News & Views

The National Electrical and Communications Association South Australian Chapter (NECA SA) warns those DIY (do-it-yourself) project planners that saving a few dollars is not worth jeopardising your insurance policies and risking lives.

South Australians planning household repairs and maintenance during the Easter holidays are urged to leave electrical work to the professionals.

Many people like to catch up on repairs and maintenance during the first big break of the year but even if you think you know what you are doing with DIY projects, never attempt to do your own electrical work—it’s dangerous, illegal and can be fatal.

Always get a licensed electrician to do any electrical work and check first that they have a current license.

Jobs that are most definitely not suitable for anyone other than a licensed electrician to carry out include:

• installing a new power point
• replacing a light switch
• replacing a batten holder with a new light fitting
• altering the location of an existing power point
• replacing a light fitting with a ceiling fan.

Homeowners are also advised not to carry out repairs to electrical equipment or appliances but to take them to a licensed electrician or authorised service agent.

Major damage to your home from an electrical fire is also a real risk with any unlicensed work, and may eventually lead to an insurer refusing a claim.

Aside from the risk to home and health, DIY electrical work is regarded as unlicensed electrical work, which is illegal and carries significant penalties.

For further information, contact NECA SA on (08) 8272 2966 or visit the NECA SA website on www.neca.asn.au/sa. Alternatively, you can contact the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) on (08) 8226 5500.

If you would like to find a licensed electrician in your area, visit the NECA SA Find Your Local Electrician website at www.fyle.com.au.