How Do I Check my Electrician is Qualified?

There are a few websites that provide an easy to use and single information point for people to find a registered, competent electrician in their area. Or to check that a company they are planning on using is registered. Two of the government sites are:

QBCC (Queensland Building & Construction Commission

‍Electrical Licence Holder Search

‍These websites confirm that your electrician meets core technical standards required by government and that their license and insurances are current.

Electricians are assessed for their competence before they are registered and are subject to periodic random surveillance to check that their work meets safety and quality standards.

Choosing a registered electrician

Many of us consider the important things in our homes to be the most visible, we value our TVs, games consoles and comfy sofas. Yet some of the most important and vital components that make up a home aren’t immediately visible. The wiring behind your walls is a complex lifeline and one which should only ever be tackled by a registered and fully qualified electrician. The consequences of not doing so could very well mean that everything else goes up in smoke.

Electrical work is amongst the most dangerous jobs to undertake in the home. By hiring someone who isn’t up to the job, the results can be catastrophic.

That's why at Lesside Services we've created the ultimate guide to choosing an electrician to help you. See below for everything you need to know!

Why you should choose a registered electrician

A properly installed and well-maintained installation can significantly reduce the possibility of accident or injury. So, it is important that any electrical installation work is carried out by people who have the knowledge, skills and experience needed to avoid the dangers that electricity can create. At Lesside we are those people! Also

• You’ll have peace of mind: They're regulated by the Qld Government, so you can rest assured that everything is above board.
• It’s safer: They work to the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (the ES Act) safety standard and their work is regularly assessed. So you’re guaranteed a good job.
• You’ll save money: They're insured, so you're protected if anything goes wrong.
• You have more options: It's a legal requirement for all electrical work and they will know the best and more efficient way to do things.

What should you do when choosing an electrician

1. Be clear about the work you want done and unless it is minor, obtain at least three written quotes.
2. Check that the electrician is registered
3. Ask for references and check the electrician has public liability insurance.

We recommend that you give your electrician a written summary of work required, which will simplify the quotation process and give you and your electrician a clear record of what has been agreed. By using it:

• The electrician will know exactly what work is required
• You can easily compare quotes
• The electrician will be aware of any special instructions in advance
• The electrician will be able to give you options if there is more of one way of providing the work that you require
• Once you have agreed a quote. You can ask the electrician to sign the bottom of the summary as confirmation of what has been agreed
• It can help to avoid a dispute as all parties are clear as to what has been ordered.

What should you ask your electrician

Are you a registered electrician?

‍Choosing a registered electrician means you will get additional protections should something go wrong. Remember to check for yourself on one of the website above.

‍Could I see a copy of your licence?

‍Some people feel embarrassed about checking qualifications of the person they are employing. But, if you are working with a tradesperson who is unwilling to show you evidence of their qualification and registration status then this could be a warning sign.

‍Do you have any references from previous customers?

‍If you are uncertain about an individual, ask them to provide references of previous happy customers. Ask these referees to explain the work they had done and how satisfied they were with the job done.

‍Who else will be working in my home?

‍When you employ a builder or a kitchen fitter to do some work in your home, they will often need to bring in an electrician for certain work. But do you know if the electrician they have hired is up to the job? It’s easy to assume the tradesman in charge will check qualifications and registration. But don’t leave it to chance – ask to see proof of everyone’s ability yourself.

‍I’d like to get a second opinion – can I get back to you?

‍Don’t feel pressured to make a decision quickly. If an electrician makes you feel uncomfortable for any reason, then seek advice before you contract them to do work for you. Also, get a few quotes so that you can compare options. The cheapest quote may not be the best deal – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

‍Now you know what to do, give us a call at Lesside Services on 07 3394 4133 and we will be happy to quote on any work you would like undertaken. You can also contact us via email if you’d prefer.