When is a Certificate of Electrical Safety Required in Australia?

In the domain of electrical installations and repairs, safety reigns supreme. Electrical work's complexity and potential risks necessitate strict regulations and adherence to these rules.

In Australia, a country with robust safety regulations, the Electrical Certificate of Compliance is a critical element of this regulatory structure. The pertinent question arises: when is this certificate required, and who can issue it?

This article seeks to shed light on these concerns and demystify the concept of this crucial document.

What is a Certificate of Electrical Safety?

Before we explore the instances requiring an Certificate of Electrical Safety, it is imperative to grasp what it is.

A Certificate of Electrical Safety (commonly known as COES in certain states) is a legal document provided by a registered electrical contractor or licensed electrician.

It proves that the electrical work performed complies with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000 – Electrical Installations (also referred to as the ‘Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules’).

This certificate is more than a mere legal formality; it assures that the executed work aligns with national safety standards, providing homeowners and businesses a heightened sense of security.

The certification acts as a guarantee that the electrical installation/work meets a safe standard, minimising the risk of hazards such as electrical fires or electric shock.

Scenarios Requiring a Certificate of Electrical Safety

Here are some common scenarios where a Certificate of Electrical Safety is mandated.

1. New installations and alterations: Any time new electrical installation work is completed, whether wiring a new property or altering or adding to existing installations, a certificate is mandatory. This rule applies regardless of the property’s scale or the work’s magnitude. Suppose you’re constructing a new home from scratch, adding a new room to an existing house, or expanding your commercial facilities. In that case, you’ll need to ensure that the work meets the necessary regulations and that the certificate is obtained.
2. Repairs and maintenance: The requirement for a Certificate of Electrical Safety extends beyond new installations or substantial alterations. Even routine repairs and maintenance of an existing installation require certification. For instance, if you’re replacing circuit breakers, installing new outlets, or replacing an electric stove, these tasks necessitate certification. It is essential to understand that any work involving electrical systems, regardless of size or perceived simplicity, can pose a risk if not performed correctly.
3. Safety checks: Safety checks on a property’s existing electrical installation, conducted either during property purchases or as part of routine safety audits in commercial premises, also necessitate the issuance of Electrical Compliance Certificates. These checks confirm that the existing installations meet the required safety standards and have no imminent hazards. In scenarios such as real estate transactions, these certificates become part of the legal documentation, demonstrating that the property’s electrical systems are sound and safe.
4. Solar panel installations: The transition to renewable energy has increased the number of Australian homes and businesses installing solar panels. Being electrical systems, installing these panels also necessitates the issuance of a Certificate of Electrical Safety. Even if specialised solar companies carry out these installations, they must adhere to the same electrical safety standards and regulations, and the issuance of a certificate is a part of this process.

Issuing the Certificate

Only a licensed Electrician or Registered Electrical Contractor in Australia can issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety.

The nation’s electrical is stringently regulated, and only individuals with the appropriate qualifications and licenses can carry out the work and provide certificates.

Qualified Electricians are required to provide the electrical certificate within a designated period after the work’s completion. Homeowners or businesses must keep a copy for their records – a crucial step should any issues arise in the future related to the electrical work performed.

Regional Differences in the Certificate of Electrical Safety

While the general concept and purpose of the Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) remain consistent across Australia, some differences exist between states and territories.

These differences can range from the terminology used to refer to the certificate to the specific procedures for obtaining it.

1. Victoria: In Victoria, all electrical equipment installations must be inspected, and a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) must be issued. There are two types of COES: ‘Prescribed’ for high-risk work and ‘Non-prescribed’ for low-risk work. In either case, a licensed electrician should provide the certificate within 28 days of the electrical work completion.
2. New South Wales: NSW refers to the document as a ‘Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work’ (CCEW form). It is required for all electrical installations, alterations, repairs and maintenance. The electrician must give the customer the certificate within seven days of the completed work.
3. Queensland: In this state, it is called the ‘Electrical Safety Certificate’. It must be given to the customer for all electrical works, other than repair or maintenance, within 28 days of completion.
4. South Australia: South Australia also uses the ‘Certificate of Compliance’. It must be provided within 30 days of the work being finished, and the electrician must keep a copy of the certificate for at least five years.
5. Western Australia: Here, the ‘Electrical Safety Certificate’ must be issued within 28 days of the completion of the work. However, unlike other states, Western Australia also has a ‘Notice of Completion’ that the electrician must send to the network operator within three days of finishing the work.
6. Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory: These regions also require a ‘Certificate of Electrical Compliance’ or equivalent, similar to the procedures in other states. The specifics, such as the timeframe for issuing the certificate, may vary slightly.

While the names may change, the essence of the certificate remains the same across the country. It serves as evidence of the fact that the electrical works performed complies with the necessary safety standards.

Regardless of where you live in Australia, ensuring that an appropriate certificate accompanies any electrical work is essential.

Remember, it is your right as a consumer to receive this certificate from your electrician, regardless of the type or scale of the work.

So, the next time you have an electrician completing work on your property, ask them about the Certificate of Electrical Safety or its equivalent in your state or territory.

Significance of Compliance

Possessing an Electrical Certificate of Compliance for any electrical works executed on your property is not merely about fulfilling a legal requirement; it encompasses ensuring the performed work’s safety, thereby reducing potential electrical hazards.

The certificate serves as a guarantee that a licensed professional, adhering to Australian Standards, has completed your electrical work.

In summary, any form of electrical work in Australia – minor repairs, significant installations, or a simple routine check, necessitates a Certificate of Electrical Safety.

Thus, whenever you hire an electrician, ensure that you ask for this vital document. As the saying goes: “Safety is not expensive; it’s priceless”.

Remember, a small effort today can prevent a significant disaster tomorrow. Never compromise on safety standards, and always insist on certified, compliant work when dealing with electricity. After all, peace of mind is the real power when dealing with power.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.