What's an electrical safety certificate?
What the certificate is
An electrical safety certificate is issued under the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991. A licensed electrical contractor who carries out (or arranges) electrical installing work has to give an electrical safety certificate to the person the work was done for — that's you — within 28 days of finishing the work. It applies whether the job was "notifiable" or not, so it covers everything from a switchboard upgrade down to smaller jobs.
Notice of Completion vs safety certificate
These two documents often get confused, so here's the difference:
- Notice of Completion (NOC) — lodged by the contractor with the network operator, certifying the installing work was properly tested and is safe. It's submitted within a few days of the work being finished.
- Electrical safety certificate — the document given to you, the customer, for the work carried out at your property.
In short: the Notice of Completion goes to the network; the safety certificate comes to you. Many contractors lodge and deliver both electronically through Building and Energy's free "eNotice" system.
Who keeps what
You should keep your electrical safety certificate with your property records. The contractor is also required to keep their copy of the Notice of Completion and the associated testing records for at least five years, so there's a trail if a question ever comes up.
Why it matters
The certificate is your evidence that the work was done by a licensed contractor and tested to standard. That can matter at sale or settlement, for insurance, and simply for your own peace of mind. If you've had electrical work done and didn't receive a certificate, it's reasonable — and worth it — to ask your contractor for it. You can also confirm the contractor is licensed using the guide on how to check an electrician's licence in WA.
Selling or leasing a WA property: the electrical checklistWhere a safety certificate fits alongside RCDs and smoke alarms when you sell or lease. Compliance for property managersCertificates and records kept against every property in a rent roll. Guide price for a safety certificateGet a rough range for an inspection and certificate with our online guide price tool.Quick questions
Do I always get a safety certificate after electrical work?
In WA, a licensed electrical contractor who carries out electrical installing work must give you an electrical safety certificate for that work, whether it was notifiable or not. It should be provided within 28 days of the work being completed. If you haven't received one, ask your contractor.
What's the difference between a Notice of Completion and a safety certificate?
A Notice of Completion is lodged by the contractor with the network operator, certifying the work was tested and is safe. An electrical safety certificate is the document given to you, the customer, for the work done. They're related but serve different audiences — one goes to the network, one comes to you.
How long should I keep my safety certificate?
Keep it with your property records. It's useful proof the work was done by a licensed contractor and tested, which can matter at sale, for insurance, or if a question comes up later. The contractor is also required to keep their copy of the Notice of Completion and testing records for at least five years.