Licensing / Registration

Electrical Licensing and Registration

In Victoria (as in all other States and Territories) the Government has legislated to regulate who can undertake electrical installation work.  This is due to the inherent danger of electricity and the potentially fatal consequences when unskilled an unlicensed persons undertake electrical work.

The Electricity Safety Act 1998 and regulations under the Act require that only registered electrical contractors can contract to the general public to undertake electrical installation work.  Similarly the legislation requires that electrical installation work can only be undertaken by licensed electricians.

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is the electrical safety and technical regulator for the electricity industry in Victoria and they can be contacted at www.esv.vic.gov.au or (03) 9207 9700.

It is illegal for an unlicensed person to undertake electrical installation work in Victoria.  Persons who do undertake such work can be prosecuted in the courts and subject to substantial financial penalties.  In addition, home owners with illegal wiring may find that they are not covered by the Home Building insurance policy in the event of a fire which can be traced to the illegal wiring as the cause of the fire.

Looking for a Registered Electrical Contractor?

Click on the Contractor Search Engine on the menu bar to find a registered electrical contractor in your area.

NECA strongly recommends that consumers seek written quotes from three registered electrical contractors.  The quotes should clearly specify the work to be undertaken and the total cost of that work.  Any variations to the scope and/or cost of the work should also be clearly stated in writing and agreed beforehand.

One the completion of any electrical installation work, the registered electrical contractor is required to give the customer a Certificate of Electrical Safety which certifies that the work has been done in accordance with the Electricity Safety Act and Regulations.

For further information on Certificates of Electrical Safety contact Energy Safe Victoria (ESV).

Working Interstate

If you are considering working interestate you will need to contact the relevant state or territory regulatory authority to establish what legal requirements there are for operating as a contractor and electrician.  Contact details can be found by clicking here