Certificate of compliance

This information bulletin details the new Certificate of Compliance (CoC) requirements under the Electrical Safety Act 2022 (the Act) which commenced on 1 July 2024 in the Northern Territory.

An electrical contractor or worker who conducts electrical work must complete a CoC that certifies that the electrical work was tested to be safe from electrical risk and the electrical work complies with the Act and any standards prescribed or adopted by the Electrical Safety Regulations 2024.

The following are new CoC requirements under the new Electrical Safety Act 2022.

CoC required for all electrical work
The electrical licence types needing to complete a CoC has expanded
New online approved form
NT WorkSafe must be sent a copy of all CoC
The timeframe to complete and provide a CoC has decreased.

Because the scope of works that require a CoC has expanded, the following list of electrical licence holders are now required to complete a CoC.

List of electrical licence types are now required to complete a Certificate of Compliance
Licence types under the Electrical Safety Act 2022
1. Electrical Contractors
2. Unrestricted Electrical Mechanics and/or Fitters
3. Restricted electrical licence (REL) holders
  Electrical Fitters (making, operating, testing or repairing electrical equipment).
  Electrical Cable Jointers (installing, jointing and terminating covered cables).
  Electrical Line Workers (transmission and/or distribution work).
  Refrigeration Mechanics (air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment).
  Plumbers (water heaters and water plumbing equipment).
  Gas Fitters (installing and repairing gas equipment).
  Instrument Fitters (instrumentation and process control equipment work).
  Fire Protection Technicians (fire detection and protection systems).
  Specialised Commercial and Industrial Equipment Workers.
  Maritime Operations Workers.
Licence types under the repealed Electrical Workers and Contractors Act 1978
1. Electrical Contractor Licences.
2. Electrical Licences
  Electrical Mechanic
  Electrical Fitter
  Electrical Linesman
  Electrical Cable Jointer.
3. Restricted Electrical Licences
  Refrigeration / Airconditioning
  Instrumentation & control equipment (Electrical Engineers only)
  Electronics & Communication
  Disconnect & Reconnect - Water plumbing equipment
  Explosion protection equipment
  Water plumbing equipment
  Gas equipment
  Domestic appliances & equipment
  Specialised Commercial/Industrial Equipment
  Disconnection and reconnection (basic)
  Self-propelled high-voltage earth moving equipment.
NOTE: Licences issued under the repealed Electrical Workers and Contractors Act 1978 remain valid until the licence expires.

Electrical work requiring a Certificate of Compliance

Any work requiring the disconnection of supply conductors where a risk of transposition (crossed wires) upon reconnection requires a CoC as it may create a safety hazard. Examples include:

Wiring and fitting out electrical installations or parts thereof in compliance with AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and Supply Authority requirements.
Replacing electrical accessories (light switches, socket outlets or fittings) which require the physical disconnection and reconnection of conductors at the terminals, this also includes crimped or soldered joints and screwed, piercing type, press fit or Wago style connectors.
Repairing damaged wiring which requires knowledge of AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules to ensure restoration of insulation.
Altering protection settings of circuit protective devices which require a detailed knowledge of AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules to understand the levels of protection required.
Replacing switchboards or protection and control devices in a switchboard, even if the device plugs in, such as lightning arrestors, timers, relays and contactors where checking the pinouts on new components is essential. (Mechanical Services boards are excluded where maintenance is required within the scope of restricted electrical licences to maintain equipment in working order).
Altering the wiring configuration of PLC’s where the controller actuates at or above low voltage devices directly or via relays and contactors.
Replacing a machine, device or appliance intended to work at or above low voltage, where the component¹ requires the physical disconnection of terminals or connectors.
Installing, repairing or replacing interconnecting wiring operating at or above low voltage, this includes refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.
Any repairs to meter boxes, metered and unmetered service mains and mains connection boxes essential to connect an installation to the electrical distribution system.
Solar panels, Inverters and Battery Energy Storage Systems either standalone or grid connected operating at any voltage above extra-low voltage.
Electrical equipment required to connect an engine driven generator to an electrical installation for emergency backup power or as a standalone supply system.
Any work requiring the disconnection of supply conductors at or above low voltage where there is a risk of transposition upon reconnection.

Additional examples of work requiring a Certificate of Compliance

Type of work	Example
Electrical installation work	New and modified domestic, commercial, industrial electrical work.
Alterations to existing installations	Adding an additional circuit or outlet to an existing installation.
Network connections	Connection of an installation to the network.
Callout with network operator interaction	Emergency repairs that required disconnection and reconnection by the network operator.
Repair or replacement of electrical equipment	Repair or replacement of a light switch, socket outlet, light fitting etc.
Installation or replacement of hard-wired equipment or appliances	Installation or replacement of hard-wired ovens, hot water services smoke alarms (not battery operated), air conditioners etc. which require the physical disconnection and/or reconnection of conductors at the supply terminals.

Additional examples of work for restricted electrical work licence holders that require a Certificate of Compliance

Restricted licence endorsement type	Example of work requiring a CoC
Air-conditioning and refrigeration	Installing or replacing hard-wired air conditioning or refrigeration units.
Disconnect and reconnect work – basic electrical equipment	Disconnecting and reconnecting supply cables rated at low voltage or above.
Disconnect and reconnect work – water heaters	Installing or replacing hard-wired water heaters.
Disconnect and reconnect work – explosion protected equipment	Installing or replacing hard-wired explosion protected equipment.
Electrical cable jointer work	Cable jointing work requires a CoC.
Electrical fitter work	When installing or replacing hard-wired electrical equipment.
Electrical line work – distribution	All work requires a CoC unless physically disconnected.
Electrical line work – transmission	All work requires a CoC unless physically disconnected.
Electronics and communication equipment work	Installing or replacing hard-wired electronics and communication equipment.
Fire protection equipment work	Installing or replacing a fire indicator panel.
Gas equipment work	CoC required when cables which operate at low voltage or above are disconnected and reconnected to the equipment, e.g. gas water heaters, stoves, ovens, and other gas powered appliances.
Instrumentation and process control equipment work	CoC required when cables which operate at low voltage or above are disconnected and reconnected, e.g. 240V transmitters and control valves.
Maritime operations work	COC required when cables which operate at low voltage or above are disconnected and reconnected on boats, ships and water vessels.
Specialised commercial and industrial equipment work	CoC required when cables which operate at low voltage or above are disconnected and reconnected to any other equipment not covered by other endorsements.
Water plumbing equipment work	Installing or replacing hard-wired water plumbing equipment, e.g. septic pumps or bore pumps.

Work not requiring a Certificate of Compliance

Maintenance work does not require a CoC. Maintenance work is defined as regular routine technical and administrative actions, taken during an item’s service life, aimed at retaining it in a state in which it can perform its required functions.

Examples of work not requiring a CoC include:

Basic maintenance work, for example, repair or replacement of components:
- Elements, simmerstats and fuses in an oven, cooktop or stove.
- Elements or thermostats in a hot water system.
- Compressors, fan motors, control cards in refrigeration equipment or air-conditioners.
- Electrical appliances or equipment which plug into an outlet.
- Mounting screws or other fixing methods for equipment or wiring.
- Labels, placards and signs.
- Light bulbs, tubes or plug-in led fittings.
Preparing and supplying documentation to support an electrical installation intended to be provided to the property owner/manager.
Testing an electrical installation or equipment for compliance with:
- AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules.
- AS/NZS 3017 Electrical installations - Verification by inspection & testing.
- AS/NZS 3019 Electrical installations - Periodic assessment.
- AS/NZ 3760 Inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCD's.
- Fault-finding using instrumentation, tools and equipment.
- Inspecting, testing and tagging power tools, leads and power boards.
- Inspection work within switchboards, eg. thermography.
Altering the wiring configuration of PLC’s or installing or replacing sensors and modules where the parts of the controller being worked on DO NOT actuate devices at or above low voltage via relays and contactors.
Installing and maintaining extra-low voltage systems (extra-low voltage means not exceeding 50 V AC or 120 V ripple-free DC), such as:
- Fire detection systems.
- Standalone solar and battery systems operating at extra-low voltage.
- Power over ethernet devices such as data, satellite or security systems.
- Fire detection systems and associated wiring.
- Audiovisual equipment.
- Instrumentation and process control equipment

^1.Components are defined as a part that combines with other parts to form an electrical appliance. For example, elements, thermostats, switches, motors, capacitors, compressors, sensors and control cards.

Additional examples of work that do not require a Certificate of Compliance

Type of work	Example
Component replacement for hard wired electrical equipment or appliances.	Replacement or repair of elements, capacitors, fans electronic circuit boards or thermostats etc.
Plugged in electrical equipment or appliance.	Items with an appliance plug which plugs into a power outlet.

Additional examples of work for restricted electrical work licence holders that do not require a Certificate of Compliance

Restricted licence endorsement type	Example of work not requiring a CoC
Air-conditioning and refrigeration	Replacing a component, such as a compressor in a refrigerator or air conditioner, is maintenance and a CoC is not required.
Disconnect and reconnect work – basic electrical equipment	CoC not required for work on self-propelled electrical equipment such as forklifts and other electric vehicles.
Disconnect and reconnect work – water heaters	Replacing a component, such as an element in a water heater, is considered maintenance and a CoC is not required.
Disconnect and reconnect work – explosion protected equipment	Replacing a component, such as parts or components in fuel bowsers, is considered maintenance and a CoC is not required.
Disconnect and reconnect work – self-propelled HV earthmoving equipment	CoC's are not required for replacement of high voltage earthmoving components.
Domestic appliances and equipment work	For plug in type appliances, CoC are not required for any type of work. E.g. repairing toasters, kettles, blenders etc.
Electrical fitter work	Electrical fitter work mainly refers to assembly and manufacture of switchboards, motor rewinding, testing and calibrating sensors and instruments. No CoC required for this work.
Electronics and communication equipment work	Replacing parts in a computer server, radio or radar equipment is considered maintenance and a CoC is not required.
Fire protection equipment work	CoC not required for extra low voltage equipment such as fire protection sensors, alarms and signs.
Water plumbing equipment work	Replacement of parts, for example solenoids or pressure sensors is considered maintenance and a CoC is not required.

Certificate of Compliance approved forms

The two CoC forms approved by Electrical Safety Regulator are:

The new online electrical certificate of compliance
The hard copy CoC books available from the Territory Business Centre.

Hard copy books will remain available for use by electrical licence holders working in the Northern Territory under automatic mutual recognition, and those licence holders who prefer to use the hard copy books. Electrical licence holders are required to complete an application form to purchase a hard copy CoC book.

Electrical contractors and workers still using the hard copy books can email scanned copies of the CoC to NT WorkSafe on agd.ecoc@nt.gov.au and to the relevant network provider depending on your location:

Power and Water on powerconnections@powerwater.com.au.
GEMCO on FMAUGTEGEMCO.TownshipServices@south32.net (for work on Groote Eylandt).
RTA Gove on RTAGovePtyLtdCoCs@riotinto.com (for work in Nhulunbuy).

Job management software generated Certificates of Compliance

CoC's generated from job management apps such as ServiceM8 will no longer be accepted once the online electrical certificate of compliance is live. The third-party apps do not generate a unique serial number which are features of the hardcopy and online CoC's from NT WorkSafe.

Supplementary Certificate of Compliance forms

The Electrical Safety Regulator has approved two supplementary CoC forms.

Electrical certificate of compliance – addendum

The Act requires additional information in the electrical certificate of compliance for the following types of work:

Electrical network
Energy storage system (ESS)
Electrical vehicle (EV) connection point
Generator changeover
Hazardous areas
Inverter
Patient areas
Restricted licence work
Solar photovoltaic system.

Electrical contractors and workers using the hard copy certificates of compliance books must use this addendum form to record the additional information required.

Electrical certificate of compliance - addendum

Electrical certificate of compliance - emergency after-hours repairs

This electrical certificate of compliance is only to be used by electrical workers or contractors who have completed emergency after-hours repairs at a property and need to provide a certificate of compliance to the network provider before they reconnect the property to the grid.

Power and Water have advised that connection crews working after-hours will not have access to the online electrical safety certificates of compliance.

Electrical certificate of compliance - emergency after-hours repairs

Mandatory information

All fields in the CoC are mandatory, unless the information being requested is not relevant to the electrical work completed. Information should be provided in a clear legible manner without abbreviations.

Who can sign off a Certificate of Compliance?

Electrical contractors are responsible for completing and submitting the CoC. Electrical contractors can make a business decision to authorise their electrical workers to sign off a CoC on their behalf, but the electrical contractor remains liable for the work covered in the CoC.

Electrical contractors considering authorising their electrical workers should develop a policy and maintain records on who they authorised.

Electrical workers must be made familiar with any policy developed and understand the requirements on completing, signing and providing a CoC.

Restricted electrical licence holders

Restricted electrical licence holders who do not work for an Electrical contractor are responsible for completing and submitting the CoC.

Timeframe to provide a Certificate of Compliance

Within 20 business days after completing the electrical work, a CoC must be provided to the following people:

The owner and the occupier (if they are not the same person) of the place where the work was performed.
The person (other than the owner or occupier) for whom the work was performed.
The operator of the electricity network, for work related to the electricity network.
The Electrical Safety Regulator (NT WorkSafe).

Example: If you are contracted to do electrical work in a rental property, you would need to provide a copy of the CoC to the tenant, the landlord, and to the property manager, if you were contracted by one.

Record keeping requirements

Electrical contractors are required to keep a CoC for at least five years from the date the works were completed.

Restricted electrical licence holders who do not work for an electrical contractor are required to keep a CoC they issue for at least five years from the date the works were completed. It is recommended that an employer of a restricted electrical licence holder, who is not an electrical contractor, also keeps a copy of the CoC as part of their business records.

Offences relating to a Certificate of Compliance

The following are offences under Section 48 of the Act:

Failing to complete, provide or retain a copy of a CoC – maximum 50 penalty units.
Providing false information on a CoC - maximum 100 penalty units.
Completing a CoC for electrical work you or your worker did not complete – maximum 100 penalty units.

The value of the penalty unit changes each year and is available on the Attorney-General's Department website.

Last updated:

05 November 2024

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