Licensed electrical contractors
Queenslanders impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred are being urged to only use a licensed electrical contractor for repairs or rebuilding work as the recovery phase is underway.
As many households and businesses continue the clean-up and recovery from the natural disaster, the safety advice on only using licensed electrical contractors is more important than ever.
The Electrical Safety Office is reminding people to never attempt DIY electrical work. Aside from being illegal, people who perform unlicensed and DIY electrical work risk contact with electricity, which can have deadly consequences for them as well as for anyone else who comes into contact with the electrical installation or equipment.
This danger might not be obvious right away and usually shows up during a fault or over time. If an electrical fire causes major property damage and it was due to illegal electrical work, insurers might refuse the claim.
A person who performs electrical work in Queensland must have an electrical work licence authorising the work. Licensed electrical workers must follow electrical safety laws, codes of practice, and technical standards when doing electrical work.
Businesses which provide electrical work services for others in Queensland must have an electrical contractor licence (the actual electrical work may be done by one of the contractor's licensed electrical workers).
Licensed electrical contractors meet specific insurance requirements including having a minimum of $5 million public liability insurance, with a $50,000 consumer protection component. Unlicensed and DIY electrical work does not provide these protections.
If you come across unlicensed or damaged electrical work you can submit a complaint to the Electrical Safety Office.