In Victoria the Certificate of Electrical Safety (CoES) is a critical document that ensures electrical work is performed safely and complies with local regulations enforced by Energy Safe Victoria. For homeowners, businesses, and electricians alike, understanding the legal requirements for issuing this certificate is essential to maintaining safety and compliance. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you need to know about the CoES and its legal implications in Victoria.
What is a Certificate of Electrical Safety?
A Certificate of Electrical Safety is a formal document issued by a licensed electrician, confirming that electrical work has been completed in accordance with the relevant safety standards. This certificate is required by law for all types of electrical work, from installing new wiring to upgrading existing systems. It serves to protect both the property owner and the broader community by ensuring that all electrical installations and repairs meet stringent safety and compliance standards.
Legal Requirements for Issuing a CoES
In Victoria, the legal framework governing the Certificate of Electrical Safety is set out by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), the state’s independent regulator for electrical safety. According to ESV regulations, several key requirements must be met:
Licensed Electricians: Only licensed electricians are authorized to issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety. This ensures that the work is completed by a qualified professional who has the necessary training and expertise. Electricians must hold a valid Electrical Contractor’s License or an Electrician’s License, depending on the scope of the work.
Compliance with Australian Standards: The electrical work must comply with the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000). These standards provide guidelines for safe electrical installations and ensure that work is performed to a high safety standard.
Issuing the Certificate: After completing the electrical work, the electrician must issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety. This certificate must be lodged with Energy Safe Victoria within 7 days of the work being completed. The CoES must include details such as the type of work performed, the location, and the date of completion.
Record Keeping: Both the property owner and the electrician must keep a copy of the CoES for a minimum of 7 years. This is important for future reference, especially if any issues arise or if the property is sold.
Why is the CoES Important?
The Certificate of Electrical Safety plays a crucial role in maintaining electrical safety standards across Victoria. For property owners, it provides assurance that the electrical work carried out meets safety regulations and reduces the risk of electrical hazards. For electricians, it demonstrates compliance with legal requirements and contributes to their professional credibility.
NOTE: Issuing a CoES lodges the electrical works with Energy Safe Victoria. They can then issue an audit request to an independent agency, or even do a random inspection themselves to check for compliant works. If defects are found, the electrician will be issued a defect notice and be requested to rectify the issue.
Different Types of Certificates?
There are generally two types of certificates of compliance, being Prescribed or alternatively Non Prescribed.
A Prescribed Certificate is unique, in that an independent inspection officer is required to attend on the same day as works are performed, and before the works are energised or used. Once the independent inspection officer has attended, a Prescribed Certificate will be issued to the electrician by the inspection officer, who will then pass it on to the customer.
Types of Prescribed Works:
Solar installations, switchboard upgrades, earthing electrodes, meter panel works, truck appointments, generator inlet points, power production plants, electrical pit installations to name a few.
NOTE: Sometimes in special circumstances an electrician can do Prescribed Works but only issue a Non Prescribed certificate… Confusing, right? Make sure your electrician knows about this! Otherwise you’ll be paying for an independent inspection officer you didn’t legally require.
A Non Prescribed Certificate is for low level or basic electrical works, such as power outlets, downlights, appliances and the like. Pretty much anything not listed above is a NP (or Non Prescribed) Certificate.
If you’re unsure about which certificate you should be getting, contact us via email or by 0428 862 963 and we’ll try our best to explain this important document to you.
More information can also be found here https://www.energysafe.vic.gov.au/certificates-electrical-safety