QLD Restricted Electrical Licence – Qualifications, Training and Allowed Tasks

QLD Restricted Electrical Licence Pathway

What is a QLD Restricted Electrical Licence?

Queensland maintains strict safety standards for electrical work, requiring most tasks to be performed by a qualified electrician. A Restricted Electrical Licence in Queensland permits you to carry out specific electrical tasks that are “incidental work” i.e. electrical work on low voltage (50 VAC – 1000 VAC) electrical appliances to your primary trade. The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) issues this licence and includes specific conditions dictating your tasks. This licence allows you to perform specific electrical tasks as part of your day-to-day duties, streamlining your work and expanding your services.

The licence applies to particular categories of work and may carry additional conditions, such as limiting work to specific employers or types of equipment.

Who Can Benefit from a QLD Restricted Electrical Licence?

Trades that commonly benefit from a restricted electrical licence include:

• Plumbers
• Instrumentation/process control Technicians
• Gas Fitters
• Mechanical Fitters
• Turners
• Biomedical Engineers
• Electrical equipment service person
• Holder of a foreign electrical qualification
• Persons with three years of “incidental electrical work” i.e. electrical work on low voltage (50 VAC – 1000 VAC) electrical appliances

Qualifications for a QLD Restricted Electrical Licence

Due to the inherent dangers of working with electricity, the ESO only issues restricted electrical licences to applicants who have completed relevant competency or industry-specific training units. The main eligibility criteria include:

• Qualification: A current Certificate III (or higher) qualification in a recognised trade, such as plumbing or mechanical fitting.

OR

• Experience: At least three years of experience in a job requiring restricted electrical work

OR

• Recognised Qualification for an overseas candidate: An overseas qualification recognised by the ESO.

Note: If you are an overseas electrician seeking to get an unrestricted licence in Australia, please refer to this blog: Unrestricted Electrical Licence for Overseas Electricians.

Additional criteria include:

• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and understanding).
• CPR and electrical safety training.
• Demonstrated need to perform electrical tasks in your trade.

Training and Competency

Training and competency are essential for obtaining a restricted electrical license.

In some cases, applicants must provide evidence of completion of the required units of competency within the past three years. The applicant may be required to submit a skills maintenance assessment if the units are older than three years. The applicant can complete this assessment online or by submitting a paper-based copy. A twelve-month electrical work training permit may be granted to applicants who require further training. This permission enables them to finish the training with a recognised training organisation (like AUSINET) and reapply for the licence.

Additional Considerations

• Employer Support: Some applicants will need a letter of support from their employer detailing the type of equipment, voltage range, and specific tasks. Self-employed individuals may need to provide a statutory declaration.
• Work Experience: In limited circumstances, applicants without formal qualifications may be eligible based on three years of relevant work experience within the last five years. This experience must be detailed and substantiated.

Allowed electrical tasks with a QLD Restricted Electrical Licence

A Queensland Restricted Electrical Licence allows holders to perform specific electrical tasks incidental to their primary trade or calling. The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) regulates tasks permitted under this licence and typically include:

1. Disconnecting and Reconnecting Electrical Equipment: Technicians with a restricted licence can disconnect and reconnect electrical equipment from and to fixed wiring systems, provided the equipment remains connected to the same supply. No alterations to the electrical parameters in the circuit are permitted. The work can be like-for-like replacement.

2. Testing and Verifying Electrical Equipment: Restricted licence holders can test electrical equipment to verify its safe operation, ensuring it has been isolated correctly before connecting or disconnecting.

3. Repairing Cord-Connected Equipment: They are authorised to repair cord-connected equipment, including attaching plugs, cords, and cables to electrical equipment for connection to a power supply. No alterations to the electrical parameters in the circuit are permitted. The work can be like-for-like replacement.

4. Locating and Solving Faults: For a Restricted Electrical Work Licence/Permit (other than apprentice), technicians can use defined processes to identify and fix faults in low-voltage electrical equipment. No alterations to the electrical parameters in the circuit are permitted. The work can be like-for-like replacement.

5. Installing Electrical Equipment: Limited to installing electrical equipment that does not require altering the fixed wiring system, such as installing single-phase plug-in equipment.

6. Maintenance and Servicing: Performing routine maintenance and servicing tasks on electrical equipment and appliances.

7. Testing Safety Devices (Test and Tag): Conduct in-service safety testing of electrical cord-connected equipment and cord assemblies to ensure compliance with safety standards.

In Queensland, test and tag requirements depend on whether you are testing equipment within your employer’s workplace, or offering services to third parties.

To test and tag equipment in the workplace, you must be:

A competent person who has undertaken a structured test and tag course (UEESS00174). To understand more read our test and tag blog.                            

8. Specialised Electrical Work: Some licences may allow for specialised tasks such as disconnecting and reconnecting 3.3kV electric propulsion components of self-propelled earthmoving vehicles, subject to specific endorsement conditions.

It’s crucial to note that a restricted electrical licence does not authorise individuals to perform electrical installation work or alter existing electrical installations. The scope of permitted tasks is strictly defined by the conditions specified on the licence and must comply with all relevant safety regulations and standards.

By understanding and adhering to these regulations, tradespeople and technicians can effectively utilise their restricted electrical licence to enhance their services while maintaining safety and compliance with Queensland’s electrical industry standards.

Grow Your Career with a QLD Restricted Electrical Licence

Obtaining a restricted electrical licence can significantly enhance your career by allowing you to perform incidental electrical tasks safely and legally. At AUSINET, a Registered Training Organization (RTO), we offer a QLD restricted electrical course that provides the necessary training for a restricted electrical licence. We guide you through the required training and provide a statement of attainment, which can be submitted to the ESO as part of your application (Please check the latest information about QLD Restricted Electrical Licence here).

A restricted electrical licence in Queensland is most valuable for tradespeople who need to perform minor electrical tasks. By understanding the scope of work permitted and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can streamline your work and expand your services while ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Last updated: 11/07/2025

Published: 31/07/2024