When it comes to electrical work in your home or business, knowing who to call for different types of tasks can be confusing. After all, there are different levels of electricians, each with their own skill sets and areas of expertise. Two of the most common classifications in the Australian electrical trade are Level 1 and Level 2 electricians. While both are trained professionals, their qualifications, roles, and the scope of work they can perform vary significantly. Understanding the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 electricians is crucial for ensuring that your electrical work is handled safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. Choosing the right expert for the job can save you time, money, and potential risks.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between a Level 1 and Level 2 electrician, explain why you might need a Level 2 electrician for certain tasks, and outline when it’s time to call in the professionals for more complex electrical jobs. Whether you’re facing a simple electrical issue or something more advanced, knowing the right person to contact is the first step toward getting your electrical systems up and running smoothly.
What is a Level 1 Electrician?
Let’s start with the basics: a Level 1 electrician is your typical electrician, licensed to perform general electrical work around the home or business. This could include things like:
- Installing or repairing electrical wiring
- Adding new power outlets or light fixtures
- Installing and maintaining smoke alarms
- Electrical repairs such as fixing faulty circuits or replacing broken light switches
A Level 1 electrician works mainly within the premises of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. They are responsible for the electrical systems inside your home or business but do not handle the complex tasks that involve the electrical network outside your property or require work on the grid.
What is a Level 2 Electrician?
A Level 2 electrician is a licensed professional who can handle much more complex and higher-risk electrical tasks. While they still carry out many of the same tasks as Level 1 electricians (e.g., repairs and installations), they have additional training and expertise to work on tasks that involve high-voltage electrical systems and the electrical distribution network.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the tasks that a Level 2 electrician is qualified to handle:
- Working with the electrical supply: They can disconnect and reconnect power supply to properties, handle meter installations and replacements, and connect new services for homes and businesses.
- Switchboard upgrades: If your switchboard is outdated or unable to handle modern electrical demands, a Level 2 electrician will upgrade it to meet current safety standards and power requirements.
- Underground and overhead power lines: A Level 2 electrician is qualified to install, repair, and maintain power lines, whether they are above ground or underground.
- Fault finding on complex systems: They are also trained to identify faults in the electrical distribution system that could be causing issues such as power outages or flickering lights.
In short, a Level 2 electrician can work on more dangerous, high-voltage systems and services that are outside the scope of a Level 1 electrician.
When Will You Need a Level 2 Electrician?
Certain electrical jobs require a higher level of expertise, especially when the task involves working on systems that connect to the electrical grid or when the work could potentially impact safety. Here are several common scenarios where you’ll need a Level 2 electrician:
- Switchboard Upgrades
If your home or business is experiencing issues with its power supply or if your switchboard is old and outdated, you’ll need to call a Level 2 electrician. They are qualified to upgrade switchboards to meet modern electrical demands and safety standards. A faulty or underpowered switchboard can cause serious problems, such as electrical fires or short circuits, so ensuring your switchboard is up to code is crucial.
- Metering and Power Supply Connections
When building a new home or business or moving into a new property, you may need to have the electricity connected to the grid. A Level 2 electrician is the only type of electrician qualified to connect or disconnect electrical supply. If your power meter is damaged or needs replacement, a Level 2 electrician will handle that too. Additionally, if you need to upgrade your metering system, these professionals are the ones to call.
- Fault Finding on Complex Electrical Systems
If you’re experiencing power outages, flickering lights, or tripped circuit breakers that can’t be fixed with a simple reset, it’s time to call a Level 2 electrician. These professionals are trained in diagnosing and fixing faults in the electrical distribution system, including more complicated issues like faulty underground or overhead power lines, or problems in the electrical grid.
- Electrical Disconnections and Reconnections
Whether you’re moving to a new home, renovating, or need to temporarily disconnect your property from the electrical network for safety or maintenance, a Level 2 electrician is the only licensed professional who can legally disconnect and reconnect the power supply to your property.
- Overhead and Underground Power Line Issues
If your property is experiencing issues with the power lines themselves—whether overhead or underground—calling in a Level 2 electrician is essential. This could be due to damaged power lines, or issues with the connection between your home or business and the wider electrical network. Level 2 electricians can repair or replace these lines safely and efficiently.
- Installing New Electrical Services
If you’re building a new property or need to upgrade your current electrical services to accommodate more power for an expanding business or home, a Level 2 electrician will manage the entire process. They can set up the connection between your property and the electricity grid, ensuring that everything is in place for a safe, reliable power supply.
Difference Between Level 1 and Level 2 Electricians
It’s important to understand the specific differences between Level 1 and Level 2 electricians when deciding which professional to call. The main differences are:
| Aspect | Level 1 Electrician | Level 2 Electrician |
| Scope of Work | Residential, commercial, and industrial wiring, light fixtures, outlets, and general repairs. | Works with high-voltage systems, power supply, switchboards and electrical meters |
| Electrical Mains | Cannot work on the electrical supply connection. | Can disconnect and reconnect power, work on meters, and manage the connection to the electrical grid |
| Switchboards | Can perform basic repairs but not upgrades. | Qualified to perform switchboard upgrades and repairs |
| Power Lines | Cannot work on overhead or underground power lines. | Qualified to install, repair and maintain power lines |
| Metering | Can replace meters under certain circumstances, but typically not qualified to handle large or complex systems. | Handles all types of metering systems, from installation to replacement |
| Training Requirements | Basic electrical qualifications | Additional advanced qualification and training for high-voltage and grid related systems. |
Why You Should Call a Level 2 Electrician
So, why should you call a Level 2 electrician for certain electrical tasks? Here are the main reasons:
- Safety First: Many electrical jobs, especially those involving high-voltage systems or connections to the power grid, can be hazardous. A Level 2 electrician has the necessary training and equipment to handle these risks safely.
- Legal Requirements: Certain electrical work, such as disconnections and reconnections or working with power lines, is regulated by law. Only a licensed Level 2 electrician is legally allowed to perform these tasks.
- Expertise in Complex Systems: If you’re experiencing electrical issues beyond simple wiring problems—such as faults in the power supply, issues with the switchboard, or damaged power lines—you need someone with the expertise to diagnose and fix these problems. Level 2 electricians are trained to work with complex systems and solve intricate electrical problems.
- Avoid Bigger Problems: If you’re not qualified to handle electrical issues, you risk making the situation worse. A Level 2 electrician can address the issue the first time, reducing the chances of future breakdowns or dangerous situations.
When in Doubt, Call a Level 2 Electrician
If you’re unsure whether you need a Level 1 or Level 2 electrician, it’s always best to call a Level 2 electrician if your issue involves the electrical supply or grid connection, or if you’re dealing with high-voltage systems or power lines. Brian Brothers Electrical, for example, offers expert Level 2 electrical services in Sydney, including areas like Parramatta, Blacktown, Hornsby, and beyond.
When in doubt, getting professional advice and assistance can save you time, money, and potentially dangerous situations. For safe, reliable, and certified electrical services, always trust a Level 2 electrician when handling complex electrical tasks.
