Plan your Gold Coast electrical job
In short
Choose a Gold Coast electrical business with a current Queensland electrical contractor licence and workers licensed for your task. If the power has gone out, check Energex's outage finder first. For an apartment job, confirm building rules and access to the meter room before agreeing a visit. Compare the work and charges in writing, including who supplies fittings, then keep the electrical testing certificate with your invoice.
Step 1
Identify the first call before booking a visit
Energex's outage finder lists planned interruptions and unexpected outages. Check it if your Gold Coast property loses supply, particularly when nearby properties are also affected. Describe what you notice from a safe position; do not open electrical covers to investigate.
What has happened?
| Situation | First action |
|---|---|
| Your home or building has lost power | Check Energex's outage finder. Report power outages or electricity supply problems on 13 62 62. |
| Fallen powerlines, or a shock or tingle from an electrical item | Keep clear and call Energex on 13 19 62. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency. |
| A faulty fitting, repeated circuit trip or planned installation | Contact a licensed electrical contractor. Explain the symptoms or installation and ask about the cost of assessing it. |
Step 2
Check the business licence and the worker's scope
The business carrying out electrical work for you needs a Queensland electrical contractor licence. Ask for its legal name and contractor licence number, then use the Electrical licence holder search linked from WorkSafe Queensland's licence classes page. Match the licence holder and current status to the business on your quote.
A worker's electrical work licence is different from the business's contractor licence. An electrical mechanic licence permits general electrical work, while a restricted licence only permits specified work associated with another trade. Ask who will perform or supervise your job and confirm that their licence covers it. Request relevant insurance details and experience with your type of property.
Step 3
Prepare the fittings, permissions and building access
Name your suburb and property type, then list each fitting or fault by room. Include safe photos, product models and whether you want a replacement or a new position. For outdoor or balcony fittings, describe exposure to weather so the electrician can assess suitable equipment.
For a Gold Coast apartment, check your scheme's by-laws and whether the work affects common property. Queensland requires approval for an owner's improvement to common property; the approval process depends on the scheme and proposed work. Confirm the requirements with your body corporate before setting the installation date.
Ask the building manager about contractor entry, lift bookings, parking, permitted work hours and keys to locked electrical rooms. If power needs to be turned off, agree who will arrange access and any required building coordination. For a rental, confirm the landlord or property manager's authority to proceed.
Step 4
Agree the work, charges and power interruption
For installation work, compare written quotes for the same fittings and tasks. Check labour, materials, GST, travel, parking, removal of old fittings and testing. Ask whether mounting supports, new wiring, switchboard changes or repairing wall and ceiling openings are included or still need assessment.
For a fault, agree the attendance fee, initial assessment time and how further investigation or repairs will be charged. Confirm any minimum or after-hours charge. Ask for the price of additional work before authorising it.
Electrical work generally requires the power to be turned off. Confirm which areas will lose supply and the expected interruption before the visit, particularly if you work from home or manage a tenanted apartment. Put the agreed scope, booking and access contact in writing.
Step 5
Collect the certificate for the work completed
Queensland electrical contractors must provide a certificate of testing and compliance for electrical installation work, or a certificate of testing and safety for work on electrical equipment. WorkSafe Queensland says the certificate must be given as soon as possible after the work is completed. Ask which document applies and how it will reach the person who engaged the contractor.
The certificate must identify the customer and address, what was tested, the test date and the contractor licence number, with the required certification statement. It can form part of an invoice if the invoice meets those requirements. Keep it with the quote, approved changes and product instructions, and ask for an explanation of any remaining problem or follow-up work.
Sources and useful links
Sources checked 7 October 2026
- Energex: outage finder
Planned and unexpected outage information, supply reporting on 13 62 62 and emergency reporting on 13 19 62.
- WorkSafe Queensland: classes of electrical licences
Business contractor licence requirement, worker licence scope, official licence search and power isolation guidance.
- Queensland Government: improving common property and lots
Approval for lot-owner improvements to common property, different scheme rules and checking by-laws for changes within a lot.
- WorkSafe Queensland: issuing certificates of compliance
Certificate types, issue timing, required details and when an invoice can serve as the certificate.
