In Australia, electrical work is heavily regulated for good reason — faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires, and electrocution kills people every year. As a result, almost all electrical work beyond changing a light bulb requires a licensed electrician.
Performing or arranging unlicensed electrical work in Australia is illegal and can void your home insurance, result in significant fines, and put lives at risk.
There are a small number of low-risk tasks most Australian homeowners can do without an electrician:
⚠️ Even if something seems simple — like replacing a power point — it's classified as "electrical wiring work" in most states and must be done by a licensed electrician.
You may see electricians advertising as "Level 2 Accredited Service Providers." This is an additional accreditation (above a standard electrical licence) that allows them to work on the service lines between the street pole or pit and your property's main switchboard — work that standard electricians cannot perform.
You need a Level 2 electrician for things like:
Each Australian state and territory has a register you can use to verify electrical licences:
Ask any electrician for their licence number before they start. A legitimate tradesperson won't hesitate.
Licensed electricians are legally required to provide a safety certificate for most electrical work. Keep it — you'll need it if you sell your home or make an insurance claim.
Browse verified, reviewed electricians across Australia on TradeHaven. No dodgy operators — every listing is checked.
Search Electricians on TradeHaven →