Never do work on electrical installations or appliances yourself, always use a licensed electrician. Unlicensed work is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Licensed electrical contractors have the equipment and knowledge to safely do electrical work.
When using a tradesperson for any electrical work you should ensure:
- they hold an appropriate South Australian license
- they issue you an electrical certificate of compliance.
This applies to all electrical work on your property regardless of whether it is your home, rental property, commercial premises, caravan or boat.
Insurance companies may not cover fire or public liability claims caused by do-it-yourself or unlicensed installations.
On this page:
When to call a licensed electrician
Check if an electrician is licensed
Receiving an electrical certificate of compliance Unsafe or unsatisfactory electrical work When to call a licensed electrician
You should call an electrician to carry out any electrical work, or if you notice something potentially dangerous.
If you notice any of the following, stop using the affected appliances and call a licensed electrician immediately:
- damage to wiring insulation, socket outlets, appliance cords or the electrical switch board.
- nuisance tripping of circuit breakers.
The following could indicate a serious electrical fault and should be reported to
ETSA Utilities immediately.
- dimming of lights when appliances are turned on.
- shocks or a tingle from electrical appliances or water pipes.
Electricians are responsible for work commencing at the ETSA point of supply up to and including:
- the electrical wiring on the consumer's property from the main switchboard to the building
- wiring within the building to the electrical appliance
- fixed electrical appliances.
The electrical distributor in South Australia,
ETSA Utilities, is responsible for work from the point of supply to the distribution network. To report faults, electricity emergencies and power interruptions contact ETSA Utilities on 13 13 66.
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Check if an electrician is licensed
You can check if your electrician is licensed in South Australia or find a licensed electrician by searching the licensing public register.
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Receiving an electrical certificate of compliance
An electrical certificate of compliance is an assurance that:
- the electrician is appropriately licensed
- the work completed has been tested and is proven to be safe
- the work complies with the appropriate Australian Standards
- the electrician or electrical contractor has officially informed you of any existing safety problems with the installation they have observed
- you have covered your legal obligation to own a safe installation and have a permanent legal record for the job.
An electrical certificate of compliance should be given to you within thirty days of the power being connected to the electrical work.
The only time an electrical certificate of compliance is not required is if the electrician has done an inspection without modifying the wires or electrical accessories. As a rule, if the electrician has used a tool, such as a screwdriver, then an electrical certificate of compliance is required.
View an example of an electrical certificate of compliance (PDF 466KB).
To be valid, the certificate of compliance should be signed by both the electrician and the contractor.
If you do not receive an electrical certificate of compliance this could jeopardise your insurance if an electrical-related incident subsequently causes fire or damage to the property.
The electrician or electrical contractor cannot withhold the certificate until you have paid for the work. If an electrician fails to issue you with a electrical certificate of compliance, or refuses to do so, contact the Office of the Technical Regulator.
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Unsafe or unsatisfactory electrical work
If you feel that completed electrical work is unsafe or unsatisfactory:
- contact the electrician who installed the equipment and ask for the problem to be fixed
- if unsuccessful - contact the equipment supplier or your electricity supplier
- if the problem is still not resolved - contact the Office of the Technical Regulator.
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