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Depending on the type of electrical service you require, you may not help wondering if all electricians can perform all kinds of electrical work. Similarly, you may wish to know what qualifications and accreditations exist. This post will consider what level 2 ASP means and the services level 2 electricians offer.
You can also learn more about measures to protect the electricity supply system, levels of the ASP scheme, and classes of level 2 ASP electrical services. The post also discusses how to become a qualified level 2 ASP electrician and how to gain access to level 2 ASP electricians.
The Meaning of ASP Level 2 Designation
A level 2 ASP electrician has the licence and training to perform extensive installation, repairs, and maintenance services on the following:
- Overhead and underground service lines.
- Near electrical service networks such as Ausgrid and Essential Energy.
- Metering equipment services and live wire connection.
Note: The abbreviation "ASP" stands for Accredited Service Provider.
Level 1 Vs. Level 2 Accredited Service Providers
The significant difference between the two levels is that a level 2 ASP is qualified to perform installations, repairs, and maintenance services on service lines between properties and electrical supply networks.
Level 2 ASP electricians also offer the following electrical solutions under the ASP scheme:
- Electrical supply disconnection and reconnection.
- Electrical work on underground and overhead service lines.
- Power supply upgrades.
- Electrical meter installation and connections.
- Electrical supply network connections for new buildings.
Measures to Protect the Electricity Supply System
There must be some electrical safety rules and regulations to ensure that the operation of electrical power lines is not disrupted. In addition, risky electrical work should only be done by well-qualified and skilled electricians. Consequently, the Accredited Service Provider Scheme governs independent and company-aligned electricians and their work level.
Levels of the ASP Scheme
The Accredited Service Provider Scheme has three levels as follows:
- Level 1 relates to the "construction of network assets."
- The "service work or connection services" is under Level 2.
- Level 3 specialises in the design of distribution network assets.
Specialisation of Level 1 ASP electricians
They perform tasks that extend the overhead and underground network to specific residences. They can also work to increase existing network capacities to meet up with safe electricity supply amounts.
Specialisation of Level 2 ASP electricians
Level 2 ASP electricians can perform electrical jobs that involve working with electricity poles. They can repair and install electrical source equipment.
Classes of Level 2 ASP electrical services
The services under the ASP level 2 electrician scheme are further broken down into four classes. You need to be accredited as an ASP if you want to perform electrical jobs in level 2 classes 2A, 2B, 2C, or 2D:
- Class 2A includes service line disconnection and reconnection.
- Class 2B relates to work on underground service conductors.
- Class 2C involves electrical jobs on overhead service conductors.
- Class 2D involves installing metering (meter types 5 and 6) and various network operator service equipment.
Specialisation of Level 3 electricians
These electrical engineers, or ASP electricians, perform electrical design and consultancy jobs. This can include the work on distribution networks and the construction of overhead and underground service lines.
Use Cases of Level 2 ASP Electricians
You can invite a level 2 electrician for virtually everything, including checking your electricity supply, power lines, and power points.
Here are some specific services a level 2 ASP electrician can help you with:
Smart meter installation
You can decide to install a smart meter to meet up with changing home electricity requirements. A level 2 electrician can help you with upgrades to smart meters. They can also assist with energy metering installation and activation so you can better monitor your electricity usage. In addition, a smart meter helps control electricity flow and grid feedback for roof solar panels and battery storage systems.
Electrical wiring for new properties
A level 2 electrician can help if you need electrical wiring and connection to electricity network operators. You can also depend on them to install electricity meters and metering equipment.
Private power pole installations
Licensed and qualified ASP level 2 electricians can handle private power pole installations. This can include tasks such as jointing of electrical cables, substation fit-outs, and cable testing. Apart from installing a new pole, they can also help replace private poles and fix pillar box issues.
Dealing with electrical defect notices
A level 2 electrician can assist you if you have been issued an electrical defect notice. Such notices may be issued if your property has electrical issues, such as non-conformation to electrical specifications.
Level 2 emergency electrician solutions
Level 2 ASP electricians can provide emergency electrical services when needed. This can include working on electricity supply and appliance issues. Likewise, you can invite level 2 electricians if you have continually tripping safety switches. Level 2 ASPs are especially suited to solve power supply problems because they are qualified to perform dangerous live operations.
Level 2 Electrician Checklist When Moving House
Moving house is typically a stressful and overwhelming exercise. However, you can save yourself a lot of headaches later on if you plan for needed local electrical solutions on time.
Here are some items you can include in your Level 2 Electrician Checklist:
- See if there is a need for relocation and upgrade services on overhead lines.
- Level 2 electricians can help to ensure the integrity of entire overhead electrical and underground electrical systems.
- Check if there is a need for significant alterations to the network infrastructure.
- Consider installing steel power poles.
- Your appliance's electrical load may indicate the need for electrical power upgrades.
- You may need temporary power supply, repair, and maintenance services before settling in.
- Other domestic electrical solutions may be called for, including TV antennae installation and smoke alarm upgrades.
How to Become a Qualified Level 2 ASP Electrician
Electrical networks and their connection to distribution networks must be protected for safety reasons. That is why only Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) under the ASP Scheme are legally permitted to work on them.
Here are the steps to get qualified as an Accredited Services Provider Level 2 electrician:
- Undergo an electrical apprenticeship and complete the Electrical Contractors Licence.
- Choose the ASP level and class to work on.
- Fill out the paperwork and apply for Level 2 ASP training.
- After completing the course, apply for course accreditation.
- Apply for supply network authorisation.
- You can now legally perform Level 2 ASP work.
- Be prepared to undergo a yearly refresher training course on authority safety rules and work procedures.
- You'll also need an annual audit to retain your level 2 ASP electrical qualifications.
Checking ASP Levels of Electrical Contractors
It would be best to be confident that your electrical contractor has the required ASP electrical qualification to perform your electrical job. When assessing, you should check for the following things:
- The contractor should be registered with the Accredited Service Provider Scheme.
- They should have enough equipment to diagnose, install, and resolve your electricity issues.
- The level 2 ASP electricians should have been trained on required courses such as Certificate III in Electrotechnology.
- They should have experience in electrical installation, wiring, and other electrical services.
- Relevant electrical distributors should properly authorise the electrical contractor.
Hire Level 2 Electricians for Your Electrical Project
You now know more about what level 2 ASP means and the difference between level 1 and level 2 accredited service providers. You also read up on measures to protect the electricity supply system and the use cases of level 2 ASP electricians.
Your next question may be getting qualified level 2 electricians for your electrical project. Some local electrical contractors can help you out. You can call on them for a wide variety of electrical services, including commercial, residential, and emergency electrician services.
