If you have received a defect notice from your electricity distributor, need a new connection, or have been told your switchboard upgrade requires “Level 2” work, you are probably wondering what a Level 2 electrician actually is and whether you need one. Here is a clear explanation of how it works in Victoria.
What Is a Level 2 Electrician?
A Level 2 electrician is an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) who is authorised to work on the electrical infrastructure between the street network and your meter box. This includes the service line (the cable running from the power pole or underground pit to your property), the service fuse, metering equipment, and the point of attachment to your building.
A standard licensed electrician (like us) can work on everything from your switchboard inward: your circuits, power points, lighting, appliances, and the switchboard itself. But the section between the street and the meter belongs to the electricity distributor’s network, and only a Level 2 ASP is authorised to touch it.
In Victoria, the electricity distributors that accredit Level 2 ASPs are Powercor, CitiPower, Jemena, AusNet Services, and United Energy. Your ASP must hold accreditation from the specific distributor that services your address.
When Do You Need a Level 2 Electrician?
You typically need a Level 2 ASP for the following situations:
Defect notices. If your electricity distributor has issued a defect notice on your service line, point of attachment, or metering, a Level 2 ASP is required to rectify the defect. Your regular electrician cannot do this work. Common defects include deteriorated service cables, damaged weatherheads, and non-compliant point-of-attachment fittings.
New connections. Connecting a new home, granny flat, or commercial premises to the electricity network requires a Level 2 ASP to install the service line and metering.
Supply upgrades. If you are converting from single-phase to three-phase power, or if your existing supply is undersized for your needs (common when adding solar, EV chargers, or heavy commercial equipment), a Level 2 ASP handles the supply upgrade with the distributor.
Meter relocations. Moving your electricity meter to a new position on the building, for example during a renovation or when adding a new switchboard location, requires Level 2 work.
Temporary supply. Construction sites, events, and temporary buildings that need a power connection from the grid require a Level 2 ASP to arrange the temporary supply.
Disconnection and reconnection. If supply needs to be temporarily disconnected for major electrical work or demolition, then reconnected afterward, a Level 2 ASP manages this process.
How Level 2 Work Fits with Your Switchboard Upgrade
This is where many Melbourne homeowners encounter Level 2 requirements for the first time. You call an electrician for a switchboard upgrade, and they tell you the incoming service cable also needs replacing, or the distributor requires a mains upgrade before the new switchboard can be energised.
In these cases, your electrician handles the switchboard work (everything from the main switch inward) and coordinates with a Level 2 ASP to handle the service-side work. At Carlin Co, we are a Level 2 accredited provider, which means we handle both sides of the job ourselves. You deal with one contractor, one quote, and one schedule, instead of coordinating between two separate trades.
What About the Electricity Distributor?
Your electricity distributor (CitiPower, Powercor, Jemena, AusNet, or United Energy, depending on your Melbourne address) owns and maintains the network up to the point of supply. They set the rules for what work requires Level 2 accreditation, and they inspect completed Level 2 work before energising the supply.
A Level 2 ASP submits applications and paperwork to the distributor on your behalf. This includes connection applications, supply alteration requests, and completion notices. The ASP manages the process so you do not have to deal with the distributor directly.
How to Check If Your Electrician Is Level 2 Accredited
Ask your electrician directly whether they hold Level 2 ASP accreditation from the relevant distributor for your area. A legitimate Level 2 provider will be able to tell you their accreditation number and which distributors they are registered with.
If your electrician is not Level 2 accredited, they will need to subcontract the Level 2 portion of the work to someone who is. This is common and perfectly legitimate, but it can add time and cost. Choosing an electrician who holds both a Registered Electrical Contractor licence and Level 2 accreditation means the entire job stays under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Level 2 electrician cost more than a standard electrician?
Level 2 work involves distributor fees, additional compliance requirements, and specialised equipment, so it does carry higher costs than standard electrical work. However, the Level 2 portion is usually a defined part of a larger job (such as a switchboard upgrade or new connection) and is quoted as part of the total. We always break out the Level 2 component in our quotes so you can see exactly what you are paying for. Distributor fees typically add $80 to $250 depending on the type of application.
Can any electrician do Level 2 work?
No. Only electricians who hold specific ASP accreditation from the relevant electricity distributor can perform Level 2 work. Working on the service line or metering without accreditation is illegal under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 (Vic) and can result in serious penalties. A standard Registered Electrical Contractor licence does not cover Level 2 work.
How long does Level 2 work take?
The physical work (replacing a service cable, upgrading a mains, relocating a meter) usually takes one day. However, the application and approval process with the electricity distributor can take one to four weeks depending on the complexity and the distributor’s current workload. We submit applications early to minimise delays and keep your project on track.
Need Level 2 electrical work in Melbourne? Carlin Co Electrical holds both REC 33210 licensing and Level 2 ASP accreditation. We handle the full scope of work from switchboard to street. Call 0432 632 346 or book online.
Related Electrical Services
Carlin Co is a licensed Level 2 electrician in Melbourne, handling meter box upgrades, switchboard upgrades, three-phase power installation, and mains connections. REC 33210. Call 0432 632 346.
Need an Electrician in Melbourne?
Carlin Co Electrical services all of Melbourne with licensed, insured electricians.
Get a Free QuoteOur Services