What is a certificate of electrical safety and do I need one?

The name differs by state. Victoria issues a Certificate of Electrical Safety. New South Wales uses a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work. Queensland uses a Certificate of Testing and Safety. The principle is the same everywhere: the licensed person certifies the work was tested and complies, and a copy goes to the customer.

Why it matters later

• At sale, a purchaser's inspector who finds recent work with no certificate has found an open question, and it becomes a negotiating point.
• At claim time, an insurer investigating a fire will ask who did the work and whether it was certified. Uncertified work is where claims get difficult.
• If a defect appears later, the certificate identifies who is responsible and when.

What to do about it

Ask for it at the time of quoting, not after payment. A licensed electrician expects the question. Store it with your property documents rather than in an email folder, along with plumbing compliance certificates and any building approvals, because that collection is what a conveyancer will ask for.