Rebates and other incentives are available through the Solar Homes and Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programs to help households upgrade their hot water system with a high-efficiency hot water system, such as a heat pump hot water system.
This fact sheet provides further information to support hot water installers’ understanding in these programs of relevant safety and industry standards where electrical work is required.
Who can disconnect and make safe the wiring associated with the decommissioning of an existing hot water service
An A-class electrician working under a registered electrical contractor (REC) can disconnect and make safe the wiring associated with the decommissioning of an existing electric hot water service.
Who can install wiring and electrical equipment associated with the installation of a new hot water service
The installation of wiring and electrical equipment, such as residual current operated circuit breaker with overcurrent protection (RCBO) and the isolator for a hot water service, must be carried out by a person who holds an A-class electrical license working under an REC. This includes the installation and the connection of any interconnecting wiring between units.
Who can carry out the disconnection and reconnection of electrical wiring associated with the replacement of an existing hot water service with a new hot water service
A person who holds a Restricted Electrical Worker’s licence (REL) can replace a hot water system that is to be installed in the same location and is of the equivalent or lesser power rating of the existing hot water system.
A REL is not permitted to install or alter any installation wiring, including any interconnecting wiring between units. A REL cannot move or extend any wiring or install a power outlet for a plug-in hot water system.
As with new hot water system installation, an A-class electrician working under an REC can carry out the full installation of a replacement hot water service, including altering, upgrading or replacing any wiring.
Standards
When wiring a hot water service the following key requirements of AS/NZS3000:2018 AMDT 3 (The Australian New Zealand Wiring Rules) must be considered:
- Manufacturer specifications - Clause 4.1.2 (e) a hot water service must be installed in accordance with the requirements of chapter 4, including any additional requirements as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
This means that if the manufacturer’s specifications require the hot water service to be installed on a dedicated circuit then this must be adhered to. Further, if the manufacturer specifies a particular cable size over and above AS/NZS3000 or AS/NZS3008, this must also be adhered too. - Consumer Mains Protection against Overcurrent - The addition of load to an installation, such as installing a hot water service, often triggers the requirement to protect the consumer mains against over current.
Two common ways of protecting the consumer mains are by installing a main switch circuit breaker at the main switchboard as per clause 2.5.1.2(b) or by installing a current limiting device directly after the main switch. - Isolator - Clause 4.8 requires hot water services to be provided with an isolating switch that is installed adjacent to, but not on the unit itself. The isolating switch must be lockable and meet all the requirements of clause 2.3.2.2. The isolator must isolate all parts of the system.
- Hot water system final sub-circuit - Clause 2.6.3.2.2 requires all final sub-circuits in a domestic installation be protected by a residual current device (RCD). A hot water service is included in this requirement
Non-Prescribed Certificates of Electrical Safety
A non-prescribed certificate of electrical safety (COES) must be completed when:
- the disconnection of any existing hot water system which involves the disconnection and making safe of the electrical wiring associated with the supply to that hot water system
- a hot water service (either a replacement or new unit) is installed.
The COES must describe all electrical installation work carried out. This includes the wiring supplying the hot water system and any electrical equipment such as circuit breakers, RCD’s and Isolators.
If the installation of a main switch circuit breaker is required, due to the installation of a new hot water service as previously mentioned, the works can be carried out as a single component replacement part of prescribed work as per regulation 249 (4) (b) of the Electrical Safety (General) Regulations 2019 (ESGR) and be included on the non-prescribed certificate of electrical safety.
Who can replace an existing main switchboard
The replacement of an existing switchboard must be carried out by a person who holds an A-class electrical license working under a REC.
Prescribed Certificates of Electrical Safety
As the replacement of an existing main switchboard and its circuit protective devices are deemed to be prescribed electrical installation work under regulation 249 (b) of the ESGR, the person responsible for carrying out the electrical installation work must complete and sign a prescribed certificate of electrical safety and then engage a licensed electrical inspector to inspect the switchboard before the switchboard can be reconnected to the electricity supply.
Links
- Never work live
- Electrical apprentice supervision guidelines
- Information relating to Regulation 249(4)(b) of the Electrical Safety (General) Regulations 2019 (ESGR)
- Victorian Building Authority heat pump hot water installation compliance
- Solar Homes Program hot water audit checklist
- Victorian Energy Upgrades program
This guidance was produced through a collaboration with other agencies to improve compliance with industry and safety standards.
Date: 24/03/2025 10:55
The currency and accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed once printed or saved to a storage device. If in doubt, please check the Energy Safe Victoria website for the current version.
Reviewed