Licensing for air conditioner installers

For many years the Electrical Safety Office has been raising awareness of the importance of using qualified tradespeople when installing air conditioners.

Two years ago, a new national licensing system for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry came into effect.

The laws mean that when electrical contractors are involved in the installation of air conditioners, any refrigerant gas handling and gas pipe connection work associated with the installation must be undertaken by a person holding a Refrigerant Handling Licence.

Refrigerant Handling Licences are administered federally by the Australian Refrigeration Council Ltd (ARC). They can be contacted by calling 1300 884 483.

Businesses that contract to install air conditioning systems must have an appropriate electrical contractor licence if they also carry out any associated electrical installation work.

Alternatively, the business may engage a licensed electrical contractor to do the electrical installation component of an air conditioning contract.

A person actually performing the electrical installation work must be a licensed electrical mechanic.

Using a licensed electrical contractor also ensures the appropriate consumer protection safeguards are in place, including consumer protection insurance.

More on the different classes of electrical licences.