When Should You Call a Licensed Electrician
Posted inElectrician

When Should You Call a Licensed Electrician?

Electrical problems are one of those things people often ignore until something goes wrong. A flickering light, a buzzing switch, or a power outage might seem like a small issue at first, but in many cases, it’s an early warning sign of something far more serious behind the walls.

In Australia, electrical work is tightly regulated for a reason. Poor wiring, faulty circuits, and overloaded switchboards can cause fires, serious injury, or damage to expensive appliances.

So, the big question is…

When should you call a licensed electrician?

Let’s break it down in a simple, practical way so you know exactly what to do when electrical problems pop up.

Why Hiring a Licensed Electrician Matters in Australia

In Australia, electrical work must legally be carried out by a licensed electrician. Even small DIY electrical jobs, like replacing powerpoints or altering wiring, can lead to heavy fines and major safety risks if done incorrectly.

A qualified electrician will ensure all work meets Australian safety standards and complies with AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules.

A licensed electrician can help with:

  • Electrical fault finding
  • Switchboard upgrades
  • Powerpoint and light installation
  • Safety switch repairs
  • Smoke alarm wiring
  • Electrical rewiring
  • Surge protection installation
  • Emergency electrical services

1. When Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

If your circuit breaker trips occasionally, it might just be a temporary overload. But if it happens repeatedly, that’s usually a sign of:

  • Faulty wiring
  • Damaged appliances
  • Short circuits
  • Overloaded circuits
  • Switchboard issues

This is not something to ignore, especially if you smell burning plastic or notice heat near the switchboard.

Call an electrician immediately if breakers trip multiple times in a week.

2. When Your Lights Flicker or Dim Regularly

Flickering lights are common in older Australian homes, especially in areas like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, where older properties may still have outdated wiring.

Flickering can be caused by:

  • Loose electrical connections
  • Old wiring
  • Damaged lighting circuits
  • Overloaded switchboard
  • Faulty light fittings

If it happens in one room, it might be a minor issue. If it happens throughout the home, it could be a switchboard or wiring problem.

Flickering lights + buzzing sounds = urgent electrical inspection required.

3. When You Smell Burning or Notice Scorch Marks

A burning smell from a powerpoint, switch, or appliance is a major warning sign.

It can indicate:

  • Overheated wiring
  • Loose wiring connections
  • Melted insulation
  • Electrical arcing behind the wall
  • Powerpoint damage

If you see scorch marks around a powerpoint or switch plate, do not keep using it.

🚨 Turn off the power and call an emergency electrician.

4. When Your Powerpoints Feel Loose or Stop Working

Loose powerpoints are more dangerous than most people realise. When internal wiring is unstable, it can cause sparks or overheating.

You should call a licensed electrician if:

  • A powerpoint feels loose in the wall
  • A socket makes crackling noises
  • Powerpoints stop working randomly
  • Your plugs feel hot after use

This is a common issue in older homes across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, and ACT, especially in properties built before modern electrical regulations were tightened.

5. When Your Switchboard Is Old or Outdated

If your home still has an older ceramic fuse box or lacks safety switches, you’re operating with higher risk.

Many older Australian homes still have:

  • Old fuse-based switchboards
  • No RCD safety switch protection
  • Overloaded circuits
  • Unsafe wiring systems

A modern switchboard upgrade improves electrical safety and helps handle newer appliances like air conditioners, induction cooktops, and EV chargers.

A licensed electrician can inspect your switchboard and recommend:

  • Switchboard upgrade
  • Circuit breaker installation
  • Safety switch installation
  • Surge protection upgrades

This is one of the most important upgrades you can make.

6. When You Get Electric Shocks or Tingling Sensations

Even a mild electric shock is a serious warning sign. It can mean faulty grounding, damaged wiring, or a faulty appliance.

Call a licensed electrician immediately if you experience:

  • Shocks from taps or appliances
  • Tingling when touching metal objects
  • Shocks when plugging something in
  • Shocks from outdoor powerpoints

This is especially urgent in wet areas like bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens.

Electric shocks can be deadly. Do not delay.

7. When You Need New Lighting or Power Installed

If you’re renovating, adding new appliances, or building an outdoor entertainment area, you’ll need proper electrical installation.

Call a licensed electrician for:

  • LED downlight installation
  • Pendant lighting installation
  • Outdoor lighting installation
  • Ceiling fan installation
  • New powerpoints for kitchen appliances
  • Garage wiring and shed power
  • Home office electrical fit-outs

Even if it seems like a simple job, wiring mistakes can cause long-term problems.

8. When You’re Installing High-Power Appliances

Modern Australian homes are using more power than ever.

You should call a licensed electrician if you’re installing:

  • Air conditioners
  • Induction cooktops
  • Hot water systems
  • EV chargers
  • Pool pumps
  • Solar inverters
  • Large ovens and BBQ setups

These appliances may require dedicated circuits or switchboard upgrades.

A licensed electrician will check whether your electrical system can handle the load safely.

9. When You Notice Buzzing Sounds from Switches or Lights

Buzzing or crackling sounds are usually caused by:

  • Loose wiring
  • Faulty switches
  • Overheating components
  • Faulty circuit breakers

This is often an early sign of electrical arcing, which can lead to fires.

If you hear buzzing, turn off the switch and call an electrician.

10. When You’re Buying or Selling a Home

If you’re purchasing a property, especially an older home in areas like:

  • Sydney
  • Newcastle
  • Wollongong
  • Melbourne suburbs
  • Brisbane inner city
  • Perth coastal areas
  • Adelaide older homes

…it’s smart to book an electrical safety inspection.

A licensed electrician can check:

  • Wiring condition
  • Switchboard safety
  • Safety switch compliance
  • Smoke alarm wiring
  • Faulty outlets and circuits

This can save you thousands later.

Common Electrical Jobs You Should NEVER DIY in Australia

Even if you’re handy, these jobs must be done by a licensed electrician:

  • Installing powerpoints
  • Wiring new lights
  • Switchboard upgrades
  • Running new wiring
  • Connecting ovens or cooktops
  • Installing safety switches
  • Electrical rewiring
  • Smoke alarm wiring

DIY electrical work isn’t worth the risk. It can void insurance and lead to serious injury.

Top 5 Licensed Electrician Service Providers in Australia

If you’re searching for a trusted electrical contractor, here are five well-known electrical service providers operating across Australia:

1. Brian Brother Electrical

One of the most recognised names in Australia, offering residential and commercial electrical services, emergency call-outs, and general electrical repairs.

2. Metropolitan Electrical Contractors

Known for fast response times, emergency electrician services, switchboard repairs, and fault finding across major Australian cities.

3. Fallon Solutions

A reputable provider offering electrical services, lighting installation, switchboard upgrades, and safety checks, especially popular in Queensland.

4. Jim’s Electrical

Backed by the trusted Jim’s brand, offering general electrical work, repairs, installation services, and safety inspections across many Australian suburbs.

5. Mr Emergency Electrical

A popular emergency electrician provider for urgent electrical faults, power failures, and switchboard issues, available in many metro areas.

Signs You Need an Emergency Electrician Right Now

If you notice any of the following, don’t wait:

  • Burning smell near powerpoints
  • Power outage in part of your home
  • Smoke coming from a switchboard
  • Sparks from outlets
  • Electric shocks
  • Switchboard making popping sounds
  • Hot powerpoints or melted plugs

These issues can quickly escalate into a fire hazard.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re unsure whether the issue is serious, it’s always better to get it checked early. Electrical problems rarely resolve on their own. More often than not, they worsen behind the scenes until they turn into costly repairs or serious safety hazards.

A licensed electrician can pinpoint the cause, carry out safe electrical repairs, and make sure your property complies with Australian electrical safety standards and current wiring regulations.At Aussie Home Improvement, we always recommend acting early when it comes to electrical concerns. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin, or regional areas across Australia, qualified electricians are available for both general electrical services and emergency electrical repairs. Don’t wait for a minor issue to become a major problem, get it inspected and sorted properly.