How to Check an Electrician's Licence in SA
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In South Australia you can check an electrician for free on the Consumer and Business Services (CBS) 'Find a licence holder' search. Enter their name, company or licence number and see whether they hold a current licence. Always check before work starts, and ask to see their licence number on the quote.
Why you should check
Electrical work can start fires and cause shocks if it is done badly. A licence shows the person or business is registered to do the work. Checking takes a few minutes and protects your family, your home and your insurance.
Consumer and Business Services (CBS), part of the South Australian Government, keeps the licensing register for trades such as electricians. Its own advice is to always check that the person doing the work holds the right licence.
The same goes for DIY: our guide on installing a ceiling fan yourself explains why licensed work matters.
How to check, step by step
- Ask the electrician for their licence number. It should be on the quote, invoice, website and vehicle or uniform, and they should be happy to give it.
- Go to the CBS website at cbs.sa.gov.au and choose 'Find a licence holder'.
- Choose the work or business licence search.
- Search by name, company name or licence number.
- Open the result and read the details.
The search page is run by the SA Government, so always type the address yourself or follow a link from the CBS site, not from an email or ad.
What to look for in the result
- The licence is current and not expired or cancelled.
- The licence type is for electrical work.
- The name matches the person or business on your quote.
- The licence number matches the one they gave you.
- Whether any conditions are listed on the licence.
Licence numbers for businesses and workers
In South Australia, a business doing electrical work holds a contractor licence, and the electricians working for it hold their own worker licences. Both can be worth knowing about, and the register can show whether a person or company is licensed.
Our SA electrical licence number is PGE 229 469. You are welcome to search for it before you book us.
Other signs of a trustworthy electrician
- A written quote that says what is included.
- A licence number on all paperwork.
- Clear answers when you ask questions.
- A certificate of compliance for the work, provided after the job.
- Reviews you can read yourself on Google.
- No pressure to pay cash upfront or skip paperwork.
After a job, a certificate of compliance is the proof the work was certified.
Red flags
- They will not give a licence number or it does not match the register.
- The quote is vague or only verbal.
- They suggest skipping the certificate to save money.
- They offer a very low price with no explanation.
- They turn up in an unmarked vehicle and cannot show ID.
What to do if something is wrong
If a licence does not show on the register, do not let them start. If you already have work done and are worried, contact CBS through its website, and have another licensed electrician inspect it. We are happy to take a look: call 0482 099 388, or see our emergency electrician page if it is urgent.
Helpful guides
From our blog
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Common questions
Where do I check an electrician's licence in SA?
On the Consumer and Business Services (CBS) 'Find a licence holder' search at cbs.sa.gov.au. It is free to use.
Can I search by licence number?
Yes. You can search by name, company name or licence number.
Should an electrician show me their licence?
Yes. A licensed electrician should be happy to give you their licence number, and it should be on their quote or invoice.
Is the electrician or the business licensed?
Both matter. A business doing electrical work holds a contractor licence, and the electricians working for it hold worker licences. Ask for the business licence number at least.
What is Hoile Electrical's licence number?
Our SA electrical licence number is PGE 229 469.
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