Do I Need an Electrician to Replace an Extractor Fan?

Replacing an extractor fan sounds simple-pull out the old one, slot in the new one, and you’re done. But if you’ve ever looked at the wiring behind a bathroom fan, you know it’s not just about screws and ducts. The real question isn’t whether you can do it yourself-it’s whether you should. And in most cases, the answer is no. You need a licensed electrician.

Why an electrician isn’t optional

In Australia, electrical work is strictly regulated. Under the Electrical Safety Act 2002, any work involving fixed wiring, circuit connections, or modifications to your home’s electrical system must be done by a licensed electrician. That includes replacing an extractor fan, even if it’s just swapping out a similar model.

Why? Because extractor fans are hardwired. They don’t plug in. They connect directly to your home’s 240V circuit, often through a switch on the wall or a timer. Messing with that without the right training can lead to electrocution, fire, or a blown circuit breaker. Worse, if something goes wrong later-say, a short causes a fire-the insurance company will likely deny your claim because unlicensed work was done.

I’ve seen it too many times in Brisbane homes. Someone buys a new fan online, thinks they’re saving $200, and ends up with a tripped RCD, melted insulation, or worse-a carbonized wall behind the switch. That’s not a DIY win. That’s a $3,000 repair job.

What counts as "electrical work"?

You might think, "But I’m just replacing the unit. I didn’t touch the wires." That’s not how the law sees it.

Even if you leave the existing wiring alone, you’re still required to:

• Disconnect power at the main switch
• Remove and reconnect live, neutral, and earth wires
• Ensure proper grounding and insulation
• Test for correct operation and safety compliance

All of those steps fall under regulated electrical work. A licensed electrician will use a multimeter to confirm the circuit is dead before touching anything. They’ll check the circuit load to make sure your existing wiring can handle the new fan’s wattage. They’ll verify the RCD (residual current device) is working. And they’ll issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety-a legal document you need for insurance and future home sales.

Without that certificate, you’re not just risking safety-you’re risking your property’s value.

What if the fan is just a plug-in model?

Some newer extractor fans-mostly low-power models for kitchens or small bathrooms-do come with a plug. These are usually under 100W and designed for easy replacement. If your fan has a standard Australian plug (Type I) and you’re replacing it with an identical model, you might be okay to do it yourself.

But here’s the catch: if the plug is hardwired into the wall (even if it looks like a plug), it’s still regulated. And if the fan is installed above a shower or bath, it must meet strict IP ratings (at least IPX4) and be on a dedicated circuit. That’s not something you can eyeball.

Bottom line: if you’re unsure whether it’s plug-in or hardwired, assume it’s hardwired. Call an electrician.

Cost comparison: DIY vs professional

Let’s break down the real cost.

A new extractor fan from Bunnings or Amazon costs between $80 and $250, depending on noise level, airflow (measured in litres per second), and features like humidity sensors or timers. That’s the easy part.

Now, if you hire a licensed electrician in Brisbane, you’re looking at:

• $150-$250 for labor (usually 1-2 hours)
• $50-$100 for the Certificate of Electrical Safety
• Optional: $30-$80 for upgrading wiring if your home is old

Total: $200-$400.

Compare that to the cost of a fire caused by faulty wiring: $50,000+ in repairs, potential loss of home, and no insurance payout. Or the cost of a failed home inspection because you couldn’t produce the certificate: another $1,000+ in delays and renegotiations.

It’s not about saving money. It’s about protecting your home and your family.

What happens if you skip the electrician?

You might get away with it. For a while.

But here’s what can happen down the road:

• Your home inspection during a sale fails because there’s no electrical certificate.
• An insurance claim is denied after a fire linked to the fan’s wiring.
• A neighbor complains about electrical interference or a tripping circuit, and Council investigates.
• You get a visit from a licensed electrician hired by the new owner-and they’re legally required to report unlicensed work.

In Queensland, unlicensed electrical work is a criminal offense. Fines can reach $10,000 for individuals and $50,000 for businesses. That’s not a hypothetical risk. It’s happened.

What to look for in an electrician

Not all electricians are the same. When you call one, ask:

• Are you licensed and insured? (Ask for their license number-check it at Electrical Safety Office Queensland)
• Do you provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety?
• Have you installed extractor fans in bathrooms before?
• Will you check the ducting and ventilation path too?

A good electrician won’t just swap the fan. They’ll check the duct for blockages, make sure the exhaust vents outside (not into the roof space), and confirm the fan’s airflow matches the room size. A 100L/s fan in a tiny bathroom is overkill and wastes energy. A 50L/s fan in a large bathroom won’t remove moisture effectively.

They’ll also tell you if you need a humidity-sensing model (ideal for steamy bathrooms) or a timer that keeps running for 15 minutes after you turn off the light.

When you can do it yourself (rare cases)

There are two exceptions where DIY might be acceptable:

1. You’re replacing a plug-in fan with an identical plug-in model, and you’re confident the outlet is correctly wired and grounded.
2. You’re replacing the fan blade or motor inside the unit-without touching any wiring.

Even then, if you’re not 100% sure about the wiring behind the outlet, stop. Call someone.

And remember: if the fan is in a bathroom, wet area, or near a shower, the rules get stricter. No exceptions.

What to do next

If your extractor fan is noisy, not pulling air, or just dead:

• Turn off the power at the main switch.
• Take a photo of the old fan and its label (wattage, model number, airflow).
• Call a licensed electrician. Don’t wait for it to fail completely.
• Ask for a quote that includes the Certificate of Electrical Safety.

Don’t risk your safety-or your home’s future-for a few hundred dollars. A licensed electrician isn’t an expense. It’s insurance.