Electrical Pricing Guide
Electrical job costs for Australian homes — from a new power point to a switchboard upgrade or EV charger install.
All fixed electrical work in Australia must be performed by a licensed electrician. DIY is illegal and voids home insurance. That said, licensed electricians' rates ($100–$170/hr) and workmanship vary a lot — the same job can legitimately quote $300 or $800 depending on the shop.
Compliance has tightened in the last decade. RCDs (safety switches) are now required on all circuits in new work, smoke alarms must be interconnected in most states, and switchboard upgrades are often triggered whenever new work is added to an old board.
What electrical typically costs
$120–$280
What's included
New power point, including minor wire extension. Add-ons for behind-plaster runs.
When this tier fits
Adding a new outlet in a room, relocating a switch.
$150–$400
What's included
Replacing an existing fitting. New cable run or mount plate adds labour.
When this tier fits
Swapping a light for a ceiling fan, upgrading downlights.
$400–$1,200
What's included
3–6 interconnected 240V + 10-year battery backup alarms (QLD, NSW, VIC legal requirement varies).
When this tier fits
Rental property compliance, house sale, or after-fire-alarm failure.
$1,500–$4,500
What's included
New consumer unit, RCDs on all circuits, labelling, certification. Ceramic fuses → modern MCBs.
When this tier fits
Old switchboard with fuses, adding major new loads (AC, EV charger), or insurance-driven.
$1,200–$3,500
What's included
7kW single-phase AC charger, dedicated circuit, RCD protection. 22kW three-phase costs more.
When this tier fits
New EV owner. Most installers include unit + install bundled.
Prices are indicative AUD ranges based on typical Australian metropolitan pricing. Actual quotes depend on scope, access, and local market.
What affects the price
Accessibility
Running new cables through finished walls needs wall-chasing or cable fishing — significantly more labour than exposed conduit.
Switchboard capacity
Old boards often can't take the new circuits required (AC, induction, EV). Upgrade costs dominate many quotes.
RCD compliance
New work triggers RCD requirements on affected circuits. Some states require whole-house RCD coverage on renovations.
Height and structural work
High ceilings, downlights in 2-storey stairwells, and external lighting all add scaffold or ladder time.
Before you book — what to check
Licensing is non-negotiable
Ask for licence number (A-Grade or equivalent in your state). Unlicensed work voids insurance, fails at property sale, and is dangerous.
Certificate of Compliance
Every electrical job gets a CoC (NSW), CES (VIC), or equivalent. Keep it — you'll need it at sale time.
Smoke alarm laws
Each state has its own rules (especially QLD, which mandates interconnected 240V alarms in every bedroom). Check before buying property.
EV chargers need a dedicated circuit
You can't share a power point with an EV. A proper install runs a dedicated circuit from the switchboard, sometimes requiring a board upgrade.
Old switchboard warnings
Ceramic fuses and VIR (rubber) cabling are tell-tale signs of a pre-1970s electrical system. Most insurers will want it upgraded.
Common electrical brands
Brand and product names you're likely to see in quotes.
Clipsal / Clipsal Iconic
Most common Australian switch and power point range.
HPM
Budget-friendly alternative, widely stocked.
Legrand
European styling, common in renovations.
Martec / Fanco / Eglo
Ceiling fans and downlights.
Tesla / Fronius / SMA
EV chargers and solar inverters.
Frequently asked questions
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