Frequently asked questions

Marc is based in Hamilton and works across Brisbane City and the inner-northern suburbs, including Ascot, Clayfield, Hendra and the surrounding areas. He has also taken on specific jobs further afield, such as a switchboard upgrade for shops at Mitchelton. If you're in or near inner Brisbane and aren't sure whether you're covered, just call and ask — Marc will give you an honest answer about whether he can help and roughly when he could get to you.

Yes. Sparky Marc operates as a licensed electrical contractor, holding electrical contractor licence number 84356, and trades as Sparky Marc Pty Ltd. All electrical work in Queensland must be carried out by a licensed electrician — it's the law, and it's there for your safety. When you book Marc, you're getting a properly licensed tradesman with decades of hands-on experience, not an unlicensed handyman taking on work he shouldn't.

The easiest way is to call Marc on 0419 714 615, or fill in the contact form on this site with a few details about your job. For straightforward jobs he can often give you a price over the phone once you describe what's involved. For larger or more complex work, he'll arrange to take a look first so the quote is accurate. Either way, the quote is free and there's no obligation to go ahead.

Marc gives you a clear, upfront price before any work starts — so you know what you're paying before he begins. Pricing depends on the job: its size, what's involved, and the condition of the existing wiring or switchboard. Marc won't pad a job with work you don't need, and he'll tell you honestly what genuinely needs doing now versus what can wait. There are no surprise charges added at the end.

It depends on Marc's current workload and where you are, since he's a one-person business rather than a large team. Most local jobs can be booked in without a long wait. For urgent or make-safe situations, call and describe what's happening — Marc will give you an honest answer about how quickly he can attend. If he genuinely can't get to something dangerous fast enough, he'll tell you straight away so you can take other steps.

You deal with Marc himself, every time. Sparky Marc is an owner-operated business — Marc quotes the job, does the work and tests it before he leaves. There's no call centre and no rotating cast of subcontractors. It's one of the reasons his customers keep coming back: they get a familiar, experienced sparky who knows their property and stands behind his own work.

Yes — genuinely no job is too small. A single power point, a light fitting that needs swapping, a fan replacement: Marc is happy to do the little jobs that many electricians turn down. He'll often group several small tasks into one visit so it's better value for you. If you've got a short list of electrical odd jobs around the house, send it through and Marc will let you know the best way to handle them together.

Yes. Marc takes on fault-finding and make-safe work for Brisbane customers — situations like a circuit that won't reset, a sparking power point, or storm and water damage that's left electrics unsafe. If something electrical is dangerous, switch it off at the board if you safely can and call Marc to describe what's happening. He'll advise what to do in the meantime and how soon he can make it safe. See the Emergency & Make-Safe service page for more detail.

Absolutely — no job is too small for Marc. A single power point, a flickering light, a fan that needs swapping out: these are exactly the jobs many electricians don't want, and Marc is genuinely happy to do them. He'll often group a few smaller tasks into one visit so it's better value for you. If you've got a short list of little electrical things around the house, just send them through and Marc will let you know the best way to tackle them in one go.

Marc gives you a clear, upfront price before any work starts, so there are no surprises on the invoice. For straightforward jobs he can often quote over the phone once you describe what's involved; for larger or more complex work he'll take a look first so the quote is accurate. Either way, you'll know what you're paying before he begins. Marc doesn't do pushy upsells — he'll tell you what genuinely needs doing and what can wait.

Yes. Marc regularly works on renovations and extensions across Brisbane, handling everything from rough-in wiring to the final fit-off of lights, power points and switches. It helps to involve him early so the electrical layout suits how you'll actually use the space. He can work in alongside your builder and other trades, and will keep the job tidy and on track. Get in touch with your plans and Marc will talk you through what's involved.

Yes — safety switches (RCDs) are one of the most important protections in any home, and Marc can supply and install them on your switchboard. If your place is older and only has a couple of circuits protected, he can talk you through bringing it up to a safer standard. He'll test everything once it's installed so you can see it's working. If you're not sure what protection your home currently has, Marc can check the switchboard for you.

Always. Leaving your home tidy is part of the job for Marc — he considers the finish, not just the wiring. Drilling dust gets cleaned up, offcuts and packaging are removed, and fittings are left straight and neat. Several of his Google reviews mention exactly this. You shouldn't be able to tell an electrician has been through, apart from the work itself now doing what it should.

Marc is based in Hamilton and covers Brisbane City and the surrounding inner-northern suburbs, including Ascot, Clayfield, Hendra and nearby areas. If you're close by and not sure whether you're in range, just ask — Marc will let you know honestly whether he can help or point you in the right direction. Most local home jobs can be booked in without a long wait.

Yes — fault-finding is a regular part of Marc's work. Tripping circuits, dead power points, lights that won't stay on: he'll methodically track down what's actually causing it rather than guessing. Once he's found the fault he'll explain what's going on in plain language and what it'll take to fix. With decades of experience, Marc has seen most issues before, which means less time poking around and a quicker path to a proper repair.

Yes. Marc understands that power interruptions during trade cost you money, so commercial jobs are planned around your hours wherever possible. For work that has to interrupt supply, he'll agree a time with you in advance — often early morning, after close, or on a quieter day. The goal is simple: get the electrical work done properly with the least possible disruption to your business and your customers.

Yes — Marc regularly works on body corporate and common-area electrical for Brisbane strata properties. That includes shared lighting, switchboards, metering and general repairs across common areas. He's comfortable dealing with body corporate managers and committees, and will provide a clear written quote you can take to a meeting if needed. If you manage or live in a strata property with electrical work outstanding, get in touch and Marc will walk you through the options.

Marc provides a clear quote before work begins. For commercial jobs he'll usually want to see the site first so the quote reflects what's actually involved — access, existing wiring, switchboard condition and how the work fits around your trade. You'll get an upfront price and a realistic idea of timing. Marc keeps you informed if anything changes once the job is underway, so there are no surprises when the invoice arrives.

Yes. Marc has done multi-tenancy electrical work, including a switchboard upgrade for a block of eight shops at Mitchelton. Multi-tenancy jobs need careful planning so each tenant's supply is handled correctly and downtime is coordinated. Marc will map out the work, talk to the tenants or building manager about timing, and carry it out in a controlled way. If your commercial building has ageing boards or metering that needs attention, he can assess it for you.

Yes — light industrial work is part of what Marc has done throughout his career, alongside domestic and commercial jobs. That covers workshops, warehouses and similar premises with their own power, lighting and equipment needs. Marc will assess what your site requires and give you a straight answer on what's involved. For anything beyond light industrial, he'll tell you honestly if it's outside his scope rather than taking on work that isn't the right fit.

Marc plans commercial jobs so your premises stay safe and, wherever possible, operational. Any circuits or areas that need to be isolated are clearly managed, and he'll let you and your staff know what's happening. If part of the work means an area can't be used for a period, you'll know in advance so you can plan around it. Safety for your staff and customers is never compromised to save time.

Marc is based in Hamilton and takes on commercial and body corporate work across Brisbane City and the inner suburbs. He has worked further afield on specific jobs, such as the shop switchboard upgrade at Mitchelton. If your business is in or near inner Brisbane, get in touch and Marc will confirm whether he can take the job on and roughly when he could start.

A few signs are worth watching for: ceramic fuses with rewireable wire, a board that trips often, a burning smell or warmth around the board, or simply a switchboard that looks decades old. If your home has had air conditioning, a renovation or extra appliances added over the years, the board may be working harder than it was built for. Marc can inspect your switchboard, tell you honestly what condition it's in, and explain whether an upgrade is genuinely needed or not.

Safety switches (RCDs) cut the power in a fraction of a second if they detect electricity flowing where it shouldn't — such as through a person. They're one of the most effective protections against electric shock in any building. Older switchboards often have little or no RCD protection. When Marc upgrades a board, modern safety switches are part of the work, and he'll test them so you can see they're functioning. If you're unsure what protection you currently have, he can check.

Most domestic switchboard upgrades are completed within a day, though it depends on the size of the board and the condition of the existing wiring. Marc will give you a realistic timeframe when he quotes the job. Power will be off for part of the work — he'll let you know roughly how long so you can plan around it. For larger or multi-tenancy boards the timing is longer and coordinated carefully, which Marc will walk you through before starting.

Yes, the power needs to be off for part of a switchboard upgrade — there's no safe way around that. Marc will tell you in advance roughly how long the outage will be so you can plan, and he works efficiently to keep it as short as possible. For homes, it's usually a matter of hours within a single day. For commercial or multi-tenancy boards, outages are scheduled and coordinated so each affected area knows what to expect.

Yes. Marc has done multi-tenancy switchboard work, including upgrading the boards for a block of eight shops at Mitchelton. Commercial and strata switchboard upgrades need careful coordination so each tenancy's supply and metering is handled correctly and downtime is planned. Marc will assess the existing boards, give you a clear quote, and schedule the work to minimise disruption. If your building has ageing boards or metering issues, get in touch for an assessment.

Marc provides an upfront price before the work starts. Because every board is different — size, age, the condition of the wiring behind it, and how many circuits are involved — he'll usually want to see your switchboard before quoting so the price is accurate. Once he's looked, you'll get a clear figure with no surprises. Marc will also tell you if your board is fine as it is; he won't recommend an upgrade you don't need.

Not always. A board that trips is often doing its job — protecting you from a fault somewhere on a circuit. Sometimes the fix is finding and repairing that fault rather than replacing the board. Other times, an old or overloaded switchboard genuinely is the problem. Marc will investigate properly, identify whether it's a fault or the board itself, and recommend the right fix. You'll get an honest answer rather than an automatic upsell to a new switchboard.

Yes — chandeliers and statement pendants are some of Marc's favourite jobs, and the gallery shows several he's installed across Brisbane. Heavier fittings need a properly rated mounting point and careful handling so they're safe and sit perfectly level. Marc has the experience to install them correctly, whether it's a single pendant or a pair of large crystal chandeliers over a dining table. If you've bought a fitting and it's still in the box, get in touch and he'll take it from there.

Definitely. Helping customers turn a lighting idea into a finished result is something Marc genuinely enjoys. One of his Google reviews is from a customer who wanted outdoor lighting at the front of their house but wasn't sure how to execute it — Marc worked it through with them. If you've got a look in mind, send through your thoughts or some reference photos and Marc will tell you what's achievable and the best way to get there.

Yes. Downlights and LED strip are some of the most popular lighting upgrades, and Marc installs both regularly — you'll see LED strip work throughout his gallery, from bathroom mirrors to poolside cabanas. LED lighting is energy-efficient and, placed well, completely changes how a room feels. Marc will help you plan where the light should go for the effect you want, then install it neatly. If you're replacing old halogen downlights with LED, he can handle that too.

Yes — outdoor lighting is a regular part of Marc's work, and the gallery includes garden uplighting, deck lighting and poolside installations. Good outdoor lighting makes a home safer to move around at night and shows off the parts of the garden you're proud of. Marc will use fittings suited to Brisbane's outdoor conditions and place them for the right effect. Whether it's path lighting, feature uplights on trees, or lighting an entertaining area, he can help you plan and install it.

Marc gives you an upfront price before starting. For a straightforward swap — replacing an existing fitting in the same spot — he can often quote once you describe it. For larger lighting projects, new positions, or anything involving extra wiring, he'll usually take a look first so the quote is accurate. Either way you'll know the price before work begins. If you're supplying your own fittings, let Marc know — he can advise whether what you've chosen will work in the space.

Yes. Old light fittings can become brittle, discoloured or simply unsafe over time, and tired fittings date a room quickly. Marc can remove old fittings and install modern replacements safely, checking the wiring behind them while he's there. If a fitting has been flickering, buzzing or getting warm, don't ignore it — get Marc to take a look. He'll tell you whether it's the fitting, the wiring or the globe, and sort it properly.

Yes — the finish matters to Marc as much as the wiring. Fittings are installed straight and level, holes are cut cleanly, and the area is left tidy when he's done. His Google reviews mention that he considers aesthetics as well as the work, and lighting is exactly where that shows. A beautiful fitting installed crookedly or with a messy ceiling around it ruins the effect, so Marc takes the time to get the finish right.

If you can smell burning, see sparks, or notice something getting hot, switch off the power at the affected circuit or the main switch if it's safe to reach — then call a licensed electrician. Don't touch anything that looks damaged, and keep people away from it. If water is involved, stay well clear. Then phone Marc and describe what's happening. He'll tell you what to do in the meantime and how quickly he can get to you to make it safe.

A make-safe visit is about removing the immediate danger. Marc will isolate the affected circuit or equipment, check what's caused the problem, and put the situation into a safe state so nobody is at risk. That isn't always the same as the full repair — sometimes parts are needed, or the full fix is a bigger job. Marc will make it safe first, explain clearly what's happened, and tell you what's required to fully resolve it and roughly what that involves.

Yes. Brisbane storms and flooding can cause real electrical hazards — water in fittings, damaged cabling or a compromised switchboard. One of Marc's reviews describes a flooding situation that needed an emergency make-safe response. If your property has been through storm or water damage, treat any affected electrics as dangerous until a licensed electrician has checked them. Marc can assess the damage, isolate anything unsafe, and advise on what needs repair or replacement before power is safely restored.

Marc is a one-person business, so response time depends on where he is and what he's working on — but he understands urgent problems can't wait. When you call, describe the situation clearly and he'll give you an honest answer about how soon he can get there. If it's genuinely dangerous and he can't attend immediately, he'll tell you straight away so you can take other steps. Having a trusted local sparky's number saved before you need it always helps.

A tripping circuit is usually a safety device doing its job, but it shouldn't be ignored. If a circuit trips once and resets fine, note what was running at the time. If it trips repeatedly, won't reset, or trips along with a burning smell or warmth, treat it as urgent and stop using that circuit. Marc can find the underlying fault — a faulty appliance, damaged wiring or an overloaded circuit — and fix the cause rather than leaving you resetting the board over and over.

No — stop using it. A power point that sparks, crackles, feels warm or has scorch marks is a genuine hazard and can indicate a loose connection or damaged wiring behind it. Switch it off at the board if you can, don't plug anything else into it, and have it checked by a licensed electrician. Marc can find out what's going on behind the outlet and repair it properly. It's a small job to fix early and a serious risk to ignore.

Marc is based in Hamilton and covers Brisbane City and the inner-northern suburbs for fault-finding and make-safe work. As a single-operator business he can't promise to be everywhere instantly, but for customers in his local area he'll always give an honest answer on how quickly he can attend. If you're outside his range and the situation is dangerous, he'll tell you so you can call someone closer rather than waiting.