How to Choose an Electrician

Where do I start?

You type “electrician near me” into Google, and hundreds of options pop up in seconds. But how do you know if the electrician you pick will get the job done right? And, most importantly, how can you be sure the work will be safe?

Here are the essential things to check before any electrician starts work on your property:

1. Do they have the correct Business Registration and Licenses?

It’s not just about the electrician's qualifications; it’s about your safety. As the homeowner or business owner, you must ensure that any tradesperson working at your property is properly registered and licensed. This not only guarantees their competence but also ensures that the work will meet safety standards.

In Victoria, electricians must be licensed by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) as a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC). This license is required by law under Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018. Before work begins, ask for your electrician’s REC license. This serves as proof of their qualifications and provides you with options if something goes wrong.

Don't worry; verifying an electrician's license is easier than you think. You can simply search the Public Register of RECs to confirm the license of any electrician before you even contact them.

You can also cut out the middleman and search the Public Register of RECs before contacting any tradie to ensure they are already licenced. 

What insurance should my electrician have? 

Your chosen electrician should be registered and licensed and have the relevant insurance. This ensures your protection and peace of mind should any unforeseen circumstances arise. 

Electrical contractors must have current public liability insurance against personal injury and property damage to hold a valid REC licence in Victoria. The minimum coverage of this public liability insurance is $5 million. 

At TNG Electrical, we have $10 million in public liability coverage, double the minimum requirement to provide comprehensive protection for our clients. 

Should my electrician have any specific training?

Rest assured, all licensed electricians in Victoria have undergone comprehensive training. Look for a Certificate III in Electrotechnology, which includes a rigorous four-year apprenticeship. 

When they have completed their apprenticeship, Victorian electricians will pass a final test, after which they will be fully qualified A-grade electricians. 

A-grade qualified electricians will have a silver card to prove they have passed all relevant tests. 

What you should get from your electrician

Whenever a licensed electrician completes any electrical installation work in Victoria, they must provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES). This document is a crucial assurance of the work's quality and safety. 

COES are only available from qualified electrical workers registered or licensed by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV). 

As such, a Certificate of Electrical Safety assures that the work has been done by an appropriately qualified person and carried out by the high standards demanded by the ESV. 

The work completed is also subject to audit to ensure it complies with the standards set by ESV.

This is what an average Certificate of Electrical Safety will look like.

Final quotes provided before work commences that are easy to understand 

‍Before electrical contractors begin work, it is essential to understand exactly what work is being done and how much it will cost. 

‍Ensure your electrician provides a final quote outlining everything that will be included in the job and that you understand the cost breakdown—whether they charge by the hour or use flat rate pricing. 

Allowing tradespeople to begin working before you have been presented with a final quote to sign off on (constituting a contract between yourself and the technician) can leave you vulnerable to unforeseen additional costs. These costs could significantly increase the project’s overall expense, making it crucial to clearly understand the final quote before work begins. 

Never do your electrical work

Electrical DIY is illegal in Victoria. It can also be deadly. 

‍The average voltage flowing through a wire in Australia is approximately 220 - 240 volts. Incorrect exposure to this voltage is no joke. It can cause serious injury, property damage and, in some cases, death. 

‍Therefore, electrical DIY in any capacity (beyond changing the batteries in your smoke alarms and light bulbs and testing your safety switches) is not permitted. 

‍You must engage a registered electrical contractor (REC) for all electrical work. 

‍Check the Public Register of RECs before contacting any tradie to ensure they are already licenced. 

‍Or make it even easier on yourself and contact us today to book your electrical work!

Who to contact if there are problems with your electrician

The first thing to remember is that if the electrician you are considering hiring doesn’t meet any of the above criteria, think twice before hiring them. 

‍If your electrical contractor does not show you their licence or does not issue you with a Certificate of Electrical Safety upon request, contact Energy Safe Victoria immediately.‍

Book a fully qualified, licensed and insured electrician today!

We comply with all Victorian laws and regulations at TNG Electrical and are Registered Electrical Contractors. 

Our team at TNG Electrical is comprised of both A-grade electricians and apprentices. They receive the highest-quality training as they assist our fully qualified technicians, ensuring you receive the best service possible. 

With TNG Electrical, you can get high-quality, safe electrical work. Contact us today and book one of our highly skilled technicians for your peace of mind.