How to choose an electrician

It’s not enough to just hire someone and pay them the money to do the job. It could end up causing damage to your home or worse, if you aren’t careful about who you hire and what you do yourself.

Although it’s not difficult, there are some things that you need to consider when hiring an electrician. These are some of the things you should consider:

• What kind of work is being done?
• Whether you actually need an electrician.
• Whether the electrician is licensed as an electrician and registered.
• Where is the electrician based?
• How trustworthy and reliable an electrician is
• What the electrician will charge you for the job

What are the best times to hire an electrician?

All of us know that electricians are skilled in installing and repairing electrical systems. You might not be aware of the types of electrical work that an electrician can do.

This is an easy one. In Australia, you are legally permitted to change your light bulbs and use your appliances the way they were designed. You will need to hire an electrician licensed and qualified for any other electrical work.

Even small items like:

• Installing a power point
• Change the plugs of an overseas electrical appliance
• Installing transformers for downlights
• Fixing a broken fitting

Even if it seems simple and you believe you understand what you are doing, an electrician in manukau is still a good choice. Do-it-yourself electrical work can lead to serious injury, death, or fire.

An electrician who is competent will follow the applicable laws in your territory and state regarding electricity, as well as the Wiring Rules.

What qualifications are required for electricians?

All states and territories now require that electricians have an electrical license in order to perform electrical work. (See the photos above for some examples). Many states require that electricians be registered as electrical contractors (R.E.C.s). This is required before they can operate an electrical contracting company or do any electrical work for profit.

What is an electrical compliance certificate?

For any work that they perform, electricians must issue certificates of electrical conformity. These certificates show that the work has been completed in compliance with all applicable electrical legislation.

How to find the best electrician

• Locate a local electrician. This will make it easier and save you money on travel costs for the electrician.
• Compare multiple quotes. While not all electricians charge the same amount for similar work, they should be fairly comparable. You can read reviews online but not all of them are true.
• Talk to other trusted contractors. If your kitchen is being renovated, it’s likely that the builder knows a competent electrician with whom he or she feels comfortable working. If possible, bundle it all together for one price.
• Ask for the electrician’s license. Your electrician should be happy to show you the document or to double-check with the state authority that it is valid.
• Find out if you’ll be issued an electrical safety certificate. You need safety certificates for all work.

Look elsewhere if the electrician refuses to give you a certificate, or show you a license. If you are unsure about any of these, contact your state regulator. They will be happy to assist you.