240v

Adapted from Baker's "To all people thinking of playing with 240V" thread on the OCAU Forums.

To all people thinking of playing with 240V

In the past few months, I've been alarmed to see the willingness of people in here to play with 240V. When myself and other members have responded, telling them of the legality of it, they normally respond with abuse. I am a member of the Electrical Trade Union, and in the member brochure they've got a feature named "Stop Dodgy DIY". I thought I'd reproduce part of this here, so that hopefully people will read it, and think.

Did you know?

It is illegal to install or replace a power point, light fitting, or any appliance that requires any wiring unless you are a qualified electrician.
Your house and contents insurance could be worthless if the insurance company finds out that any electrical work has been done without the certificate of a qualified electrical engineer.
33% of all house fires start from electrical faults.
Even the pros can get hurt. 85% of qualified electricians have recieved a shock at some time in their working life. Minor test edit.

Vanessa Garbutt - Qualified Electrician

DIY - More pain than gain!

"Doing your own wiring is bloody dangerous because its so easy to stuff up. It only takes one faulty wire to zap someone or burn down a house. Not only is it illegal, your insurance is worthless, and you endanger your own life or the life of someone you love. Its just not worth the risk. Don't do it yourself - get a qualified professional in."

It's not worth doing jobs yourself. What you think is a harmless job that you've done just might not be.

Electricity is a killer. Your home and your familys lives might be at stake. Think about it - is it really worth it?

What can and can't I do without a licence?

Queensland

In Queensland only electrical licence holders can perform "Electrical Work". Electrical Work is defined in S18 of the Queensland Electrical Safety Act