There are some things that are simply never safe to do on your own. Anything involving an electrical current falls firmly into this camp, which is why you’ll need to hire a professional if you have any electrical repairs that need doing. Here’s what you need to know about electrical repair work and how to hire the right repairer for your needs.

Why hire an electrician?

Electricians are trained to undertake a wide range of work associated with the electrical systems in homes and commercial premises. Because of the safety aspect of electrical work, electricians must be licensed and registered with the relevant government body before they are able to operate. Due to the high prevalence of electrical items in the modern world, there is an increased need for one to consider the health and safety aspects of these systems.

Because there’s now more equipment and wiring in homes and businesses, any repairs to any aspect of your electrical system should only be undertaken by a licensed electrical contractor or electrician repairer. This can include any number of tasks, from a complete wiring of a new home, to replacement of power points and the installation of appliances or electrical equipment.

What are the most common reasons for hiring an electrical repairer?

There are all sorts of electrical issues that can arise in your home or workplace. Here are some of the most common reasons you might need to seek out the services of an electrical repairer:

• Electrical outages

Frequent power outages or the complete loss of electrical supply call for the expertise of an electrician. They will be able to spot the problem and resolve it safely to make sure you get uninterrupted access to your electricity.

• Faulty wiring

Ageing or damaged wiring can pose serious safety risks, including electrical fires. Electricians will be able to inspect, repair or replace wiring to the correct specifications.

• Circuit-breaker issues

Tripped circuit breakers or overloaded circuits can disrupt your power supply. Electricians will be able to overcome these issues and upgrade your electrical panel if necessary.

• Flickering lights

If lights in your home or office are constantly flickering or going dim unexpectedly, that might indicate wiring problems, or issues with the electrical system.

• Malfunctioning outlets

Overheating outlets and those that aren’t functioning properly can be dangerous. Electricians will be able to repair or replace outlets to prevent electrical shocks and fires.

• Electrical upgrades

Whether you need increased capacity, better safety or anything in between, many homeowners hire electricians to complete electrical system upgrades. This could involve installing energy-efficient lighting or adding new outlets after renovations.

• Appliance installation

Installing appliances, particularly those that require specialized electrical connections, such as ovens, air conditioning units or EV charging stations need an experienced electrician on-site.

• Home renovations

During home renovations or additions, electricians can make sure your electrical systems are expanded and modified to meet the property’s new demands.

• Security system installation

Electricians play a crucial role in installing security systems, including surveillance cameras, alarms, and access control systems.

• Electrical inspections

Regular electrical inspections can help identify any potential issues and ensure the safety and compliance of electrical systems in homes and commercial premises. Your hipages electrician will be able to conduct these inspections and recommend repairs or upgrades you might need.

Hiring a licensed and insured electrician repairer

Wondering why you need to verify that your electrician repairer is both licensed and insured? Here’s just a few reasons:

• Safety: Licensed electricians undergo rigorous training to build their competence in handling electrical systems safely. This training allows them to tackle problem areas and electrical hazards, such as fires, shocks and short circuits.
• Compliance: Licensed electricians understand all the relevant local building codes and regulations. This means their electrical work will be completed in accordance with the correct standards, preventing any legal complications and keeping your property safe while they work.
• Quality workmanship: Work carried out by licensed electricians is more likely to meet or exceed industry standards.
• Insurance coverage: Professional electricians will have liability insurance to protect you from any potential financial burdens in the event of an accident or property damage during repairs.
• Warranty preservation: Using an unlicensed electrician can void any warranties on electrical equipment and systems, whereas licensed professionals ensure warranty compliance. This could potentially save you money on future repairs or replacements.

Is there a difference between residential vs commercial electrical repairers?

Yes, there are notable differences between the two. Residential electricians mainly focus on electrical systems within homes and smaller residential properties. They are experts at installing, repairing and maintaining systems such as lighting, wiring, outlets, electrical panels and more.

On the other hand, commercial electrical repairers specialise in larger and more complex electrical systems found on commercial premises and industrial sites. These professionals are well-versed at handling higher voltage systems, three-phase electrical configurations and larger-scale equipment. They also have a deep understanding of commercial building codes and regulations, as well as the intricacies of safety and energy efficiency in commercial properties. Whether it’s ensuring proper lighting for a retail space or setting up intricate electrical systems in multi-storey office buildings, commercial electricians can handle the demanding requirements of larger clients.

Why is electrician safety so important?

First, electrical work inherently carries the risk of electrical shocks, fires and other life-threatening hazards. So ensuring the safety of both the electrician and the property's occupants is a top priority. Licensed and insured electricians are not only well-trained to manage these risks, but they are also equipped with the safety strategies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to stop accidents from happening in the first place.

Compliance with wiring regulations and standards (AS/NZS) is crucial for two primary reasons. Adhering to these regulations ensures that electrical installations and repairs meet the highest safety and performance standards. It guarantees that the work is done in a manner that reduces risks. Secondly, compliance with these standards is a legal requirement. Failure to meet these regulations can result in penalties, legal consequences and potential insurance issues. That’s why it’s so essential to only ever engage an electrician who is both licensed and insured.

Electrical safety to monitor

Keeping an eye out for potential electrical hazards will ensure your continued health and safety at home and work. So always look out for:

• Loose wiring
• Faulty sockets
• Exposed wiring
• Faulty appliances
• Overloaded sockets

Find a licensed electrician on hipages for any of these repairs you might need.

How much does it cost to hire an electrician repairer?

That really depends on the issue itself and the severity of any electrical problems. You will also be charged more for an emergency call-out fee after-hours compared to a standard booking.

According to Sydney North Shore Electrician, hiring an electrician repairer to install a new standard power outlet will range from $130 to $180 per outlet. For something that might take some time you will probably be charged an hourly rate, such as between $60 to $80 per hour for repairing a ceiling fan.

How to find a reputable local electrician repairer

If you’re ready to get an electrical issue fixes, you’ll find plenty of experienced electrician repairers on hipages. Make sure you get quotes from a few different places, and ask questions such as:

1. Are you a licensed electrician in Australia, and can you provide your license number for verification? (You can check this number in your state or territory’s directory, such as Service NSW.)
2. Do you have insurance coverage, including liability insurance, to protect against accidents or damage?
3. What type of electrical repair work do you specialise in?
4. Are you familiar with and compliant with the current Australian Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000) and other relevant regulations?
5. Do you charge a flat fee per job or an hourly rate? How much would this particular job cost?
6. Do you offer a warranty or guarantee for your electrical repair work, and what does it cover?
7. Are you available for emergency repairs if necessary?