fuse box query

[peter_sm]

When our power box was upgraded it was changed to a new metal box, and the mains cable had to go on an extension rod on the roof as there is a minimum height requirement.

[another termite]

In nsw as long as the sparky has all the required licences he can do the lot and the service provider doesn't need to attend. Have a look and see if it works where you are they can be a lot cheaper.

[peter_sm]

I only had to have the service provider to connect the new cable to the mains on the pole out in the street.

I was not charged for this by the service provider. It may have something to do with it being a standard upgrade to current specifications.

[Guvnaar]

One thing that I noticed when I had a bit more time to read your post properly is that you have 4 x 16A light circuits and 2x10A power circuits. (a) it's probably the other way round and (b) that's a lot for an old installation with the equipment you specify. With all that reno work it really doesn't make sense that the mains remained original. It suggests to me that the electrical work was done illegally (and therefore dodged the need to have the mains upgraded) and you should probably have it all checked by your electrician anyway. I'd be most worried about the load going through the old mains with the oversized fuse affording a lesser degree of protection.

FFS you mean I've gone from the untouched but legal setup and forked out $4k so far to make it illegal.... Im not happy

I think its time to switch my sparky. This time I will do my research (unfortunatley I cant rely on the professionals) get my facts straight talk to the power co find out what the standards are, what they can do and what it will cost me.

[chrisp]

FFS you mean I've gone from the untouched but legal setup and forked out $4k so far to make it illegal.... Im not happy

I think its time to switch my sparky. This time I will do my research (unfortunatley I cant rely on the professionals) get my facts straight talk to the power co find out what the standards are, what they can do and what it will cost me.

Check with your electrician, but it is likely, as SideShow pointed out, that you have 4 x 16A power circuits and 2 x 10A light circuits rather than the other way around. Have you checked the circuit breakers to see what they are rather than just rely on the stickers underneath?

Also, switchboard upgrades with old incoming mains can be a sign of a LEM (Licensed Electrical Mechanic) but non-REC installation. The electrician legally needs to be a REC (Registered Electrical Contractor) to charge for his/her services. And I suspect they need to have the REC to have the incoming supply replaced.

It is quite possible that the electrician is technically qualified (i.e. a LEM), but may not be a REC (legally able to charge for work) doing a cash job.

Ask your electrician if they are a REC, and if they are, ask why they didn't have the incoming mains upgraded as well. If they are not a REC, ask if they are a LEM!

[Sideshow]

If you've paid for the work and it's not up to standard, then report it to the regulator/supply authority. They will investigate and if the sparky has not done the work to standard they will issue a fault rectification order and repairs will have to be made. If the sparky isn't legit, they may seek to prosecute and you may have recourse to a compensation order of some type.

Alternatively just ask the electrician who you paid to do the work and get the full story. There may be a genuine misunderstanding or another explanation. At least you're armed with a bit more understanding of what should have been done. If what you hear doesn't sound right, get a second opinion. It's difficult to give you a 100% correct answer here without opening the switchboard and having a first hand look.

One thing - different states have different regimes. In the ACT there is no distinction between an LEM and REC as in Victoria (as outlined by Chrisp) and some other states. A licensed electrician is a licensed electrician - authorised to do work anywhere as long as regs are followed and paperwork is submitted.

Let us know how you go!

[nev25]

Yeah this REC LEM this can be really confusing for the layman

I'm a REC in Vic and have to carry with me 2 licenses
"REC" (Register Electrical Contractor) and "Electricians license A CLASS"

To get my Electricians License I had to do an apprenticeship as a LEM (Licensed Electrical Mechanic) Now called LEA (License electrical assessment)
(Confused yet)

This has evolved as there used to be electrical mechanics, Electrical Fitters and Armature winders.
Only electrical Mechanics could Become REC with no further electrical training.

They have done away with Fitters and Armature winders.

To become a REC you have to have passed the LEM (LEA) which in Vic is a 4 year apprenticeship, have a registered business. have done a Electrical business course and have the relevant public liability Insurance,

An A-class electrician can do any work but cannot be payed for it.
The question there is if something goes wrong he wont have the insurance to cover it

So to get an electrician thats not an REC and pay him cash (as someone has quoted) is rather silly and IMO stupid and you will have no comeback for shoddy work

So always get an REC
An REC will (or is supposed to) have his REC number in ALL Advertising included on the vehicle, business cards etc

And always insist on a certificate of Electrical safety.
Its your safeguard

http://www.esv.vic.gov.au/ForConsume...3/Default.aspx