Limits of work

On 27 October 2017, revised limits of work came into effect. The revised classes of registration and limits of work by class are listed below. There are 16 classes of registration in total.

The types of work each class of registration is permitted to perform are listed below unless the work being carried out is specifically excluded from the definition of prescribed electrical work by Clause 2 of the First Schedule to the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010.

Electrical Inspector

  1. the installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area; and
  4. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  5. the maintenance of appliances; and
  6. the testing of their own work and the work of other authorised persons; and
  7. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  8. the inspection of PEW; and
  9. the supervision of PEW provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  10. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) - (i) in a Mining Operation.

Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining)

  1. the installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area; and
  4. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  5. the maintenance of appliances; and
  6. the testing of their own work and the work of other authorised persons; and
  7. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  8. the inspection of PEW including work described in (l) below; and
  9. the supervision of PEW provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  10. any PEW in relation to the above in a Mining Operation; and
  11. work done on bolted couplers and restrained couplers used or installed in a Mining Operation; and
  12. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances in an ERZ0 or ERZ1; and
  13. the connection, reconnection, or disconnection of bolted couplers and restrained couplers used or installed in a Mining Operation.

Electrician

  1. the installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area; and
  4. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  5. the maintenance of appliances; and
  6. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  7. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  8. the supervision of PEW provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  9. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (h) in a Mining Operation.

Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

  1. the installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area; and
  4. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  5. the maintenance of appliances; and
  6. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  7. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  8. the supervision of PEW provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  9. any PEW in relation to the above in a Mining Operation; and
  10. work done on bolted couplers and restrained couplers used or installed in a Mining Operation; and
  11. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances in an ERZ0 or ERZ1; and
  12. the connection, reconnection, or disconnection of bolted couplers and restrained couplers used or installed in a Mining Operation.

Electrical Engineer - no limitations

  1. the installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area; and
  4. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  5. the maintenance of appliances; and
  6. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  7. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  8. the supervision of PEW provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  9. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (h) in a Mining Operation.

Electrical Engineer - with limitations

  1. the installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area; and
  4. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  5. the maintenance of appliances; and
  6. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  7. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  8. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  9. only in those areas above (a) – (h) where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board; and
  10. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (i) in a Mining Operation.

Electrical Installer - Option 1*

  1. the installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area; and
  4. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  5. the maintenance of appliances; but
  6. only in those areas above (a) – (e) where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board; and
  7. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  8. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  9. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  10. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (i) in a Mining Operation.

* Only permitted to work in area where competencies have been demonstrated to the Board

Electrical Installer - Option 2*

  1. the installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area; and
  4. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  5. the maintenance of appliances; but
  6. in those areas above (a) – (d) provided that they do not receive any assistance from an unlicensed person and in relation only to hazardous areas where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board; and
  7. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  8. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  9. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  10. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (h) in a Mining Operation.

* May not be assisted by un-licensed persons.

Electrical Service Technician

  1. the maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area; and
  3. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  4. the maintenance of appliances; and
  5. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  6. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  7. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  8. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (g) in a Mining Operation.

The EST limits of work are explained in more detail and plain language below.

Guide to Electrical Service Technicians (EST) limits of work

An ESTs training and qualifications allow them to carry out prescribed electrical work (PEW) that involves maintenance, repair, or servicing work on electrical fittings, appliances and electrical equipment used in “Works” or electrical installations. The Electrical Workers Registration Board requires all electrical workers to only work in those areas where they are competent.

As of 17 October 2019, the Limits of Work set out in the Gazette Notice will align with this. ESTs will not be permitted to carry out any of this work on switchboards or the installation or replacement of conductors used in ‘Works” or electrical Installations, regardless of their competence, because this work requires a person to hold an appropriate class of registration.

What do the limits mean?

Maintenance means to keep something in good condition by checking or repairing it regularly. Repair means to restore something damaged, faulty, or worn to a good condition. In the context of repair, replacement means to restore or maintain to its original condition as a function of maintenance, repair or servicing work.

Replacement is considered to be repair work provided that an equivalent component or assembly is used and the replacement is in the same position. For example if a fitting or appliance is replaced then it would need to be equivalent to its original use and purpose, appropriately rated and electrically safe. It must also not adversely affect the electrical safety of the electrical installation it was connected to.

Servicing means any PEW that involves the dismantling, repair, adjustment, reassembly and replacement of electrical fittings, other than the installation of permanently wired conductors, of Works or electrical installations intended for the generation, conversion, transformation, conveyance, or control of electrical supplies.

PEW an EST is permitted to carry out

  • Maintain fittings Electrical appliances equipment
  • Repair fittings Electrical appliances equipment
  • Service fittings Electrical appliances equipment
  • Replace (as a function of maintenance and repair) fittings electrical appliances, equipment
  • Replace wiring within an appliance or electrical equipment (as a function of maintenance and repair)
  • Disconnect from and reconnect to fixed wiring, fittings, electrical appliances, equipment (as a function of maintenance and repair)
    • Any Extra low Voltage Work in hazardous or medical areas

PEW an EST is not permitted to carry out.

  • Any work on switchboards
  • Installation or replacement or rewiring of conductors (all supply conductors, sub-circuits) used in “Works” and electrical installations.
  • Installation of fittings, appliances or equipment that is not a function of maintenance, repair or servicing work. For example an EST is not permitted to install a new fitting or appliance or electrical equipment where none existed before.

Note

All classes of registration must always work within their limits of work and individual competencies.

For example if a person is not competent to carry out work they are licenced to carry out they should not attempt to do this work until they have obtained the requisite skills to do so safety competently and in compliance with all the legislative requirements

Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to Disconnect and Connect)

  1. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet provided that the electrical rating is not greater than 250 volts; and
  2. the maintenance of appliances; and
  3. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  4. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  5. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  6. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (e) in a Mining Operation.

Electrical Appliance Serviceperson

  1. the maintenance of appliances provided that the electrical rating is not greater than 250 volts and are supplied by a plug and flexible cord; and
  2. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  3. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  4. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  5. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (d) in a Mining Operation.

Associated Tradesperson (all classes)

  1. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet, provided that the electrical rating is not greater than 250 volts and 16 amperes, but in relation only to their associated trade and in those areas only where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board; and
  2. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  3. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  4. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  5. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (d) in a Mining Operation.

Transmission Line Mechanic

  1. the installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet, but in those areas above (a) – (c) only in relation to conductors used as electric lines 66kV or above; and
  4. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  5. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  6. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  7. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (f) in a Mining Operation.

Traction Line Mechanic

  1. the installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  4. the maintenance of appliances; but
  5. in those areas above (a) – (d) only in relation to electric lines that form part of traction infrastructure; and
  6. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  7. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  8. the supervision of work, provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  9. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (h) in a Mining Operation.

Distribution Line Mechanic

  1. the installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  4. the maintenance of appliances; but
  5. in those areas above (a) – (d) only in relation to conductors used as electric lines that are part of distribution infrastructure up to and including 110kV; and
  6. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing and may also test at the point where polarity to the installation can be confirmed; and
  7. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  8. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  9. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (h) in a Mining Operation.

Distribution Line Mechanic (Endorsed)

  1. The installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  4. the maintenance of appliances; but
  5. in those areas above (a) – (d) only in relation to conductors used as electric lines that are part of distribution infrastructure up to and including 110kV and any type of PEW relating to the restoration of supply to an installation where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board; and
  6. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing and may also test at the point where polarity to the installation can be confirmed; and
  7. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  8. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  9. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (h) in a Mining Operation.

Substation Maintainer

  1. The installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  4. the maintenance of appliances; and
  5. the testing of work, provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  6. the certification of work, provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  7. the supervision of work, provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  8. the above (a) – (h) in relation only to a substation and excluding any PEW in relation to the above in a Mining Operation.

Cable Jointer

  1. the installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations but in relation only to the joining of cables; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area, but in relation only to fittings of cables; and
  4. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet but in relation only to connections of cables; and
  5. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  6. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  7. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  8. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (f) in a Mining Operation.