Electrical installations – licensing requirements (Nat)

You have been contracted by a client to install a sheet metal splashback in a domestic kitchen, but to install the splash back a socket outlet (powerpoint) needs to be removed and then re-installed over the splashback. You think to yourself it’s just a simple job and you don’t want to hassle the client into contracting an electrician, besides it’s not really electrical work… Well STOP RIGHT THERE!

Most states give contractors / tradesmen concessions for incidental work which isn’t covered under their licence or scope of works.

For example; in QLD a painter can replace a section of rotten timber fascia when contracting to repaint a house, if the work to replace the fascia including materials is less than $1,100.  

However, all Australian states require all electrical work to be preformed by a licensed electrician and to comply with AS/NZS 3000 – Wiring Rules. This includes removing and re-installing a socket outlet (powerpoint).

All states offer restricted licence classes to trades other than electricians, however these trades must be recognised by the state electrical licensing authority as being trades which have a legitimate need to sometimes preform electrical work e.g. plumbers, gasfitters, refrigeration & a/c equipment service persons. Certain electrical training and experience requirements need to be completed prior to lodging an application for a restricted licence.

A full list of the trades recognised and licence application requirements can be found with your state electrical licensing authority.

Electrical work and licensing requirements are legislated in each State and Territory under the following legislation:

Australian Capital Territory
Electrical Safety Act 1971 and Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004
Electrical Licence Authority - ACT Planning & Land Authority

New South Wales
Home Building Act 1989 , Section 14
Electrical Licence Authority – NSW Office of Fair Trading

Northern Territory
Electrical Workers & Contractors Act , Section 53
Electrical Licence Authority – Electrical Workers & Contractors Licensing Board NT

Queensland
Electrical Safety Act 2002 , Section 55
Electrical Licence Authority – QLD Electrical Safety Office

South Australia
Plumbers, Gas Fitters & Electricians Act 1995 , Section 6
Electrical Licence Authority – SA Office of Consumer & Business Affairs

Tasmania
Occupational Licensing Act 2005 , Section 22, which calls up schedule 2 of the Act, which specifies electrical work
Electrical Licence Authority – TAS Department of Justice

Victoria
Electrical Safety Act 1998 , Section 30
Electrical Licence Authority – Energy Safe VIC

Western Australia
Electricity Act 1945 and Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991, Section 19
Electrical Licence Authority – WA Department of Commerce: Energy Safety

For further information HIA members can contact HIA’s Building Services staff on 1300 650 620 or hia_technical@hia.com.au.

If you would like to become a HIA member, contact 1300 650 620 or enquiry@hia.com.au

_{The above is intended to provide general information in summary form. The contents do not consitute specific advice and should not be relied upon as such. Formal specific advice should be sought by members with respect to particular matters before taking action.}