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When to call an electrician for home jobs and repairs
Unlicensed electrical work can jeopardise the wellbeing and safety of everyone in your household. It is essential to hire a professional and licensed electrician for these common household tasks.
Whether you’re attempting a small weekend DIY job or committing to a major renovation, it can be tempting to save money around the house by doing the work yourself.
But when it comes to electrical work you should always hire a licensed, qualified electrician.
Kieran Davies, Head of Trades for RACV, says that generally anything beyond changing a lightbulb, flipping a switch or plugging in a plug will require a licensed electrician.
“Attempting your own electrical work poses a serious risk to your health and endangers your family or any other person in your home now and into the future,” Davies says.
“Electrical shocks and fire are the biggest risks, but you can also damage appliances and be up for future costs to rectify bad or unlicensed work.”
More: Guide to home fire safety and hazard prevention
In this article
Reasons you should call an electrician
Smoke alarms
Smoke alarms are compulsory in all Victorian residential buildings and should be located between the sleeping areas and the rest of the home (meaning they’re usually located in a hallway outside the bedrooms).
If your home was built after August 1997 it is a requirement that your smoke alarms are connected to 240-volt mains power. Homes built after May 2014 must also have all smoke alarms interconnected (where a home has multiple alarms) in addition to being wired to the main power.
If you need mains-powered smoke alarms replaced, additional alarms installed, or multiple alarms interconnected, you will need to hire an electrician to do so.
More: 10 home maintenance jobs to tackle in autumn
Lights
Replacing your existing lights can not only give your home a fresh new look, but if you opt for energy efficient lightbulbs you can save on your energy bills too.
LED lights and lightbulbs use the least amount of energy per hour and typically last the longest too.
While some light fittings can simply swap in halogen or incandescent bulbs for LEDs, more complex light fittings, such as many downlights, will require a licensed electrician. You'll also need an electrician if you're installing brand new fittings.
Changing a light fitting, and any task that involves handling electrical wires, should be carried out by a licensed electrician.
Heating and cooling
Reverse-cycle or split-system air conditioning units are some of the most energy efficient heatings and cooling systems available.
To ensure they remain as energy efficient as possible, it’s important to have them serviced annually, especially prior to their peak usage period.
These services should be conducted by a qualified electrician familiar with air-conditioning units. However, while services must be conducted by a professional, homeowners can still take steps to keep their air conditioners working well, including cleaning the filter regularly and not running the unit too hot in winter or too cold in summer.
More: The best air conditioners and fans.
Swapping from gas to electricity
An increasing number of households in Australia are swapping their homes from gas to electricity. This process involves switching gas appliances and fittings over to electric alternatives such as induction cooktops, split-systems and heat pump hot water systems.
There are many benefits to transitioning to an all-electric household, including reduced energy bills. Switching over is a two-fold process – you’ll need a gas plumber to disconnect your gas fittings and then an electrician to install the new electric appliances.
Keep your reverse-cycle air conditioner in top shape by having it serviced regularly.
Switchboard issues
If you notice your lights flickering regularly, warm power outlets, or even a buzzing noise, then it’s imperative you call an electrician to visit your property as soon as possible. These signs can indicate an issue with your main switchboard. Unsafe switchboards can lead to fire, electric shock and potentially death.
Even if you know how to deal with a tripped fuse, if it happens more than once you need to call an electrician, who can check your safety switches and upgrade your switchboard, if necessary.
Electrical safety checks
Since March 2021, rental providers in Victoria have been required to carry out electrical safety checks at least every two years. This involves having all electrical fittings and installations examined within the rental property.
These electrical safety checks must be carried out by a licensed electrician and the date of the last electrical safety check must be disclosed to tenants before they enter into a rental agreement.
Electrical safety checks can also be utilised by owner-occupied homes too, especially if you've moved into a new property or are unsure of the state of the electrical wiring and appliances in your home.
If you have a DIY renovation project, always include a licensed electrician in your budget for installing new electrical appliances.
Renovations involving electrical appliances or wiring
Updating your kitchen or bathroom are some of the most popular home renovations. While homeowners may wish to undertake some DIY tasks, such as removing tiles, dismantling kitchen cabinets, and painting walls and cabinetry, all electrical works need to be done by a licensed electrician.
This could involve installing a new appliance or rewiring a room. If you’re planning to knock down a wall, use a stud detector to check for electrical wires behind the wall and call an electrician before demolishing a wall. Also be aware that in Victoria removing a load-bearing wall requires a building permit and should be undertaken by a licensed builder.
The Victorian Building Authority advises Victorians who are considering building work on their property to ask their local council if they need a building permit or planning permit.
Adding more power points
It’s important that your home has an adequate number of power points for the number of devices used. Overloaded power outlets present a major fire hazard.
If you find yourself regularly using double adapters, extension cords or power boards, consider instead hiring an electrician to install more power points, which is the safest option.
RACV Trades is a trading name of RACV's trade partner, Club Home Response Pty Ltd (Victorian registered domestic building practitioner number CDB-U 100178). All works are performed or arranged by Club Home Response Pty Ltd. trading as RACV Trades. Read the RACV Trades Terms and Conditions.
