Display of Electrical Contractor’s Licence Number FAQs

The Electrical (Licensing) Regulations 1991 (WA) regulation 45 requires an electrical contractor to ensure that their electrical contractor’s licence number is conspicuously displayed at the principal place of business and in any advertisement advertising their electrical contracting business. It is an offence to fail to comply with the Regulations. To assist with compliance we have compiled answers to common questions. 

1. What is considered as an advertisement? 
An advertisement can be, but not limited to, a newspaper advertisement, radio or television advertisement or flyers, web pages, business cards, signage on vehicles, buildings or directional signs, statements, business letterheads and similar papers. If the purpose of the advertisement is to attract customers and raise awareness to your electrical contracting business, your EC number may be required to be displayed on the advertising material. 

2. How to display the EC number correctly in an advertisement?
The display of an electrical contractor’s licence in an advertisement must contain the following.
•    The prefix EC; and 
•    A six-digit number (excluding leading zeros). 
An example of an electrical contractor’s licence should look like this: EC 1234 or EC 123456. 

Guidelines from Building and Energy state that the size of the lettering should be no less than 50% of the largest lettering used in the advertisement and should be a part of the main body of the advertisement. 

Each piece of advertisement is to be treated separately. For example, an advertisement on the front of the vehicle is different from the one at the back, and the one at the side of the vehicle. Further information on the inclusion of licence numbers for an electrical contractor can be found here.

3. What if electrical work is only a part of the services my business is offering? 
The Regulation does not distinguish between businesses which are solely electrical contractors and those which offer services other than electrical contracting services. If a business holds an electrical contractor's licence, then this Regulation will apply. If you are unsure whether or not to display your EC number on an advertisement, please contact ECA Legal on 6241 6129 for further clarification. 

Disclaimer: This summary is a guide only and is not legal advice. For more information, call ECA Legal on 6241 6129 or email ecalegal@ecawa.org.au.