Electrics & Plumbing - What Am I Allowed To Do?

[zeroseven]

Hello

First post here. Just bought a house in Sydney. I need to do some electrical work and plumbing.

I've been reading various threads and as I understand it I can do no electical work myself (I'm from the UK originally and have been renting here for 4 years so have had no need to look into this kind of thing before). I'm not even allowed to change a single socket switch to a double socket or change a light fitting, is that correct?

But I am allowed to have an electrical power point in the bathroom near the sink and a normal lightswitch

What about plumbing? Am I allowed to change the toilet, shower, bath and kitchen sink?

Cheers

[JDarvall]

Well, uno, you can do what ever you like ... not as if you'll ever really get in trouble with the law.....its just a matter of whether or not you'll do it right and not kill yourself.

I do almost all myself, because tradesmen cost a fortune, will rip you off on occation (because they can....' who else is gonna fix it for you' ), and because most things I feel all you need is common sense.

but , uno, thats all probably considered bad advice...yeh, so

Do yourself a favour !......be smart !.... don't be an idiot .....call the professionals !

[mick101]

Hello

But I am allowed to have an electrical power point in the bathroom near the sink and a normal lightswitch

Cheers

Section 7.1.2.2 other fixed water containers (b) (i) (A) (B) Zone 1 (i) (A) (B) for water containers with a capacity not exceeding 45lt. This is relevent after observing 1.7.3.5 & 1.7.3.6

Mate get a sparkie in. There is a bit more to it than people think.

[Honorary Bloke]

I think I'll order in a pizza and just sit back and watch.

[mick101]

I think I'll order in a pizza and just sit back and watch.

Meatasaurous for me. You got some home brew ?

[DavidG]

Meatasaurous for me too.
Just Coke zero to drink though. I am on a diet.

[Studley 2436]

In his seminal work DIY for Knuckleheads Scott Cam put it out very clearly, "Electrical is not for Knuckleheads"

Good Point I reckon, imagine if you do yourself and it causes a fire, would insurance payout on it?

BUT there is lots of stuff you can do that will save money when the Sparky gets there. Wires have to be threaded through for instance. You can do that. Sockets light switches have to be fixed to the wall after they are wired up. You can do that. Stretching those wires out and getting them into the right place can take a lot so you have the chance to save some dough there.

Plumbing I would feel pretty OK with but I am a fitter and turner (once upon a time anyway) so I can braze and muddle my way through that. Mind you I have burnt holes in lots of copper to learn how to do it. You might be making a headache for yourself.

Studley

[chrisp]

Scott Cam put it out very clearly, "Electrical is not for Knuckleheads"

But what if you're not a knucklehead

[zeroseven]

Thanks for the replies. I changed sockets and light switches in the UK, there really is nothing to it and nothing to go wrong, in my opinion.

However due to the possibility of an insurance claim not being paid out, I'd rather get someone in because I really don't see the point in trying to save a few hundred $.

However it's so extreme to allow you to do nothing. One of our light switches is cracked, not very safe, but I can't change it.

Any ideas how much would an electrician charge per hour in Sydney? I need some ceiling fans taken down, some light switches and some single sockets changed to double sockets.

And I'm allowed a socket next to a sink so long as it only contains a small amount of water So, legally, small amounts of water and electricity get on ok. That's good to know.

Plumbing - Are there any rules that say I'm not allowed to plumb in my own bathroom?

[Studley 2436]

I think the law is about being paid to do it. You have to be licensed etc to do it professionally. If you are not look out. Doing it for yourself well why not.

As far as changing sockets well if you know how why not.

Studley

[NCArcher]

Sorry Studley but it has nothing to do with being paid or doing it professionally. You are not allowed to carry out work on fixed wiring or equipment if you are not licensed.

[Studley 2436]

There you go

Studley

[Gra]

I think I'll order in a pizza and just sit back and watch.

Got some beer here, there you go boys, anyone got a beanbag this could get fun

[silentC]

Plumbing - Are there any rules that say I'm not allowed to plumb in my own bathroom?

Yes

there really is nothing to it and nothing to go wrong

I agree that changing sockets and switches is not complicated. Make sure that the wires go back where they came from and Bob's your uncle.

The question is, how do you know that what was there in the first place was done right?

The problem here, and this has been discussed ad nauseum on this forum, is that regardless of how simple it might seem, it's against the law to do it. So, you can follow the advice of others here and go for it if you want, just be aware that what you are doing is illegal and if someone dobs you in, you will cop a fine and have to pay a sparky to certify/fix what you have done.

[zeroseven]

SilentC - I know what you're saying and I agree. I'm not going to do the electrics myself, that's why I posted in the first place to check exactly what I can do - Nothing.

And your 'Yes' reply to my plumbing question. So I'm not allowed to fit a new bathroom suite? Or a kitchen sink? A plumber has to do it Is that what you're saying? Even if I use the existing connections?