How to check an electrician's licence in South Australia

An online profile can tell you what a business says it does. The South Australian public licensing register tells you whether the business or person holds a current licence or registration. That distinction matters when you are comparing electricians across Adelaide, from a CBD apartment to an older home in Norwood, Prospect or Glenelg.

1. Ask for the business name and licence number

Request the exact trading name or licence number shown on the quote. Search the SA register using that number, surname or trading name. Check that the result matches the business you are speaking with, that it is current, and that its conditions cover the proposed work. Similar names are easy to confuse; use the number when you have one.

South Australia distinguishes a contractor's licence for a business that carries out or organises electrical work from the registration of the worker who physically performs it. The state's licensing guidance explains both. If a company sends a different person on the day, ask who will carry out and certify the work.

2. Check the scope, not just the word "licensed"

Some registrations have conditions or restricted scopes. A licence to disconnect and reconnect certain equipment, for example, does not automatically authorise new fixed wiring or a switchboard alteration. If the register entry is unclear, ask the contractor to explain which licence and registration cover your job. For help deciding which tasks require an electrician in SA, see our separate guide.

3. Put the job and paperwork in the written quote

A useful quote names the address or suburb, the work included, materials or equipment, testing, access requirements, likely variations and who arranges any necessary network or meter work. For example, a new power point in an Adelaide CBD apartment may need strata access, while a switchboard job at a character home in Prospect may require a closer look at existing wiring. Those are scoping questions, not reasons to accept a vague price.

Ask whether the electrical work will receive an electronic certificate of compliance. SA.GOV.AU says an eCoC is required for most electrical work, including tests and checks, and is generally due within 30 days after electrical work is completed. Minor maintenance such as changing a lightbulb is an exception. The worker and any involved contractor sign off on the certificate. Keep it with your property records.

4. Compare the person and process, not only the price

After the licence check, compare whether each quote covers the same task. Ask who will attend, what happens if hidden faults are found, when power needs to be off and how the site will be left. Our 10 questions for choosing an Adelaide electrician covers the broader comparison. For a job-specific brief, start at general electrical services in Adelaide.

Common questions

Can I search by an electrician's name instead of a licence number?

Yes. SA's register accepts a surname or trading name as well as a licence number. Match the result to the person or business on your quote, and check its current status and conditions.

What if I do not receive an eCoC?

Ask the contractor for it first. For electrical work that requires one, SA.GOV.AU says it must be provided within 30 days of completion. If it is refused, the Office of the Technical Regulator is the state contact listed on the government's certificate page.

Sources

This guide uses SA's public licence check, contractor and worker licensing guidance, and eCoC guidance. Check the live government pages when booking because requirements can change.

Editorial note: This guide is general information for South Australian homeowners, reviewed against the sources above on 14 October 2026. It does not replace a site assessment, electrical testing or advice from an appropriately licensed contractor.