Few people haven't heard at least one horror story arising from shoddy electrical work. Often, the stories that make the news don't paint a good picture when someone who doesn't quite possess the necessary skills or experience "has a go at doing their own wiring".

At best, we might see minor property damage and inconvenience, but at worst, the risk of fire and serious injury (or worse) is very real.

Like all trades, finding an experienced and certified local residential electrician is vital, but the stakes for faulty wiring are much higher. Poor painting can make an ugly wall, poor tiling can cause a trip hazard, but poor electrical work can cause a fire or lethal injury, often with no previous sign that something was wrong.

But how do you know which electrician will provide reliable services to provide safety for your household and bring you peace of mind?

Join us, as we walk you through the process of choosing an electrician in Wollongong, including what to look for and what questions to ask.

Why Hire a Licenced Residential Electrician in Wollongong?

When it comes to hiring an electrician in Wollongong, the most important thing you can search for are electricians who are licenced and certified. At the very least, an electrician needs a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, which is typically attained over a structured 4-year apprenticeship.

Next, they need an Electrician’s Licence. The conditions of these vary from state to state, but in NSW, an electrician is legally required to obtain this licence before doing ANY electrical work. These licences also limit the electrician to their area of expertise. No licence allows an electrician to do all and any type of electrical work. These licences must also be renewed every 1, 3, or 5 years to ensure the electrician's skills and experience remain up to date.

Key Qualities to Look for in a Wollongong Electrician

Whether you're putting in new lights or power points or just need some routine maintenance, look for professional electricians who can demonstrate their experience and expertise. When searching online, look for electricians who have several strong online reviews and recommendations from past clients. Google reviews are perfect for this, as are websites like Localsearch.com.au and ProductReview.com.au.

Find electricians who are also clear and transparent about their pricing. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people in every industry and electrical work is not immune. You want a clear cost estimate (or at least a very tight range) before any work begins.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

So, you've found a shortlist of electricians who have the right credentials and have positive reviews online. What's next?

Well, it's always best to find a good electrician that you can work with for the long term. Just like you might return to the same doctor or dentist, finding the right electrician to handle all your residential electrical work means they know the history of your home and the history of installations and repairs.
But what to ask? First is to check their availability before getting any major electrical work done. Give them all the relevant details and ask for a rough timeline to see whether the project is feasible for them to undertake.

Secondly, ask if they offer emergency services and if they can move their schedule around if you, as their client, need a same-day repair. There aren't a whole lot of 24/7 electricians around, but we do exist ready to respond to those night-time emergencies. An electrician who can respond to emergencies with professionalism, excellent workmanship and attention to detail is an electrician to hold on to.

Check the guarantee they offer on their work too, how and what they are insured for, as well as any additional troubleshooting or inspection services they offer. You can do this by checking for examples of past projects or work and what customers have said.

Finally, they should be proud to promote their adherence to safety measures and compliance with local and Australian standards.

Common Residential Electrical Services in Wollongong

The most common residential electrical services you might need in Wollongong are lighting installation and repair, power point installation, smoke alarm installation, and safety switch installation and testing.
These jobs might look relatively straightforward on paper, but the quality of the outcome can vary wildly depending on the electrician's experience. Even a small job should be completed with commitment and efficiency and with quality materials and equipment.

If you need substantial electrical work done, ring up your electricians for a friendly chat about what you need, and they'll be able to tell you whether they can help or not.

How to Compare Electrical Quotes

By getting a few prices, you should be able to find a rough average, and it's here you should be looking to find your electrician. Anyone quoting too low or too high is an outlier and should be discarded.
Once you have the average-priced options, look for a breakdown of the services and compare them. If you have any questions about anything on the quote, don't hesitate to ask. A good electrician will be able to explain it to you in layman's terms as well as why each part of the quote is necessary.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

We now know what makes a good electrician, but what makes a bad one? In a single word: clarity.

Avoid any electricians who are hiding their certifications, credentials, and/or proof of insurance. This information should be easy to find on their website, but if it's not, take your business elsewhere. Unlicensed or uninsured contractors are a liability and could end up costing you far more with low safety standards leading to shoddy work and no way to recoup costs if something breaks later.

Secondly, don't go with those that provide only vague pricing. Look for electricians who declare they have "no hidden fees" and hold them to it. Finally, if an electrician has poor communication or a lack of customer service, they're probably going to be unpleasant to deal with, even if their skills, experience, and certificates are all fine.

Taking the Next Step

We cannot overstate the importance of conducting your own research and making an informed decision when it comes to choosing electrical technicians. Due diligence now can save you problems in the future, so when you need a qualified residential electrician in Wollongong, contact Easther Electrical.

We're proud locals based in Oak Flats, so give our friendly team a call to get the best results for your electrical systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if an electrician is licensed in NSW?

Contractors of all trades should list on their website what their relevant licencing and accreditations are. If you can't find them, look for someone else.

Can I do electrical emergency work or maintenance in my own home?

We really recommend leaving this to a professional. Not only can you cause extra damage to your circuits, but the current flowing through a household system is more than enough to cause serious injury or death.

What are the most common electrical issues in older homes?

Old wiring, outdated fixtures and switches, faulty outlets, flickering or dimming lights, and electrical surges, including tripping the breaker, are all common issues found in older homes. Many people also find the number of lights and power outlets insufficient in older homes and want to add more.

What qualifications should a residential electrician have?

An electrician needs a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and an Electrician’s Licence from the state or territory they will be working in.

What services does a residential electrician typically offer?

Residential electricians often offer services including ceiling fan and light installation, power point installation, installation of smoke alarms, hot water system repairs, and switchboard upgrades. Some electricians also offer installation for electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

When was the last time your house lost power? During a storm? During outside maintenance work on the grid? Maybe it was even rodent damage that chewed through the wires and cut the energy to your circuits.

Whatever the cause, the sudden lack of something we take for granted every day can force us to quickly re-evaluate just how much we rely on electricity.

It's a fact of the modern world that very few of us can live without electricity for long, but how often do we take the right steps towards securing this convenience and making sure our own electrical infrastructure is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible?

An electrical inspection is one such way you can protect the flow of power to your house. Faults prevention, risk assessment, efficiency and performance testing, the long-term cost of an electrical inspection is more than worth its initial investment.

Why Electrical Inspections Matter

An electrical inspection assesses the overall health of your electrical systems. Every part of the house needs maintenance to fight back against the structure's inevitable aging and deterioration. Your electrical system is no different, but generally, most of it is hidden behind plasterboard and ceilings, meaning its condition and any potential problems remain hidden from us in daily life.

This can create issues of reliability and, more importantly, safety. Faulty or degraded wiring can cause house fires as well as damage to appliances or injuries to ourselves or family members through electric shock. A lack of reliable power can also impact outlets, switches, and other devices and equipment that we rely on every day.

This is particularly true in our local area of Wollongong. With an abundance of older homes and proximity to salt air with our enviable coastal climate, we need to take extra steps to ensure the protection of our family home or business.

The Risks of Outdated or Faulty Electrical Systems

Wollongong is chock-full of history. From terrace houses from the 1880s to original weatherboard homes from the early 1900s, we are blessed to live in this time capsule of early Australian architectural style. However, that comes with a cost, as old systems start to need upgrades and the demands of modern life place greater pressure on the circuits than was needed 100 years ago.

Electrical standards are being updated all the time, with the latest edition of mandatory wiring rules coming into effect from the beginning of 2019. Everything breaks down over time and the modern electrical installations of today are far more efficient than those even a few decades ago. Over time, these systems experience wear and tear, especially if older systems face periods of overload that their infrastructure is not equipped to handle. The potential hazards of components breaking down, repairs being delayed, or connections splitting include fire and electrical shocks, both problems that can have deadly outcomes.

Unfortunately, while the odds seem slim, these disasters do happen, and they do happen here. Only a few years ago, in 2017, a Dapto house was completely destroyed by fire from an electrical fault.

How Often Should You Schedule an Electrical Inspection?

Now that we've seen the risk of a deteriorating electrical installation, you might be wondering, "how often should I get one of these electrical safety inspections?" The good news is that modern wiring and circuits are incredibly hardy, and built to handle the demands of modern living, so we recommend an inspection once every 3–5 years to be on the safe side.

However, if you have an older home or your house has undergone renovations, you may want a more regular inspection to ensure the integrity and security of your systems. In addition, businesses or buildings operating services that require greater electrical demand should also book more regular inspections as the wear and tear on these properties will be quicker and more pronounced than residential dwellings.

What Happens During an Electrical Inspection?

Your local electrician will test a few different areas of your system and circuits during an inspection:
1. Testing if the safety switch operates correctly. This backup switch immediately cuts the power when it detects an electrical fault and can save you and your appliances from harm.
2. Checking electrical insulation. This plastic coating protects the wires from damage and outside interference. However, over time, this coating can degrade, so we'll find and advise a replacement for any damaged wires we see.
3. Check power point function and capacity. Different circuits can handle different capacities, so we'll test your outlets to make sure they're operating at the right levels.
4. Check for corrosion. Particularly in locations next to the ocean, like Wollongong, salt spray in the air can find its way into electrical workings and start damaging metal components. We'll look out for and record any damage we find.
5. Assessing old or outdated wiring. Especially true in some older Wollongong homes, it might be time to start upgrading some older circuitry that may fail within the next few years. We'll pre-empt any problems we find and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice.

Finally, we'll deliver an inspection report for your records that includes our recommendations to improve your system and keep it operating safely and efficiently.

The Benefits of Regular Electrical Inspections

Among the benefits of regular inspections is that together we can ensure your household's safety by preventing (and pre-empting) electrical hazards. Another lesser-known benefit is how a regular inspection can protect you should anything go wrong. By law, electricians must submit a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work within seven days of completing an electrical inspection or compliance check, which logs what kind of work has been done and when.

This record can also assist you with any insurance requirements. If you need to make a claim, you can show your provider the record of electrical inspections, ensuring that you were diligent in maintaining your home and that all work was correctly done by a certified contractor. This peace of mind is worth investing in for homeowners and property managers.

The long-term benefits of preventative maintenance are a complete lack of emergencies or crises, and knowing exactly what your home or building needs before it needs it. What's better than that?

How to Choose the Right Electrician in Wollongong

Finding the right electrician for the job can be a tricky exercise if you don't know what to look for. First and most importantly, make sure they're qualified and licensed. This information should be made easily available on their website, but if you can't find it anywhere, it's best to look at another choice. Once you've found a licensed electrician, give them a call and explain what you need, as different contractors specialise in different things. Finally, ask for a detailed quote to see the work process and the final number. As always, don't be afraid to ask questions. The kind of electrician you want to work with won't be afraid to answer them.

Consider also choosing a local electrician who is familiar with the types of homes and systems that are predominant in your area. Electricians who have in-depth knowledge of your local area will be able to anticipate problems and navigate regulations with ease.

Book Your Electrical Inspection Today

So, next time you're booking in for an electrical inspection (remember, every 3–5 years is ideal), call up the team at Easther Electrical. We're locals like you, based in Oak Flats, so we know the importance of local experience in Wollongong and how our local conditions can affect the electrical health of your home or business.

Our residential services extend far beyond electrical inspections, and we offer a free quote on all of our work, so don't hesitate to get in contact with your local Wollongong electrician for all your electrical service needs.

Electrical problems aren't something to be ignored. Electrical faults around the home can lead to serious injuries and, in the worst scenario, cause a fire.

Let's look at 10 common electrical problems, their possible causes and what can happen if the problem is ignored. If you're experiencing any of these common electrical issues, contact Easther Electrical to have your power problems sorted out immediately. We're here to help!

The 10 Most Common Electrical Problems and How to Solve Them!

From power points not working to high electricity bills, here are some common electrical problems that Easther Electrical sees daily and the solutions you can try at home before calling the experts.

1. Flickering Lights

Problem: Flickering lights can be as simple as having a loose bulb. However, if your lights are flickering, it can also indicate a deeper problem such as loose wiring or that your switchboard needs upgrading.

Solution: Turn off the power just to be safe, use a ladder to reach your bulb, and test that it fits tightly.

When to call a professional: If several light bulbs are flickering or the problem continues after you've checked the bulb is firmly in the socket, it's time to call a professional to get to the root of the problem.

2. Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping

Problem: If a circuit breaker trips, it's usually a sign that the power demands on that circuit are too great.

Solution: Ease the load on the circuit by removing some electrical appliances in that part of your house.

When to call a professional: If the problem continues, you may require a system upgrade so that your switchboard and circuits don't overload and can handle the electrical demands of a modern home.

3. Outlets Not Working

Problem: An outlet not working could be as simple as a tripped safety switch, or it may indicate that the power point has reached the end of its lifespan.

Solution: Try your appliance in another outlet to check that the problem is with the outlet and not the appliance itself. With the appliance unplugged from the outlet, go to your switchboard to reset any tripped safety switches. Always check the condition of the power point before you attempt to use it. In particular, look for signs of damage or moisture.

When to call a professional: If resetting your safety switch hasn't worked, it's time to call an electrician to check the outlet. If it needs to be replaced, this work should only be conducted by a qualified professional.

4. Overheating Outlets

Problem: An outlet that feels hot to the touch after use may have water damage, corroded or faulty wiring.

Solution: Find the circuit breaker that controls that outlet and flick the switch off. Don't use the power point or switch until you've had it looked at by a professional.

When to call a professional: Never use an outlet that's becoming hot with use as it could cause an electric shock. Call a professional to check the problem as soon as possible.

5. Electrical Shocks

Problem: If an outlet, switch or appliance is giving you a small zap or tingling sensation when you touch it, it's an indication of a serious problem that you shouldn't ignore. It may be caused by faulty wiring or moisture, particularly in bathrooms.

Solution: If someone has suffered a serious electrical shock, call 000 immediately. Turn the power off at your switchboard and leave it off until you have had the problem seen by an electrician.

When to call a professional: Electrical shocks can indicate a fault in an electrical installation or damage to wiring that can lead to a more dangerous situation. Call an electrician as soon as possible.
Here are some more tips on staying safe around electricity.

6. Dead Switches

Problem: A light switch can stop working for several reasons including circuit overload, a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse or loose or damaged wiring.

Solution: Check your fuse box for blown fuses or your switchboard to see if your surge protection has tripped. If neither of these things has occurred, it's likely your problem lies with the switch itself.

When to call a professional: Only qualified professionals should check and replace light switches. Leave the switch in the off position and call an electrician to investigate.

7. Inconsistent Power Supply

Problem: Voltage fluctuations that cause power outages, bulb burnouts and appliance malfunctions can be due to loose connections, faulty wiring or even varied electrical supply from your distributor.

Solution: Surge protectors and voltage stabilisers can help protect your electrical system, but these must be installed by a professional.

When to call a professional: A professional can determine the true cause of the problem by checking wiring, giving you tips on the use of high-powered appliances, installing voltage stabilisers or upgrading your electrical system. Call them as soon as you notice a problem to ensure a consistent power supply and protect your appliances.

8. High Electricity Bills

Problem: Whether you've seen a sudden surge in your power bills or they've been creeping up for some time, this is a problem that an electrician can help you fix.

Solution: An electrical audit could potentially help you save thousands of dollars on your power bills.

When to call a professional: Whether it's installing energy-efficient lighting or performing maintenance to help your heating and cooling work more effectively, a professional electrical audit is the best place to start to lower the cost of your electricity bill.

9. Wiring Issues

Problem: Signs of wiring issues include dimming lights, sparking or buzzing from outlets and switches and frequently tripped circuit breakers.

Solution: Troubleshooting this problem is best left to a professional who can test all aspects of your electrical system.

When to call a professional: If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should call an electrician as soon as possible. The majority of house fires in NSW are caused by electrical faults, so don't delay action.

10. Appliance Malfunctions

Problem: A tripped circuit breaker is normally the first sign that something is wrong with an appliance.

Solution: Flicking your safety switch on without addressing the problem with the appliance can cause a power surge and damage your electrical system. Unplug all appliances from that circuit and plug them back in one at a time until you identify the appliance that's causing the problem.

When to call a professional: If, after turning off and unplugging all appliances, you still have a problem with your circuit breaker, it's likely you have a problem with a switch or electrical wiring.

Need an Electrical Solution Fast? We Can Help!

Some electrical problems are easy to fix, but others require the help of a trusted, reliable electrician to give your home or business a thorough inspection and find the true cause of the problem.

The Easther Electrical team are local, licensed and experienced, and we're always here to help. Whether you require an emergency repair or a comprehensive audit of the electrics at your Wollongong home or business, we can take care of all of your electrical needs. Call us on (02) 4256 5899 to see how we can help you today.