QLD Electrical changes cause confusion

QLD Electrical changes cause confusion

SPASA members may have received the latest QLD eSAFE Electrical – bulletin where it highlighted changes which came into effect 1st April 2025 to water equipment as they relate to pools and spas (prescribed electrical equipment).

Within the guidance material there are references that advise when a licensed electrician is required and not required for “prescribed electrical equipment” which operate under extra low voltage such as robotic cleaners, pool lights etc.

The Worksafe guidance material provides conflicting information which has caused confusion:

See Water equipment prescribed as prescribed electrical equipment where it confirms that electrical work on water equipment must only be done by the holder of an appropriate electrical work licence

Water equipment prescribed as prescribed electrical equipment

From 1 April 2025, water equipment is prescribed as prescribed electrical equipment.

Water equipment means any apparatus, appliance, cable, conductor, fitting, insulator, material, meter or wire that:

• is operated or used for controlling, generating, supplying, transforming or transmitting electricity at extra low voltage

• can only be operated or used when connected to an external source of electricity

• is designed for use in the interior of the container of a swimming pool, paddling pool, spa or bathtubs.

Water equipment may include pool lights and pool pumps.

Water equipment does not include battery powered toys, battery powered pool cleaners, submersible phones and waterproof camera devices.

This means water equipment is subject to the same legislative framework as other electrical equipment. This means the following will apply:

• Supply chain duties – persons designing, manufacturing, supplying, selling and installation water equipment must be familiar and comply with their duties under the electrical safety framework.

• ***Licensing requirements – electrical work on water equipment must only be done by the holder of an appropriate electrical work licence.***

• Incident notification requirements.

• Ministerial recalls of faulty or unsafe products.

Learn more about prescribed electrical equipment.

Whilst in the below reference it states that “prescribed electrical equipment” with other extra low voltage equipment can be safely performed by a person who does not have expertise in carrying out electrical work (e.g., does not hold an electrical licence).

What work can I do on prescribed electrical equipment without an electrical licence? states:

The Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 amended the electrical work definition in the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (ES Act) to ensure that particular work tasks involving prescribed electrical equipment are not electrical work and therefore do not need to be completed by a licensed electrical worker. These changes sought to ensure that tasks that can be safely completed by members of the community, can continue to be completed without a license.

The following work involving prescribed electrical equipment is not electrical work and does not require a licence:

Clarification sought

SPASA has called the Electrical Safety Office Technical Team and has been provided with different versions on what is permissible when working on Extra Low Voltage equipment. The matter has been escalated to senior persons within the Electrical Safety Office.

Additionally, SPASA has asked Master Electricians for their technical position on the changes.

SPASA understand the importance of working compliantly and we will report back to industry when we have a written position clarifying what is required to avoid ongoing confusion.