Hiring an electrician is easy. Hiring a good one takes a few minutes of checking first. If you are booking electrical work anywhere across Perth’s northern suburbs, here is what to look for before the job starts.
Check they are licensed
In Western Australia, all electrical work has to be done by a licensed electrician. There is no legal DIY option for wiring, switchboards, or power points. A business that contracts for electrical work also needs an Electrical Contractor’s Licence, and the number starts with the letters EC. A licensed contractor will have no problem showing you theirs.
Ask about safety switches
WA law requires at least two safety switches, also called RCDs, protecting the power and lighting circuits in a home. They have to be fitted before a property can be sold or rented, and older homes often have one or none. A good electrician will check yours as part of the visit and tell you plainly if you need more. Larger homes sometimes do, because each RCD can only cover a set number of circuits.
Make sure they cover the work you need
Not every electrician does every job. Common work across the northern suburbs includes switchboard upgrades, safety switch installation, extra power points, lighting, and increasingly, EV charger installation for homes with an electric car. If you also want security cameras or an alarm, it helps to use someone who does both, so you are not booking two trades for one visit.
Look for someone who works in your area
An electrician who regularly works across suburbs like Scarborough, Hillarys, Duncraig, Kingsley, Carine, Joondalup, Wanneroo and Clarkson already knows the common switchboard types and the age of the housing stock. That local knowledge means less time spent working out the problem and more time fixing it.
Get the quote and the certificate in writing
Ask for a written quote before the work starts, so there are no surprises on the invoice. After electrical work is done, a licensed contractor issues a compliance certificate. Keep it, because you will want it if you ever sell the property.
Booking an electrician in the northern suburbs
Cove Electrical and Security covers All of Perth for electrical work, security, and EV charger installation
