In Victoria, all electrical installation work requires a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) under the Electricity Safety Act 1998. However, electrical work falls into two categories, prescribed and non-prescribed, which determine whether an independent inspection is legally required.
Many Victorian property owners are unaware that a COES is required for most electrical installation work. The certificate helps protect homeowners, businesses, and future buyers by showing the job was tested by a licensed electrician and meets Australian Standards.
This guide explains what a COES is, which jobs require one, inspection requirements, and what to do if you don’t receive it.
What Is a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES)?
A Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) is a legal document from a licensed electrician after completing electrical installation work. It confirms that the work has been tested and complies with regulations and Australian Standards.
You may need a COES for electrical work at your:
- Home
- Business
- Commercial property
- Industrial site
A COES also provides important evidence that the work was completed safely and legally. You may need this record when selling or renovating your property, or when making an insurance claim.
In Victoria, all electrical installation work must be covered by a Certificate of Electrical Safety.
Why Is a COES Required in Victoria?
A Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) helps ensure electrical work is completed safely, legally and to the required standard. When you have electrical work done, the certificate gives a clear record of what was completed and provides important protection.
A COES helps with:
- Consumer protection: You have proof the work was completed properly.
- Electrical safety: The work must be tested before it is certified.
- Legal compliance: It confirms the work meets Victorian requirements.
- Accountability: Your electrician is legally responsible for the work they certify.
- Record keeping: You have a record of completed electrical work.
- Insurance: The certificate can provide useful documentation for claims.
- Peace of mind: You know the work has been properly certified.
What Types of Electrical Work Require a Certificate?
In Victoria, electrical installation work falls into two categories: prescribed electrical work and non-prescribed electrical work. Both require a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES), but only prescribed work requires an independent safety inspection.
1. Prescribed Electrical Work (High-Risk Electrical Work)
Prescribed work involves higher-risk electrical installations that need extra safety checks. You must receive a COES, and the work must be inspected by an independent Licensed Electrical Inspector (LEI). It cannot simply be self-certified.
Examples include:
- Switchboard upgrades
- New electrical circuits
- Alterations to consumer mains
- Solar panel installations
- Hazardous area electrical installations
These jobs can involve greater electrical risks, complex wiring, or changes to important parts of your electrical system. Independent inspection provides an extra layer of protection.
Several prescribed electrical jobs also involve upgrading an older switchboard to meet modern safety standards.
2. Non-Prescribed Electrical Work (Routine Electrical Work)
Non-prescribed work covers other, more routine electrical jobs. You still need a COES, but an independent safety inspection is not required. A licensed electrician must still complete this electrical work.
Examples include:
- Installing or relocating a power point
- Installing a new light switch
- Replacing a safety switch
- Installing new light fixtures
- Minor wiring alterations
Remember, “minor” does not mean you can do the work yourself. A licensed electrician should still carry out the electrical installation work.
Electrical Work That Does NOT Require a COES
Not everything you do with electricity requires a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES). The key difference is whether you are carrying out electrical installation work. Everyday tasks that use or operate existing electrical equipment generally do not require a certificate.
For example, you do not need a COES for:
- Plugging in appliances: Connecting an appliance to an existing power point is not electrical installation work.
- Changing light bulbs: Replacing a bulb in an existing light fitting does not require a certificate. If you are unsure which bulb is right for your fitting, see our guide to different types of light bulbs for home use.
- Resetting a circuit breaker: Resetting a tripped breaker is simply restoring power to an existing circuit.
- Operating switches: Turning lights, fans, or other electrical equipment on and off is normal use, not electrical installation work.
The important point is that these tasks involve using your existing electrical system, rather than installing or altering it. If you need wiring, fittings, or circuits installed or changed, you should hire a licensed electrician.
When Should You Receive Your Certificate?
Your electrician must provide you with a copy of your Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) after completing the electrical work. In Victoria, you should receive the certificate within 30 days of the work being completed.
Your COES may be provided electronically so you may receive it by email or another digital method rather than as a paper document.
Once you receive it, keep your certificate with your important property records. It can provide useful proof of the electrical work completed at your home or business.
If you have not received your COES within 30 days, contact your electrician and ask for a copy.
What Happens If You Don’t Receive a Certificate?
If you have not received your Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES), start by contacting your electrician. Confirm that they are registered and ask for the certificate in writing if you have not already received it.
If the issue is not resolved, you can contact Energy Safe Victoria for further guidance.
It is important to keep your COES because you may need it for:
- Proof of legal compliance: Your COES shows that the electrical work was completed and certified as required.
- Insurance claims: You may need the certificate as supporting documentation for an insurance claim.
- Property sales: Having a record of certified electrical work can help when you sell your property.
- Renovations: Your COES provides a useful record of previous electrical work when planning future renovations.
- Future inspections: The certificate gives a record of the completed electrical work at the property.
- Evidence of professional work: It shows that the work was completed and certified by a licensed electrician.
Keeping your COES with your property records can save you trouble later.
How Can You Verify Your Electrician?
Before you hire an electrician, take a few minutes to check that they are properly registered. This can help you avoid unlicensed operators and make sure your electrical work is handled correctly.
You can:
- Check their registration: Make sure your electrician is registered with Energy Safe Victoria.
- Ask about the work: Find out whether your job is classified as prescribed or non-prescribed electrical work.
- Confirm the COES: Ask your electrician to confirm that a Certificate of Electrical Safety will be issued after work completion.
Checking these details before work begins gives you a clearer idea of what to expect and helps ensure your electrical work is properly certified.
Make Sure Your Electrical Work Is Properly Certified
In Victoria, every electrical installation must be covered by a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES). High-risk prescribed work also needs an independent inspection, while minor, non-prescribed work still requires certification even when an inspection is not needed.
To protect yourself, always choose a licensed electrician registered with Energy Safe Victoria. Before the work starts, confirm that you will receive your COES and ensure you receive a copy within 30 days of the work being completed. Need electrical work done? Contact SBH Electrical on 0457 759 723 or send an enquiry to arrange professional electrical services.