Electrical FAQs
Geelong, Surf Coast & Bellarine
Have a question about electrical work, pricing, safety, power points, switchboards, smoke alarms, split systems or our services? Find answers to some of the questions our electricians are asked most often by homeowners, builders and businesses across Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine.
About Mirnee Electrical Solutions
Mirnee Electrical Solutions is a family-owned electrical business based in Winchelsea, providing professional electrical services across Geelong, the Surf Coast, Bellarine and surrounding areas.
Our team works across residential, commercial, new build, agricultural and industrial electrical projects, with a strong focus on quality workmanship, clear communication and reliable service.
Our electricians service Geelong, the Surf Coast, Bellarine and surrounding areas, including Winchelsea, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Armstrong Creek, Anglesea, Leopold, Drysdale and surrounding towns.
If you’re unsure whether we service your area, get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to let you know.
Mirnee Electrical Solutions provides a wide range of electrical services for homeowners, builders and businesses, including electrical maintenance, new builds, renovations, lighting, power points, switchboard upgrades, smoke alarms, fault finding, split system air conditioning, data cabling, EV chargers and more.
We also provide commercial, agricultural and industrial electrical services across Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine.
Residential Electrical Services
Mirnee Electrical Solutions provides a complete range of residential electrical services across Geelong, the Surf Coast, Bellarine and surrounding areas.
Our electricians can help with power points and wiring, lighting, ceiling fans, switchboard upgrades, smoke alarms, electrical fault finding, renovations, new homes, appliance circuits, EV chargers, split system air conditioning, data cabling, CCTV and more.
Whether it’s a small electrical repair or a complete electrical installation, our team provides reliable service, clear communication and quality workmanship.
Yes. Not every electrical job needs to be a major project.
Our electricians can help with smaller residential electrical jobs such as replacing or adding power points, installing lights and ceiling fans, electrical fault finding, replacing switches, installing smoke alarms and connecting appliances.
We provide residential electrical services across Geelong, the Surf Coast, Bellarine and surrounding areas.
Yes. We can install additional power points, relocate existing outlets and upgrade older power points throughout your home.
We can also install weatherproof outdoor power points, USB outlets and dedicated circuits for appliances where required.
The best solution will depend on your home’s existing wiring, switchboard and where you’d like the new outlet installed.
Yes. Our electricians install and upgrade lighting throughout existing homes, renovations and new builds.
This includes LED downlights, pendant and feature lighting, outdoor lighting, sensor lights, bathroom lighting, strip lighting and lighting controls.
We can also help plan the position and type of lighting to achieve a practical, comfortable and well-finished result.
Yes. We install new ceiling fans and replace existing fans in bedrooms, living areas and outdoor entertaining spaces.
Our electricians can also install the necessary wiring, switches and controls for new fan locations and advise on suitable positioning.
Absolutely. We work with homeowners and builders on renovations and extensions throughout Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine.
We can assist with new wiring, lighting, power points, appliance circuits, switchboard upgrades, smoke alarms, data, heating and cooling, outdoor electrical and other electrical requirements throughout the project.
Getting an electrician involved early can also help make sure power, lighting and technology are positioned properly before walls and ceilings are finished.
Yes. If you have tripping circuits, power points that aren’t working, flickering lights, intermittent power or another unexplained electrical problem, our electricians can investigate the issue and identify the cause.
Electrical faults can have a range of causes, so proper testing is important rather than simply replacing components without determining why the problem occurred.
Yes. Our electricians can install electrical connections and dedicated circuits for appliances including ovens, electric and induction cooktops, rangehoods, hot water systems and other fixed electrical equipment.
We’ll assess the existing electrical installation and determine whether the circuit, protection and switchboard are suitable for the appliance being installed.
Yes. Mirnee Electrical Solutions provides complete electrical installations for new homes across Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine, working closely with homeowners and builders from planning and rough-in through to fit-off, testing and completion.
We can assist with lighting design, power, dedicated circuits, switchboards, smoke alarms, data, TV, security, EV charging, heating and cooling, outdoor electrical and other requirements throughout the build.
Electrical Safety & Switchboards
A safety switch that keeps tripping is usually telling you there’s a problem somewhere in the electrical installation or with an appliance connected to it.
Common causes can include a faulty appliance, damaged wiring, moisture, deteriorated equipment or an electrical fault on the circuit.
If it keeps happening, avoid repeatedly resetting the safety switch without knowing what’s causing it. Our electricians can carry out fault finding to locate the issue and recommend the appropriate repair.
A circuit breaker may trip because the circuit is overloaded, there’s a fault in an appliance or equipment, or there’s an issue with the wiring itself.
An occasional trip may have a simple explanation, but if the same breaker continually trips, it’s worth having it investigated.
We can test the circuit, identify what’s causing the problem and determine whether a repair, circuit alteration or upgrade is required.
Older switchboards weren’t designed for the electrical demands of modern homes. An upgrade may be worth considering if your switchboard still has ceramic fuses, lacks appropriate safety switches, is becoming overcrowded or you’re adding significant new electrical loads.
Renovations, induction cooktops, air conditioning, EV chargers and other upgrades can also mean your existing switchboard needs to be assessed.
Our electricians can inspect your current setup and let you know whether an upgrade is actually required.
Some warning signs shouldn’t be ignored, including:
– Flickering or dimming lights
– Frequently tripping breakers or safety switches
– Buzzing or crackling sounds
– Burning or unusual smells
– Discoloured or damaged switches and power points
– Power points or switches that feel unusually warm
– Intermittent loss of power
These symptoms don’t always mean your home needs rewiring, but they are good reasons to have the electrical installation checked by a licensed electrician.
Flickering lights can be caused by something as simple as a faulty lamp or fitting, but they can also indicate a loose connection, wiring issue or another electrical fault.
If one light is flickering, the issue may be isolated to that fitting. If multiple lights are affected or the problem keeps returning, we’d recommend having it checked.
Electrical fault finding can determine the cause rather than guessing and replacing parts unnecessarily.
Stop using it and arrange for an electrician to inspect it.
A power point or switch that is unusually hot, discoloured, smells burnt or makes buzzing or crackling noises can indicate a loose connection, damaged component, excessive load or another electrical problem.
Don’t ignore it or continue using the outlet until the cause has been identified.
A safety switch, also known as an RCD (Residual Current Device), is designed to quickly disconnect the electricity supply when it detects certain types of current leakage that could present an electric shock risk.
Circuit breakers and safety switches perform different functions, so having circuit breakers in your switchboard doesn’t necessarily mean you have the same protection provided by RCDs.
If you’re unsure what protection your switchboard currently has, our electricians can inspect it and explain it in plain English.
Yes. In Victoria, a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) is required for electrical installation work carried out by a licensed electrical worker.
The certificate provides a record of the electrical work completed and confirms the work has been tested and certified in accordance with Victorian electrical safety requirements.
For prescribed electrical installation work, an inspection by a Licensed Electrical Inspector is also required before the work is connected to electricity supply.
Mirnee provides the appropriate Certificate of Electrical Safety for electrical installation work we complete where required under Victorian legislation.
Electrical installation work in Victoria must be carried out by appropriately licensed electrical workers. Attempting electrical work yourself can create serious risks, including electric shock, fire and damage to your electrical installation.
For electrical installations, alterations and repairs that require a licensed electrician, always engage a qualified electrical contractor who can complete the work safely and provide the appropriate Certificate of Electrical Safety.
If you’re unsure whether something requires an electrician, just ask us. We’d much rather answer the question than have someone take an unnecessary risk.
Split System Air Conditioning
Yes. Mirnee can supply and install split system air conditioners for homes across Geelong, the Surf Coast, Bellarine and surrounding areas.
We can help with selecting a suitable system, positioning the indoor and outdoor units, electrical requirements, installation, testing and commissioning.
If you’ve already purchased a split system, get in touch with the model details and we can also discuss whether customer-supplied installation is suitable.
The right size depends on more than just the floor area of the room. Ceiling height, insulation, windows, orientation, room layout and how the space is used can all affect the heating and cooling load.
A system that’s too small may struggle to maintain temperature, while simply installing the biggest unit available isn’t necessarily the best solution either.
We can assess the space and help recommend a suitable system for your home rather than relying on guesswork.
Absolutely. If your existing split system is old, unreliable or no longer performing properly, we can assess it and discuss replacement options.
Depending on the existing installation and the requirements of the new unit, some electrical components, pipework, drainage or mounting arrangements may also need to be changed.
This depends on the system and the requirements of the installation.
Split systems can require a dedicated electrical circuit and appropriate isolation and circuit protection. Before installation, we’ll assess the unit’s electrical requirements and the existing switchboard to make sure the electrical supply is suitable.
For larger systems or homes with older switchboards, additional electrical work may sometimes be required.
A straightforward single split system installation can often be completed within a day, but every property is different.
Installation time depends on things like the location of the indoor and outdoor units, access, wall construction, pipework and drainage routes, electrical requirements and whether additional work is needed.
We’ll let you know what to expect before the installation begins.
The best position depends on the room layout, airflow, where people spend their time and where the outdoor unit can practically be installed.
Ideally, the indoor unit should distribute air effectively throughout the space without blowing directly onto seating or sleeping areas. The outdoor unit also needs suitable clearance, airflow and access for future servicing.
We’ll consider both performance and how the finished installation looks when discussing suitable locations.
Yes. Depending on the home, you may be better suited to multiple individual split systems or a multi-head system that connects multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option depends on how many rooms you want to heat and cool, how they’re used, available outdoor space and the requirements of the property.
We can talk through the options and help determine which setup makes the most sense for your home.
EV Chargers, Data & Home Technology
Yes. We install home EV chargers for customers across Geelong, the Surf Coast, Bellarine and surrounding areas.
Before installation, we’ll assess your existing electrical supply, switchboard, available capacity and where you park your vehicle to determine a suitable charging setup.
We can then complete the electrical installation, circuit protection and testing required for your new charger.
Not necessarily.
Many home EV chargers can operate on a single-phase electrical supply, while three-phase power can allow higher charging capacity where the vehicle, charger and electrical installation support it.
The right option depends on your vehicle, how quickly you need to charge, your home’s electrical supply and the available capacity of the installation.
We can assess what you already have before recommending an upgrade you may not actually need.
It depends on the age, condition and capacity of your existing electrical installation.
An EV charger can represent a significant additional electrical load, so we’ll assess your switchboard and supply before installation.
Depending on what’s already installed, additional circuit protection, load management or an electrical upgrade may be required.
If your existing setup is suitable, we’re not going to recommend a switchboard upgrade just for the sake of it.
Yes. We install data cabling and Ethernet points throughout homes, renovations and new builds.
Hard-wired data connections can be useful for TVs, home offices, gaming, security systems, access points and other devices where a stable network connection is important.
We can install new data points and help plan cabling locations to suit how you actually use your home.
Yes. Poor Wi-Fi isn’t always solved by buying another cheap plug-in extender.
Depending on your home, a better solution may involve installing data cabling and correctly positioned wireless access points to provide stronger, more reliable coverage.
This can be particularly useful in larger homes, two-storey properties and new builds where you want good connectivity throughout the house.
Yes. We can install cabling and equipment for residential CCTV and security camera systems, including new homes and existing properties.
Good planning is important for camera positioning, coverage, cabling and where recording or network equipment will be located.
If you’re building or renovating, getting the cabling installed before walls and ceilings are finished can also make for a much cleaner installation.
Yes. We can install wiring and suitable equipment for video doorbells, intercoms and other entry systems.
Depending on the product and property, this may involve power, data cabling, network connectivity or integration with other equipment in the home.
If you already have a particular system in mind, send us the product details and we can determine what’s required for installation.
Yes. We can help with electrical infrastructure and selected smart-home solutions including smart lighting, automated switching, sensors, timers and connected electrical devices.
The best time to think about home automation is often before a renovation or new build is wired, because we can plan the power, data and switching infrastructure around what you want the home to do.
You don’t necessarily need to automate everything either – sometimes a few well-planned smart features provide far more value than making the whole house unnecessarily complicated.
Quotes, Pricing & Payments
The cost of electrical work depends on the type of job, the time involved, materials required, access and whether any fault finding or additional work is needed.
For straightforward work, we can often give you a good indication of what’s involved before attending. For larger projects, renovations or new installations, we’ll generally provide a detailed quote based on the scope of work.
Our focus is on doing the job properly, communicating clearly and making sure you understand what you’re paying for.
Yes. We provide free quotes for many electrical projects, including renovations, new installations and other clearly defined scopes of work.
For some smaller maintenance jobs or electrical faults where the cause can’t be determined without testing on site, the work may be better suited to a service call rather than a fixed quote.
If you’re unsure, send us the details of the job and we’ll let you know the best way to approach it.
For maintenance, fault finding and smaller electrical jobs, charges can depend on the type of work and what’s required on site.
We’ll explain the applicable charges when arranging the job so you know what to expect before our electrician attends.
For quoted project work, pricing will be outlined in the quote provided.
If the agreed scope of work stays the same, the quoted price is based on that scope.
Sometimes additional work becomes necessary because of unforeseen site conditions, existing electrical issues or changes requested after the quote has been accepted. If that happens, we’ll communicate what’s been found or requested and discuss any variation before proceeding with additional work wherever practical.
No surprise extras and clear communication.
We currently accept payment by bank transfer, with payment details provided on your invoice.
If you have any questions about an invoice or payment, just get in touch with our office and we’ll be happy to help.
Payment terms depend on the type and size of the project.
For residential maintenance and smaller electrical jobs, payment terms will be outlined on your invoice. Larger projects, builder work and commercial electrical projects may have different payment schedules or progress payment arrangements, which will be outlined in the quote before work begins.
A deposit may be required for larger electrical projects, work involving significant materials or equipment, and some new installations.
If a deposit is required, the amount and payment schedule will be clearly outlined in your quote before you accept the work.
Still Have an Electrical Question?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Our friendly local electricians are here to help with electrical work across Geelong, the Surf Coast, Bellarine and surrounding areas.
