In electrical work, job titles matter. Call out the wrong level of electrician, and you’re looking at delays, rework, or even rejected permits.
Level 1 and Level 2 aren’t just labels; they define what an electrician is legally allowed to do. And if your project touches anything from grid connections to switchboards, knowing the difference could save you thousands.
This isn’t a deep dive into licensing. It’s a straight answer to one question: “Which one do I actually need for this job?”
Level 1 vs Level 2: The One-Line Difference
Level 1 electricians work on what’s inside your property, circuit wiring, light installs, and appliance connections.
Level 2 electricians are licensed to work on the connection between your property and the power network, overheads, undergrounds, switchboard mains, and meters.
That’s it.
If your job involves touching the grid in any way, you’re in Level 2 territory. If it’s fully contained inside the site, it’s likely Level 1.
When You Need a Level 1 Electrician
If the power’s already flowing into your property, and the job is about how it’s distributed or used inside, that’s Level 1 work.
You’ll call a Level 1 electrician for:
- Installing or relocating lights, power points, or ceiling fans
- Running new circuits for appliances
- Diagnosing tripping breakers or faulty switches
- General internal wiring, maintenance, or safety checks
This covers most residential jobs, fit-outs, and small-scale commercial tasks. It’s hands-on work, but within the site boundary. No dealing with supply infrastructure. No coordination with energy providers.
You still need a licensed electrician, but not one with grid access credentials.
When You Need a Level 2 Electrician
The moment your job involves touching the incoming supply, it shifts to Level 2. This includes anything that connects your site to the wider electricity network.
Typical Level 2 work includes:
- Connecting or disconnecting properties from the grid
- Installing underground or overhead service lines
- Upgrading main switchboards or supply capacity
- Installing smart meters and handling load management
- Energising new builds, granny flats, or subdivided lots
This is regulated work. It’s not optional. Only ASP-accredited Level 2 electricians (like our team at Blue Ridge) are licensed to handle it in NSW.
If your job requires permission from your energy distributor, or if it sounds like something that could shut off power to more than just your home, you need a Level 2 electrician.
How to Know What You Need (Without Guessing)
Not every job is obvious. A lighting upgrade might seem simple, until it involves a switchboard capacity check. That’s where misfires happen.
Here’s a quick filter to avoid calling the wrong level:
Ask Yourself | Most Likely |
Is this job fully inside the property? | Level 1 |
Does it touch service lines, meters, or the supply grid? | Level 2 |
Am I building a new home, subdividing, or upgrading supply? | Level 2 |
Am I moving outlets, adding lights, or rewiring a room? | Level 1 |
Still unsure? Don’t guess. A short site visit can save you days of back-and-forth with the wrong contractor.
How Blue Ridge Handles Both, Without the Red Tape Headache
At Blue Ridge, we’re licensed for both Level 1 and Level 2 work. That means you don’t need to waste time figuring it out; we’ll assess the scope and send the right team from the start.
Whether you’re wiring a fit-out in Tweed Heads or connecting a new build in Terranora, we’ll:
- Review your job details
- Confirm the right classification
- Handle all required coordination with supply authorities (if Level 2)
- Deliver a fixed quote, no surprise extras
One call. One contractor. No chasing approvals mid-project.
One Job, One Right Call
In electrical work, it’s not about how qualified someone is; it’s about whether they’re qualified for your specific job.
Understanding the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 electricians helps you:
- Avoid compliance issues
- Stay on schedule
- Prevent wasted spend on rework or delays
At Blue Ridge Electrical, we’re licensed and equipped to handle both. So if you’re not sure what your job requires, we’ll figure it out fast.
Get in touch today, and we’ll match the right expertise to your job, no confusion, no compromise.
FAQs
Can a Level 2 electrician do Level 1 work?
Yes. Level 2 electricians are qualified for Level 1 tasks, but not the other way around.
How do I know if my job touches the grid?
If it involves supply lines, metering, or requires approval from your energy provider, it’s grid-related and needs a Level 2.
Is Level 2 more expensive?
Generally, yes. The work is more complex, the licensing is stricter, and it often involves coordination with supply authorities.
What if I’m still unsure which level I need?
Contact us. We’ll review the job and tell you straight, no obligation.
