What happens during an electrical or air conditioning visit?

We'll ask you to show us the problem or the area, then go to the switchboard or the system. For a fault, that usually means testing circuits until the cause shows itself. For air conditioning, it means running the system and checking filters, coils, the drain and the electrical connection. For new work, we confirm positions, cable routes and what's behind the wall or ceiling before anything is cut.

Before anything is fixed or installed, we explain what we found in plain terms and give you the options where there are some. If a repair will do the job, we'll say so, even when a replacement is also on the table. You get the price before work starts, and nothing goes ahead until you agree.

Testing and working on circuits means switching power off for a while, so we'll tell you before it goes off and roughly for how long. Electrical work is tested before it goes back into service, and air conditioning is run and checked once the work is finished.

Main switchboard, mains and meter box work is different. It's prescribed work, and power can't go back on to a new main switchboard until a Licensed Electrical Inspector has inspected it, so we plan the inspection into the day.

We walk you through what was done and anything worth keeping an eye on. A licensed electrician must provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety whenever they complete electrical installation work, repairs included. For lights, power points and air conditioning, Energy Safe Victoria says your copy is due within 30 days. Gas work is done by a licensed gasfitter and comes with its own paperwork.