Electricians in Queensland must be licenced, and there are so many reasons why these laws exist. From the requirements for insurance and public liability to the specialist knowledge and training, we undertake to ensure our work is compliant and safe. Hiring a licenced electrical contractor (with a current licence) means that the work undertaken will be done correctly and in line with current laws (and isn’t going to leave you in breech of your insurance policy should something go wrong) or worse, you end up in hospital.
But what constitutes electrical work exactly?
Under section 18 of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (the Act), electrical work includes “the manufacturing, constructing, installing, testing, maintaining, repairing, altering, removing, or replacing of electrical equipment”.
According to Work Safe QLD, this covers tasks such as installing a new power point, replacing a light switch, replacing a batten holder with a new light fitting, repairing an appliance such as a heater, altering the location of an existing power point, replacing a light fitting with a ceiling fan, or constructing an extension lead and replacing a plug on the end of a lead. All tasks that you come across in the home or office.
So can I do any electrical work myself?
Hi pages says ‘Beyond changing a lightbulb, not really. Check with the regulatory body in your state or territory, although most tend to say the same. Yes, even putting in a new power point is prohibited, since the risks just aren’t worth it’. So even if it looks easy to fix, electrical work is not something the DYIer should include on the to do list.
Looking to hire a licenced and experienced electrician? Call us today on 07 3378 3387 or contact us via our contact page here.
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