Prescribed Electrical Work (PEW)

On 1 September 2023, new classes of registration were issued by the Board with the Prescribed Electrical Work (PEW) that each class of registration could carry out. The revised classes of registration and the PEW that these classes of registration can carry out is listed below for the period between 1 September 2024 and 1 September 2025.

The types of work each class of registration is permitted to perform are listed below unless the work being carried out is specifically excluded from the definition of prescribed electrical work by Clause 2 of the First Schedule to the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010.

Electrical Inspector

  1. An Electrical Inspector may, subject to the limitations set out in (2) and any additional limitations and terms and conditions set by the Board:
    1. Carry out PEW on installations, works and appliances
    2. Carry out inspection and assessment of any PEW
    3. Carry out testing and certification of work identified under (1) a. and b. provided that it is their own work
    4. Supervise any person to carry out PEW
    5. Supervise a person to carry out an inspection of PEW.
  2. An Electrical Inspector is not permitted to:
    1. Carry out PEW in a mining operation, hazardous area, medical cardiac protected electrical area or mains parallel generation system unless they are authorised by the appropriate endorsed class of registration
    2. Carry out PEW outside of their competence.

Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining)

  1. The installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations
  2. The installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations
  3. Work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area
  4. The connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet
  5. The maintenance of appliances
  6. The testing of their own work and the work of other authorised persons
  7. The certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  8. The inspection of PEW including work described in (l) below
  9. The supervision of PEW provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  10. Any PEW in relation to the above in a Mining Operation
  11. Work done on bolted couplers and restrained couplers used or installed in a Mining Operation
  12. Work done on installations, fittings, or appliances in an ERZ0 or ERZ1
  13. The connection, reconnection, or disconnection of bolted couplers and restrained couplers used or installed in a Mining Operation.

Electrician

  1. The installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations
  2. The installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations
  3. Work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area
  4. The connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet
  5. The maintenance of appliances
  6. The testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing
  7. The certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  8. The supervision of PEW provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  9. Excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (h) in a Mining Operation.

Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

  1. The installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations
  2. The installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations
  3. Work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area
  4. The connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet
  5. The maintenance of appliances
  6. The testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing
  7. The certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  8. The supervision of PEW provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  9. Any PEW in relation to the above in a Mining Operation
  10. Work done on bolted couplers and restrained couplers used or installed in a Mining Operation
  11. Work done on installations, fittings, or appliances in an ERZ0 or ERZ1
  12. The connection, reconnection, or disconnection of bolted couplers and restrained couplers used or installed in a Mining Operation.

Electrical Engineer

  1. An Electrical Engineer may, subject to the limitations set out in (2) and any additional limitations and terms and conditions set by the Board:
    1. Carry out PEW on installations, works and appliances
    2. Carry out testing and certification of work identified under (1) a. provided that it is their own work.
  2. An Electrical Engineer is not permitted to:
    1. Inspect PEW
    2. Carry out PEW in a mining operation, hazardous area, medical cardiac protected electrical area or mains parallel generation system unless they are authorised by the appropriate endorsed class of registration
    3. Supervise more than two persons to carry out PEW unless they are authorised by the appropriate endorsed class of registration
    4. Carry out PEW outside of their competence.

Electrical Installer - Option 1*

  1. The installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations
  2. The installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations
  3. Work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area
  4. The connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet
  5. The maintenance of appliances; but
  6. Only in those areas above (a) – (e) where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  7. The testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing
  8. The certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  9. The supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  10. Excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (i) in a Mining Operation.

* Only permitted to work in area where competencies have been demonstrated to the Board

Electrical Installer - Option 2*

  1. The installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations
  2. The installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations
  3. Work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area
  4. The connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet
  5. The maintenance of appliances; but
  6. In those areas above (a) – (d) provided that they do not receive any assistance from an unlicensed person and in relation only to hazardous areas where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  7. The testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing
  8. The certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  9. The supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  10. Excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (h) in a Mining Operation.

* May not be assisted by un-licensed persons.

Electrical Service Technician

  1. the maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area; and
  3. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  4. the maintenance of appliances; and
  5. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing; and
  6. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  7. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  8. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (g) in a Mining Operation.

The PEW an Electrical Service Technician can carry out is explained in more detail and plain language below.

Guide to Electrical Service Technicians (EST) limits of work

An ESTs training and qualifications allow them to carry out prescribed electrical work (PEW) that involves maintenance, repair, or servicing work on electrical fittings, appliances and electrical equipment used in “Works” or electrical installations. The Electrical Workers Registration Board requires all electrical workers to only work in those areas where they are competent.

As of 17 October 2019, the Limits of Work set out in the Gazette Notice will align with this. ESTs will not be permitted to carry out any of this work on switchboards or the installation or replacement of conductors used in ‘Works” or electrical Installations, regardless of their competence, because this work requires a person to hold an appropriate class of registration.

What do the limits mean?

Maintenance means to keep something in good condition by checking or repairing it regularly. Repair means to restore something damaged, faulty, or worn to a good condition. In the context of repair, replacement means to restore or maintain to its original condition as a function of maintenance, repair or servicing work.

Replacement is considered to be repair work provided that an equivalent component or assembly is used and the replacement is in the same position. For example if a fitting or appliance is replaced then it would need to be equivalent to its original use and purpose, appropriately rated and electrically safe. It must also not adversely affect the electrical safety of the electrical installation it was connected to.

Servicing means any PEW that involves the dismantling, repair, adjustment, reassembly and replacement of electrical fittings, other than the installation of permanently wired conductors, of Works or electrical installations intended for the generation, conversion, transformation, conveyance, or control of electrical supplies.

PEW an EST is permitted to carry out

  • Maintain fittings Electrical appliances equipment
  • Repair fittings Electrical appliances equipment
  • Service fittings Electrical appliances equipment
  • Replace (as a function of maintenance and repair) fittings electrical appliances, equipment
  • Replace wiring within an appliance or electrical equipment (as a function of maintenance and repair)
  • Disconnect from and reconnect to fixed wiring, fittings, electrical appliances, equipment (as a function of maintenance and repair)
    • Any Extra low Voltage Work in hazardous or medical areas

PEW an EST is not permitted to carry out.

  • Any work on switchboards
  • Installation or replacement or rewiring of conductors (all supply conductors, sub-circuits) used in “Works” and electrical installations.
  • Installation of fittings, appliances or equipment that is not a function of maintenance, repair or servicing work. For example an EST is not permitted to install a new fitting or appliance or electrical equipment where none existed before.

Note

All classes of registration must always work within their limits of work and individual competencies.

For example if a person is not competent to carry out work they are licenced to carry out they should not attempt to do this work until they have obtained the requisite skills to do so safety competently and in compliance with all the legislative requirements

Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to Disconnect and Connect)

  1. The connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet provided that the electrical rating is not greater than 250 volts
  2. The maintenance of appliances
  3. The testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing
  4. The certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  5. The supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  6. Excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (e) in a Mining Operation.

Electrical Appliance Serviceperson

  1. The maintenance of appliances provided that the electrical rating is not greater than 250 volts and are supplied by a plug and flexible cord
  2. The testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing
  3. The certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  4. The supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW
  5. Excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (d) in a Mining Operation.

Associated Tradesperson

  1. An Associated Tradesperson may, subject to the limitations set out in (2) and any additional limitations and terms and conditions set by the Board, do the following on installations and appliances:
    1. For registered and licensed Plumbers and Gasfitters only, the maintenance of appliances associated with their trade provided that the electrical rating is not greater than 250 volts and 16 amperes and the work is required for the maintenance of an appliance
    2. For registered and licensed Plumbers, Gasfitters and Licensed Building Practitioners holding a current Carpentry Licence only, the disconnection or reconnection of fittings to or from a power supply provided the work is required to directly facilitate the work associated with their trade
    3. Carry out testing and certification of work identified under (1) a. and b. provided that it is their own work.
  2. An Associated Tradesperson is not permitted to:
    1. Carry out any high-risk or general PEW
    2. Carry out any PEW on works
    3. Carry out any PEW in a mining operation, hazardous area, medical cardiac protected electrical area or mains parallel generation system
    4. Supervise any person to carry out PEW
    5. Carry out PEW outside of their competence.

Transmission Line Mechanic

  1. A Transmission Line Mechanic may, subject to the limitations set out in (2) and any additional limitations and terms and conditions set by the Board, do the following on works:
    1. Carry out any PEW but only in relation to fittings and lines used in transmission
    2. Carry out testing of work identified under (1) a. provided that it is their own work.
  2. A Transmission Line Mechanic is not permitted to:
    1. Inspect PEW
    2. Carry out any PEW on appliances
    3. Carry out any PEW in a mining operation, hazardous area, medical cardiac protected electrical area or mains parallel generation system
    4. Supervise more than two persons to carry out PEW unless they are authorised by the appropriate endorsed class of registration
    5. Carry out PEW outside of their competence.

Traction Line Mechanic

  1. A Traction Line Mechanic may, subject to the limitations set out in (2) and any additional limitations and terms and conditions set by the Board, do the following on installations, works and appliances:
    1. Carry out any PEW but only in relation to electric lines that form part of traction infrastructure
    2. Carry out testing and certification of work identified under (1) a. provided that it is their own work.
  2. A Traction Line Mechanic is not permitted to:
    1. Inspect PEW
    2. Carry out PEW in a mining operation unless they are authorised by the appropriate endorsed class of registration
    3. Carry out any PEW in a hazardous area, medical cardiac protected electrical area or mains parallel generation system
    4. Supervise more than two persons to carry out PEW unless they are authorised by the appropriate endorsed class of registration
    5. Carry out PEW outside of their competence.

Distribution Line Mechanic

  1. A Distribution Line Mechanic may, subject to the limitations set out in (2) and any additional limitations and terms and conditions set by the Board, do the following on installations, works and appliances:
    1. Carry out any PEW but only in relation to conductors used as electric lines
    2. Carry out any PEW for the restoration of supply
    3. Carry out testing and certification of work identified under (1) a. and b. provided that it is their own work.
  2. A Distribution Line Mechanic is not permitted to:
    1. Inspect PEW
    2. Carry out any PEW in a mining operation, hazardous area, medical cardiac protected electrical area or mains parallel generation system
    3. Supervise more than two persons to carry out PEW unless they are authorised by the appropriate endorsed class of registration
    4. Carry out PEW outside of their competence.

Distribution Line Mechanic (Endorsed)

  1. The installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
  2. the installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
  3. the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance connector inserted into an appliance inlet; and
  4. the maintenance of appliances; but
  5. in those areas above (a) – (d) only in relation to conductors used as electric lines that are part of distribution infrastructure up to and including 110kV and any type of PEW relating to the restoration of supply to an installation where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board; and
  6. the testing of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing and may also test at the point where polarity to the installation can be confirmed; and
  7. the certification of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; and
  8. the supervision of work provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW; but
  9. excluding any PEW in relation to the above (a) – (h) in a Mining Operation.

Substation Maintainer

  1. A Substation Maintainer may, subject to the limitations set out in (2) and any additional limitations and terms and conditions set by the Board, do the following on installations, works and appliances:
    1. Carry out any PEW but only in relation to PEW within a substation that is associated with the core operating functions
    2. Carry out testing and certification of work identified under (1) a. provided that it is their own work.
  2. A Substation Maintainer is not permitted to:
    1. Inspect PEW
    2. Carry out PEW in a mining operation, hazardous area, medical cardiac protected electrical area or mains parallel generation system
    3. Supervise more than two persons to carry out PEW unless they are authorised by the appropriate endorsed class of registration
    4. Carry out PEW outside of their competence.

Cable Jointer

  1. A Cable Jointer may, subject to the limitations set out in (2) and any additional limitations and terms and conditions set by the Board, do the following on installations and works:
    1. Carry out any PEW but only in relation to the maintenance and joining of cables and work associated with the connection and disconnection and fittings of those cables
    2. Carry out testing and certification of work identified under (1) a. provided that it is their own work.
  2. A Cable Jointer is not permitted to:
    1. Inspect PEW
    2. Carry out PEW on appliances
    3. Carry out PEW in a mining operation, hazardous area, medical cardiac protected electrical area, or mains parallel generation system
    4. Supervise more than two persons to carry out PEW unless they are authorised by the appropriate endorsed class of registration
    5. Carry out PEW outside of their competence.