Electrical
Switchboards, safety switches, smoke alarms and everyday electrical questions.
- Can I install an oven or cooktop myself in Queensland?Connecting an oven or cooktop to your home's wiring is electrical work for a licensed electrician, and gas work needs a licensed gas fitter.
- Can I use a generator at home during a Queensland power outage?Yes, a portable generator can run appliances outdoors during a Queensland outage. Never plug it into a power point. Anything connected to house wiring needs a licensed electrician.
- Is it safe to use power after a storm or flood in Queensland?Do not switch power back on or use wet appliances after a storm or flood until a licensed electrician has checked. Here is what to note.
- Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?A breaker keeps tripping when a circuit is overloaded, shorted or leaking, or the breaker is worn; a licensed electrician should find which.
- Why does my safety switch keep tripping?A safety switch keeps tripping when it detects current leaking to earth, such as from a faulty appliance or moisture; never bypass it.
- What happens if I can’t reset the safety switch?A safety switch that will not stay on means a fault on its circuit; do not force it, note what is affected and call a licensed electrician.
- Why does my safety switch or breaker trip when it rains?Trips in wet weather usually mean water is getting into something electrical; stay clear and have a licensed electrician check outdoor circuits.
- Why does my fridge keep tripping the safety switch?An appliance that keeps tripping the safety switch may have an earth leakage fault; stop using it and have it checked by a professional.
- Circuit breaker vs safety switch: what’s the difference?A circuit breaker protects wiring from overload while a safety switch protects people from electric shock; having breakers does not mean you have one.
- How often should a safety switch be tested?A safety switch should be checked regularly. Have a licensed electrician test it, so you are not working inside or on the switchboard.
- Do rental properties need a safety switch in Queensland?Queensland rental owners generally must have safety switches protecting power point circuits; check the RTA and ESO for current rules.
- Lights work but power points don’t: what’s going on?Lights and power points sit on separate circuits, so one can fail alone; note what is affected and call a licensed electrician.
- Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right nowFor a burning smell, smoke, sparks or a hot power point, keep away; call 000 for fire or sparks and a licensed electrician urgently otherwise.
- Are power boards and double adaptors safe?Power boards and double adaptors are safe only within their rated load; heaters and kettles are the usual overload risk.
- Do power points expire, and when should they be replaced?Power points have no fixed expiry date but they wear out; scorch marks, cracks, loose plugs or buzzing mean a licensed electrician should look at them.
- Why is my house the only one without power?If neighbours still have power, the fault may be in your home's own electrical installation; check the outage map and call a licensed electrician.
- What do I do in a Brisbane power outage?In a power outage, check whether it is street-wide, report it to your network provider and stay clear of fallen lines; call 000 if life is at risk.
- I got a tingle or shock from a tap or appliance: what do I do?Stop using it, keep everyone away, get medical advice and call your network provider's faults line, then a licensed electrician; 000 if anyone is hurt.
- Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explainedNo hot water from an electric system can be an electrical or plumbing fault; note what you see and call a licensed electrician or plumber.
- Can you fix your own hot water system? What’s legal and safeNo: wiring, element and thermostat work needs a licensed electrician in Queensland, and plumbing connections need a licensed plumber.
- What smoke alarms does Queensland require?Queensland needs photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in every home, with existing homes required to comply by 1 January 2027.
- Smoke alarm chirping or expired: what now?A chirping smoke alarm usually means a low battery or end of life; alarms are generally replaced after 10 years and hardwired ones need an electrician.
- Is it safe to run the clothes dryer when you’re not home?Fire services advise against leaving a clothes dryer running when you are out or asleep, so run it while you are home and awake.
- How do I know if my appliances are safe?Look for damage and warning signs, check recall notices and the RCM mark, and have secondhand items checked by a licensed electrician.
- Why are my lights flickering? Causes and when it’s dangerousFlickering lights can come from the bulb, a dimmer, a loose connection or a street fault; crackling or a burning smell is an emergency.
- Why do my lights dim when the air conditioner starts?A brief dip when a big appliance starts can happen, but dimming that is getting worse, lasts or comes with other signs needs a licensed electrician.
- Why do my LED downlights flicker or buzz?LED downlights usually flicker or buzz because the lamp, transformer, driver or dimmer do not suit each other; a licensed electrician can sort it out.
- Can I install a ceiling fan myself in Queensland?No: connecting a ceiling fan to mains wiring is electrical work that must be done by a licensed electrician in Queensland.
- Why is my ceiling fan wobbling or humming?A wobbling fan may be unbalanced or loosely mounted and a humming one may have a control or capacitor issue; a loose fan can fall.
- Do I need a switchboard upgrade?Old fuses, frequent tripping, burn marks, no safety switches or new solar, EV or air conditioning loads are reasons to ask about an upgrade.
- Does my house need rewiring? Signs and what to doAge alone does not decide it; a licensed electrician's inspection does, and warning signs include frequent tripping, flickering and burning smells.
- Do I need whole-house surge protection?Whole-house surge protection is not compulsory and cannot guarantee protection from a direct strike; a licensed electrician can advise if it suits you.
- Can I do my own electrical work in Queensland?No: in Queensland electrical work must generally be done by a licensed electrician, with only narrow exceptions for minor tasks.
- What can a homeowner do without an electrician in Queensland?Householders can do only a short list of minor tasks themselves; anything involving wiring or fittings needs a licensed electrician.
- How do I check my electrician is licensed in Queensland?Ask for the electrician's licence number and look it up on the Electrical Safety Office Queensland's online licence search before work starts.
- What is a certificate of compliance for electrical work?A licensed electrician gives you a certificate after electrical work in Queensland; keep it, because you may need it later.
- Installing a home EV charger: what to ask an electricianA home EV charger needs its own circuit, spare space on the board and enough supply capacity, all assessed by a licensed electrician.
- Test and tag in Queensland: what small businesses need to knowHow often test and tag is needed depends on the equipment and where it is used, so check WorkSafe Queensland guidance for your business.
- How to choose an electrician: 8 questions to askCheck the licence, ask about insurance and paperwork, get a written quote, and be wary of cash-only offers and pressure to decide.
- What do I do in an electrical emergency, fire or shock?For fire, smoke, sparks, a shock or anyone hurt, get everyone out and call 000, and do not touch the equipment or the person.