Intro
When it comes to electrical work, cutting corners can be dangerous - and costly.
In Melbourne, all electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. Yet many homeowners are still caught out by unlicensed or poorly qualified operators, often discovering the problem only when something goes wrong.
Here’s why choosing a licensed electrician matters, what it protects you from, and how to make sure your home stays safe and compliant.
What does “licensed electrician” actually mean in Victoria?
In Victoria, electricians must:
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Hold a valid Electrical Licence
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Be registered with Energy Safe Victoria (ESV)
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Follow strict Australian Standards
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Issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) for relevant work
This isn’t paperwork for the sake of it. Licensing exists to protect homeowners from electrical fires, shocks, insurance issues, and unsafe installations.
The real risks of unlicensed electrical work
Hiring an unlicensed electrician - or allowing DIY electrical work - can expose you to serious risks:
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Increased chance of electrical fires
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Electric shock or injury
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Voided home insurance
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Non-compliant installations that fail inspections
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Costly repairs later when work needs to be redone
Many electrical faults don’t show up straight away. Issues can sit behind walls or switchboards for years before becoming dangerous.
Why the Certificate of Electrical Safety is so important
A Certificate of Electrical Safety is a legal document that confirms:
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The work meets safety standards
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The electrician takes responsibility for the work
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Your home is protected if issues arise later
If electrical work is done without a CES, you may have no protection if something fails, especially when selling your home or making an insurance claim.
Common electrical problems we see in Melbourne homes
As licensed electricians, we’re often called in to fix issues caused by poor or unlicensed work, including:
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Overloaded or outdated switchboards
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Power points installed without proper protection
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Tripping safety switches
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Unsafe DIY lighting installations
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Non-compliant renovations
Many of these issues could have been avoided by using a licensed electrician from the start.
How Blunt’s Electrical does things differently
At Blunt’s Electrical, we take compliance and safety seriously.
Our electricians:
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Are fully licensed and insured
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Follow Victorian regulations and standards
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Provide Certificates of Electrical Safety where required
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Communicate clearly before and after the job
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Treat your home with care and respect
We believe electrical work should be done once, done properly, and done safely.
Final thoughts
Electrical work isn’t something to gamble with. Choosing a licensed electrician protects your home, your family, and your long-term investment.
If you’re unsure whether your electrical system is safe or compliant, it’s always better to ask and check than assume.
