One of the most common questions Melbourne homeowners ask before calling an electrician is “how much will it cost?” It is a fair question, and one that deserves a clear answer. While every job is different and accurate pricing requires an on-site assessment, understanding typical price ranges helps you budget for electrical work and recognise a fair quote when you receive one.
This guide covers the most common residential electrical services in Melbourne, with indicative price ranges for 2026. All prices include GST and are based on standard residential work in the Melbourne metropolitan area. Prices may vary depending on the complexity of your specific situation, accessibility, and the condition of your existing electrical system.
Electrician Call-Out and Hourly Rates
Most Melbourne electricians charge either a flat rate per job or an hourly rate plus a call-out fee. Understanding how pricing works helps you compare quotes accurately.
| Pricing Component | Typical Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Call-out / attendance fee | $80 – $150 |
| Standard hourly rate | $80 – $120 per hour |
| After-hours / emergency rate | $120 – $200 per hour |
| Minimum charge (first hour incl. call-out) | $150 – $250 |
The call-out fee covers travel time and the first portion of work. For small jobs like replacing a power point or light switch, the total cost is often just the minimum charge. For larger jobs, most electricians provide a fixed quote rather than charging hourly, which gives you cost certainty.
Switchboard Upgrades
Switchboard upgrades are one of the most common electrical jobs in Melbourne, particularly for older homes with ceramic fuse boards or outdated safety switches. The cost depends on the size of your switchboard, the number of circuits, and whether your meter board also needs replacing.
| Service | Typical Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Safety switch (RCD) installation (per switch) | $200 – $350 |
| Basic switchboard upgrade (replace fuses with breakers) | $900 – $1,800 |
| Full switchboard replacement | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Switchboard + meter box upgrade | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Three-phase switchboard upgrade | $3,000 – $6,000 |
A switchboard upgrade is not optional if your home still has ceramic fuses. Modern circuit breakers and safety switches are significantly safer and are required by current standards. If you are adding solar panels, an EV charger, or other high-demand equipment, your switchboard may also need upgrading to handle the additional load.
House Rewiring
Rewiring is a larger investment, but it is essential for homes with degraded VIR, early TPS, or aluminium wiring. The cost depends on the size of your home, the number of circuits, and how accessible the wiring routes are.
| Service | Typical Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Partial rewire (single circuit or room) | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Full rewire (2-bedroom home) | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| Full rewire (3-bedroom home) | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Full rewire (4+ bedroom home) | $12,000 – $22,000 |
These prices typically include a switchboard upgrade, as a rewire almost always requires a new switchboard to accommodate modern safety devices. The main cost driver is labour, as rewiring requires running new cables through wall cavities, roof spaces, and under floors.
Power Points and Light Switches
Adding or replacing power points and light switches is one of the most frequent electrical requests. Costs vary depending on whether existing wiring can be reused or new cable runs are needed.
| Service | Typical Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Replace existing power point (like-for-like) | $80 – $150 |
| Install new power point (new cable run) | $180 – $350 |
| Install double power point | $200 – $380 |
| Install USB power point | $200 – $350 |
| Replace light switch | $80 – $150 |
| Install dimmer switch | $150 – $280 |
| Install outdoor weatherproof power point | $250 – $450 |
If you need multiple power points installed at the same time, most electricians offer a reduced rate per additional point, as the cable routing and switchboard work can be shared across the job.
Lighting Installation
Lighting costs depend on the type of fitting, whether new wiring is required, and the number of lights being installed. LED downlight installations are particularly popular in Melbourne homes.
| Service | Typical Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Replace existing light fitting (like-for-like) | $80 – $150 |
| Install LED downlight (per light, existing circuit) | $80 – $130 |
| Install LED downlight (per light, new circuit) | $120 – $200 |
| Install pendant light | $150 – $300 |
| Install exterior wall light | $180 – $350 |
| Install garden lighting (per light) | $200 – $400 |
| Bathroom exhaust fan with light | $300 – $550 |
When getting a quote for multiple downlights, ask for a per-light rate. Installing six or more downlights at once is significantly cheaper per light than installing them individually, as the electrician can work efficiently with the circuit already open.
Safety Inspections and Testing
Electrical safety inspections are recommended for older homes, pre-purchase assessments, and rental properties. The inspection covers your switchboard, wiring, power points, light fittings, smoke alarms, and earth system.
| Service | Typical Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Electrical safety inspection (standard home) | $200 – $400 |
| Pre-purchase electrical inspection | $250 – $450 |
| Rental property safety check | $180 – $350 |
| RCD / safety switch testing | $100 – $180 |
| Thermal imaging inspection | $300 – $500 |
Smoke Alarm Installation
Victorian legislation requires all homes to have working smoke alarms. Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are now the minimum standard for new installations and renovations.
| Service | Typical Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Replace battery smoke alarm with hardwired | $180 – $300 per alarm |
| Install interconnected smoke alarm system (3 alarms) | $500 – $900 |
| Install interconnected smoke alarm system (5 alarms) | $800 – $1,400 |
Other Common Services
| Service | Typical Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Ceiling fan installation (existing point) | $150 – $300 |
| Ceiling fan installation (new circuit) | $300 – $550 |
| Range hood / cooktop hardwiring | $200 – $400 |
| Dedicated circuit for air conditioner | $350 – $700 |
| EV charger installation | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Security camera / CCTV installation (4 cameras) | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Pool pump wiring | $500 – $800 |
| Fault finding (hourly) | $120 – $180 per hour |
What Affects the Price of Electrical Work?
Accessibility
Jobs where cables need to be run through difficult access points, such as solid brick walls, concrete slabs, or tight ceiling spaces, take longer and cost more than straightforward installations with easy cable routes through timber-framed walls and accessible roof spaces.
Age and Condition of Existing Wiring
In older Melbourne homes, the existing wiring may not be compatible with new installations. For example, adding a new power point circuit to a home with an outdated switchboard often means the switchboard needs upgrading first. This adds cost but is necessary for safety compliance.
Materials and Equipment
The quality of fittings and materials affects the total cost. Premium light fittings, commercial-grade power points, and smart home devices cost more than standard components. Your electrician should itemise materials separately so you can see what you are paying for.
Permits and Compliance
Certain electrical work in Victoria requires notification to the relevant authority and a certificate of electrical safety. Your electrician handles this as part of the job, but it is worth understanding that compliance costs are built into the pricing.
Time of Service
After-hours and emergency call-outs attract higher rates, typically 50 to 100 per cent above standard rates. Wherever possible, scheduling electrical work during standard business hours will keep costs down.
How to Get a Fair Quote
Getting an accurate quote for electrical work starts with providing clear information about what you need. Here are some practical tips for getting the best value from your Melbourne electrician:
Get multiple quotes. For larger jobs, obtaining two to three quotes gives you a realistic benchmark. Be wary of quotes significantly below the average, as they may indicate shortcuts on materials or compliance.
Ask for a fixed price. For defined jobs like switchboard upgrades or lighting installations, a fixed-price quote removes the uncertainty of hourly billing. Most reputable electricians are happy to provide fixed pricing for standard work.
Check the licence. Always confirm your electrician holds a current REC (Registered Electrical Contractor) licence. You can verify Victorian electrical licences through Energy Safe Victoria. Unlicensed work is illegal, uninsured, and potentially dangerous.
Understand what is included. A good quote itemises labour, materials, and any compliance costs. Ask whether the quote includes a certificate of electrical safety, which is required for most electrical work in Victoria.
Bundle your jobs. If you have multiple electrical tasks, having them done in a single visit is almost always cheaper than booking separate appointments. The call-out and setup time is shared across all the work.
Get a Free Quote from Carlin Co
Every property is different, and the only way to get an accurate price is with a proper assessment of your specific job. Carlin Co Electrical provides free, no-obligation quotes for all residential and commercial electrical work across Melbourne. We hold REC licence 33210 and stand behind every job with transparent pricing and quality workmanship.
Or call us directly on 0432 632 346
Need a licensed electrician in Melbourne? Carlin Co provides general electrical services, switchboard upgrades, smoke alarm compliance, LED lighting upgrades, and electrical safety inspections.
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