3 April 2018
DIY electrical work is always a bad idea
Despite the can-do attitude of Australians and the simplicity of a lot of wiring work, it is actually illegal in every state to do your own fixed wiring. Worryingly, many people do not know this and are putting themselves in a precarious position by either working on their own homes or having unlicensed home handymen doing electrical work.
Australia has very strict rules surrounding DIY electrical work. Almost all electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. No one else can do this type of work, no matter how well the work is done, and you cannot have it retro-certified, even if it is looked at by a licensed electrician and is found to be completely compliant.
In Queensland, it is even illegal to repair plug-in electrical appliances, such as kettles and toasters.
What does this mean for the average Australian DIYer?
To be on the safe side, you should not attempt any electrical work at home beyond repairing a blown fuse as otherwise, you run the risk of having trouble when you go to sell your home or finding out that your insurance cover is void. It is highly recommended that you call the relevant authorities and ask what the law is in your state, as there are different parameters.
Remember, always err on the side of caution and call a licensed electrician if in doubt.
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