How to Prepare Your Home for an Electrician Visit in Australia

You have booked an electrician. Maybe it is a flickering downlight, a switchboard upgrade, or a full rewire of an older property. Whatever the job, most homeowners do nothing to prepare before the electrician arrives.

That approach wastes time and money. An electrician who spends 20 minutes moving furniture or hunting for your switchboard behind stacked boxes is charging you for work that has nothing to do with electrical repairs. If you want to prepare your home for an electrician visit, a small effort the night before will shorten the job, reduce the bill, and help the electrician deliver better results.

This checklist covers everything you need to do before your electrician arrives. If you have not yet chosen an electrician, start with our guide on how to hire a licensed electrician in Australia first.

1. Locate and Clear Access to Your Switchboard

The switchboard (also called the meter box or fuse box) is the first thing most electricians need to access. It controls every circuit in your home, and the electrician will use it to isolate power before working on any circuit.

Where to look. In most Australian homes, the switchboard is in one of these locations:

• Garage wall (most common in houses built after 1990)
• Outside wall near the front door or side passage
• Laundry or internal hallway cupboard (common in older homes and units)
• Under the stairs in multi-storey homes
• Common area or basement level in apartment buildings

What to do:

1. Clear a minimum of one metre of space in front of the switchboard. Remove boxes, shelving, bikes, and anything leaning against the wall.
2. Make sure the switchboard door opens fully. If the hinge is rusted or blocked, let the electrician know when they arrive.
3. If the switchboard is outside, clear any garden growth blocking access.
4. In apartments, confirm whether you need to arrange access with strata or building management. Some buildings keep switchboards in locked common areas, and you may need a key or a building manager to be present.

Why it matters. Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000 (the Wiring Rules) requires a clear working space of at least 600mm in front of the switchboard. If your electrician cannot safely access the board, they may not be able to start work, and you will still be charged for the call-out.

2. Identify Which Circuits Are Affected

If you are calling the electrician for a specific problem (a dead circuit, a tripping safety switch, or a faulty outlet), take five minutes to narrow down which circuits are involved. This information saves the electrician diagnostic time and saves you money.

How to identify the circuit:

1. Go to your switchboard and look at the circuit labels. Modern switchboards have labels like “Kitchen GPOs”, “Lighting Circuit 1”, “Hot Water”, or “Oven”. Older switchboards may have no labels at all.
2. Test which outlets and lights stop working when you flip each circuit breaker off. Work room by room and write down what each breaker controls.
3. Note the breaker position number. For example: “Breaker 6 controls the kitchen power points and the dishwasher.”

If your switchboard has no labels, that is useful information too. Tell the electrician before they arrive so they can plan extra time for circuit tracing. If the switchboard is an old ceramic fuse type (common in houses built before the 1980s), mention this when you book, because the electrician may recommend upgrading to a modern safety-switch switchboard.

Record the problem pattern. Write down:

• When does the issue happen? (Every time? Only under load? Only when it rains?)
• Which specific outlets, lights, or appliances are affected?
• Does the safety switch trip, or does the circuit breaker trip? These are different devices that trip for different reasons.
• Have you noticed any burning smell, discolouration around outlets, or warm switch plates?

Bring this list to the electrician when they arrive. A clear description of the symptoms can cut diagnostic time by 30 minutes or more.

3. Clear the Work Areas

Electricians need physical access to outlets, light fittings, ceiling spaces, subfloor areas, and the switchboard. Depending on the job, they may also need access to your roof cavity.

Room-by-room checklist:

• Outlets and switches. Move furniture, rugs, and items away from any wall outlet or switch the electrician will work on. A 600mm clearance on each side is enough.
• Light fittings. If the job involves ceiling lights or downlights, move fragile items off tables and shelves directly below. Vibrations from ceiling work can shift items.
• Ceiling access. Check where your manhole is located (usually in a hallway, laundry, or wardrobe ceiling). Clear the area below so a ladder can be positioned safely.
• Subfloor access. For underfloor wiring (common in houses on stumps), clear access to the subfloor entry point, often a hatch in a cupboard, laundry, or external vent panel.
• External areas. If the work involves outdoor power points, garden lighting, or the meter box, trim back vegetation and clear paths.

Dust and mess. Electrical work in ceilings creates dust, particularly in older homes with fibrous insulation. Lay drop sheets over furniture and computers in the room below the ceiling work area. Your electrician will bring drop sheets for the floor, but covering your belongings is your responsibility.

4. Unplug Sensitive Electronics Before the Electrician Arrives

Power will be switched off during most electrical work. When power is restored, the surge can affect sensitive equipment. Before your electrician arrives, unplug:

• Desktop computers, monitors, and NAS drives
• Home theatre receivers and projectors
• Modems and routers (save your work and close cloud syncs first)
• Aquarium heaters and filtration systems (tell the electrician so power is restored quickly to those circuits)
• Medical equipment (CPAP machines, powered wheelchairs on charge). If anyone in the household depends on powered medical equipment, tell the electrician before they start. They can plan the shutdown sequence to minimise disruption.

What you do not need to unplug. Fridges and freezers handle short outages without food safety issues (up to four hours for a full fridge, 24 to 48 hours for a closed freezer). Washing machines and dryers can stay plugged in unless they are in the work zone.

5. Secure Pets and Notify Household Members

Open switchboard doors, exposed wiring, step ladders, and power tools create hazards for curious pets and children. Prepare your home for an electrician visit by managing access to the work zone.

Pets:

• Confine dogs to a room away from the work area. An electrician with a roof cavity hatch open and a ladder in the hallway cannot also manage a curious dog.
• Keep cats indoors and away from the work zone. Cats climbing into open ceiling cavities is a genuine risk.
• If outdoor dogs guard the property, let the electrician know before they arrive.

Household members:

• Tell everyone in the house what time the electrician is arriving and which areas will be off limits.
• If the power will be off for an extended period, plan around it. Charge devices, finish any cooking that requires the oven, and make sure anyone working from home knows to switch to mobile data.
• If anyone in the household is elderly, has mobility issues, or uses powered medical equipment, inform the electrician so they can schedule the power shutdown with minimal disruption.

6. Write Down Your Full Scope of Work

One of the biggest time-wasters on site is scope creep. You booked the electrician for a faulty power point, but once they arrive, you remember you also wanted a ceiling fan installed and the downlights replaced with LEDs.

Those extras require different materials and additional time. Prepare your home for an electrician visit properly by writing your full scope before they arrive.

Create a job list that includes:

1. The main reason you booked the electrician (the primary job)
2. Any additional electrical issues you have noticed
3. Any upgrades you have been thinking about (safety switch installation, USB power points, smart home wiring, solar preparation, EV charger pre-wiring)
4. Questions you want to ask (such as whether your switchboard needs upgrading, or whether your wiring is aluminium)

Share this list in advance. Email or text the list to your electrician before the day. A good electrician will adjust their schedule, bring the right materials, and give you a more accurate quote. Showing up with a surprise list of extras often means a second visit, and a second call-out fee.

For guidance on what to ask any tradesperson before work begins, see our 10 questions to ask before hiring any tradie.

7. Know What Work Requires a Licence

In Australia, almost all electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician. Unlike plumbing or building, where some minor tasks can be done by a homeowner, electrical work has the strictest DIY restrictions of any trade.

What you can do yourself:

• Change a light bulb
• Replace a plug-top (the plug on the end of an appliance cord) in QLD and some other states
• Install low-voltage garden lighting that runs from a plug-in transformer

What you cannot do yourself (requires a licensed electrician):

• Install, move, or replace any power point or light switch
• Run new circuits or extend existing ones
• Install ceiling fans, hard-wired downlights, or rangehoods
• Any work inside the switchboard
• Install smoke alarms (hard-wired)
• Any work involving 240V wiring

Doing unlicensed electrical work is illegal in every Australian state and territory. Penalties range from $3,000 to over $40,000, and your home insurance can be voided if an electrical fire is traced to unlicensed work. For the full breakdown, see our guide on what happens if you hire an unlicensed tradie.

Verify your electrician’s licence before they arrive. Enter their name or licence number on TradieVerify’s search page to confirm the licence is current and not suspended. You can also check our electrician directory to browse licensed electricians by state.

8. Understand Compliance Certificates and Safety Switches

After completing electrical work, your electrician is legally required to issue a compliance certificate (also called an electrical safety certificate or certificate of compliance). The name and process varies by state.

What to do. Ask your electrician whether a compliance certificate will be issued. For minor work (replacing a single power point), a certificate may not be required in all states, but for any new circuit, switchboard upgrade, or major installation, you should receive one. Keep it with your property records for insurance claims, property sales, or future disputes.

Safety switches (RCDs). If your home does not have safety switches, ask the electrician about installing them. Since 2000, all new Australian homes must have safety switches on power and lighting circuits. Older homes often have none. Safety switches trip within 30 milliseconds when they detect a current leak, preventing electrocution. If you are getting any electrical work done, adding safety switches is worth including in the scope.

For more detail on electrical licensing requirements in each state, see our guide on understanding electrical licensing requirements across Australia.

9. Plan for Power Outages During the Work

Most electrical work requires the power to be turned off for part or all of the job. Plan your day around this.

Before the electrician starts:

• Charge all phones, laptops, and tablets
• Fill a thermos if you need tea or coffee
• Complete any cooking that requires the oven or microwave
• Save all work on desktop computers and close cloud syncs
• If your NBN connection requires power (HFC and FTTC types), plan for internet to drop when power is off

During the work:

• Do not flip any breakers or switches without asking the electrician first. They may have isolated a circuit for safety.
• Stay out of the work zone unless invited
• Keep cold drinks and snacks available for the electrician, especially in summer. It is not required, but it is appreciated and common courtesy in Australia.

After the work:

• Ask the electrician to walk you through what was done, including updated switchboard labels and new circuits.
• Test all affected outlets and lights before the electrician leaves.
• Request the compliance certificate and any warranty documentation.
• Reset clocks, timers, and smart home devices that lost power.

10. Prepare a Clear Brief for Quote Comparisons

If the electrician is visiting to provide a quote rather than start work, your preparation shifts from physical access to information clarity. You want every electrician quoting on the same scope so you can compare prices accurately.

Your quote brief should include:

• A written list of all work required, room by room
• Photos of areas where work is needed (switchboard, affected outlets, ceiling space)
• Your preferred timeline (urgent vs flexible scheduling affects price)
• Whether you have approval for the work (e.g., strata approval for apartment electrical work)

Get at least three quotes. For guidance on how to get and compare quotes, see our getting quotes from tradies guide and our guide to reading and comparing trade quotes.

Pre-Visit Checklist Summary

Use this checklist to prepare your home for an electrician visit the day before they arrive:

• Switchboard located and cleared (1m space in front)
• Affected circuits identified and noted
• Work areas cleared (furniture moved, outlets accessible)
• Ceiling/subfloor access points cleared if needed
• Sensitive electronics unplugged
• Pets secured and household members informed
• Full scope of work written and sent to electrician
• Electrician’s licence verified on TradieVerify
• Devices charged and cooking completed before power shutdown
• Compliance certificate request discussed

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an electrician visit typically take?

It depends on the job. Replacing a power point takes 30 to 60 minutes. Installing a ceiling fan takes one to two hours. A switchboard upgrade takes four to six hours. A complete house rewire can take three to five days. Ask for a time estimate when you book so you can plan around the power shutdown.

Do I need to be home when the electrician is working?

You do not need to be home for the entire job, but you should be present at the start (to walk through the scope and provide access) and at the end (to inspect the work, test circuits, and receive the compliance certificate). If you cannot be home, arrange for another adult to be present and make sure the electrician has your phone number.

Will the power be off for the whole visit?

Not usually. A skilled electrician will isolate individual circuits rather than switching off the entire switchboard. This means your fridge and other appliances on unaffected circuits can continue running. However, for switchboard replacements or major rewires, the entire supply may need to be disconnected for several hours. Ask about this when you book.

Should I provide anything for the electrician on site?

Your electrician will bring all tools and materials. The most helpful things you can provide are clear access, a written scope, and a description of the problem. Offering water, tea, or access to a bathroom is standard Australian courtesy and always appreciated, but it is not expected.

What happens if the electrician finds additional problems?

A good electrician will stop and discuss any additional issues before proceeding. They should explain what they found, why it needs attention, and how much extra it will cost. You are not obligated to approve additional work on the spot. Get it in writing and, if the cost is significant, get a second opinion.

How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?

Signs include ceramic rewirable fuses instead of modern circuit breakers, no safety switch installed, frequent tripping under normal load, visible corrosion or burn marks, or a board more than 25 years old. If your electrician recommends an upgrade, ask them to explain why and provide a written quote. Switchboard upgrades typically cost $1,500 to $4,000 depending on the number of circuits.

Related Guides

• How to Hire a Licensed Electrician — Our electrician hiring guide
• How Much Does Electrical Rewiring Cost? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide — Our electrical rewiring costs
• Understanding Electrical Licensing Requirements Across Australia — Our electrical licensing guide

Sources

1. Electrical Safety Office Queensland, “Don’t Do Your Own Electrical Work” - electricalsafety.qld.gov.au
2. Energy Safe Victoria, “Certificate of Electrical Safety” - esv.vic.gov.au
3. NSW Fair Trading, “Electrical work around the home” - fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
4. EnergySafety Western Australia (DEMIRS), “Electrical Licensing” - demirs.wa.gov.au
5. Australian Building Codes Board, AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules - abcb.gov.au
6. Access Canberra, “Electrician Licences” - accesscanberra.act.gov.au
7. Office of the Technical Regulator SA, “Electrical Safety” - sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment
8. Master Electricians Australia, “Why Use a Licensed Electrician” - masterelectricians.com.au