According to the Electrical Safety Act 2002, under section 18, manufacturing, constructing, removing, installing, testing, altering, replacing, repairing, and maintaining electrical equipment are considered electrical works. These include tasks such as:

• Constructing an extension lead
• Removing of electrical equipment
• Repairing an electrical appliance like a heater
• Altering the location of an existing powerpoint
• Replacing a batten holder with a new light fitting
• Replacing a light fitting with a ceiling fan
• Installing of new a powerpoint
• Testing of electrical equipmen

Purchasing any electrical accessories or appliances that require a hard-wired connection is allowed. However, you must call a licensed electrician to connect it to the electrical supply.

Should you need professional help with electrical works, call Lit Up Electrical today.

Are there any consequences with D-I-Y electrical work?

Unlicensed and illegal electrical works are not allowed and prosecuted in Queensland.

You can get a penalty for unlicensed electrical works

There’s a $400,000 worth penalty should an individual be found doing unlicensed electrical works. If the illegal electrical work has severely injured or killed someone, the penalties will be the following:

• $600,000 for an individual
• $300,000,00 for a corporation
• Five years in prison

These only show how unwise it is to handle electrical work by yourself. Breaking the law will only make you pay more than the fee of calling a licensed electrician.

Why is illegal electrical work a bad idea? Are there any dangers?

Penalties are not the only problems you can face for doing illegal electrical work. You are also risking yourself and your family to electrocution and electrical fires. So, if you still consider doing your electrical work by yourself, try to think it through.

It’s harder than you think

Licensed electricians trained and studied for years to learn how the electrical system works. Electrical systems can be pretty complicated. Therefore, it is harder than you think. If you don’t have the required knowledge, training and skills in electrical works, then there’s a high chance that you can mess it up.

It can give you an electric shock

The possibilities of hurting yourself while you perform D-I-Y electrical works are endless. You can accidentally hit or cut your hands with a tool. You might not be aware of the proper procedures such as turning off the circuit breaker before working. You might also touch the wrong wire, which can electrocute you and worst, kill you.

It can cause electrical fires

Electrical fires can also be the result of unlicensed electrical works. All it takes are faulty wiring, faulty connections, or improperly installed outlets. Even the simplest mistake can lead to a deadly electrical fire, such as inserting a high wattage bulb into a light fixture that doesn’t match its wattage.

It can cost you more

D-I-Ying your electrical work can bring more damage to your system than you think. Thus, you will need to call a professional electrician to help you repair it, which will cost you more money.

We understand how badly many people want to save money, that’s why they try to fix the electrical problems at their home by themselves. But we’re telling you, it will do you no good.

It can affect your house insurance

If the electrical works are illegal and it resulted in a fire that damaged your house, then your insurance will not cover your loss. Why? Because the electrical works are not legally done. This is why we don’t encourage you to fix your electrical works.

Is hiring a licensed electrician needed?

It’ll be best for you, your family, your home, and your house insurance if you hire a licensed electrician to work on your electrical system. They have the right knowledge and skills for the job. Therefore, they can ensure that all electrical works done in your home are compliant with the highest standards.

Taking chances is not worth the money and lives you can lose. So, don’t do your electrical work. Let a professional handle it for you. Send us a message.