When it comes to electrical work, the answer, simply put, yes, in most cases you really do. The law in Australia is very clear in that any electrical work – whether residential, commercial or industrial – must be performed only by a licensed electrician.
Individual states vary slightly in the particulars of this regulation, but the general idea is the same. In NSW, the law defines electrical work to include work on any electrical equipment including:
- Removal or replacement,
- Test or maintenance,
- Repairs or alterations, and
- Building or installing.
Under this all-encompassing definition, pretty much the only electrical work you can do on your own is changing a light bulb.
Safety first
The law is there for a reason – to prevent unnecessary risk to life and property by DIY electrical work. More than 500 people are hospitalised every year in Australia, following electrical injuries.
An electrical fire can arise from something as simple as overheating a wire by connecting it to something that draws high current.
The risk of electrical shock is even higher, if you don’t know what you are doing. Depending on the duration and extent of the shock, you could face burns to skin or tissues, disturbance to your heart rhythm, or even death.
Financial implications
Even if you actually know quite a bit about wiring, and are comfortable doing certain electrical tasks, it is still against the law. You might find yourself facing fines from the authorities or get in trouble with your insurance provider. Your insurer has the right to refuse claims for accidents resulting from DIY electrical works.
Since all electrical work requires a compliance certificate from a licensed electrician, these DIY jobs could also leave you in a difficult situation with buyers when you try to sell your house.
Another thing to consider is that even DIY electrical works that seem to work well initially can give rise to faults that require emergency attention at a later stage. This is because the quality of work is not the only reason for faults – faults could also arise from the resultant overloading of circuits or deterioration of electrical wires due to overheating.
So what can you do on your own?
There are still a few electrical things you can do:
- Replacing a light bulb: Remember though, that if you have LED down lights, they have to be installed by an electrician. You can replace them, but remember to keep them away from combustible materials.
- Installing low-voltage garden lighting: You might still need an electrician’s help in planning the layout and design to ensure you’re choosing the right lights for the effects you want to create.
- Rewiring fuses: Some old houses still have ceramic fuses that often blow for no apparent reason. They can be rewired safely after turning off the main switch. However, modern circuit breakers and safety switches are far more superior in protecting life and property, so if your home wiring is very old, you do need an electrician to inspect it and repair if necessary. In fact, electrical safety switches are now mandatory in NSW.
- You can also cut openings for split air conditioning units, fit a plug-in electric wall oven, and replace the drive belt in your washing machine. Even then, you must consider the damage to wiring when drilling or cutting into walls.
And when do you need an electrician?
While most Australians know to call an electrician for the major wiring jobs, there are some seemingly simple tasks that most will be happy to help you with as well, like:
- Changing a light fitting.
- Installing a ceiling fan.
- Changing a light switch.
- Changing the position of a power point.
- Building make-shift extension leads.
- Performing minor electrical repairs for some appliances.
Since all of the above involve electrical wiring, the NSW Electricity safety regulations come into play and they require the services of a licensed electrician.
The abundance of electrical accessories and appliances available in DIY hardware stores might add to your confusion, but remember that while it is not illegal to buy the fittings, only a licensed tradesperson is allowed to install them.
It often seems like a good idea to save on some money by doing electrical repairs yourself – but it is simply not worth the risk. When even experienced electricians run the risk of accidents, it can be seen that electricity is definitely not an amateur’s playground.
Look for the license
Any electrical installation work done on your premises requires a Certificate of Compliance once it is completed. This certificate can be issued only by registered electrical contractors. So it is your responsibility as a home owner to ensure that the electrician you choose is suitably licensed (you can ask to see the license), and that they provide you with the compliance certificate.
Everest Electrical is pleased to offer our electrical services to clients in Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches. No job is too small or minor for us – for anything from simple rewiring jobs to more involved installations, call us on 0410 229 139 – and keep yourself and your family safe.
