What is a Level 2 Electrician?

Search for a local business

A Level 2 electrician can install a meter, connect new cables from the supply network and install private poles if required.

A Level 2 electrician has expertise in electrical work carried out overhead and underground connecting electric cables between electricity supply network and houses and business sites. A Level 2 electrician undergoes specific training to become qualified to perform repairs, maintenance, and electrical cable installation. They are skilled, experienced and trained to handle several electrical components and are mastered installing and uninstalling them. Below is the list of tasks (other than above) typically performed by a Level 2 electrician in Australia:

Installing, connecting and disconnecting underground mains.
Installing new private poles and replacing old ones.
Upgrading or downgrading electrical phases on a site (going from 1 phase to 3 phase or vice versa).
Issuing a certificate of compliance for all repairing work.
Installing smart meters and regular power meters.
Repairing cables following damage from high temperatures and extreme weather conditions.

When do you need a Level 2 electrician?

Level 2 electricians can install a meter and connect new cables originating from the supply network and install private poles (if required). They will ensure that the new location is receiving power supply and if needed, they will install multiple cables (in case of 3 phase connection). Moreover, a Level 2 professional will ensure that the old site is disconnected from the electricity services.

Some services offered by a level 2 electrician are classified into classes as follows:

Class 2A: Connecting and disconnecting power lines.
Class 2B: Tasks related to underground power conductors.
Class 2C: Working on overhead cables.
Class 2D: Meter installation (type 5- 6) and other power equipment used in the power network.

What is a Level 1 electrician?

Level 1 electricians are ordinary electricians that take care of tasks such as troubleshooting electrical wiring and circuit issues, loose connections and switches, upgrading and downgrading a system and assessing the safety on the site. In addition they cover indoor electrical repairs and maintenance tasks.

Ordinary electricians can work on overhead and underground cables located within the electrical network (it does not include adding or disconnecting new wires to the premises), with an ASP (Accredited Service Provider) license authorising Level 1 electricians to work on it.

A Level 1 electrician is allowed to perform the following duties:

Erecting poles and removing underground ditch.
Operating on linework excluding cables with live high voltage supply.
Installing electricity cables through poles.
Any major or minor electrical repair and installation work, including rewiring.

How much does a Level 2 electrician cost to hire?

Electricians can work at a flat rate or hourly rate for electrical services. Expected hourly rates range from $70 to $130 per hour, with the hourly rates calculated with an increment every 15 minutes.

For example, if a task took 80 minutes charged at a rate of $100 per hour, the total fee will be (AU$100*1 for one hour) + ($25*2 for two slots of 15 minutes) = $150.

Instead of charging a call-out fee, some electricians charge their first hour slightly higher.

On average it costs $150 to install a new powerpoint or smoke alarm and $3,000 to $4,000 for installing advanced air conditioning, including electrical wiring in a small home.