5 Types of Electricians in Australia: Know Who to Call When You Need Them

Electricians aren’t just a one-size-fits-all profession. Depending on the job, you’ll need a specific type of electrician with the right skills and qualifications.

Whether you’re dealing with flickering lights at home, a power outage at your business or complex industrial machinery, calling the right expert ensures safety and efficiency.

In Australia, electricians specialise in different fields, from residential wiring to large-scale industrial projects. Knowing which one to call can save you time, money and potential electrical hazards.

This guide breaks down the five main types of electricians and when to hire them, so you can make an informed choice.

Whether it’s a routine installation or an urgent repair, finding the right electrician is key to keeping your home, workplace, or industrial site running smoothly and safely.

1. Residential Electricians

Residential electricians are the experts you call for electrical work in homes, apartments, and other living spaces. Whether you’re renovating, building a new home, or just need a quick fix, these professionals ensure your home’s electrical system is safe and up to code.

What they do:

• Install and repair wiring, powerpoints, and light fixtures.
• Upgrade switchboards and circuit breakers for improved safety.
• Set up smart home systems, security lighting and ceiling fans.
• Troubleshoot electrical faults, flickering lights, and power outages.
• Ensure homes meet Australian electrical safety standards.

When to call them:

• If you’re experiencing electrical issues like frequent power trips or faulty outlets.
• When installing new appliances that require wiring or extra power points.
• Before a home renovation to ensure safe and efficient electrical work.
• For regular safety checks to prevent electrical hazards.

Having a trusted residential electrician on hand keeps your home running smoothly, ensuring your family’s safety and peace of mind.

2. Commercial Electricians

Commercial electricians specialise in electrical work for businesses, offices, retail stores, and other commercial properties. They handle more complex systems than residential electricians, often working with larger power supplies, advanced wiring, and high-tech installations to keep businesses running efficiently.

Their work includes installing and maintaining lighting, security systems, data cabling, and power distribution networks. They also ensure businesses comply with Australian electrical safety regulations, reducing the risk of power failures or electrical hazards.

Whether you’re opening a new store, upgrading office lighting, or need emergency repairs, a commercial electrician is the right professional to call.

Unlike residential jobs, commercial electrical work often requires working in larger spaces, managing higher energy demands, and meeting strict safety codes. Many commercial electricians also offer scheduled maintenance to prevent costly downtime.

If your business relies on consistent and safe electrical supply, having a reliable commercial electrician on call is essential. They help keep operations running smoothly, ensuring everything from lighting to critical equipment stays powered and efficient.

3. Industrial Electricians

Industrial electricians are the go-to experts for large-scale electrical work in factories, power plants and manufacturing facilities. Unlike residential or commercial electricians, they work with high-voltage systems, complex machinery and automation technology to keep industrial operations running smoothly.

These electricians handle everything from installing and maintaining heavy-duty electrical equipment to troubleshooting power failures that could disrupt production. Their expertise extends to wiring control panels, working with robotics and ensuring electrical compliance with strict industrial safety standards.

You’ll need an industrial electrician if you’re setting up a new factory, upgrading machinery, or dealing with electrical faults in an industrial setting. Since downtime in manufacturing can be costly, many industrial electricians also provide 24/7 emergency services.

Because industrial environments pose significant electrical risks, hiring a licensed and experienced electrician is crucial for safety and efficiency.

They not only keep machines running but also help prevent electrical hazards that could lead to workplace injuries or costly damages. If you’re in an industrial setting, these are the professionals to call.

4. Maintenance Electricians

Maintenance electricians are responsible for keeping electrical systems running safely and efficiently. Unlike electricians who focus on installations, these professionals specialise in routine inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs to prevent breakdowns before they happen.

They work in homes, businesses and industrial settings to ensure electrical components remain in top condition.

What they do:

• Inspect wiring, switchboards, and electrical panels for potential faults.
• Perform routine maintenance on electrical systems to prevent breakdowns.
• Identify and fix issues like overheating circuits, worn-out wiring or faulty connections.
• Upgrade outdated electrical components to improve safety and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with Australian electrical safety standards.

When to call them:

• If you want regular electrical check-ups for your home or business.
• To prevent unexpected power failures in workplaces or factories.
• When you notice flickering lights, buzzing outlets or frequent circuit trips.
• Before buying or leasing a property to assess the electrical system’s condition.

A maintenance electrician helps avoid costly repairs and ensures your electrical systems stay reliable and safe all year round.

5. Emergency Electricians

Electrical emergencies can happen at any time, and when they do, you need an expert who can respond fast. Emergency electricians are available 24/7 to handle urgent electrical issues that pose safety risks or disrupt power.

They are trained to troubleshoot and fix serious problems quickly, preventing potential hazards like electrical fires, shocks or complete power failures.

What they do:

• Respond to power outages that aren’t caused by the grid.
• Fix exposed or damaged wiring to prevent electric shocks.
• Repair electrical faults causing sparks, burning smells or overheating.
• Address sudden switchboard malfunctions or circuit overloads.
• Make emergency repairs after storms, floods or electrical surges.

When to call them:

• If you see sparks, smoke or smell burning from outlets or appliances.
• When your home or business loses power unexpectedly.
• If circuit breakers keep tripping and won’t reset.
• After storm damage that affects your electrical system.
• If you suspect an electrical fault that could pose a fire risk.

Having an emergency electrician on call can make all the difference in keeping your home or business safe when electrical issues strike.

Finding the Right Professional

Choosing the right electrician for the job isn’t just about convenience − it’s about safety, efficiency, and getting the best results.

Whether you need a residential electrician for home wiring, a commercial electrician for office lighting, or an industrial electrician for factory equipment, hiring the right expert ensures the job is done correctly.

Maintenance electricians help prevent costly breakdowns, while emergency electricians are there when things go wrong.

By understanding the different types of electricians in Australia, you can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary risks. Always hire a licensed and experienced professional for your electrical needs to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Next time you need electrical work done, you’ll know exactly who to call − keeping your home, business or industrial site powered and protected.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.