Restricted Electrical Workers Licence

(previously Disconnect/Reconnect Worker's Licence)

The Restricted Electrical  Worker's Licence entitles you to carry out low voltage electrical installation work relating to equipment, that is connected to a fixed electrical installation, associated with your primary trade, vocation or calling (occupation) that would otherwise require the services of a registered electrical contractor or a licensed electrician.

The Restricted Electrical  Worker’s Licence entitles the holder to carry out electrical installation work involving disconnection and reconnection of equipment as indicated on the licence as follows: 

If you are planning to apply for a Restricted Electrical  Worker's Licence, you must be competent in a relevant field to which the disconnection and reconnection work required is a significant function of your job. This licence, is purely for the disconnection/reconnect of like for like equipment, for the purposes of repair, replace and maintenance purposes.

Restricted Electrical Workers Licence Course

Enrolment and successful completion of the Restricted Electrical Workers Licence Course, will not automatically entitle you to a Restricted Electrical  Workers Licence. The Restricted Electrical  Workers Licence can only be issued when ESV is satisfied that you require the licence as a requirement which is incidental to your trade, vocation or calling. You must be able to display competency in the area in which you are working. Therefore a relevant trade history or display of competency, may allow you to apply for a restricted electrical licence.

Please also note in order to undertake fault finding, ESV will require you to also complete – Unit POO7 Restricted Electrical  Workers Licence (including fault finding), as well as Module POO1B – Restricted Electrical  Workers Licence Course.

If you are unsure that you will be able to complete the Restricted Electrical  Workers Course, before enrolling in the Restricted Electrical  Workers Course, you should email the ESV Licensing Section to determine if you are eligible. Email your information and details to licensing@esv.vic.gov.au, for a written response in relation to your particular situation.

You will need to ensure that you include the following information as part of your request:

•              Copy of Trade Certificate or Qualifications in the area in which you
                work which must support your primary trade, vocation or calling

•              DETAILED Letter of Support from Employer, or if self employed,
               demonstrating need and requirement for licence,  which details:

•              Tasks to be undertaken as a result of holding the licence

•              What tasks are required for you to undertake your primary trade,
               vocation or calling

•              What equipment will be disconnected/reconnected

•              What voltage is applicable to such equipment

•              Please note, in order to be awarded Class 1 as an Restricted  
               Licence Holder to include fault finding, you will be required to
               demonstrate competency in fault finding.

Can I Apply?

If you are employed (and not currently an apprentice or trainee) in an occupation where there is a need to be able to disconnect and reconnect equipment connected to the fixed electrical installation or components of equipment, then you may be eligible. Plumbers, mechanical fitters, refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics, etc may apply for this type of licence.

Class 1 or Class 2?

In order to be awarded Class 1 (to include fault finding).  Applicants must be able to demonstrate to ESV that you are duly competent to undertake fault finding.  Therefore, if you do not have formal competency to undertake fault finding, which is easily identifiable from your information submitted to ESV, you will need to undertake Unit P007 Restricted Electrical Workers Course (including fault finding) which includes a practical assessment or review the  per the Class 1 Guideline for further information.

In order to be awarded Class 2 (without fault finding).  We accept applicants with evidence of the previous NREL 1 & 2 and P001B.

It is important to note that the Restricted Electrical Workers Licence allows a person to disconnect & reconnect low voltage electrical equipment or components for the purpose of repair, replacement or maintenance.  Fixed electrical installation work requires a Licensed Electrician & Registered Electrical Contractor.  The Restricted Electrical Workers Licence is only for those who have a requirement to undertake the above, as part of their primary work function.

Applying for a Restricted Electrical Workers Licence

Before you apply for a licence you must confirm the primary function of work with the ESV and then successfully complete the course through a TAFE college or other registered training provider.

When you have achieve the above, an application form can be lodged with the ESV with:

• A completed application form for a Restricted Electrical Worker's Licence;
• A supporting detailed letter from your employer, on letterhead and signed by a authorised person, describing in detail the type of work and equipment where replacement work on a “like for like basis” is required, clearly stating and justifying the requirement for a Restricted Electrical  Worker's Licence in order to perform electrical work which is incidental to your primary function;
• All the relevant and certified copies of documents clearly demonstrating that you are competent in your primary trade, vocation or calling; and
• Payment.

Self Employed?

If you are self-employed you should submit your application form and fee with a written submission describing the type of electrical equipment you use and stating the requirement for a Restricted Electrical Worker's Licence to perform electrical work which is incidental to your primary function.

A Restricted Electrical  Licence is subject to lengthy review, as ESV needs to be satisfied that the safety of the public and yourself will not be jeopardized, by issuing a restricted licence to you, for disconnection/reconnection of electrical equipment.

The application fee is $529.10 for five years, which includes a non-refundable application fee of $70.00, and must be paid at the time the application for a licence is submitted.

Fees

The application fee is $529.10 for five years and must be paid at the time the application for a licence is submitted. The renewal fee is $254.10 for five years. 

Renewing your Restricted Electrical Workers Licence

ESV will forward a renewal notice to your last known address at least 2 months prior to the expiry your current licence. It is, however, your responsibility to ensure your licence is kept up to date at all times. Please note, your renewal is also subject to stringent review, particularly when your circumstances have changed.

The renewal fee is $254.10 for five years.

Your responsibilities as a Licence Holder

As a licence holder, it is your responsibility to understand the legislation and regulations in place at any time and work in accordance with them:

• Part 3 of the Electricity Safety Act 1998
• Electricity Safety (Installations) Regulations 2009 .

Further, as a Restricted Electrical Worker, it is your responsibility to carry out any electrical disconnect and reconnect work in accordance with the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000) and any other relevant standard, electrically test the completed work, certify the work complies with the legislation and regulations and issue a certificate of electrical safety to the person for whom you completed the work.