence number, then look it up with the electrical regulator in your state or territory. Every jurisdiction keeps a public register you can search.

Do I need an electrician or can I do the work myself?

Electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. Unlicensed work is illegal, can void your insurance, and puts you and your household at real risk.

What if I cannot find the licence number in the register?

Stop and ask the business to clarify. If they cannot point to a current licence that matches their name, look elsewhere.

Who regulates electricians in Australia?

It depends on where you live. Each state and territory has its own electrical safety regulator and licence register, so search for the one covering your address.