Asset and site context
Keep useful records of the premises, equipment, previous work, known faults and operational constraints so a contractor can understand the environment.
Practical electrical guidance
Know what to expect—without taking electrical risks.
Use these guides to prepare a useful enquiry, make a site visit easier and recognise when to keep clear and seek qualified help. They do not replace site-specific advice.
Safety FAQs
Stop, keep clear and get the right help.
Never remove covers, test wiring or attempt electrical repairs based on website content.
Who can carry out electrical work in Western Australia?
WA Building and Energy says electrical work must be carried out by a person holding the relevant electrical licence. Check the contractor’s details using the government licence search before work begins. This site will display its owner-supplied licence details only after they are verified. Read the government guide to having electrical work done (opens in a new tab).
What should I do after an electric shock?
Do not touch a person who may still be in contact with electricity. For immediate danger or a life-threatening situation, call 000. Keep clear of the source and follow emergency-services directions; arrange for the installation to be assessed by an appropriately licensed person before it is used again.
What should I do about sparking, smoke or a burning smell?
Keep people away and call 000 if there is fire, smoke or immediate danger. Turn power off only if it is safe to do so—do not approach, open or attempt to repair electrical equipment. Seek licensed electrical help before using the affected installation again.
What if a powerline is fallen, low or damaged?
Treat it as live, keep well clear and warn others away. In the Western Power network, report damaged or fallen powerlines immediately on 13 13 51. See Western Power’s damaged powerline advice (opens in a new tab). Call 000 if life or property is in immediate danger.
When should smoke alarms be reviewed?
Requirements depend on the dwelling and its circumstances, including construction, sale, rent or hire. Do not assume one rule fits every property. WA Building and Energy publishes current residential smoke alarm requirements (opens in a new tab); ask a licensed contractor or relevant building professional what applies to your property.
Preparing for a visit
Useful preparation starts outside the switchboard.
You can help clarify the job without inspecting or disturbing electrical parts yourself.
- 01
Describe the outcome
Explain what you want checked, installed or changed, where it is located and how the space is used. Plain language is enough.
- 02
Share safe context
Provide the suburb, property type, access constraints and photos only when they can be taken without touching equipment, removing covers or entering a hazardous area.
- 03
Make access practical
Identify the authorised site contact and clear ordinary belongings from the work area where safe. Keep children, pets, customers and workers away from the planned work zone.
- 04
Confirm the scope
Before work starts, clarify what is included, whether further assessment is needed, site timing and what records or certification should follow.
Useful next step: see the service pages for job-specific enquiry prompts, or go straight to the quote form.
Commercial maintenance
Plan around the workplace and its risks.
WorkSafe WA says a person conducting a business or undertaking with management or control of electrical equipment has duties to eliminate or minimise electrical risks. Its current code of practice (opens in a new tab) provides authoritative guidance; a service page is not a compliance assessment.
Planned review
Base inspection and maintenance arrangements on the workplace, equipment, risks, manufacturer information and applicable duties—not a generic interval published by a service website.
Fault reporting
Give staff a clear way to report damage, shocks, unusual heat, smells, noise or repeated interruptions, and keep unsafe equipment out of use pending competent assessment.
Records and coordination
Retain relevant reports, test records and electrical safety certificates, and coordinate access, shutdowns and affected workers before planned work.
Ready to explain the work?
Send the location, property type and outcome you need. Availability and scope are confirmed separately.