Why you MUST make sure you only use a licenced electrical contractor

Published: October 10, 2019 Last Updated: June 01, 2021

It is extremely important to make sure that you use a fully licenced Electrical Contractor for any electrical work you have completed.

The risks of electricity to both people and property are well-known, so all State and Territory Governments have legislation in place which regulates who can install, maintain and repair electrical installations for you.

In Queensland, an Electrical business must hold a full contractor’s licence which is renewed on an annual basis. Queensland has a very thorough application process that prospective contractors must go through before being awarded their contractor’s licence – it is one of the toughest in the country. The business must have both fully qualified technical & business personnel employed before they can apply for this licence.

It is very simple to jump on the internet and look at worksafe.qld.gov.au to check that the quotes you receive are from a licenced contractor.

Some of the reasons to ensure you are using a licenced contractor:

• Electrical Contractors must renew their licence annually therefore they must ensure all their work is fully compliant or this affects their ability to have their licence renewed.
• Electrical Contractors need to have current public liability & products liability insurance policies and copies of these must be forwarded to the Justice Department with licence applications.
• Electrical Contractors must have five years experience post trade before they can apply for a contractor’s licence.
• Electrical Contractors must also have business qualifications or staff employed with business qualifications so you know you are dealing with a reputable business.
• Electrical Contractors are fully up to date with all changes in legislation as they are notified regularly by the Justice Department.
• Electrical Contractors will be contactable should you need to if anything goes wrong.
• Electrical Contractors will warrant their work, so your insurance company will cover your claim in the event of an electrical fire.

Don’t take a risk with electricity, only use reputable licensed electrical contractors to do work for you.

Watmar Electrical Contractors Licence (#76572) - we pride ourselves on our exacting attitude to safety and compliance.