What Is A Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work?

A certificate of compliance for electrical work (CCEW) is used to show that any work, installations or tests have met safety regulations and standards. This certificate lasts for 5 years and will ensure that authorities know that the work has been completed properly. The standards which are followed are the NSW Wiring Rules, Gas and Electricity Act 2017, Gas and Electricity Regulation 2018 and other installation rules.

The certificate is also useful where it provides a clear record of the job and the electrical contractor or tradesperson involved. There are many components of the CCEW including:

• The name of the electrician, electrical contractor or electrical company who worked on the task.
• The electrician’s licence number and proof of their NSW electrical licence.
• A list with full details on the type of work which was carried out and performed.
• The name of the person who hired the electrician and where the task was performed.
• A list with all the electrical equipment and tools which we used during the service.

Records of all the tests and electrical safety inspections performed during and after the work.

Electrical work is highly dangerous and needs professionals to work on them. This is why this certificate is needed to ensure that the job was completed safely and correctly. The main tasks which will need a CCEW are when:

• Electrical work of any kind is performed.
• Electrical installations are completed, from new wiring systems to appliances.
• Any additions or alterations were made to the existing and current electrical systems. If there are any additions or alterations performed during the installation work then this will need to be recorded. 
• Work has been performed on the main electrical switchboard of the property. Along with the switchboard, if work was done on the safety switches, CRD switch, ground or earth system or the fuse box then the certificate is needed. 
• Installations of power systems, such as a private power pole or connecting new cabling networks, has been performed.
• There has been work done on the electricity meter, including relocations, repairs or installations.

Most times a CCEW is given to the individual who organised the electrical work, the electrician or electrical company involved and NSW Fair reading. They will most likely be sent to the people or places which need a copy within 7 days. Depending on the job these people will receive a copy of the CCEW:

• When any electrical work was carried out the customer who had the work completed for them will receive the certificate.
• If there has been a new electrical installation then the customer, NSW Fair Trading and electricity distributor receives a copy. 
• Alterations and additions to existing electrical systems will mean a copy of the certificate will go to the customer, distributor and NSW Fair Trading. 
• When a power system has been installed then the customer and Fair Trading NSW will receive the copy.
• Jobs completed on the switchboard and similar systems will lead to the customer, distributor and Fair Trading receive the certificate.
• Work carried out on the electricity meter will mean the copy of the certificate goes to the customer and also Fair Trading NSW. 

There can be major issues involved when a CCEW is not properly given out or created. An alone spot fine can cost $1,000 when the Compliance Certificate is not given to the customer by the electrician or network provider. There can be serious fines of up to $550,000 if a certificate was not provided. Also, if installation jobs were not following the proper safety service and installation rules then the fines can be expensive.