At Uncommon Electricians, we’re often called out after an electrical failure, fire, or insurance dispute has already occurred. Unfortunately, by that stage, the damage — both physical and financial — can be severe. In this article, we’ll explain how substandard electrical work affects your insurance, what Queensland law requires, and how to protect your home properly.
Why Home Insurance and Electrical Work Are Closely Linked
Home insurance policies are designed to protect you from unexpected and accidental events — not from risks created by illegal or unsafe work. Electrical systems are one of the most common causes of house fires in Australia, which means insurers look very closely at how electrical work was carried out when a claim is lodged.
If an insurer discovers that electrical work was:
Performed by an unlicensed person
Non-compliant with Australian Standards
Poorly installed or modified
Not certified where required
they may legally deny your claim.
What Queensland Law Says About Electrical Work
In Queensland, electrical work is governed by the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and Electrical Safety Regulation 2013. These laws are very clear:
Most electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician.
This includes:
Installing or altering power points
Switchboard upgrades or modifications
Lighting installations
Appliance connections (in many cases)
Any changes to fixed wiring
All work must comply with AS/NZS 3000 (the Wiring Rules) and be electrically safe.
Performing or allowing unlicensed electrical work is illegal and can result in fines, prosecution, or worse — serious injury or death.
How Poor Electrical Work Voids Insurance Claims
1. Unlicensed or DIY Electrical Work
DIY electrical work is one of the fastest ways to void your insurance. Even if the work “seems fine” or has been functioning for years, insurers can — and do — reject claims once illegal work is identified.
Common examples include:
DIY power point installations
Home-owner lighting upgrades
Backyard shed wiring done by a mate
Renovation electrical work without certification
If a fire, electrocution, or equipment failure occurs and unlicensed work is found, insurers often classify the risk as foreseeable and preventable — grounds for claim rejection.
2. Non-Compliant Installations
Even licensed work can void insurance if it doesn’t meet Australian Standards. Examples of non-compliant work include:
Incorrect cable sizing
Missing safety switches (RCDs)
Poor earthing
Overloaded circuits
Incorrectly installed switchboards
Insurers may engage forensic electricians after an incident. If the work doesn’t comply, the claim can be denied regardless of intent.
3. Undisclosed Electrical Modifications
Some insurance policies require you to disclose major changes to your home — including electrical upgrades. If you:
Add solar systems
Install EV chargers
Modify switchboards
Add home offices or workshops
without notifying your insurer, you may unknowingly breach your policy terms.
4. Fire Investigations and Electrical Faults
In Queensland, electrical faults are a leading cause of residential fires. After a fire, investigators often inspect:
Switchboards
Wiring methods
Circuit protection
Appliance connections
If poor electrical workmanship is identified as the cause, insurers may argue negligence, which can significantly reduce or completely void your payout.
Real-World Consequences for Homeowners
When insurance is voided due to electrical work, homeowners can face:
Full repair or rebuild costs
Loss of contents coverage
Legal liability if others are injured
Mortgage complications
Long-term financial stress
What started as a “cheap” electrical job can quickly turn into a six-figure problem.
How to Protect Your Insurance (and Your Home)
1. Always Use a Licensed Queensland Electrician
This is non-negotiable. Licensed electricians:
Understand Queensland electrical laws
Work to AS/NZS 3000 standards
Carry appropriate insurances
Provide compliance documentation where required
At Uncommon Electricians, we’re fully licensed, insured, and experienced in residential electrical work across Ipswich.
2. Keep Records of Electrical Work
Always keep:
Invoices
Compliance certificates
Upgrade documentation
Switchboard photos
These records can be invaluable during insurance claims or property sales.
3. Have Your Electrical System Inspected
If your home is older or you’re unsure about past electrical work, a professional inspection can:
Identify non-compliant installations
Highlight safety risks
Protect future insurance claims
Provide peace of mind
4. Upgrade Outdated Switchboards
Modern switchboards with safety switches are now a standard expectation in Queensland homes. Upgrading improves:
Electrical safety
Load capacity
Insurance compliance
Property value
Why Ipswich Homeowners Choose Uncommon Electricians
We don’t cut corners — because your safety, legal protection, and insurance depend on it.
Ipswich homeowners trust Uncommon Electricians because we:
Follow Queensland electrical laws to the letter
Deliver neat, professional workmanship
Clearly explain what’s required and why
Provide transparent pricing and honest advice
Our goal is to protect your home before something goes wrong.
If you’re unsure whether your home’s electrical work meets Queensland standards, now is the time to act.
Give us a call at 07 3074 9486 or book a service on our website.
