Is DIY Electrical Work Legal In Australia?

It may seem wise to save a few dollars by doing electrical jobs yourself. However, there are serious consequences if a job goes wrong!

DIY electrical jobs are illegal

The government is pretty clear on this! Only a few tasks can be done by unlicensed individuals. You can be fined anywhere between $40000 to $100,000 for performing unlicensed electrical work. If the incident results in serious injury or death, you could be penalised by up to $600,000 or 5 years imprisonment.

Electricity is extremely dangerous

Is it worth risking your life to save some money? Faulty electrical work can expose you to risks like an electric shock, fire, serious injury and even death! Paying $100-200 dollars to an electrician is better than risking your life or someone else’s.

DIY electrical jobs are non-compliant

DIY electrical work cannot be retrospectively certified. Your electrician will provide you with a compliance certificate for electrical work conducted on your property. And if your electrician discovers an unlicensed work, they might report you to the authorities.

Insurance

A DIY job may be appealing but a fault may occur over a period of time and any damage caused to your property can void your insurance. If you try to sell your property later, the DIY electrical job might get discovered during pre-purchase inspections and you will not only have to get the work fixed at your expense, you may also be fined for breaking the law.

Why are DIY electrical works illegal?

The risks of doing electrical work are massive! It could lead to house fires, shock and even death!

It is hard for amateurs to understand the complexity of the electrical circuits and could end up leaving everyone in unfathomable jeopardy. Additionally, there are penalties for illegal electrical work and in case anything happens, your insurance company will not pay for the damages.

What electrical work can you do yourself?

• Install battery-operated smoke detectors
• Rewire old-style fuses
• Install garden lighting and pond pumps
• Fitting an electric wall-oven in a kitchen cabinet, but NOT connecting
• Cutting opens for an air conditioning unit, but NOT connecting

What Electrical DIY work is strictly forbidden?

• Installing a new powerpoint
• Replacing a light switch
• Repairing an electrical appliance
• Altering the location of an existing powerpoint
• Replacing a light fitting with a ceiling fan
• Constructing an extension lead
• Replacing a plug on the end of a lead
• Rewiring a room

Always hire a licensed electrician

It is better to be safe than sorry! Make sure your electricians have a valid licence and have insurance. Ensure you get a compliance certificate whenever you get a job done!

If you are looking for a qualified and licenced electrician, call Static Electrics. We are the trusted electricians operating in Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Redland Bay and can help you with residential and commercial electrical works. For more information, contact us on07 3497 5076 or complete our online electrician enquiry form.