Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about our electrical services? We’ve answered the most common ones below, including what to expect, how long things take, and how we work across Adelaide.
Residential Services FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions we get from homeowners about electrical work around the home.
How much does it cost to hire a licensed electrician in Adelaide?
Pricing for residential electrical work in Adelaide typically starts at around $150 for a standard call-out, which usually includes the first 30 minutes on site. Jobs like installing a new power point or replacing a light fitting are generally quick and sit at the lower end of that range.
Larger tasks such as rewiring, switchboard upgrades or EV charger installations can range from $950 to over $2,000 depending on how complex the setup is and whether any safety upgrades are required. At H. Irwin Electrical we give fixed quotes before starting any work, explain what’s involved, and back every job with a 12-month workmanship guarantee.
How is under tile heating installed and what’s required before starting?
Under tile heating is installed by laying a thin heating element or mat onto the floor substrate before the tiles are laid. The area must be clean, flat and moisture-free, and ideally prepared by your tiler before we do the electrical connection.
Once the heating is in place, we install a dedicated thermostat and connect it back to your switchboard with full RCD protection. At H. Irwin Electrical, we work closely with your builder or tiler to make sure the install is safe, efficient and meets all electrical standards.
Can you install power points exactly where I want them or are there restrictions?
Most of the time we can install power points wherever they’re needed, but there are rules around spacing, height, and access that we need to follow for safety. For example, wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens have minimum clearance requirements to reduce the risk of electric shock.
We always check the wall structure and wiring access first to make sure the location is suitable. At H. Irwin Electrical, we’ll walk you through the best options so the end result is both compliant and practical for how you use the space.
How do you handle electrical work in heritage or older Adelaide homes?
Older homes often have ageing wiring, limited access, and outdated fittings that no longer meet current Australian Standards. These properties may also have original fuse boxes, brittle cabling or no safety switches at all, which can create serious safety risks if not addressed properly.
We start by inspecting the existing system to identify what can be safely reused and what needs upgrading, then plan the work to avoid unnecessary damage to walls, ceilings or heritage features. At H. Irwin Electrical, we regularly work in character homes across Adelaide and take extra care to deliver safe, compliant upgrades while preserving the original structure wherever possible.
How much does it cost to upgrade a switchboard in Adelaide?
Upgrading a switchboard in Adelaide usually costs between $950 and $1,800, depending on how old your current board is, how many circuits you have, and whether we need to fix any related issues like outdated mains cabling or asbestos panels. Many homes still have older fuse-style boards that aren’t compliant with current safety standards and lack RCD protection, which puts you and your property at risk.
At H. Irwin Electrical, we inspect the setup first to assess what needs replacing and whether extra work like surge protection, rewiring, or earthing upgrades are required. We use trusted brands like Clipsal and Voltex for all components and make sure the entire installation meets the latest AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules.
Commercial Services FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our commercial electrical services and fitouts across Adelaide.
How much does it cost to hire a commercial electrician in Adelaide?
The cost of hiring a commercial electrician in Adelaide depends on the scope of the job. Simple work like replacing lights or installing outlets may start around $150–$300. More complex tasks like switchboard upgrades, fault finding, or fitouts will depend on the site layout, materials, and access.
We always recommend getting a site visit first to provide an accurate and fixed quote. At H. Irwin Electrical, we offer upfront pricing, fast response times, and fully licensed commercial services.
What’s included in a full commercial electrical fitout?
A full electrical fitout typically includes power and lighting installation, data cabling, switchboard setup, and safety systems like exit signs and smoke alarms. It may also involve rewiring, meter board upgrades, or emergency lighting depending on the building type and code requirements. Fitouts are usually tailored to suit the layout and equipment needs of the business.
All work must meet current Australian electrical standards. At H. Irwin Electrical, we manage the entire fitout from planning to completion and ensure everything is tested, compliant, and ready to use.
How long does a commercial electrical fitout take?
The timeline depends on the size of the space and the type of electrical work required. A small shop or office may take 1–3 days, while a full-scale commercial fitout can take up to 2 weeks. We factor in access, equipment setup, and coordination with other trades to avoid delays.
Planning is key to getting the job done efficiently without cutting corners. At H. Irwin Electrical, we provide clear timelines, stick to the schedule, and keep your business informed every step of the way.
Do I need to shut down my business during electrical work?
It depends on the nature of the work and how your space is used. Minor jobs like lighting or outlet replacement can often be done without interruption. For major upgrades or full fitouts, we may need to isolate power temporarily for safety reasons. However, we can usually schedule this work after hours or over weekends to minimise disruption.
At H. Irwin Electrical, we work around your operating hours and prioritise safe, efficient service with minimal downtime.
How much does it cost to upgrade a switchboard in Adelaide?
Upgrading a switchboard in Adelaide usually costs between $950 and $1,800, depending on how old your current board is, how many circuits you have, and whether we need to fix any related issues like outdated mains cabling or asbestos panels. Many homes still have older fuse-style boards that aren’t compliant with current safety standards and lack RCD protection, which puts you and your property at risk.
At H. Irwin Electrical, we inspect the setup first to assess what needs replacing and whether extra work like surge protection, rewiring, or earthing upgrades are required. We use trusted brands like Clipsal and Voltex for all components and make sure the entire installation meets the latest AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules.
Security Services FAQs
We’ve answered a few common questions about home security — from how systems work to what’s involved during setup.
How much does it cost to install a CCTV system in Adelaide?
The cost to install a CCTV system in a typical home starts from around $1,200 for a basic setup with two to four cameras. Prices can increase depending on how many cameras you need, the layout of the property, and whether it’s a single-storey or multi-level home. Some homes require longer cable runs, hidden conduits or specific mounting options that can affect the total cost.
At H. Irwin Electrical, we assess your layout first, explain the options clearly, and provide a fixed quote for the full supply and installation so there are no surprises.
How long does it take to install a full home intercom system?
Installing a full home intercom system usually takes between half a day and a full day, depending on how many stations you need and whether the system is wired or wireless. For existing homes, we check for access through walls or ceilings to run cabling cleanly if needed. Some smart or wireless systems are faster to set up but still require careful placement and testing.
At H. Irwin Electrical, we handle both wired and wireless intercom installations and make sure the system is working properly across all zones before we leave.
Can I connect security lights to my existing outdoor switches or sensors?
Yes, security lights can often be connected to your current switches or motion sensors. We’ll first inspect the wiring to make sure it’s safe and compatible with the new fittings. Some older systems may need upgrades to support modern lights or sensors. If the setup is suitable, we can connect everything without needing to rewire. Our team will explain your options clearly and complete the work to meet safety standards.
How long does a smoke alarm compliance check take in a typical home?
A standard smoke alarm compliance check takes around 30 to 60 minutes in most homes. We test each unit for correct placement, response time, expiry date and battery condition, and make sure your setup meets current South Australian regulations.
If alarms need replacing, we can usually do that on the same visit unless major rewiring is required. At H. Irwin Electrical, we aim to make the process fast, clear and fully compliant with local safety standards.
How much does it cost to upgrade a switchboard in Adelaide?
Upgrading a switchboard in Adelaide usually costs between $950 and $1,800, depending on how old your current board is, how many circuits you have, and whether we need to fix any related issues like outdated mains cabling or asbestos panels. Many homes still have older fuse-style boards that aren’t compliant with current safety standards and lack RCD protection, which puts you and your property at risk.
At H. Irwin Electrical, we inspect the setup first to assess what needs replacing and whether extra work like surge protection, rewiring, or earthing upgrades are required. We use trusted brands like Clipsal and Voltex for all components and make sure the entire installation meets the latest AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules.
