Types of Electrical Services in Australia (2026 Guide)
Whether you need a new power point installed, your switchboard upgraded, or a full house rewire, understanding the different types of electrical services helps you get the right tradesperson for the job — and know what to expect on pricing. This guide covers every common electrical service available from licensed electricians in Australia.
Electrical Service Categories
Most electricians specialise in one or more of these areas:
🏠
Residential
Home electrical work — power points, lighting, fans, switchboards, rewiring
🏢
Commercial
Office fit-outs, retail lighting, data cabling, three-phase power, emergency lighting
🚨
Emergency
24/7 call-outs for power outages, sparking outlets, tripped safety switches, electrical faults
☀️
Solar & EV
Solar panel installation, battery storage, EV charger installation, inverter replacement
📡
Data & Communications
Network cabling, TV antenna installation, phone point relocation, smart home wiring
Common Electrical Services — Detailed Breakdown
💡 General Power & Lighting
$80–$250 per pointInstallation, repair, and relocation of power points, light switches, and light fixtures.
Includes:
- ✓New power point installation
- ✓Light switch replacement
- ✓Downlight installation
- ✓Dimmer switch fitting
Tip: Bundling multiple power point installations into one visit saves on call-out fees.
⚡ Switchboard Upgrades
$800–$2,500Replacing old fuse boxes with modern safety switch (RCD) switchboards to meet current Australian standards.
Includes:
- ✓Old fuse box replacement
- ✓Safety switch (RCD) installation
- ✓Circuit breaker upgrades
- ✓Surge protection installation
Tip: If your home still has ceramic fuses, upgrading is essential for safety and may be required before selling.
🌀 Ceiling Fan Installation
$150–$400 per fanSupply and installation of ceiling fans, including wiring and mounting to existing or new locations.
Includes:
- ✓New ceiling fan fitting
- ✓Replacing existing fan
- ✓Adding fan speed controllers
- ✓Fan/light combo wiring
Tip: If the ceiling has no existing wiring, expect additional costs for running new cables.
🔍 Safety Inspections & Testing
$150–$500Comprehensive electrical safety inspections, smoke alarm testing, and compliance certificates.
Includes:
- ✓Pre-purchase electrical inspections
- ✓Rental property compliance checks
- ✓Smoke alarm installation & testing
- ✓Earth leakage testing
Tip: Landlords are legally required to ensure rental properties meet electrical safety standards in all states.
🔥 Hot Water System Electrical
$200–$600Electrical connections for hot water systems, including heat pump and electric storage units.
Includes:
- ✓Electric hot water system connection
- ✓Heat pump wiring
- ✓Off-peak tariff changeover
- ✓Thermostat replacement
Tip: Switching from off-peak to continuous tariff (or vice versa) requires an electrician to reconfigure your meter.
🏠 Full House Rewiring
$8,000–$20,000+Complete replacement of old wiring throughout a home — typically needed for houses 30+ years old.
Includes:
- ✓Full cable replacement
- ✓New switchboard installation
- ✓Updated power point and light circuits
- ✓Compliance with current AS/NZS 3000 standards
Tip: Rewiring is disruptive but essential for safety. Combine it with a renovation to reduce overall costs.
When Should You Call an Electrician?
Some situations are obvious, but others catch homeowners off guard. Call a licensed electrician if you experience any of these:
Flickering or dimming lights
Could indicate loose connections, overloaded circuits, or failing wiring.
Frequently tripping safety switches
May signal a fault in an appliance or the wiring itself — needs professional diagnosis.
Burning smell from outlets
A serious fire hazard. Turn off the circuit and call an electrician immediately.
Planning a renovation
Any renovation involving walls, kitchens, or bathrooms will need electrical work for compliance.
Buying or selling a home
An electrical inspection identifies safety issues and can be a condition of sale in some states.
Adding solar or an EV charger
Solar panels, batteries, and EV chargers all require licensed electrical installation.
5 Tips for Hiring an Electrician
- 1
Check their licence
Every state has a licensing authority. Verify your electrician holds a current licence before any work begins. Unlicensed work voids your insurance.
- 2
Get at least 3 quotes
Electrician rates vary significantly. Comparing quotes ensures you get a fair price. Use our free comparison tool to find affordable electricians near you.
- 3
Ask about call-out fees upfront
Call-out fees range from $50 to $120+. Some electricians include the first 30 minutes in the call-out fee; others charge it on top of the hourly rate.
- 4
Batch small jobs together
Need a power point added, a light replaced, and a smoke alarm tested? Doing them in one visit saves on call-out fees — often $50–$100.
- 5
Ask for a compliance certificate
For any significant work, your electrician should provide a Certificate of Compliance (or equivalent in your state). This proves the work meets Australian Standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of electrical services do electricians offer?
Electricians offer residential, commercial, and emergency services including power point installation, switchboard upgrades, ceiling fan fitting, safety inspections, rewiring, solar installation, EV charger installation, and data cabling.
How much does an electrician charge per hour in Australia?
Typical hourly rates are $70–$120 during business hours, plus a call-out fee of $50–$120. After-hours and emergency rates are higher at $100–$180+ per hour. Rates vary by location, with Sydney and Melbourne at the higher end.
Can I do my own electrical work in Australia?
No. All electrical work in Australia must be carried out by a licensed electrician. DIY electrical work is illegal, dangerous, and will void your home insurance. The only exception is changing a light bulb or plug on an appliance cord.
What is a call-out fee?
A call-out fee ($50–$120 typically) covers the electrician's travel to your property and sometimes the first 15–30 minutes of work. Always confirm whether it includes any labour time before booking.
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