If you’re having electrical work done in Victoria, you’ll usually need an Electrical Certificate of Compliance once the job is finished.

This document is officially called a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES). It shows that a licensed electrician completed the work and that it meets the required safety rules. Some higher-risk jobs may also need an extra inspection by a licensed electrical inspector before they are signed off.

In this guide, we’ll explain when a COES is needed, the different types of certificates, who issues them, key deadlines, and why they matter for homeowners.

Quick Answer

In Victoria, you need a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) for most electrical installation work done by a licensed electrician. This certificate proves the job was completed safely and meets Australian Standards.

A COES is commonly required for work such as:

  • Installing new electrical circuits
  • Replacing or upgrading switchboards
  • Rewiring part or all of a home
  • Adding new power points or lighting
  • Installing an EV charger

Your electrician or electrical contractor must lodge the certificate with Energy Safe Victoria within the required timeframe. You should also receive a copy for your records after the work is complete.

What Is a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES)?

The Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) officially proves that electrical work meets safety standards. Many people call it an Electrical Certificate of Compliance, but in Victoria, the correct name is Certificate of Electrical Safety.

A COES helps prove that the work follows important safety rules, including:

  • Victorian electrical safety laws
  • Australian Standards
  • Energy Safe Victoria requirements

The certificate gives homeowners a clear record of the job. If you have eligible electrical work done, you should always receive a copy. It can help with safety, insurance, future repairs, and property records.

When Is a Certificate of Electrical Safety Required?

Not every electrical job is treated the same, but most electrical installation work in Victoria needs a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES). In simple terms, if a licensed electrician installs, changes, or replaces part of your electrical system, a certificate will usually be required.

Here are some common examples:

ELECTRICAL WORK COES REQUIRED?
Switchboard upgrade ✔ Yes
New power circuit ✔ Yes
EV charger installation ✔ Yes
Home rewiring ✔ Yes
Additional power points Usually yes (non-prescribed)
Replacing damaged wiring Usually yes

If you’re unsure, ask your electrician before work starts. A trusted electrician will explain whether your job needs a COES and what type applies.

What Is Prescribed Electrical Work?

Prescribed electrical work is higher-risk electrical work that needs extra checks in Victoria. It requires a Prescribed Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) and must be inspected by a Licensed Electrical Inspector.

Examples can include:

  • Main switchboards
  • Consumer mains
  • High-voltage equipment
  • Major electrical installations
  • Certain commercial installations

This extra inspection provides proof that the work is safe and follows Victorian regulations.

Since these jobs involve important parts of an electrical system, mistakes can create serious safety risks. The inspection helps protect homeowners, businesses, and anyone using the property after the work is complete.

What Is Non-Prescribed Electrical Work?

Non-prescribed electrical work is the more common, everyday type of electrical work done around homes and small businesses. It still needs to be completed by a licensed electrician and usually requires a Non-Prescribed Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES).

Examples can include:

  • Installing additional power points
  • Replacing or adding light switches
  • Lighting replacements
  • Minor electrical repairs
  • Small electrical additions

Unlike prescribed work, non-prescribed work usually does not need an independent inspection by a Licensed Electrical Inspector. Your electrician completes the work, issues the certificate, and makes sure it meets the required safety standards.

What Is Periodic Electrical Work?

Periodic electrical work covers the regular electrical maintenance performed under an ongoing service arrangement. It is more common for businesses than homes, especially where electrical systems require routine checks and repairs.

A Periodic Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) may be used for:

  • Commercial buildings
  • Multi-site maintenance
  • Regular scheduled electrical servicing
  • Ongoing repair or maintenance work

This type of certificate is useful when the same electrician or contractor is carrying out approved maintenance over time, rather than issuing a separate certificate for every small task. It helps keep records clear while still showing the work has been completed safely and properly.

Who Issues the Certificate of Electrical Safety?

A Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) is completed by the licensed electrician who does the electrical work. However, the Registered Electrical Contractor is responsible for issuing and lodging the certificate.

This means they must ensure the paperwork is handled properly and submitted through the right process.

Homeowners should always receive a copy of the COES after eligible electrical work is finished. This provides proof that the job was completed safely and meets the required standards.

If you need help from a licensed Melbourne electrician, choose one who clearly explains the certificate process.

What Are the COES Deadlines?

There are important deadlines for a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) in Victoria. These help make sure the work is properly recorded and easy to check later.

Key deadlines include:

  • Customer copy: You must receive your copy within 30 days after the work is completed or tested.
  • Energy Safe Victoria lodgement: The certificate must be lodged through Energy Safe Victoria’s designated system.

This lodgement creates an official compliance record for the electrical work. It also helps protect homeowners if questions, faults, insurance issues, or property sale checks come up in the future.

Why Is a COES Important for Homeowners?

A Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) is more than just paperwork. It gives you proof that eligible electrical work has been completed safely by a licensed electrician.

For homeowners, a COES can help because it:

  • Confirms the work meets Australian Standards
  • Shows the job follows legal requirements
  • May support insurance claims if an issue happens later
  • Provides useful records for future property sales
  • Gives peace of mind that the work has been checked and documented

Keeping a copy is a smart idea. It can protect you now and make things easier if you sell, renovate, or need repairs later.

Should You Ask for a Certificate After Electrical Work?

Yes. If you have eligible electrical work done, it is always worth asking for a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES). A reputable licensed electrician should provide one automatically when required.

You should especially ask about a COES for:

  • Renovations
  • Switchboard upgrades
  • EV charger installation
  • New electrical circuits
  • Home rewiring

A COES gives you proof that the work was completed safely and correctly. If you are unsure whether older work was checked properly, booking an electrical safety check in Melbourne can help give you peace of mind.

Stay Safe and Get the Right Certificate

A Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) is an important part of electrical compliance in Victoria. It proves that eligible electrical work has been completed and properly recorded.

Prescribed, non-prescribed, and periodic electrical work each have different certificate rules, so it is important to use a licensed electrician who understands the process.

A qualified contractor will ensure the work is done safely, lodged correctly with Energy Safe Victoria, and backed by the right documents.

Need help with electrical work at your home or business? Contact Canny Electrics on 1300 522 446 or send an enquiry.