All advice / Planning and cost
Electrical work is part of every renovation
Even if you are keeping the same layout, the electrical work in a bathroom renovation typically includes new lighting, a new or upgraded exhaust fan, relocating or adding power points, and installing a safety switch if the home does not already have one.
All electrical work in a bathroom must be done by a licensed electrician and must comply with AS/NZS 3000, the Australian wiring rules. The bathroom is classified as a wet area, which means stricter rules about where power points, lights and switches can be placed.
Lighting circuits
Most bathroom renovations replace the lighting with LED downlights. These are wired during the rough-in phase — after the walls are framed but before they are lined and tiled. The electrician runs cables through the wall and ceiling cavity to each light position.
The number, position and type of lights are decided during the design phase. Task lighting above the mirror, ambient lighting from downlights and feature lighting in a niche each need their own cable run. Our lighting guide covers the full layout.
Exhaust fan wiring
The exhaust fan is wired to a switch — often a timer switch that keeps the fan running for 10 to 15 minutes after you leave the room. Some fans include a humidity sensor that turns the fan on automatically when moisture levels rise.
The fan cable runs through the ceiling cavity to the fan position. The ducting (a separate trade) runs from the fan to an external vent. Both the cable and the duct are installed during the rough-in, before the ceiling is lined.
Power points and zones
AS/NZS 3000 divides the bathroom into zones based on proximity to water. Power points cannot be installed within 600 millimetres of a shower, bath or basin. In practice, this means the power point is usually beside the mirror or on the wall opposite the shower.
A shaver socket or a general power point rated for bathroom use is typically installed during the renovation. If an LED mirror, a heated towel rail or underfloor heating is planned, each needs its own power connection — either a dedicated circuit or a connection from the bathroom circuit.
Our heated towel rail guide covers the wiring options for that specific fixture.
Safety switches
A safety switch (residual current device or RCD) cuts the power within milliseconds if it detects a fault — such as water bridging a live connection. In NSW, all power and lighting circuits in a bathroom must be protected by a safety switch.
If the home was built before safety switches became mandatory, the renovation is the right time to install one. The electrician adds the RCD to the switchboard as part of the bathroom circuit work. It protects every outlet and light in the bathroom.
What stays and what goes
In most renovations, the existing cables inside the walls are replaced because the wall lining is removed during the strip-out. New cables are run to new positions to match the new layout.
The switchboard connection usually stays unless the home needs an upgrade — older homes with ceramic fuses or no safety switches may need a switchboard upgrade as part of the renovation. The electrician assesses this during the quoting phase.
How ETR coordinates electrical work
The electrical layout is planned during the design phase, alongside the tile plan, lighting layout and fixture positions. The electrician does the rough-in after demolition and framing, before waterproofing. After tiling, the electrician returns for the fit-off — installing lights, switches, power points and the exhaust fan.
All electrical work is carried out by a licensed electrician to AS/NZS 3000 and is covered by a certificate of compliance. A free on-site measure anywhere in Sydney is the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do any of the electrical work myself?
No. In NSW, all electrical work in a wet area must be done by a licensed electrician. This includes wiring lights, fans, power points and heated towel rails. DIY electrical work is illegal and voids your insurance.
How much does the electrical work cost in a bathroom renovation?
The electrical component typically runs $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the number of lights, whether a heated towel rail or underfloor heating is included, and whether the switchboard needs an upgrade. It is included as a line item in the renovation quote.
Do I need a safety switch in the bathroom?
Yes. In NSW, all power and lighting circuits in a bathroom must be protected by a safety switch (RCD). If the home does not have one, it should be installed during the renovation. It is a safety requirement, not an optional upgrade.
Can I have a power point in the shower?
No. AS/NZS 3000 prohibits power points within 600 millimetres of a shower, bath or basin. Power points are installed outside these zones — typically beside the mirror or on a wall away from water sources.
When does the electrician come during a renovation?
Twice. The first visit (rough-in) happens after demolition and framing but before waterproofing and tiling — cables are run to their positions. The second visit (fit-off) happens after tiling — lights, switches, fans and power points are installed and connected.