General Electrical & What to Expect
When do I need to call a licensed electrician?
Any work involving fixed electrical wiring, switchboards, power points, lighting circuits or other permanent electrical installations should be handled by a licensed electrician. If you are unsure whether a problem is electrical, it is usually safer to have it checked before attempting any repairs yourself.
What information should I provide when requesting electrical work?
A short description of the issue or work you need, the property location and any useful photos can help us understand the job before attending. If you know when the problem started, whether it affects part or all of the property, or whether any recent electrical work has been carried out, that information can also be helpful.
Can i-ELEC help with both small electrical jobs and larger projects?
Yes. i-ELEC works across everyday electrical repairs and installations as well as larger upgrades, renovations and ongoing electrical work. This can include lighting, power points, ceiling fans, switchboards, EV chargers, smart home systems and more. You can view our electrical services for a broader overview.
What should I expect when an electrician comes to my home?
The electrician will first assess the issue or planned work, explain what needs to be done and discuss any relevant considerations before proceeding. i-ELEC places particular importance on clear communication, careful work inside the home and leaving the work area tidy once the job is complete.
Will electrical work cause much disruption in my home?
That depends on the type of work. Many repairs and installations cause only limited disruption, while larger projects such as switchboard upgrades, renovation electrical work or extensive lighting changes may require temporary power interruptions or access to several areas of the home. Where possible, the electrician will explain this beforehand so you know what to expect.
Do you work with apartments, terraces and older Sydney homes?
Yes. i-ELEC works across a wide range of Sydney properties, including apartments, terraces, freestanding homes and older buildings. Different property types can present different wiring, access and switchboard considerations, so the existing installation is assessed before recommending the most appropriate approach.
Electrical Repairs & Safety
Why does my safety switch keep tripping?
A safety switch can trip when it detects an electrical fault, which may come from an appliance, wiring or another part of the circuit. If it keeps tripping or will not reset, the cause should be investigated rather than repeatedly switching it back on. An electrician can isolate the fault and determine what needs to be repaired. Learn more about safety switches and electrical repairs.
Why have I lost power to only part of my home?
If some lights or power points are working while others are not, the problem may be limited to a particular circuit. A circuit breaker or safety switch may have operated, or there may be a fault elsewhere in the installation. If there is no obvious cause or the problem returns after resetting the switchboard, it is worth having the circuit checked by an electrician.
Should I be concerned about flickering lights?
An occasional flicker from a single light may be related to the lamp or fitting, but repeated flickering, several lights being affected or noticeable changes in brightness can be worth investigating. The cause may be within the lighting installation or elsewhere in the electrical supply, so persistent problems should not simply be ignored. i-ELEC can help with electrical fault finding and repairs or lighting installations.
What should I do if a power point feels hot, smells unusual or looks damaged?
Stop using the affected power point and arrange for it to be checked. Heat, discolouration, unusual smells, buzzing or visible damage can indicate a problem with the outlet, connections or wiring behind it. Avoid removing the fitting or attempting to repair fixed electrical wiring yourself.
Does an older switchboard need to be replaced?
Not every older switchboard automatically needs replacing, but its condition and the protection it provides should be assessed, particularly in an older property or when electrical demands have increased over time. An electrician can inspect the existing equipment and explain whether repairs, additional protection or a switchboard upgrade would be appropriate.
What are some signs that an electrical problem should be checked?
Repeatedly tripping circuits, flickering lights, damaged or unusually warm power points, buzzing or crackling sounds, burning smells and unexplained loss of power are all reasons to have the electrical installation checked. Electrical faults are not always visible, so if something has changed or does not seem right, arranging an inspection can help identify the cause before further work is needed.
Installations, Upgrades & Energy
Can I add new lights or power points to an existing home?
In most homes, additional lighting and power points can be installed, although the best approach will depend on the existing wiring, access and capacity of the electrical circuits. An electrician can assess the property and recommend locations and installation options that suit how you use the space. Learn more about lighting installation and other electrical installations.
Is it worth replacing older lighting with LEDs?
LED lighting generally uses less electricity and lasts longer than older lighting technologies, while also giving you more choice over brightness, colour temperature and the way a room is lit. An upgrade can involve replacing lamps, fittings or older transformers depending on the existing installation. See our LED lighting upgrades service for more information.
Should I plan the electrical work early in a renovation?
Yes. Planning electrical work early makes it easier to consider lighting, power points, appliances, data, ceiling fans, smart controls and other requirements before walls and finishes are completed. It can also reduce the need for changes later in the project. i-ELEC can work with homeowners, builders and other trades on renovation electrical work.
Can smart home technology be added to an existing house?
Often, yes. Smart lighting, switches, controls and other automation can be added to many existing homes without requiring a complete electrical renovation. What is practical will depend on the system you want to use, the existing wiring and how much automation you need. Learn more about smart home automation.
Will I need a switchboard upgrade when adding new electrical equipment?
Not necessarily. It depends on the condition and capacity of the existing switchboard and the requirements of the new installation. Larger additions such as an EV charger or other high-demand equipment may require the electrical supply and switchboard to be assessed first. If an upgrade is recommended, the electrician should explain why it is needed and what is involved. Read more about switchboard upgrades.
Can an EV charger be installed at my home?
Many Sydney homes can accommodate a dedicated EV charger, but the installation needs to suit the vehicle, parking location, existing electrical supply and switchboard capacity. An electrician can assess these factors and determine the appropriate charging setup for the property. See our EV charger installation page for more information.
Strata, Property Management & Commercial
Does i-ELEC work with strata and property managers?
Yes. i-ELEC works with strata managers, property managers, building managers and owners corporations across Sydney. This can include repairs, fault finding, lighting, common-area electrical work, maintenance and other ongoing electrical requirements. Clear communication and reliable follow-up are especially important when several people are involved in arranging access or approving work. Learn more about our strata and property management electrical services.
Can you coordinate electrical work with tenants or building occupants?
Yes. Where required, electrical work can be coordinated around access to occupied properties and shared areas. Good communication helps reduce inconvenience for tenants, residents and building users, particularly when power needs to be interrupted or access is required to several parts of a property.
Can i-ELEC help with ongoing electrical maintenance?
Yes. Ongoing electrical maintenance can help address faults, ageing equipment and recurring issues before they become more disruptive. i-ELEC can assist with planned maintenance as well as individual repairs and upgrades across residential buildings, common areas and commercial properties. See our electrical maintenance service for more information.
What information can be provided after electrical work is completed?
The information provided will depend on the type of work completed and any documentation relevant to that job. For property and building managers, clear records of what was attended to, what work was carried out and whether further action is recommended can make ongoing property management much easier.
Can electrical work be carried out with minimal disruption to a business?
In many cases, yes. The amount of disruption depends on the work involved, but planning access, identifying any required power interruptions and coordinating the job around the way the premises are used can help minimise the impact. i-ELEC provides commercial electrical services for businesses requiring repairs, installations, upgrades and ongoing electrical support.


