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Strict rules and regulations are in place to ensure the safety of electricians and their clients. That is why only appropriately qualified and skilled electricians can do specific electrical work that regular electricians cannot. Before you hire out your electrical work, you should know the levels of electricians and when there's a need for a level 2 electrician.
This post will discuss the levels of electricians and the difference between level 2 and regular electricians. You can directly learn when to call in a level 2 electrician or for emergency electrician services.
This article also considers the requirements for level 2 ASP electrical qualifications and how electrical contractors can help provide level 2 electricians.
Levels of Electricians in the ASP Scheme
The Accredited Service Provider (ASP) Scheme prescribes the following levels of licensed electrician qualifications:
Level 1 electricians
Your level 1 electrician can work on overhead and underground construction work. However, it should be on distribution networks that are adjacent to roadways.
Level 2 electricians
Level 2 electricians can work on service lines between distribution systems and attachment points to homes or businesses. They can also install and connect metering services.
Classes of level 2 electricians
To become a qualified level 2 electrician, you will need to learn the following types of work:
Class 2A
This class includes disconnection and reconnection work at service line connection points. These are lines that supply new properties with power.
Class 2B
This relates to various underground services such as underground cabling and replacing old electricity distributors.
Class 2C
This includes overhead services such as work on overhead service lines in private properties.
Class 2D
This relates to work such as installing or repairing networks and energising service equipment. It can also include work on protection devices and fuses.
Level 3 electricians
There are different classes of level 3 electricians. They can generally work with service lines or distribution networks.
Difference Between Level 2 and Regular Electricians
The primary difference between level 2 and ordinary electricians lies in the licence, better skills, and a higher level of training of level 2 electricians. A level 2 electrician is also better trained to perform many electrical jobs, which include the following:
- Electrical repair and maintenance services.
- Overhead and underground electrical work.
- They can connect your home or business to electricity supply networks.
- Electrical supply disconnection and reconnection.
- Switchboard system upgrades.
- Electrical jobs relating to underground mains power and sub mains.
- Installation of overhead service lines to connect your home or business to the electricity network.
- Installing or repairing service network equipment.
When to Call in a Level 2 Electrician
An ordinary electrician may be unable to perform many electrical tasks that a licensed Level 2 ASP electrician can perform. You can invite a level 2 electrician for the following specialised electrical services:
Power metre installation
A good power meter can help you keep track of your power usage. You can call a licensed and authorised level 2 electrician to install your electricity meter.
Power supply disconnection and reconnection
Electricity distributors can authorise and send a level 2 electrician to disconnect the power supply to a property. This could be due to safety reasons or defaults in electricity bill payments. The Level 2 electricians have the skills to disconnect and reconnect the supply after resolving the electrical issues.
Overhead and underground power supply work
Level 2 electricians may pass electrical cables underground in an underground power supply. Likewise, they may use electric poles to supply power in an overhead power supply.
They have the skills and qualifications to set up these electrical wiring systems and work on power lines. They are also qualified to replace electric power poles and cables.
Electrical power upgrades
You may need to upgrade your electricity supply to meet your industrial electrical needs. Likewise, you may have an increase in your residential electrical demand that prompts you to upgrade your electricity system.
A level 2 electrician can help you upgrade your power supply from a single phase to 3 phase. In other words, they can help you if you need your switchboard upgraded or relocated.
Electrical work on private power poles
You may use private power poles to distribute electricity from your electricity network provider to your property. A level 2 electrician can install and repair private power poles.
Resolution of defects on electrical defect notices
You may need to treat electrical issues listed in electrical defect notices. An accredited level 2 electrician must resolve or rectify any defects listed on defect notices.
Electrical work on consumer mains
A level 2 electrician is required to fix faulty consumer mains that can have complicated electrical supply networks.
Inspect safety switches and electrical systems
A level 2 electrician can professionally inspect more electrical elements than a regular electrician. They can perform electrical safety inspections on safety switches on switchboards.
For instance, you may want to invite them if your safety switches continue to switch off when you turn them on. Level 2 electricians can also inspect your consumer mains, power points, and domestic lighting, such as LED and floodlighting.
Emergency electrician services
Level 2 electricians have the electrical qualifications to provide emergency electrical services.
They can provide the following electrical services:
- Electrical repairs or electrical installations.
- Replacement of electrical poles.
- Provision of temporary power supply.
- Electrical fault finding in your home's electrical system.
- Repairs of overhead service lines.
Electrical services for new and existing houses
Apart from supplying power to new premises through overhead or underground systems, level 2 electricians can do the following:
- Relocate switchboards and mains.
- Remove, install, upgrade, and activate power metres.
- Install smart meters, solar meters, and relay switches.
- Provide LED lighting installations to replace halogen lighting.
- Disconnect and reconnect your appliances.
- Phone line installation and data cable services.
Smoke alarm installations
You want to confirm your new home's smoke alarms' functionality and expiry date. You must implement the proper safety procedures and perform smoke alarm tests. Level 2 electricians can give you great tips here and even help with smoke alarm installations, upgrades, and battery replacements.
Ceiling fan installations
If you are not using an air conditioning system, you may want to check on existing ceiling fans to confirm that they are working. A level 2 electrician can also help with ceiling fan installations, ensuring fast and efficient service.
Level 2 ASP Electrical Qualifications Requirements
Only Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) operating under the ASP Scheme can work on electrical and distribution network connections. To get qualified as a level 2 ASP electrician, you need to do the following:
- Determine the ASP Class and Level in the ASP Scheme you qualify for.
- Complete a Level 2 ASP Training Course.
- Apply for and receive the course accreditation.
- Apply for and receive authorisation from a supply network. You should have your level 2 electrician equipment.
- Finally, you can become a qualified level 2 ASP electrician and offer services.
- However, it would be best if you still had a yearly refresher training course and a yearly audit to retain your electrical qualifications.
Hire Electrical Contractors with Level 2 ASP
This post has covered how level 2 electricians can meet your needs, and you have read up on the levels of electricians in the ASP scheme, the difference between level 2 and regular electricians, and emergency electrician services.
You also got information on the electrical services for new and existing houses and the requirements for level 2 ASP electrical qualifications. If you need a commercial electrician for your business or a residential electrician for your home, a reputable electrical contractor can help.
Good electrical contractors have qualified and licensed electricians with level 2 qualifications to handle complex electrical work. You can contact them for both standard and emergency electrical services.
