Which electrical certificate do I need?

What is an Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC)?

An Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC) is the most basic type of energy works certificate. It is issued by registered electrical workers on completion of low-risk electrical work like maintenance, repair or replacements, and certifies that what they have installed is safe to connect to the electrical supply.

By law, electrical workers must issue an ESC within 20 days of connecting any electrical work.

What is an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC)?

A Certificate of Compliance (COC) is the most common energy works certificate issued by electricians. It is issued by registered electrical workers on completion of general-risk electrical work, such as additions, alterations or new installations. The COC document includes an ESC section, called a combined COC & ESC.

What is a Record of Inspection (ROI)?

When an electrical worker completes high-risk work, the installation must be checked by a registered electrical inspector. The electrical worker issues a COC for the work, and the inspector issues a Record of Inspection (ROI) and records the details on Energy Safety's High Risk Database. Both the combined COC & ESC and the ROI are required to certify high-risk electrical work.

High-risk examples: mains supply cabling and earthing, solar installations, parallel generation.

What about energy meter inspections?

A property's energy meter is provided by the network retailer in conjunction with a Metering Equipment Provider (MEP). Meter installations, relocations, re-wires and meterboard upgrades all require inspection by a network warranted electrical inspector (warranted person), commonly known as meter hanging, meter shifts or meter resealing. The electrical worker issues a combined COC & ESC, and the warranted inspector issues the ROI.

Note: eCertify are not MEPs and do not install or inspect energy meters, but we can point you to a network approved inspector in your area.

What is a Certificate of Verification (CoV)?

A Certificate of Verification (CoV) confirms that an existing installation is electrically safe. It is the certificate to use when you have no existing documents and an insurer requires certification, when you've had work done but can't get certification from the installers, when an installation has been disconnected for longer than 6 months and needs reconnection, or when you believe your installation is unsafe due to age, improper installation or damage.

A CoV must be issued by a registered electrician or inspector, such as ourselves. eCertify inspects your installation under AS/NZS 3019 to ensure it is safe and up to code before providing the certificate.