How much does an electrician cost?

We shed some light on an electrician’s prices and rates in Newcastle.

Updated September 2018

From routine electrical installation or repair work to emergency call-outs, it’s probable that most people will need the services of an electrician at some point.

The first and most important thing to consider is that your electrician is fully qualified. A qualified electrician will ensure:

• A safe electrical installation that complies with the latest electrical wiring regulations.
• A fully verified, inspected and tested electrical installation – complete with a signed electrical certificate which validates the job.
• Where required, submission of work to council authorities and/or inspectors.

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, landlord or tenant, the next most important consideration is the costs you’ll be faced with. We have compiled a guide to help you make an informed decision and ensure you have some knowledge prior to engaging our electricians in Newcastle.

Hourly Rate – Emergency and repair work (Non-Quoted)

Let’s face it – emergencies happen. Some emergencies like a blown fuse or changing a light bulb can usually be attended to without having to call an electrician, but it’s important to put safety first and if in doubt, it’s best to let a qualified electrician assess the situation.

Cost: Monday to Friday 7am – 5pm

$100 Service Fee – $80 per hour (calculated in 15-minute increments)

Service Fee includes the first 30 minutes on site.

Cost: All other hours. 

$265 Service Fee – $120 per hour (calculated per 15-minute increments)

Service Fee includes the first 30 minutes on site.

Basic Electrical Tasks

Summary Table

Install double power point

Source: Masters

With the increasing number of electrically powered gadgets in everyday life, sometimes it seems like there is never an extra power point when you need one. Many people get by with power boards but this can become unsafe and you can risk an overload if you’re using more than one on any socket.

Installing double power points is a way to overcome your power shortfalls. Bear in mind that certain things may affect the price of your installation including location, underfloor, wall and ceiling access, style of powerpoint, or distance from the closest power point.

Cost: $75 – $125

Installation time: 20 minutes to 1 hour

Supply and install LED downlights

Source: Sal

Over the last few years, LED lighting has developed to a point that lighting quality is now far superior to traditional incandescent, fluorescent or halogen equivalents. As costs have now dropped for quality LED downlights to below $25, replacing or installing LED downlights is both cost-effective and energy efficient. Most LED downlights come with a 3-5 year warranty and are tested up to 50,000 hours.

Things that may affect cost:

• Amount of fittings that need to be replaced
• Size or style of the downlight
• Ceiling access
• Age of the existing wiring
• Current circuit protection

Straight swap from existing downlight

Cost: $35-$50 per downlight

Installation time: 5-20 minutes per light

Install new LED downlights

Cost: $50-$70 per downlight

Installation time: 2-3 hours per room of downlights

Install ceiling fan

Source: Masters

Ceiling fans are still the most cost-effective method for air movement. They can help warm air to circulate in winter, as well as reduce the stifling effects of heat in summer. Ceiling fans can be installed easily into existing rooms or can be installed to replace an existing light fitting. Options for switching include both wall control and remote. Things that may affect cost:

• Existing wiring standard
• Installation of timber batten in the ceiling to hang the fan
• Ceiling access
• Wall access
• Style of fan
• Current wiring

Install owner supplied ceiling fan

Cost: $80 – $200

Installation time: 1-3 hours

Supply and install ceiling fan – Basic white, 4 blade timber fan, with or without light.

Cost – $150 – $300

Installation time: 1-3 hours

General Kitchen Electrical fit out – Includes connection of oven and cooktop plus 5 power points

Depending on the size of the installation, we can usually complete a fit-out over 2 visits. We can pre-wire before the kitchen is installed, then fit out on completion of the kitchen.

Things that may affect cost could be:

• The style of kitchen
• Island benches
• Wall material
• Underfloor and ceiling access
• Existing circuit protection (RCD Safety switches)

Cost: $450 – $850

Installation time: 6 – 8 hours total

Replace double power point with USB double power point combination.

Source: HPM

As more electrical products turn to USB for power or charging, new products that incorporate USB are coming on to the market. These days, you can install double power points complete with handy USB ports to charge and connect your favourite electronic gadgets. These can replace existing power points or be installed anywhere a power point will fit. It is a great way to limit amounts of cables plugged into wall sockets. Things that may affect cost are the type of powerpoint chosen.

Cost: $80 – $120

Installation time: 15-30 minutes

Install an extra TV point

Source: HPM

Need an extra TV socket somewhere? Our team can install them anywhere, including bedrooms, living rooms, offices, kitchens or any room in a home or office. Things that may affect price could be the distance from the antenna, or underfloor and ceiling access.

Cost: $90 – $180

Installation time: 1-1.5 hours

Install extra phone point

Source: Homewired

Perhaps you need a new phone socket installed, or have issues with a crackly line or static noise. We are fully licensed to carry out any cabling within your home or office, to multiple locations. Things that may affect price could include distance from existing phone sockets, or underfloor and ceiling access.

Cost: $70 – $160

Installation time: 1-1.5 hours

Replace circuit breaker or fuse with RCD Safety switch (Residual Current Device)

Source: Clipsal

An RCD (residual current device) is an electrical safety device that cuts off electricity when it detects electrical faults to earth and is usually installed in the electrical box. It’s commonly referred to as a safety switch and it is now law to have these installed to protect all lights and power outlets, (light and power circuits) to help prevent electric shock.

Safety switches are far more convenient and safer than the old school ceramic plug-in fuses which required having to find the blown fuse, then manually replace the fuse wire. Things that may affect price could be main switchboard location, the standard of existing wiring, switchboard enclosure type and size.

Cost: $150

Installation time: 1-1.5 hours

Remember – jobs are typically quicker in new build homes, but will take longer in older houses – so be prepared to pay a little extra depending on your property type.

To get an accurate idea about electrician costs in Newcastle, contact the experienced team from GKT Group on 1300 766 324.