What Can You Do with a Restricted Electrical Licence in WA?
If you aren’t a qualified electrician, but your trade involves working with equipment that’s wired into the electrical supply—such as hot water systems, air conditioners, or machinery—you may need a restricted electrical licence. But what does that let you do? And how do you get one?
At the College of Electrical Training (CET), we offer the recognised training you need to apply for a Restricted Electrical Licence in WA. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what this licence allows, what it doesn’t, and how you can get started.
What Is a Restricted Electrical Licence?
A restricted electrical licence is designed for tradespeople who aren’t qualified electricians, but who need to carry out limited electrical work as part of their job. This usually involves disconnecting and reconnecting fixed-wired equipment for the purpose of repair, maintenance or replacement.
It’s commonly used by:
- Plumbers (e.g. disconnecting/reconnecting electric hot water systems)
- Refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics
- Gas fitters
- Mechanical fitters and technicians
- Commercial appliance repairers
What Can You Do with a Restricted Electrical Licence in WA?
The key keyword here is "restricted"—this licence gives you limited electrical permissions that support your primary trade. So, what can you legally do?
- Disconnect and reconnect fixed-wired electrical equipment, like:
- Water heaters
- Air conditioners
- Pumps or motors
- Commercial cooking appliances
- Test equipment after reconnection to ensure it’s safe to use
- Carry out limited fault-finding, only as required to reconnect the equipment
- Work on equipment related to your trade—not general household or commercial wiring
These tasks are only allowed when the electrical work is a necessary part of your job, and only within the scope of your approved licence class.
What You Can’t Do with a Restricted Licence
It’s equally important to understand what’s not allowed under a restricted electrical licence in WA:
- You cannot install new electrical circuits
- You cannot extend existing wiring or electrical installations
- You cannot carry out electrical work on anything outside your primary trade
- You cannot work independently of your core trade licence
Example:
A licensed plumber with a restricted electrical licence can disconnect and reconnect a hot water system—but cannot wire in a new bathroom heater or relocate power points.
How to Get a Restricted Electrical Licence in WA
To get your restricted electrical licence, you’ll need to meet specific requirements set by the WA Government. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
1. Determine Your Need for the Licence
You must demonstrate that electrical disconnection and reconnection is a necessary part of your trade duties.
2. Apply to DEMIRS
Submit an application to the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS). This includes detailing your current trade and why you require electrical work permissions.
3. Complete an Approved Disconnect and Reconnect Course
This is where CET comes in. Our Restricted Electrical Licence Course provides the nationally recognised training you need for your application. It covers:
- Safe isolation procedures
- Electrical theory
- Hands-on disconnect/reconnect practice
- Testing and fault-finding techniques
Available at our Joondalup and Jandakot campuses. Flexible training options are available.
Learn more about the course or enrol online.
4. Meet the New Fit and Proper Person Requirements
As of recent changes, all applicants must now pass a ‘fit and proper person’ assessment, including checks on criminal history and character. We’ll cover this in more detail in a future article.
5. Receive Your Licence
Once approved, you’ll be issued a restricted licence that clearly outlines your scope of work, based on your trade and training.
Why Choose CET for Your Restricted Electrical Licence Training?
CET is WA’s leading electrical training provider, with decades of experience delivering industry-relevant, hands-on courses. We work closely with industry regulators to ensure our training meets the latest requirements and licensing standards.
Whether you're a plumber, mechanic, refrigeration tech or appliance installer, CET can help you stay compliant, skilled, and job-ready.
Get Started Today
Need to legally disconnect and reconnect equipment in your trade? A Restricted Electrical Licence is your pathway to safe, compliant electrical work in WA.
Have questions? Contact our team for help choosing the right license stream and enrolling in your course.
