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Electrical DDIY – Don't do it yourself

Doing your own electrical DIY may look easy, but it isn’t. You could kill or injure yourself, your family, or start a fire.

Doing your own electrical DIY may look easy, but it isn’t. You could kill or injure yourself, your family, or start a fire.

This isn’t a job for a handyman. It takes years for someone to qualify as an electrician to do electrical work around your home.

Our research shows that people are most tempted to do small electrical DIY jobs around the house, such as changing power points or light switches, but it isn’t worth the risk. Aside from the danger, doing your own electrical work is illegal, so find a qualified electrician to complete electrical work.

Our electrical safety campaign: DDIY – Don’t Do It Yourself, draws on the YouTube tutorial format to promote the importance of hiring a licensed electrician.

Finding a licensed electrician

Like most other professions, electricians have different grades of license depending on the work they are qualified to do. Choose an electrician who shows their qualifications and areas of expertise in their advertising. Contact them and ask if they are licensed or registered to undertake the electrical work you need in Victoria. If they are, they will have an identification card endorsing them to carry out electrical work.

Further information about finding a licensed electrician is available on our website.

Farms and rural work sites

Two Victorians were killed in early 2016 both doing DIY electrical work on farms. These deaths were entirely preventable.

ESV is concerned that farmers are cutting corners and doing work they are not qualified to do and the results can be deadly. Farmers are more likely to die at work than any other Victorian worker – about 30% of workplace deaths occur on farms. Financial pressures can also mean that many farmers work long hours or potentially cut corners with maintenance. It’s simply not worth the risk when it comes to electricity.

Make sure electrical installations and equipment are kept in good working order. If there’s a problem don’t risk your own safety or the safety of your workers – always call in a licensed electrician, no matter how remote you are or how small the job.

Date: 19/03/2024 8:40

The currency and accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed once printed or saved to a storage device. If in doubt, please check the Energy Safe Victoria website for the current version.

Reviewed 21 January 2024

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