In short
An Ausgrid defect notice means an inspection found something at your connection to the network that is unsafe or non-compliant. Where there is no immediate danger, you normally have 21 days to fix it. Most defects are at the point of attachment, the service mains or the meter panel, which only an ASP Level 2 electrician is authorised to work on. Ambient is an authorised ASP Level 2 service provider.
What a defect notice is
Ausgrid inspects properties across its network to check that the connection between the street and each building is safe and compliant. If it finds something that could compromise the network or put you or the public at risk, it issues the landowner a defect notice.
Ausgrid has the authority to disconnect a property it considers unsafe. Where there is no immediate danger, the notice gives you time to act, normally 21 days.
Common defects
- Point of attachment problems: a non-compliant bracket, no safe access to it, or a shared attachment
- Service mains that are too low over a driveway or road, or that cross a neighbour's property
- Service or consumer mains damaged by storms, fallen or overgrown trees, or weathering from UV
- 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
- A private pole that is corroded, unstable or poorly connected
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 authorised to do it, however experienced.
Peter Stafford is an authorised ASP Level 2 service provider, and Ambient handles defect rectification across the Eastern Suburbs, the CBD and the Inner West.
Inspections: remote or on site
For recently built or renovated premises, Ambient offers a remote inspection. You upload photos of your installation, Peter 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 the meter panel and wiring
- Physical connections
- The electricity supply and earth continuity
- Phase rotation on three-phase supply, and the neutral supply
- Private poles, checked for corrosion, stability and connections
Get quotes
After the inspection you can ask Ambient to quote the work, or get quotes from other qualified and reputable Level 2 electricians. The report is yours either way.
Related service: ASP Level 2
Ambient Electrical works in Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Watsons Bay and across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, 24 hours a day.
