Faulty wiring is one of the most significant fire hazards. Wiring problems can also cause electric shocks or, worse, electrocution. Hiring a qualified electrician to handle all electrical work around the house is crucial to keep your home's electrical running smoothly.
Licensing Requirements
Tradies who wish to carry out electrical work in Australia and New Zealand are required to obtain an electrical contractor licence. To become professional electricians, they must undergo extensive electrical apprenticeship and continuous education to keep up with the changing technology.
Each state or territory has an electrical licensing body determining the applicant’s requirements, forms and fees. The licensing bodies are responsible for the electrical safety regulations in their jurisdictions.
Reasons for hiring an electrician
- Stay safe. Due to the high risk associated with electrical work, it is imperative to hire a licensed electrician to handle all electrical jobs, such as installations and repairs.
- Save money in the long run. Hiring an amateur may lead to fires that can burn down everything you own. It can even cause injuries, which result in hospital bills and prolonged absence from work.
- Protect your appliances and gadgets. Faulty circuits can carry excessive voltage or cause electricity to fluctuate, causing damage to your appliances and electrical devices.
- They know what they are doing. Having undergone apprenticeship and certifications, they can troubleshoot and fix things correctly the first time. Plus, you feel more at ease knowing that the installation and repairs are handled correctly.
What to look for in an electrician
It would be best if you were careful when choosing an electrician. Here are some simple tips to help you hire the right person for the job.
- Check their credentials. A professional electrician should have a licence to practice in your area. Having a licence means that they meet all the requirements set forth by the electrical licensing body in your state or territory.
- Make sure they have insurance. Accidents happen even to the best of us. You need to hire a licensed and insured electrician to ensure you are protected.
- Compare costs. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with shopping around. Before hiring a tradie, ensure you have a copy of the written quote stating your agreed-upon price.
- Ask for references. Even though posting online reviews is becoming the trend, electricians will happily accommodate your request for references.
- Choose quality. Resist the urge to go with the lowest bidder automatically. Consider their credentials and references before hiring an electrician.
Make sure you and your family are safe. Hire a licensed electrician. If you need electrical repairs, you can post a job and get electrician quotes within the day.