When engaging anyone to complete electrical work around your home it’s extremely important that only licensed and accredited electricians are used. Not only are there strict laws around electrical work in New South Wales, but the smallest mistake can result in injury or even death.
An electrical license is required for anyone undertaking any electrical work in New South Wales. However an electrical license only allows an electrician to do certain jobs. For more complex or difficult tasks, additional training and accreditation is required.
While all licensed electricians can handle electrical works on your premises (for example, electrical maintenance and repairs, safety inspections or lighting installation), not all electricians are authorised to work on the supply side. This is where the additional training and accreditation comes into play.
The Accredited Service Provider Scheme
Under the Electricity Supply Act 1995, in New South Wales suitably qualified electricians must be hired for any contestable network connect work. This includes the connection of a home or business to the electricity distribution network, getting more electricity from the network, or extending the network’s reach.
The Electricity Supply Act allows consumers to choose who will conduct the work, however they must be suitably qualified for the job.
To ensure that the distribution network and all connections to it are as reliable and safe for users and the public as possible, only Accredited Service Providers can undertake this work. Administered by NSW Trade & Investment, the Accredited Service Provider scheme covers individuals and organisations that are suitably qualified to work with the distribution network.
What are contestable works?
Connection of a new home or business to the electricity network, extending the network to your premises, facilitating an increased capacity connection and other similar works on the distribution network have to be funded by the customer. In NSW, such works may be done only by Accredited Service Providers (ASP) and the customer has the right to choose the provider.
These works are called ‘contestable’ since the customer has a choice of providers. Non-contestable works are carried out by the provider chosen by the energy supply authority.
Accreditation levels
Under the Accredited Service Provider scheme, there are three levels in which an individual or organisation can be accredited. Depending on the type of work conducted, more than one level of accreditation may be held.
Level 1: Construction of Network Assets
Level 1 accreditation relates to the construction of electricity network assets, including both overhead and underground networks. For those wishing to extend the network to reach their property, or to have the amount of electricity supplied to their premise increased, an electrician with a Level 1 accreditation must be hired. Level 1 accreditation is also required for work on substations and metering.
Level 2: Service work/connection services
A Level 2 electrician can provide the following contestable services across four categories:
- Disconnection and reconnection of your premises
Removing and replacing the distributor security seal, replacing service fuses, active and neutral links, and disconnecting and reconnecting your mains to the overhead lines thus making the connection ‘live’. - Underground service lines
Removing and replacing the distributor security seal, replacing service fuses, active and neutral links, installing and connecting underground service lines, and disconnecting and reconnecting consumer mains up to the common coupling point. - Overhead service lines
Removing and replacing the distributor security seal, replacing service fuses, active and neutral links, installing and connecting overhead service lines, disconnecting and reconnecting service lines at point of supply and the common coupling point, upgrading or relocating an existing overhead line, and restoring supply. - Installation of energy metering and control equipment and installation energising
Removing and replacing the distributor security seal, and installing or replacing metering (meter types 5 or 6) and control equipment.
For those with a new building or premise this means that a Level 2 accredited electrician will be able to supply your building with power from either an overhead or underground supply. This also includes the sourcing and fitting of all metering.
If you have an existing premise, a Level 2 accredited electrician will be able to upgrade your power supply, move your switchboard and mains, disconnect or reconnect power, and upgrade metering.
Level 3: Design of Network Assets
A Level 3 accreditation is required for all those designing distribution network assets. This includes both overhead and underground networks, as well as high and low voltage systems.
What we ensure as Accredited Service Providers
As a Level 2 provider, we ensure that:
- We undertake contestable works that only come under Level 2 works.
- We will start work on the distribution (or transmission) system only after the necessary authorisation has been received.
- Our procedures and the materials used for our works comply with the specifications of the local energy distributor and that they follow all industry practice codes.
- All equipment used is maintained and handled correctly for maximum safety.
- Our electricians who undertake contestable works are suitably qualified and trained for the purpose, and are registered with the accreditation scheme.
- Contestable works on the customer premises are connected to the distribution system only after the necessary testing and authorisation by the energy supplier.
- All necessary insurance coverage is maintained as specified in the accreditation scheme. This includes workers compensation coverage, third party property damages insurance and public liability coverage.
- We take responsibility for any damages or losses due to defective work.
Your responsibilities
Any mistake made while performing contestable works on your home or business premises will have an impact on the distribution network. It is therefore very important that you choose your service provider carefully. All contestable works must be done by providers having the necessary accreditation.
Additionally, you should:
- Obtain the necessary permission from the energy distributor for all contestable works – major or minor. You should advise the distributor about the type of work, when it will be done and any other relevant information.
- Coordinate with other customers (if applicable) for making arrangements and sharing the expenses.
- Arrange for appropriate testing and inspection as required by the energy provider before connecting your premises to the network and be responsible for the costs incurred for such testing and inspection.
Finding Electrician Accreditation
The New South Wales Government provides an up to date list of Accredited Service Providers at energy.nsw.gov.au. The list provides the names and accreditation and licensing for all those with Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 accreditation in New South Wales.
Most reliable and reputable electricians will be more than happy to provide evidence of their qualifications, licences and accreditation, so if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to ask for them. Those proud of their knowledge, training and experience will be more than happy to show you and explain what work they are legally qualified to undertake.
Level 2 Accredited Service Providers
If you are looking for a Level 2 electrician on Sydney’s North Shore or Northern Beaches call us on 0410 229 139. We can complete all your electrical work, including the connection of services, installation of metering equipment and the repair and maintenance of overhead and underground service lines.