In short
In NSW, the only electrical maintenance a householder may do is change a light globe. The NSW Government says DIY electrical work is dangerous and illegal: wiring, power points, lights and switches, ceiling fans and any other electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Check the electrician's licence on the NSW Government's public register before they start.
If you would rather have it checked, Ambient Electrical offers power point installation in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
What does NSW law let you do yourself?
The NSW Government's advice is short: DIY (do it yourself) electrical work is dangerous and illegal. Changing a light globe is the only electrical maintenance it leaves to householders.
One other job belongs to every household: testing the safety switches. The NSW Government asks for a quick test at least every six months, pressing the TEST button on each one, and the guide to a safety switch that keeps tripping explains what to do if one will not reset.
Jobs that need a licensed electrician
The NSW Government lists the jobs a householder must never do:
- Wiring any part of the property
- Installing, replacing or moving power points
- Installing, replacing or moving lights and light switches
- Installing or replacing ceiling fans
- Any electrical maintenance other than changing a light globe
Why it is illegal, not just risky
Electrical installation work must be done by a licensed electrician, the NSW Government says. When the work is finished, the electrician tests it and gives you a uniquely numbered certificate, the CCEW, showing it was tested and complies; what a CCEW is and when you get one. A DIY job has no certificate.
The NSW Government says 40% of house fires in NSW each year are caused by electrical faults and electrical appliances.
How do I check an electrician is licensed?
Before hiring, the NSW Government says to check that the electrician holds a current licence and to look up the licence number on the public register. Verify NSW shows whether a licence is current. Peter Stafford's NSW licence number is 237173C.
The guide to choosing an electrician covers the other checks: insurance, references, itemised quotes and the compliance certificate.
What about wiring diagrams and how-to videos?
This guide has no wiring instructions, on purpose. Searches such as how to wire a safety switch or light switch wiring in Australia turn up diagrams and videos, but in NSW following them is still DIY electrical work, which the NSW Government says is dangerous and illegal. A licensed electrician can quote the job instead.
