Not all electrical issues are the same. Some problems can be fixed by any electrician while some require a level 2 electrician. These electricians have taken additional training, gained more experience and underwent accreditation to work on more complex installations and repairs. Given the seriousness of some electrical troubles, experience and knowledge are needed to properly repair or install an electrical wiring component.
Difference Between A Normal Electrician and a Level 2 ASP Electrician
NSW Fair Trading (Australia) requires anyone offering electrical work services to be licensed and insured per state laws. It means that they need to complete the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician course, receive a certificate of Proficiency as an Electrician and finish an apprenticeship. Those who want to expand their services can take specialisations to offer more services. The Accredited Service Provider Scheme is an additional qualification that allows licensed electricians to do more advanced work. This additional specialisation gives them the skill set needed to safely conduct installations and repairs on equipment that receives high voltage levels.
Accredited Service Provider Scheme
The Accredited Service Provider (ASP) Scheme gives licensed electricians in Australia an opportunity to add another qualification by undergoing an accreditation process. This program allows accredited electricians to perform contestable work on the NSW electrical distribution network. Electricians can choose from the three different categories under this scheme. Those with a Level 2 ASP qualification are permitted to work on pieces of equipment directly connected to the main electrical grid. Installing a service line to connect the property to the distribution network is one of the most common works done by level 2 electrical contractors.
Repairs That Require a Level 2 ASP Electrician
For homeowners and businesses who receive an electrical defect notice, it is especially important to know whether or not the electrician you are contacting is Level 2 ASP qualified. Most of the equipment involved in this notice requires that only an ASP level 2 electrician handle the work. A level 2 ASP electrician is needed when faced with problems in the following list:
- Installation of a private power pole, fallen poles or any other private pole-related issues;
- Point of attachment defects;
- Overhead or underground power installation
- Electrical switchboard installation, repair and upgrades;
- Consumer main upgrades, repair and installation;
- Connecting a new house or commercial space to the distribution system;
- Replacement of electrical wiring system; and
- 3 Phase switchboard upgrades
- Electrical safety inspections.
Final Thoughts?
Level 2 electricians are extremely specialised emergency electricians that carry out a variety of complicated and dangerous repairs. If you have any of the above issues, only a licensed level 2 electrician can carry out these repairs in NSW, Australia. If you have received an electrical defect noticed by Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy or Essential energy. This means that they have carried out one of their routine inspections and discovered these problems, or someone reported these to them. Please note, if you have received a defect noticed in the mail then you have up to 21 days to get this resolved, otherwise you will risk the power being permanently shut off to your property until the necessary repairs are completed!
