Disconnect/Reconnect Worker's License

The Disconnect/Reconnect Worker's License 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 Disconnect/Reconnect Worker’s License entitles the holder to carry out electrical installation work involving disconnection and reconnection of equipment as indicated on the license as follows:

Office equipment
Domestic equipment
Plumbing/gasfitting equipment
Commercial equipment
Industrial equipment
Refrigeration and air conditioning equipment
Instrumentation/process control equipment
Communication/computing equipment
Laboratory/scientific equipment.

If you are planning to apply for a Disconnect/Reconnect Worker's License, you must be competent in a relevant field to which the disconnection and reconnection work required is a significant function of your job.

Disconnect/Reconnect Course

Enrolment and successful completion of the Disconnect/Reconnect Course, will not automatically entitle you to a Disconnect/Reconnect License. The Disconnect/Reconnect License can only be issued when ESV is satisfied that you require the license 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 license.

If you are unsure that you will be able to complete the Disconnect/Reconnect Course, before enrolling in the Disconnect/Reconnect course, you should contact the ESV Licensing Section to determine if you are eligible. Contact Licensing on 1800 815 721.

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 license.

Applying for a Disconnect/Reconnect License

Before you apply for a license 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 Disconnect/Reconnect Worker's License,
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 Disconnect/Reconnect Worker's License 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
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 Disconnect/Reconnect Worker's License to perform electrical work which is incidental to your primary function.

A Disconnect/Reconnect License 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 license to you, for disconnection/reconnection of electrical equipment.

The application fee is $200 for five years, which includes a non-refundable application fee of $70, and must be paid at the time the application for a license is submitted.

Fees

The application fee is $200 for five years and must be paid at the time the application for a license is submitted. The renewal fee is $130 for five years.

Renewing your Disconnect/Reconnect license

The ESV will forward a renewal notice to your last known address at least 2 months prior to the expiry your current license. It is, however, your responsibility to ensure your license 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 $130 for five years.

Your responsibilities as a license holder

As a license 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 1999.

Further, as a Disconnect/Reconnect license holder, 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.

	Licence Recognition

	D/R Workers Licence Application Form