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What is a Level 2 electrician (ASP) in NSW?
What Level 2 work is, how to check the ASP list, and what to do about an Ausgrid defect notice in the Eastern Suburbs, including a photo assessment first.
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In short
A Level 2 electrician is an electrician accredited under the NSW Accredited Service Provider (ASP) scheme to do Level 2 work: building or changing the service line between the electricity network and a property's point of connection, energising new or altered connections, and working on network devices, such as the service protection device, on the main switchboard. A general licensed electrician is not accredited to do this work, however experienced; you can check whether an electrician is accredited on the NSW Government's ASP search. Ausgrid defect notices about the service line, point of attachment, consumer mains, private poles or metering usually need Level 2 work. Ausgrid may disconnect supply if a defect is not repaired within 21 days of the notice; an extension may be negotiable, depending on how serious the defect is. Peter offers an $80 remote inspection from your photos, with a written report emailed.
What Level 2 work covers
The NSW ASP scheme has three levels: Level 1 providers build and upgrade the network itself (poles, wires and underground cables), Level 2 providers do the connection work between the network and each property, and Level 3 providers design network assets. After accreditation, individual workers must also be authorised by the local network, which in the Eastern Suburbs is Ausgrid. In plain terms, the Level 2 electrician meaning is accreditation for the connection to the network, which an ordinary electrician's licence does not cover. (Source: NSW Government: ASP scheme and contestable works.)
How to check whether an electrician is on the ASP Level 2 list
The NSW Government keeps the Level 2 ASP list. Search it on the ASP Platform search tool, which finds accredited providers by location, level and services. The NSW Government suggests getting at least three quotes and confirming that the provider's level suits the job.
What an Ausgrid defect notice means
Ausgrid will issue the landowner a Defect Notice if they think your electrical installation will or may compromise their network or create a safety issue for you and/or the community. Ausgrid make periodic inspections throughout the Sydney region to assess whether or not households and businesses remain compliant.
Ausgrid has the authority to disconnect any premises it considers a risk to its network or to safety. Where there is no immediate threat to people or the network, Ausgrid sends a defect notice instead. It may disconnect supply if the defect is not repaired within 21 days of the notice; an extension may be negotiable, depending on how serious the defect is.
| Problem | Who to call |
|---|---|
| Fire, or someone injured or still in contact with electricity | 000 first |
| Fallen powerlines | Stay at least 8 metres away, then call Ausgrid on 13 13 88 (000 if a life is at risk) |
| The whole street is out, or the neighbours are too | Ausgrid on 13 13 88, 24 hours, or its live outage map |
| An Ausgrid defect notice for the service line, point of attachment or meter panel | The electrical contractor or Accredited Service Provider who did the work, or an Accredited Service Provider (Level 2) |
| Anything from the main switch inward: switchboard, wiring, power points, lights, appliances | A licensed electrician |
Source: Ausgrid: In an emergency; Ausgrid: Safety defects; Ausgrid: Outages and the live outage map.
Step by step, with what to do in the 21 days: got an Ausgrid defect notice? What to do next.
Common defects
- A non-compliant point of attachment bracket, or no access to it
- Service mains too low, damaged by storms or trees, or crossing a neighbouring property
- Undersized cable from the street pole to the premises
- Old kilowatt-hour meters, meter panels or enclosures containing asbestos
- Service fuses that need replacing
- No meter protection devices, which each tenancy needs so power can be isolated when old meters are upgraded to smart meters
Who can fix it
Work on the network side of your installation, including the service line, the point of attachment, service fuses and metering, must be done by an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) Level 2. A general electrician is not accredited to do it, however experienced. Check a provider on the NSW Government's ASP search.
Inspections: remote or on site
For recently built or renovated premises, Peter offers a remote inspection. You send photos of your installation, he assesses whether it is compliant and what is required, and you receive a written report by email with instructions on what to do next. It costs $80.
A comprehensive site inspection covers:
- Assessment of the Meter Panel and Wiring
- Checking Physical Connections
- Testing of Electrical Supply
- Testing Earth Continuity (Major)
- Checking Phase Rotation of Supply if 3 Phase
- Testing for a Neutral Supply
- Inspecting Private Pole for corrosion, stability, and connectivity
For a check of the wiring inside the property rather than the connection to the network, see electrical safety inspections.
Getting the work quoted
Based on the report, get the work quoted by accredited Level 2 providers. The report is yours either way.
Level 2 electricians and Ausgrid defects: common questions
What is a Level 2 electrician in NSW?
A Level 2 electrician in NSW is an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) Level 2: an electrician accredited to build or change the service line between the electricity network and a property, energise new or altered connections, and work on network devices such as the service protection device on the main switchboard. Check any provider on the NSW Government's ASP search.
What is the difference between ASP Level 1, 2 and 3?
Level 1 providers build and upgrade the network itself, such as poles, wires and underground cables. Level 2 providers do connection work between the network and individual properties. Level 3 providers design network assets.
What is an Ausgrid defect notice?
Ausgrid issues a defect notice to the landowner if it believes the electrical installation may compromise its network or create a safety risk. Common defects include a non-compliant point of attachment, low service mains, damaged mains, old meters containing asbestos and missing meter protection devices. Ausgrid can disconnect premises that are not rectified.
Who can fix an Ausgrid defect?
Work on service mains, points of attachment, private poles and metering must be done by the contractor who did the work or by an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) Level 2. You can check any provider on the NSW Government's ASP search. Ausgrid may disconnect supply if a defect is not repaired within 21 days of the notice; an extension may be negotiable, depending on how serious the defect is.
Can a defect be assessed without a site visit?
For recently built or renovated premises, a defect can be assessed from photos. Ambient offers an $80 remote inspection: you send photos through a link, and Ambient emails back a written report on what needs doing.
Who is responsible for a private power pole?
A private power pole is the property owner's responsibility. Ausgrid says owners are responsible for the poles, powerlines and fittings on their property beyond the connection point, including keeping vegetation clear. Ambient inspects private poles for corrosion, stability and connections.
Do I need a Level 2 electrician for a smart meter?
The meter itself is installed by your retailer's metering provider. If the meter panel needs work first, such as fitting meter protection devices or replacing an old asbestos panel, that work is done by a Level 2 electrician.
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