Risks and Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work
Over time, as the cost of living increases, and with greater access to information with the internet, people are increasingly taking the electrical work required at their house into their own hands. While it might make sense for you to conduct your own electrical works and repairs because they seem simple enough, there is nothing more dangerous you can be doing. There are massive safety risks at play when doing electrical work, as well as monstrous penalties for unlicensed electrical work.
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 equipment
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.
Save yourself the fine, electric shock, and poor workmanship by utilising the services of a qualified electrician from Lit Up Electrical.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Doing Electrical Work Yourself
If you’re asking yourself “can I do electrical work myself”, the short answer is no. Fines and 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’re still considering doing electrical work yourself, try to think it through.
Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work
Unlicensed and illegal electrical works are not allowed and prosecuted in Queensland. These penalties don’t just apply to contractors pretending they have an electrical license to receive compensation for work. These penalties will apply to you if you are caught conducting unlicensed electrical work in your own home.
There’s a $400,000 penalty should an individual be found doing unlicensed electrical work. 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 and suffering the penalties for unlicensed electrical work will cost you more than the fee of calling a licensed electrician.
Electrical Works are Incredibly Complicated
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.
Electrocution is Almost Certain
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.
You Increase the Risk of Electrical Fires
Electrical fires can occur as a result of doing electrical work yourself. 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’s More Expensive than Hiring an Electrician
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, even just asking yourself “can I do electrical work myself” will do you no good.
It Can Nullify 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 one of the most financially crushing penalties for unlicensed electrical work, and is exactly why we don’t encourage you to fix your own electrical issues.
Hire a Licensed Electrician for all Your Electrical Works
Hiring an electrician in north Brisbane to complete electrical works at your place is the best option for you, your family, your house, and your insurance. Our team of skilled and qualified residential electricians have all the skills needed to complete any electrical work for you. For fully licensed electrical services that won’t lead to regret, get in touch with Lit Up Electrical online or give us a call on 07 3315 0619