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When you need to be licensed to disconnect or reconnect fixed electrical equipment, including eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
On this page
Qualifications and experience needed
Apply for a qualified supervisor certificate
Renew or restore a licence or certificate
Change the details on a licence or certificate
Working interstate and mutual recognition
Key information
- In NSW, you need a qualified supervisor certificate to disconnect or reconnect fixed electrical equipment.
- Disconnection and reconnection work does not include electrical work that is considered air conditioning and refrigeration work.
- You must have the right qualifications and experience before you can apply for a certificate.
- You can apply for a 1, 3 or 5 year qualified supervisor certificate.
When you need to be licensed to disconnect or reconnect electrical equipment
In NSW, you need a qualified supervisor certificate if you plan to do straightforward work to disconnect or reconnect fixed electrical equipment.
What is fixed electrical equipment?
Fixed electrical equipment means appliances, motors and water heaters. The disconnection/reconnection work must be secondary to your main work as a qualified tradesperson.
For example, you may be a plumber who would like to be qualified to do restricted electrical work, such as connecting power to a hot water system or oven during a plumbing job.
What is disconnection and reconnection work?
Disconnection and reconnection work is:
- disconnecting and reconnecting electrical wiring at the equipment itself, and only to the extent necessary to permit the non-electrical work to be performed on the equipment
- replacing equipment on a ’like for like‘ basis*
- doing testing to be able to safely isolate the equipment being disconnected or reconnected
- doing testing to be able to safely use the equipment
- replacing ‘blown’ fuses and resetting ‘tripped’ circuit breakers
- equipment operating at voltages up to 1000V alternating current three phase and 1500V direct current.
* Only applicants whose trade backgrounds directly relate to servicing or repairing of the equipment can replace equipment on a “like to like” basis (excluding licensed plumbers).
Disconnection and reconnection work does not include electrical work that is considered air conditioning and refrigeration work, or work:
- on electrical installations or to alter fixed wiring
- where high fault currents are possible
- on complex electrical apparatus and circuits
- related to fixed wiring (other than disconnecting and reconnecting electrical equipment). This exclusion includes finding and fixing faults of circuits at a switchboard or in general electrical accessories (including switches, socket outlets, circuit protective devices); or installing or changing any part of the electrical installation or fixed electrical wiring system (this is considered electrical wiring work)
- on fixed wired smoke detectors
- on electric hot water systems except when carried out by someone who holds a plumbing (or water plumbing) endorsed contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate
- on luminaires including pre-assembled neon signs
- installing lifts, inclinators and turntables, and
- in hazardous areas or on electrical equipment that is part of an explosion-protection technique.
Licence type
Disconnecting and reconnecting fixed electrical equipment is specialist work.
To do this work you must have a qualified supervisor certificate.
Qualified supervisor certificate
A qualified supervisor certificate allows you to supervise and do the work described on your certificate.
Qualified supervisor certificates are only issued to individuals. A qualified supervisor certificate does not allow you to contract for work.
You can apply to have a qualified supervisor certificate issued for 1, 3 or 5 years.
If you hold a plumbing contractor licence, you can apply for a variation to your existing contractor licence instead of applying for a qualified supervisor certificate.
Qualifications and experience needed
You can apply for a qualified supervisor certificate to disconnect and reconnect fixed electrical equipment through one of the qualification pathways listed below.
The qualifications listed below must be issued to you under a training package in accordance with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
To find organisations that deliver nationally recognised training, go to training.gov.au and search for the course code or name.
If you are currently an apprentice or trainee, you cannot apply for a licence or certificate.
If you have a licence from interstate or New Zealand, see Working interstate and mutual recognition.
If you trained overseas, see Overseas Trained Applicants.
Appliances
You must have one of the following:
- a Certificate III level qualification in a trade or higher education qualification that must relate directly to the work carried out. Note: the qualification must be issued to you under a training package in accordance with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF).
- a certified copy of an Australian Recognised Trade Certificate identifying the trade that must relate directly to the work carried out
- a certified copy of a trade certificate issued by a state or territory registration or accreditation authority. Trade certificate includes a Certificate of Proficiency or Craft Certificate, a Certificate of Completion and a Certificate of Recognition
AND
You must show via our additional information form that your qualification directly relates to the main work you do and the types of equipment you plan to disconnect and reconnect.
AND
You must have a statement of attainment from a training organisation showing you have successfully completed one of the following units of competency:
- UEERL0004 Disconnect-reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring conditioned with “appliances”; or “motors”
or
- UEENEEP012A Disconnect-reconnect composite appliances connected to low voltage installation wiring
or
- UEENEEP010A Disconnect-reconnect appliances connected to low voltage installation wiring
or
- UEENEEP001B Disconnect and reconnect fixed wired electrical equipment connected to a low voltage supply from the Electrotechnology Industry Training Package UEE07 endorsed for appliances "O"
or
- UTE NES208 from the Electrotechnology Industry Training Package UTE 99208 endorsed for motors “S”.
Motors
You must have one of the following:
- a Certificate III level qualification in a trade or higher education qualification that must relate directly to the work carried out. Note: the qualification must be issued to you under a training package in accordance with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF).
- a certified copy of an Australian Recognised Trade Certificate identifying the trade that must relate directly to the work carried out
- a certified copy of a trade certificate issued by a state or territory registration or accreditation authority. Trade certificate includes a Certificate of Proficiency or Craft Certificate, a Certificate of Completion and a Certificate of Recognition
AND
You must show via our additional information form that your qualification directly relates to the main work you do and the types of equipment you plan to disconnect and reconnect.
AND
You must have a statement of attainment from a training organisation showing you have successfully completed one of the following units of competency:
- UEERL0004 Disconnect-reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring conditioned with “motors”
or
- UEENEEP015A Disconnect-reconnect motors connected to low voltage installation wiring
or
- UEENEEP001B Disconnect and reconnect fixed wired electrical equipment connected to a low voltage supply endorsed for motors “S”
or
- UTE NES208 from the Electrotechnology Industry Training Package UTE99208 endorsed for motors “S”.
Water heaters
You must hold a current endorsed contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate to do plumbing or water plumbing,
AND
You must show via our additional information form that your qualification directly relates to the main work you do and the types of equipment you plan to disconnect and reconnect.
AND
You must have a statement of attainment from a training organisation showing you have successfully completed one of the following units of competency:
- UEERL0004 Disconnect-reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring conditioned with “water heaters”; or “hot water heaters”,
or
- UEENEEP014A Disconnect-reconnect water heaters connected to low voltage installation wiring,
or
- UEENEEP001B Disconnect and reconnect fixed wired electrical equipment connected to a low voltage supply from the Electrotechnology Industry Training Package UEE07 endorsed for electrical water heaters “R”,
or
- UTE NES208 from the Electrotechnology Industry Training Package UTE99208 endorsed for electrical water heaters “R”.
Previous licence or certificate holders
If you held a certificate within 5 years of the date you lodge your application for a new one, we will accept your previous certificate in place of the current qualification requirements.
We will assess your application and reissue you a certificate that reflects the scope of work that your previous certificate covered.
Apply for a qualified supervisor certificate
This information is for individual applications. See information for company and partnership licences.
Once you have the right qualifications, you can apply for a qualified supervisor certificate.
Note: if you’re an apprentice or trainee, you can’t apply for a licence or certificate.
What you need
Before you begin your application make sure you have:
- an application form - individual
- an application checklist - individual
- an additional details form for disconnection and reconnection of fixed electrical equipment
You can also ask for these forms at your nearest Service NSW centre.
You will also need:
- proof of identity (such as driver’s licence or passport)
- an original copy of your qualifications
- details of any licence or certificate you currently hold (or previously held)
- details of your employment and experience
- details of any past compliance issues, insolvency matters, or criminal offences (if applicable)
- certificate of eligibility to obtain insurance (if applicable)
- one passport sized photo
- payment for the fee.
How to apply
Licence applications are lodged with Service NSW. If needed, you can book an appointment online to complete your application at a Service NSW centre.
This is for new applicants only. Find out how to renew your licence below.
What happens next?
Review application
Your application will be reviewed and assessed to check it meets eligibility requirements.
We might contact you (by email or SMS) if we need more information.
Note: If we need to request additional information, the processing time will increase, so it’s important that you submit all the required information and documents with your original application.
Outcome advised
If your application is successful, we will contact you via SMS and send you a licence card in the post. Your approved licence details will be added to the public register.
If your application is unsuccessful, you’ll be advised of the reasons in writing and be provided with your options. For more information about the internal review process see Reviews of Fair Trading decisions.
Detailed information about application reviews and current processing timeframes can be found on Our assessment process page.
Renew or restore a licence or certificate
You need to renew your licence or certificate before it expires.
If your licence or certificate isn't renewed by the due date it will expire, and you will no longer be authorised to work in NSW.
We will send you a renewal form 6weeks before the expiry date with details of how to renew. We may also send you an SMS reminder.
If your licence is going to expire soon and you have not received your renewal form, contact us on 13 32 20. It is your responsibility to renew your licence on time.
If eligible, you can renew your licence or certificate online.
You're not able to renew online if you need to make changes to your licence other than your contact details and address.
If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, you can also renew in person at your nearest Service NSW centre.
If we approve your application, we will post your new licence to you. Read about reasons why an application may not be approved.
Restoring your licence after expiry
If your licence or certificate expired less than three months ago, you can restore it for a fee at a Service NSW Centre.
You can use the details on your renewal form to apply to restore your licence or certificate.
If your licence is renewed or restored, you’ll keep your existing licence number. In this instance, your licence is considered to have been renewed from the day the licence expired.
If your licence has been expired for more than 3 months, restoration may not be an option and you will need to reapply. You cannot trade until your new licence is issued.
To check the status of your licence, you can search the public register.
Replace your licence
If your licence or certificate has been damaged, lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement at a Service NSW Centre.
To replace your licence you will need:
- an Application for duplicate licence, certificate or permit form
- your personal details and certificate number
- payment for the fee.
Change the details on a licence or certificate
As a licence holder, it is your responsibility to tell us within 7 days if your name, address or other details change.
Change of address and contact details
If you hold a current licence or certificate and your address or contact details have changed, you can update them online, as long as your current email address or mobile phone number is recorded with NSW Fair Trading.
You can also update your details in person at a Service NSW centre by completing the notification of change of address form.
Note: Only your address and contact details can be changed online.
Update your name
If you want to change your name, you'll need to visit a Service NSW Centre with:
- an original copy of the name change document, such as a marriage certificate, and
- a completed change of name and use of other names or aliases form.
Change of licence class
If you gain further qualifications that allow you to work in additional classes, you can add or change a class on your contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate at a Service NSW Centre.
Before you begin your application, make sure you have:
- an Application Form - Individual
- a relevant Checklist for Individuals (if applicable)
- the Additional Details Form/s as indicated on the application form (if applicable)
- proof of identity
- one passport size photograph
- documentation that validates the change of class
- your referee's statement (if applicable)
- a certificate of eligibility to obtain insurance (if applicable)
- payment for the fee.
You can also ask for these forms at your nearest Service NSW centre.
Change the conditions on a licence
Your licence or certificate allows you to do and/or supervise the work described on your licence card, subject to any specified conditions.
These conditions may be imposed for a number of reasons to limit the scope of work you are able to do, or place other requirements on the licence or certificate holder.
They may be as a result of mutual recognition processes, disciplinary action, bankruptcy, external administration or other factors.
If your circumstances change (such as your qualifications), and this affects the conditions under which your licence or certificate has been issued, you must let us know within 7 days and you'll need to amend your details. You can do this at a Service NSW Centre.
Before you begin your application, make sure you have:
- an Application Form - Individual, or a letter explaining the details of the condition change
- proof of identity
- one passport size photograph (if applicable)
- evidence of qualifications or documentation to validate the change of condition
- payment for the fee.
Working interstate and mutual recognition
There are different ways that make it easier for many licensed or registered professionals to work interstate.
If you trained overseas see Overseas Trained Applicants. Qualifications from overseas are not approved for licensing in NSW.
Automatic mutual recognition
Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) allows individuals who hold some specified licences issued in other Australian States and Territories to work in NSW under that licence without the need for a local licence or paying additional fees (please note: Queensland is not a participating state).
The AMR scheme does not apply to New Zealand occupational registrations and licences. However, existing processes under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangements continue to apply.
Recognised interstate licensees will not need a NSW licence unless they relocate their primary place of residence to NSW. This is similar to someone with a driver’s licence issued by another state being able to legally drive on NSW roads; only if they move to NSW do they need a NSW driver’s licence.
While working in NSW, a recognised interstate licensee must follow the same laws as NSW licence holders. Fair Trading can take disciplinary and enforcement action if these obligations are not met.
Disconnection and reconnection of fixed electrical appliances is included in the AMR scheme. If you hold an eligible interstate licence, you are required to notify NSW Fair Trading of your intention to work in NSW .
If not eligible, other licence holders may still be able to apply under mutual recognition to have their licence recognised in NSW.
Mutual recognition
Mutual Recognition (MR) arrangements enable a licensed tradesperson or registered professional to work in another state or territory by having their qualifications recognised in NSW and vice versa.
Under MR you can practise an equivalent occupation in NSW if the activities you're authorised to carry out under your original licence are substantially the same as those under the occupational licence in NSW.
To apply for recognition of your existing licence, you need to:
- complete a Registration of equivalent occupation form, and
- pay any applicable fee.
Applications, payment and supporting documents must be lodged at a Service NSW Centre.
For more information see Working interstate and in New Zealand.
Insolvency matters
Current bankruptcy and external administration
If you are applying for a licence and are currently bankrupt or the director of a company that is under external administration (other than external administration resulting from a member's voluntary winding up of the body corporate), a contractor’s licence may be granted with the condition 'contracts not to exceed $20,000 in value'.
Bankruptcy or external administration within three years
If you are applying for a licence and have been discharged from bankruptcy or were previously a director of a company in external administration (other than external administration resulting from a member's voluntary winding up of the body corporate), and if we grant you a contractor licence, it may come with the condition:
- contracts not to exceed $20,000 in value, or
- contracts not to exceed $20,000 in value, except for subcontract to licensed contractor.
Cancelled or suspended licences
Your licence or certificate can be cancelled or suspended if you:
- become involved in unlawful activity
- get a licence by misrepresentation or fraudulent means
- become bankrupt or subject to a winding up order.
Also, if the holder of a company or partnership licence goes more than 30 days without an acceptable nominated supervisor, without prior consent from Fair Trading, the licence will be cancelled.
If your licence is cancelled, we will not refund any of the fees paid.
Immediate action required
If your licence or certificate has been cancelled or suspended you must immediately:
- stop all business activity that relates to the licence or certificate
- remove any sign or advertisement which indicates the conduct of business activity that relates to the licence or certificate
- return the licence or certificate to NSW Fair Trading by mail or at a Service NSW centre.
You should also let your clients know, either verbally or in writing, that your licence has been cancelled or suspended and you are unable to complete any unfinished work.
Automatic licence suspension
Your licence will be automatically suspended if you do not comply with an order by a court or the NSW Civil or Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to pay money for a building claim.
Read more about automatic licence suspension.
Contact us
Need help applying?
If you need help with your application or have a question, please call 13 32 20.
Unsuccessful applications
If your application is unsuccessful, you can ask for a review.
A review involves another officer from Fair Trading, who was not involved in the original decision, reviewing the decision on your application.
For more information about the process see reviews of Fair Trading decisions.