How much does an electrician in Melbourne cost? 

The average cost of an electrician in Melbourne is between $86 and $130 per hour, with the average hourly rate across Victoria being $104.50.  

This price can change depending on several factors, including whether the work is conducted after hours (emergency work). 

Electricians will also commonly charge a call-out fee ranging from $50 to $150. As its name suggests, this is a once-off fee per call-out. The call-out fee can vary depending on how far the electrician travels to attend to your job and when (after-hours call-out fees can be higher). 

Things to look for when choosing an electrician

When choosing an electrician, it's always advisable to check the public register to see if they hold a valid electrical license. In Victoria, you can check the public register to verify if your electrician is a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) or A-grade Electrician at Energy Safe Victoria. 

Electricians have different licence grades depending on the jobs they are qualified for. An A-grade Electrician is licensed to work as an employee under a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) and has completed at least four years of apprentice training along with certifications. 

Lastly, check whether they will provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES). According to the Electrical Safety Act, all Victorian electricians must provide this within 30 days of performing any electrical work on your property. 

Different types of electrical work

There are several jobs that an electrician can assist with. Here are some of the most common ones. 

Rewiring 

Rewiring should be done every 30 years or so. This ensures your home can keep up to date with the increased electrical load required for most modern homes. Rewiring should only be performed by a licensed electrician and can be done alongside a switchboard or electrical panel upgrade. 

Emergency work 

If you have issues with a fusebox, faulty powerpoints/appliances, electrical sparks or water-damaged electrical systems you may need a quick fix. Many electricians offer a 24/7 on-call service to assist with issues that need to be fixed as soon as possible. 

Power points, safety switches and lighting 

It can be dangerous to attempt to install lighting and power points by yourself. Things such as downlights, exterior lights, pendant lights and power points should always be installed by a licensed electrician. 

Safety switches should also be checked. These reduce the risk of electric shock by turning the current off if there is a leak in the circuit. 

Solar servicing 

Solar servicing ensures that your solar panels are in good shape and operating correctly. It also helps minimise the risk of house fires due to faulty DC isolators. Solar servicing should be conducted once every two years. 

The Electrician will undertake electrical checks and monitor for any faults in the system, including any signs of damage or corrosion. For added peace of mind be sure to check whether the electrician is accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia.

What kinds of electrical work do I need an electrician for? 

It is illegal to perform certain types of electrical work by yourself. Tasks such as replacing a power point or switch, installing a ceiling fan or new light fitting, repairing an electrical appliance and servicing a solar system should only be done by a qualified and licensed electrician.