A restricted electrical licence is still a licence

I noticed that in your April 2001 editorial you stated ". . . it is now illegal for anyone in Queensland to assemble or repair a mains-powered project or appliance unless they are a licensed electrician." I question whether this statement, as many others made by yourself and various readers in this argument, is correct.

As far as I understand the situation, for a person, in Queensland, to conduct work on portable 240V equipment – that is, equipment connected by a flexible lead to a general supply outlet –they are only required to hold a Restricted Electrical Licence and not a full electrical ticket, as stated in your editorial.

The course work of the Restricted Licence only focuses on the work practices and wiring standards required to safely work on 240V/10A portable equipment and falls quite short of the material covered by a full electrical qualification. For example, the Restricted Licence does not cover fixed wiring installation, three phase circuits, connections to switchboards, etc.

Electrical safety and not our egos should be paramount in our minds, regardless if we are professionals working within the electrical/electronics industry or as home hobbyists. We all have a responsibility under "Duty of Care" legislation to ensure that any work undertaken is conducted and left in a safe manner, not just for our own sake but also for those who may follow after us.

Comment: we really think you are splitting hairs. A restricted licence is still a licence. The point is that hobbyists or technicians repairing TVs or photocopiers cannot legally do any work on mains-powered devices. This is stupid.