Frequently Asked Questions
Contractors
- What is electrical contracting?
Electrical Contracting is when electrical services are contracted for, or carried out for a fee or reward. - Is a 'subbie' a contractor?
Yes, anyone who sub-contracts to a main contractor for electrical jobs rather than working in a PAYG employer/employee relationship is contracting and must hold, or be a nominee on, an Electrical Contractors Licence. - What is a 'nominee' on a contractors licence?
A nominee is a suitably qualified person (Electrical Mechanic) who is the person nominated as being responsible to ensure that the work is supervised and carried out in a compliant manner. He is the technical manager on the licence. - What are the responsibilities of a nominee on an Electrical Contractors Licence?
The nominees' responsibilities include ensuring that the electrical workers are suitably trained and equipped to do the work they are allocated. They are responsible for the adequate design and execution of the work, including the supply of the correct materials. They are responsible for ensuring the work is tested and left in a safe, compliant condition. - What is a sole trader?
A sole trader is an electrician who is authorised to contract with the public for the performance of electrical work. A sole trader must contract in his own name or registered trading name only. He/she cannot use a company name as a trading name for the sole traders contractor licence. - Can I be a nominee on more than one Contractors Licence?
No. The Board policy does not allow a person to be a nominee on more than one Contractors Licence at any one time - Our Nominee has left the business. Do we have a grace period to replace the Nominee?
No. A contracting business must always have at least one nominee. - Why does a Contractor have to maintain a register of employee's details?
It is a legal requirement under section 50B of the Electrical Workers and Contractors Act. The Register of Employees enables the Contractor to evidence who was employed by the company and when, in the case of an investigation. It also provides a management tool for Contractors to ensure that licence holders are working within their own licence category ie. an electrical fitter is not carrying out installation work. It also helps the contractor to ensure his employees are not working unlicenced and thereby avoiding disciplinary action by the Board under sections 53 and 54 of the Act. - Why do I need to be an A Grade Electrical Mechanic to be a nominee?
An A Grade Electrical Mechanics Licence is an unrestricted licence and the only licence that allows the holder to carry out all types of electrical installation work. Therefore it is the only licence category acceptable to be responsible for all the technical requirements of electrical installation work on behalf of the contractor. - Why do I have to hold my Electrical Mechanics Licence for two years before I am eligible to apply for an Electrical Contractors Licence?
The two-year period is designed to allow the holder time to gain experience in both carrying out and supervising the work and supervision of workers.