Updating or replacing appliances in your home is an essential part of maintenance and renovations. However, it’s crucial to determine whether you can complete the installation work yourself or if you need to hire a licensed electrician.
If not done correctly, improperly installing an appliance with high electrical demands can pose serious safety risks. For example, Australia has strict regulations on how much space is needed around cooktops.
In this blog post, we will outline the electrical safety regulations surrounding the installation of common household appliances and determine which requires professional electrician work versus simpler DIY swaps you can do independently. Understanding when specific installations legally require a permit and expertise is essential to ensure your appliance upgrades are done safely and up to code. Let’s start by considering why safety should always be the top priority with any electric work.
When is an Electrician Required for Appliance Installation?
Certain home appliances require special precautions and expertise to install due to their electrical complexity or power needs. In many areas, an electrician permit is legally mandated for high-voltage installations.
Safety is the top concern when it comes to household electrical work. Improperly installed appliances can cause shock, fire or damage to property if wiring is incorrect. An electrician has the experience and certification to complete the setup safely.
As general guidelines, any appliance requiring:
- 240-volt electricity (usually major appliances like electric ovens or dryers)
- Hardwiring into the home’s electrical system
- A cable capable of 30 amps or more of power
- Only a licensed electrician should handle this. They will ensure proper grounding, adequate circuit sizing, and compliance with local codes.
It’s also advisable to contact your municipality’s permitting department to verify electrician requirements. Residential electrical work carried out by an unauthorised person could result in code inspector visits or void home insurance policies.
Major Appliances that Typically Require an Electrician
An electrician is generally needed when upgrading your home’s "big four" appliances due to higher voltage needs. These appliance installations are more complex to install and wire correctly.
Gas or Electric Stoves or Ovens
Stove and electric oven installations require 240-volt wiring and hardwiring into the home’s electrical system. Gas lines or gas cooktops also need certified installation to avoid leaks or Carbon Monoxide issues.
The precision required makes it best to leave these high-risk appliances to professional installers. With an electric one, your electrician will need to isolate the gas line and run new electrical wiring to power the new oven. Built-in single ovens generally weigh between 30 and 40kg, and double ovens up to 50 kilograms are wired into the mains within the wall cavity, so safely removing your old oven is a job for professionals.
Clothes Dryers
Like stoves, clothes dryers use 240 volts of power, which needs to be wired correctly by an expert. For safety, dryers also must be adequately ventilated outdoors. Electricians ensure all wiring and ventilation meet the code.
Dishwashers
While dishwashers operate on 120 volts, they still require hardwiring into the home circuit. An electrician can complete this task efficiently while ensuring the appliance doesn’t overload the circuit.
Built-In Refrigerators
Refrigerators are usually installed built-in beneath kitchen counters. This requires precision placement of vents, levelling and connecting to a water supply. Electricians possess the skills for a flawless, fully functional installation.
Appliances You May be Able to Install Yourself
Some smaller household appliances can be installed without an electrician if you adhere to basic safety precautions. Countertop appliances like toasters, microwaves, coffee makers and blenders typically need a standard three-prong outlet.
They don’t require hardwiring or high voltages. Freestanding refrigerators and portable dishwasher units can also usually be set up by a homeowner as they are not permanently installed.
If you already have an electric oven outlet in your home, you won’t need an electrician to hook it up–unless you add a range hood. Review the manufacturer’s instructions, select a properly rated outlet, and do not attempt wiring modifications yourself.
Although 120-volt installations have a lower shock risk than 240-volt appliances, working with electricity outside your abilities is still unsafe. As always, consult local codes first and always feel free to call a professional if you have any doubts about your skills.
When in Doubt, Hire a Pro
Understanding the appliances that require professional installation by a qualified electrician is crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with electrical codes. Enersol Electrical is a reliable partner offering expertise and experience in installing a wide range of appliances. From intricate wiring for kitchen appliances or electric cooktop installation to installing advanced home automation systems, our skilled electricians are adept at handling diverse electrical needs.
When it comes to your home or business, entrusting the installation of appliances to Enersol Electrical guarantees a seamless and secure process. Our commitment to quality workmanship, safety protocol adherence, and customer satisfaction dedication sets us apart in the industry.
Our team can also carry out all required power supply upgrades or adjustments, including adding a power point or dedicated circuit for the new oven and installing it into the existing space if needed. Oven range hoods are wired into the home’s electrical system, and a qualified electrician should perform wiring work. We can also handle electrical requirements, such as power points for electric ignition systems for gas cooktops. We’ll make sure everything’s connected and working correctly.
If you are contemplating the installation of new appliances or require professional assistance with existing ones, don’t hesitate to reach out to Enersol Electrical. Our team is ready to provide personalised solutions tailored to your specific requirements.