Electrical emergency – What Should You Ask Before Calling an Electrician?

At times, you may face an electrical emergency at your place, and you keep looking for the electrician’s number that you did not save for future use. In such cases, you have to go online and search for one.

An emergency electrician can be anybody who has not serviced you before. But it does not necessarily mean that they cannot be trusted. You can ask a few questions to verify their work experience.

Talk to the neighbours around and seek their help. It is best to go for experts who have previously worked with someone you know. Also, make a note of a few questions to ask before you call the emergency electricians for your help.

Electrical emergency: Questions before calling an Electrician

Ask for their License

Every qualified electrician has to undergo several tests and exams before they are conferred with the certification and license. You must ask for their license number and get it verified from the verifying portal WorkCover Queensland (Workplace Health and Safety Electrical Safety Office Worker’s Compensation Regulator).

Once you check for their license’s validity, you will be sure of their qualification. Do not call any professional who does not provide you with these details. It is better to be safe than risking your life by hiring the wrong person for handling the wiring in your home.

For How Long Have They Been Working In This Field?

Experience counts a lot in technical jobs. Every electrical professional in Australia must be certified from the appropriate body. Along with that, they should have the right amount of experience in the field. Someone new in the business may not have the idea of how the old structures or buildings are wired.

Someone with experience of more than ten years in a similar field is considered an expert. If the electrician you call has less experience, do not invite them to repair your electric circuits. They can do more damage leading to higher repairing costs down the road. For example, homeowners from all around El Paso County are looking for an experienced Electrician in Colorado Springs as this gives them peace of mind knowing that they are hiring a skilled professional. Their knowledge and skill help them to handle any emergency in the most appropriate way possible

Ask Them Whether They Can Fix your Issue

Let the electrician know what problem you are facing. Be it circuit-breaker tripping frequently, foul smell from the meter panel, or vibrations in the outlets. The replies from the electrician should not sound like he is looking to make quick money.

Get information from other electricians, and ask them how much time they will take to fix the issue. If you find anything dubious about a particular contractor, avoid calling them. Hire the one who sounds professional and provides you the detailed information with proven track records.

Ask Them What Will Be the Charges?

Generally, the houses in Australia are rewired in copper to avert electrical emergencies. This wiring alone can cost you around AUD 840, and the quotes for rewiring the entire house can cost you around AUD 5,600 to AUD 9000. Eventually, it depends on your area size.

Once you talk to different electricians, you will get a brief idea about how much expenses you may incur in fixing your emergency issue. Go for the electrician whom you can afford but ensure that they are licensed and insured.

Assess The Electrician’s Expertise And Soft Skills

To evaluate the expertise of your prospective electrician, ask open-ended questions. For instance, ask, ‘how do you find the energy providers in our area? Can you tell the difference in their services and how will it affect a household’s electrical system?’ A good electrician such as Ambit Energy can make a comparison and recommend the best energy provider in your area.

Here are some sample questions to help you assess the electrician’s soft skills:

• What was the most difficult electrical problem you have ever dealt with and how did you resolve it? This question can help you gauge the electrician’s problem-solving skills.
• Are you familiar with the latest electrical trends?
• How do you find solar energy’s performance and cost-wise?
• How do you want your clients to contact you? You want to work with an electrician who can offer flexible communication options suitable for your needs.

Takeaways

You should know the electrical projects that you should and shouldn’t do. The latter is best entrusted to professionals, such as electrical issues. When hiring a professional, it’s crucial to ask the questions above to help you make a sound decision and avoid the same electrical problems from arising again.

Featured Image Source: Photo by taner ardalı on Unsplash

Author: Jeannie Mai