Written by When working with electricians, should you hire a regular electrician or a network specialist?
The distinction typically lies with the work to be done and the professional’s license and authorization. A lot of common electrical repairs and installations can be performed by a licensed electrician, and some jobs that involve the electricity mains may necessitate an appropriately accredited Accredited Service Provider (ASP), for instance a Sydney Level 2 Electrician for the applicable network connection job.
Being aware of this difference can help you find the right professional for your Sydney home right from the beginning.
What Is the job of a Normal Electrician?
Typically, an electrician will be able to work within their scope and license, such as:
- Lighting and power points
- Electrical repairs
- Internal wiring
- Appliance circuits
- Switchboard work
- Testing and maintenance
But, just because a licensed electrician is licensed does not equate to being qualified for everything related to networks.
Network-Specialist Electricians: What Do They Do?
If the work relates to the connection with electricity distribution network, a network specialist can be needed.
A Level 2 Accredited Service Provider in NSW can undertake certain connection services, such as: service-line, new or altered connections, and specified network-device work. Specific needs vary based on project and electricity distributor.
Here is where it is essential to get the right kind of level 2 electrician Sydney.
What’s the Difference between a regular Electrician and a Level 2 Electrician?
There is not a difference in skill, but scope and authorization.
A regular electrician may be able to undertake general electrical work in their license. Where appropriate, ACE can offer Level 2 ASP services for specific network connection work.
Examples of network related work may involve:
- New electricity connections
- Certain supply upgrades
- Some disconnections and reconnections
- Service-line changes
- Some over- or underground connections
- Specific network-device work
The provider’s accreditation and authorization should match the job since not all Level 2 electricians are qualified to undertake all network work.
What are the occasions when you need a Level 2 Electrician?
An appropriately accredited ASP might be required if you’re planning to alter the way your property links to the electricity network.
This could involve boosting the available supply capacity, changing a service connection or making some permanent disconnections and reconnections.
If in doubt, have the electrical needs determined prior to booking.
Is a Regular Electrician able to improve your Electrical Supply?
This depends on the type of upgrade.
The electrician may have the ability to update equipment or circuits inside the premises. If the project alters the connection or supply from the electricity network, an appropriately qualified and accredited ASP will be required.
This may be applicable when installing high demand equipment like EV chargers or a substantial electrical load.
Things to Check Before You Hire an Electrician
Before embarking on any network-related activities, it is important to check:
- Does the electrician have the proper license?
- Does the company have the required ASP accreditation?
- Does the worker have the necessary authorization from the appropriate distributor?
- Is the quote clearly an explanation of the work?
- Do distributor approvals or inspections need to be adhered to?
- Who will be responsible for connection or outage requirements?
Sydney properties may be linked to a variety of electricity distribution networks and the relevant distributor should be verified.
What is the difference between the two?
The biggest difference is what the electrician can be permitted to work on.
Many common electrical work activities can be completed by a licensed electrician and some connection services can be completed by a licensed appropriately accredited Level 2 ASP.
When considering project requirements that may require a supply upgrade, new connection, service line or network-based work, check the accreditation and authorization needed before starting the work.
Always have electrical work done by a properly-licensed and authorized professional.