Do I need an electrician for plug-in solar?

The whole idea of plug-in solar is that an ordinary person can set it up, the same way you plug in a fridge. The draft WA standard is written that way: it defines an “ordinary person” as someone who is not a licensed electrician, and requires kits to come with pre-assembled cables that an ordinary person can connect (clauses 3.1 and 6.2.1). But the draft also has firm points where it says to stop and call a licensed electrician. Plug-in solar is not legal in WA yet, so none of this applies until the rules are final.

Will the final rules make an electrician check compulsory?

Nobody knows yet. Question 2 of the consultation paper asks: “Before using a plug-in generator, should the TBS require that an electrician first assesses the integrity, protection and suitability of the electrical installation?” The answer will shape TBS version 2, expected by February 2027.

The paper also shows which way the government is leaning for now. It says: “Instead of mandatory electrical inspections, the proposal currently is to look at intrinsically safe options at the device level through a range of different tests.” In plain terms, the plan is to make the kit itself safe for older wiring, so a home inspection is not needed. That could change after submissions.

The FAQ is more cautious. It says: “It is possible consumers would still benefit from an inspection by a licensed electrician”, pointing to sockets and wiring.

When does the draft say to call an electrician?

The draft tells manufacturers to warn you in these cases:

• Old or unclear switchboard. “Where the switchboard does not use modern protective devices, is not clearly labelled, or is of unknown condition, users must be advised to seek inspection and assessment by a licensed electrician before installing the product” (clause 8.3.3).
• Doubtful sockets. The kit “must not be connected to damaged, degraded, or non-compliant socket-outlets”, and you should get a licensed electrician to inspect if there is “any doubt regarding the condition of the installation” (clause 8.3.1).
• Any change to wiring. “Any necessary testing and modifications of the building’s electrical system (‘installation’) must only be performed by licensed electricians in accordance with the Wiring Rules” (clause 8.3.2).
• Changes to the circuit. If connecting the kit needs any change to the final circuit, the maker must state that only a licensed electrician can do it (clause 8.3.2).

The draft also says makers must advise you to check that your wiring “is equipped with modern residual current protection (RCBO and RCD) and is in good condition” (clause 8.3.2).

How can I tell if my switchboard is modern?

The draft describes two modern layouts (clause 8.3.3):

Layout	What you see
RCBO per circuit	Each circuit has its own combined safety switch and circuit breaker, each with its own on/off switch.
MCB per circuit with shared RCD	Each circuit has its own circuit breaker, and one or more safety switches upstream protect a group of circuits.

If your board has neither, has no clear labels, or you do not know its condition, the draft says get a licensed electrician to look before you use a kit. The kit’s instructions may include pictures to help you tell switchboard types apart (clause 8.3.3, note). Do not open or take covers off a switchboard yourself.

WA law already sets a minimum for many homes. Residential premises that are sold, rented or hired must have all socket outlet and lighting circuits protected by at least two RCDs, under the Electricity Regulations 1947. Homes built after 1 January 2019 must have RCD protection on all circuits, under the 2018 Wiring Rules. Older homes that have not changed hands may have less.

Why does the type of safety switch matter?

Some safety switches may not trip properly if a fault leaks DC current into the circuit. The consultation paper says the draft’s DC leakage limit “may not be low enough to prevent blinding of type AC RCDs common in Australian switchboards.” Western Power notes that type AC RCDs must not be installed in Australia from 30 April 2023, with type A required instead.

My reading is that a switchboard with safety switches fitted before 2023 could well have type AC units. Until the testing the paper describes is done, that is a good reason to ask an electrician what you have. The paper lists testing on how plug-in systems affect “ageing electrical installations” as part of the work before the standard is final. More on plug-in solar safety.

What does “identifying circuits” mean?

The draft requires kit instructions to give you guidance to “identify which socket-outlets are supplied by the same circuit and advising when to consult a licensed electrician” (clause 9.2, test for clause 8.3.3). A circuit is a group of power points protected by one breaker in the switchboard. My reading is that knowing which sockets share a circuit helps you avoid putting the kit on a circuit that already runs heavy loads. The draft does not set a rule on which circuit to use. SolarQuotes has raised overcurrent on existing circuits as an open question.

What electrical work can only a licensed electrician do in WA?

Electrical work needs a licence. My reading is that plugging in an appliance is not electrical work, but changing anything in the fixed wiring is. The WA Government’s electrical safety guide says “It is also illegal for an unlicensed person to carry out electrical work”, and that this covers “modifications to fixed wiring”. It also says you “should never replace fittings and switches yourself”.

So for a plug-in kit, a licensed electrician must do any of these:

• adding or moving a power point, for example an outdoor socket near the balcony
• replacing a worn or damaged socket
• upgrading or changing the switchboard, or adding safety switches
• testing the home’s wiring

For most electrical work, the contractor “must give you an electrical safety certificate within 28 days”. Licensed contractors have licence numbers starting with EC and electricians with EW, and you can check a licence online through the WA Government’s licence search.

Is there anything I can do now?

You can look at your switchboard, without taking any covers off, and see whether the circuits are clearly labelled. If they are not, or you cannot tell what kind of devices you have, that is the case where the draft says to get an electrician. If you plan to make a submission, question 2 is the one about electricians: see have your say. Electrician listings for plug-in solar checks will go on the electricians page once the rules are final.