Hire a Sparkie
Johnny's team tracks your arrival by SMS and has tackled everything from recalled solar batteries to three-phase power installs.
The online quoting and SMS tracking system is a real differentiator — it's the kind of transparency that makes a tradie easier to trust before they've even knocked on your door. Solar installations, switchboard upgrades, and air-conditioning installs are all well-represented in the feedback, so if your job spans more than basic fault-finding this crew has documented experience with the complex end of residential and light commercial electrical work.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (47 total)
“came out same day and fixed the problem”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 345 electricians in Townsville
Credentials & background
Sourced from 5 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Hire a Sparkie
Johnny (John) leads a small team — with Trent and Nelson also named across jobs — handling everything from same-day fault diagnosis and hot water system repairs to full 20kW solar installations, three-phase power upgrades, and major switchboard overhauls. The range is genuinely broad: residential air-conditioning supply-and-install, camper trailer 240V outlets, smoke alarm compliance, and commercial fit-outs for businesses like a swim school are all documented in the reviews. What sets the operation apart practically is the booking infrastructure — customers can price and schedule online, and a live SMS tracker pings you when the van is 10 minutes out, which is uncommon for a small electrical contractor. Johnny in particular draws praise for translating technical complexity into plain language; one customer credits him with identifying a recalled battery during a solar troubleshooting visit and arranging a free replacement. The team consistently cleans up after themselves and the crew arrives on time — two things reviewers mention often enough that they're clearly part of how the business operates, not just lucky days.
Best for: urgent same-day electrical faults, solar and battery system installation or troubleshooting, multi-unit air-conditioning supply-and-install, and complex residential upgrades like switchboards and three-phase power.
Location
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Hire a Sparkie
Does Hire a Sparkie handle emergency or same-day callouts?+
Yes — same-day response is one of the most frequently mentioned things in their reviews. Multiple customers specifically note that other electricians wanted to book them in days later, while Hire a Sparkie attended the same day. One customer got a hot water system sorted urgently; another had lights and fans repaired same-day after being quoted a $400 callout fee elsewhere. It's worth calling directly to confirm availability, but same-day work appears to be a genuine part of how they operate.
What solar and battery work does Hire a Sparkie do?+
Johnny and the team have handled installs ranging up to 20kW solar systems, including battery storage and associated switchboard work. Reviewers note that Johnny goes beyond the install itself — one customer credits him with identifying a recalled battery during a troubleshooting visit and organising a free replacement through the manufacturer. If you're having issues with an existing solar setup, the reviews suggest he'll diagnose and explain the problem rather than just quote for new equipment.
Can they supply and install air conditioners, or do I need to source my own unit?+
Hire a Sparkie does supply-and-install — reviewers mention having multiple units supplied and fitted in a single visit. Both residential customers and at least one business (a swim school) have used them for air-conditioning work. If you already have a unit, they'll install that too; the reviews don't suggest any restriction either way.
How does the quoting and booking process work?+
The business runs an online quoting and booking system that several customers specifically call out as a highlight — unusual for a small electrical contractor in North Ward. You can check indicative costs and book a time without a phone call. On the day, customers receive an SMS when the team is around 10 minutes away. If you prefer to call directly, that's also well-documented in the reviews as a responsive option.
Do they work on commercial properties as well as homes?+
Yes — reviews mention commercial jobs including a swim school that used Hire a Sparkie for renovations, new installations, and emergency callouts over multiple years. The scale of work documented (three-phase power, 20kW solar, major switchboard upgrades) is consistent with light commercial as well as residential projects. If your job is a larger commercial fit-out, it's worth discussing scope directly with Johnny to confirm.