'Don't DIY' warning signs
What is a ‘Don’t DIY’ warning sign?
Don’t Do-It-Yourself’ (Don’t DIY) warning signs aim to raise awareness that certain types of electrical equipment must only be installed by a licensed electrician.
Who needs to display a ‘Don’t DIY’ warning sign?
If you run a business that sells certain types of electrical equipment to the public in Queensland, from 1 July 2011, you must display ‘Don’t DIY’ warning signs. This applies to face-to-face as well as online selling but generally does not apply to garage sales, jumble sales, fêtes - unless a person sells at these events as part of a business.
To give you time to comply with the new signage requirement, selling electrical equipment without the appropriate signs will only attract a fine after 31 December 2011.
What should the sign look like?
There are two types of signs and several options for display.
| Display option one – multiple items | Display option two – individual items |
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This sign applies to multiple items in a display area and must state: ‘ALL ELECTRICAL WORK MUST BE PERFORMED BY A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN’. This sign must be displayed in close proximity to the point of display of the item. You can use a single sign for a number of different items of particular electrical equipment in the vicinity of the sign, as long as the sign can still be easily seen and read from where each of the items (which require the signage) is displayed. |
This option applies specifically to a single item and must state: ‘MUST BE INSTALLED BY A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN’. This sign can be displayed in several ways:
Use this sign with individual items (or model types). If one of these display options is chosen, care must still be taken to ensure the sign can be easily seen and read. |
Both sign types must:
- contain a symbol in the form of a red circle and a red diagonal line over the letters ‘DIY’ in black uppercase letters, and
- have a white background, and
- be unambiguous and clearly legible to ensure the sign may be clearly seen and read by any person at all times in the area where the electrical equipment is displayed for sale.
The requirement for a sign to be ‘unambiguous and clearly legible’ is to ensure that, in the absence of a minimum size requirement, a sign (whatever size is chosen) is printed and displayed in such a way it may at all times be clearly seen and read by any person in the area where the particular electrical equipment (to which the sign applies) is displayed for sale.
What products must have signs?
Signage is required for any electrical equipment which must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor or licensed electrical worker under section 18 of the Electrical Safety Act 2002.
Examples include:
- fixed-wired electrical equipment,
- air conditioners
- stoves
- ovens
- electric hot water systems
- ceiling fans
- light fittings
- electrical accessories,
- socket outlets
- light switches
- electrical cable
- wall switches
- plugs
- cord extension sockets
- electrical parts
- electrical motors
- switches
- solenoids
- elements.
Please note that some versions of the listed examples may not be subject to the signage requirement. For example:
- a light fitting or ceiling fan specifically designed for ‘DIY’ installation (connects into an existing batten holder), or
- a switch or relay designed for 12 volt automotive use.
What does ‘sell’ mean?
‘Sell’ is defined under section 95 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF File, 1.02 MB) and includes:
- sell by wholesale, retail or auction, and
- supply in trade or commerce or under an arrangement, and
- agree, attempt or offer to sell, and
- keep or expose for sale, and
- cause or permit to be sold.
What does ‘point of display’ mean?
For the purpose of this requirement, ‘point of display’ means
- where an item is displayed in a shop, warehouse or other physical space, or
- where an item is displayed in an online shop’s website at the place where a customer may purchase, or place a bid for, the item.
Download free ‘Don’t DIY’ warning sign templates
Download free sample templates of ‘Don’t DIY’ warning signs in various sizes in PDF format to help you to comply with the new requirements.
If you prefer, you can have your own signage developed to suit your specific retail environment. However, you must ensure it complies with the requirements of Part 6, Division 8A of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002.
What is the penalty for not displaying the required signage?
After 31 December 2011, failure to display a sign as required will attract a maximum penalty of $4,000 units for individuals or $20,000 for corporations.
Need more information?
For more information about ‘Don’t DIY’ warning sign requirements, please refer to Part 6, Division 8A of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF File, 1.02 MB), or call the Electrical Safety Infoline on 1300 650 662.