Those entering the Australian electrical trade may find the certification process confusing, especially when moving from overseas or adding a restricted electrical certification to an existing trade license. Broadly speaking, different electrician certifications in Australia are issued based on a tradesperson’s training and area of expertise, ranging from broad electrical work to restricted electrical licenses, such as those for a linesperson or an electrical fitter.
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In Australia, attempting most electrical work without a licence is illegal. Only very few unlicensed electrical tasks are allowed under current laws, such as:
According to the 2002 Electrical Safety Act, activities such as manufacturing, constructing, removing, installing, testing, altering, replacing, repairing, and maintaining electrical equipment are classified as electrical works. These include common tasks such as:
Failure to comply can result in a whopping $400,000 for an individual found doing unlicensed electrical work. And if the consequence of your illegal electrical work results in harming or killing another, the consequences are:
If you’re planning any electrical work in Australia, you’ll need to ensure your electrical certification is accurate and up to date.
Typically, the average full-time Aussie sparky will hold an open electrical work license - otherwise known as an electrical mechanic licence. An electrical mechanic licence authorises all electrical work such as:
This broad definition allows electricians to safely work on a range of electrical tasks - assuming their training has properly prepared them to do so.
As one of the most common, restricted electrical licences in Australia, the electrical linesperson licence is specifically designed for those working with powerlines. An electrical linesperson licence allows you to perform all electric line work such as:
Linespersons typically work on the electrical infrastructure that supplies power to homes and businesses, rather than on internal wiring or general electrical systems, or repairing electrical equipment.
An electrical fitter licence allows you to maintain and fix electrical equipment work such as:
Perfect for those who prefer to work with their hands on the big toys, electrical fitters are in high demand in industries like manufacturing, mining, and industrial maintenance, where they maintain and repair both machinery, equipment and electrical systems,
This licence is specialised for work involving the installation, jointing, and termination of high-voltage cables.
An electrical jointer licence allows you to perform electrical equipment work such as:
For tradies who frequently handle electrical appliances during their workday but aren't qualified electricians, obtaining a restricted electrical licence is essential for safely and legally performing your duties. This licence demonstrates your ability to work with electricity safely. The licence is tailored to your specific trade, for example:
However, a restricted electrical work licence does not authorise the holder of the licence to carry out installation work.
For more details, check out:The electrical work training permit is developed for those in the first stages of their training. It's usually given before or at the start of an apprenticeship and allows an apprentice or trainee to gain practical experience under the strict supervision of a qualified electrician. The permit is temporary and valid only for the duration of the training program, although it's typically replaced by a work licence for apprentices before training is completed.
This licence is for apprentices who are enrolled in a formal apprenticeship program. It provodes proof. that the apprentice is ready for more independence and allows them to perform a broader range of electrical work than what is permitted under a training permit, though still under supervision.
Typical jobs for someone who holds an electrical work licence for apprentices include:
9. Electrical work licence for permit holders
This licence is for individuals who have previously held an electrical work training permit or a similar temporary permit and serves as a transition for permit holders to become fully licensed electricians, though the scope may vary depending on the specific training they received. It is aimed at those who have recently completed their apprenticeship or training and are ready to enter independent practice.
Considered a temporary licence, it works to provide legal support for electricians awaiting their final or more permanent qualifications.
Most Australian states have systems in place under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA) that allow New Zealand electricians to work in Australia without the need for retraining, as long as their qualifications meet local state or territory standards.
For electricians from other countries, the process to apply for an equivalent licence varies by state and typically involves a submission process, which may include an evaluation of credentials, possible additional training, and a fee. This process is often managed by local authorities such as WorkSafe or TAFE.
Electricians may be allowed to perform limited electrical work while they wait for final approval, but this varies state by state.
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