Retailer's role in electrical safety

If you are not a 'responsible supplier' for in-scope electrical equipment, but are the second or subsequent supplier in the supply chain, you must:

  • source the equipment from a responsible supplier registered on the EESS Registration Database
  • search the EESS Registration Database (for Level 2 and Level 3) to ensure the equipment is registered and linked to the registered responsible supplier
  • ensure the equipment has a Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM).

Examples of second or subsequent supplier in the supply chain of in-scope electrical equipment are:

  • wholesalers
  • retailers
  • online sellers
  • electrical contractors.

Displaying information at the point of sale

If you sell certain electrical equipment in a retail setting that needs to be installed by a licensed electrician, you must display point-of-sale signs relating to electrical equipment and safety. This requirement also applies to online stores.

You must display 'Don't DIY' warning signs if you sell certain types of products such as:

  • fixed-wired electrical equipment
    • air conditioners
    • stoves
    • ovens
    • electric hot water systems
    • ceiling fans
    • light fittings
  • electrical accessories
    • socket outlets
    • light switches
    • electrical cable
    • wall switches
    • plugs
    • cord extension sockets
  • electrical parts
    • electrical motors
    • switches
    • solenoids
    • elements.

Read more about electrical safety.

Sale of second-hand equipment

If you sell second-hand electrical equipment, you must ensure that it is sold with information about how to use it safely.

You should access the manufacturer's website to obtain a copy of instructions, if the original information is not available. If you cannot find copies of the original manufacturer's usage instructions, you must provide electrical safety advice for the equipment. This should include, as a minimum:

  • safe operating instructions
  • care and maintenance instructions required to maintain electrical safety
  • any specific safety instructions relevant to the equipment.

Electrical safety advice

If your business sells second-hand electrical equipment, you must inform buyers in writing if it has not been tested.

Testing of second-hand electrical equipment is not required but you may choose to have tests done by a licensed qualified electrical worker. Test results should be given to the buyer.

If the buyer conducts a business that deals in repairing or reconditioning second-hand electrical equipment, the seller of the second-hand equipment to that business is not required to test the equipment or advise that it has not been tested.

Also consider...

  • Last reviewed: 1 Aug 2019
  • Last updated: 6 Aug 2019