The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) have joined forces to warn Victorians wanting to install and connect refrigerated air conditioning units.
Despite the temptation in warm weather, individuals trying to install a refrigerated air-conditioning unit can be dangerous.
The VBA’s State Building Surveyor, Andrew Cialini, said it was important to use a licensed practitioner to install the system, to ensure things are done properly, saving time and money.
“Installing a refrigerated air-conditioning system is not something you can do yourself, if you get it wrong the consequences could lead to damage to your property, or even be deadly,” he said.
“You must use a practitioner who is licensed in the appropriate class of plumbing to carry out the work to make sure things are done properly.”
ESV General Manager Electrical Safety & Technical Regulation, Ian Burgwin, said that installers were also required to be a licensed electrical worker.
“Any electrical work involved in the installation must hold an electrician’s licence (A grade). Some plumbers hold both plumbing and electrical licences,” he said.
“If they don’t, the tradesperson must engage a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC), licensed by Energy Safe Victoria.”
If refrigerated air-conditioning is being installed on upper-storey balconies, it’s important to consider the placement, protection or enclosure of the outdoor unit, to prevent children climbing on them which could result in tragic consequences.
After the work is completed, the plumber must provide a compliance certificate within five days of completion, which is required for all plumbing works costing $750 or more. The installer must also provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety if the installation includes electrical work.
A compliance certificate is evidence of certification by the licensed practitioner that the work carried out complies with the relevant standards, codes and regulations. It also provides a warranty for the installation for six years.
“Plumbing compliance certificates provide Victorians with a level of confidence that their plumber has the experience, qualification and insurance protection to complete the works,” Mr Cialini said.
