We are a nation of DIYers. After all, renovating and improving your home yourself is incredibly satisfying. Especially when you think about the dollars you might save. However, when it comes to electrical work, that’s where you have to draw the line. In fact, it’s illegal to attempt to perform any electrical work around your property. So, all electrical work must be performed by a Licensed Electrician.
How Many Electricians does it take to Change a Light Bulb?
None! But this is pretty much the only electrical task you can perform yourself. The law and regulatory codes regarding electrical work are strict for a good reason – electricity is hazardous. Consequently, the results of a DIY job can be disastrous. Not just because of the threat to life and limb but to property too. Furthermore, annual figures for death by electricity are sobering, but the number of preventable deaths is alarming. As for insurance, expect to have any claim denied if the cause is deemed to be unlicensed electrical work.
Be Safe, Always Use a Licensed Electrician
Electricians working in Australia must follow strict regulations to ensure everyone stays safe around electricity. The electrician’s bible for domestic dwellings is the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000:2007. To ensure compliance, electrical inspectors routinely, and randomly, inspect electrician’s work. Ultimately, penalties for non-compliance can be harsh, including hefty fines and possible loss of license.
View the License, Get the Certificate
Once you’ve chosen your electrician, always ask to see their license before they start work. Furthermore, you can also look up their details via Fair Trading. In addition, a Licensed Electrician will provide a Certificate of Conformance (or Certificate of Electrical Safety) on completion. Each state has a slightly different certificate, but they all provide the customer with a level of protection.
