Thread: Illegality of repairing electrical equipment

Originally Posted by m2c1Iw

Wow, 21 posts already the wires are running too hot better call an electrician

BTW who will support my push for legislating against DIY motor vehicle repairs

Why stop there?!?

I'll support your push for making DIY motor vehicle repairs illegal.

You can support my push for making DIY boatbuilding and repairs illegal.

Anything to do with building trades now, you need a license. I make staircases, kitchens, benches and doors in my workshop, I can't install them, I've gotta have a licensed tradie to do the installation.

If we're not careful we'll soon need a license to take a crap.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

So as usual a group of members who don't agree with our laws, especially immigrants who come from countries where apparently it is legal to do your wiring, decided to stir again.

I would just like to point out, in case anyone is worried that I maybe one of those "immigrants" ... given I have an Illinois location and all.... I am a third generation Australian originally from Western Australia. I have been here in the USA for 3 years and do intended to live in Australia. (I'm over here because of my wife's work, she is a Australian scientist posted over here) I find it intriguing to compare standards and accepted practises from around the world. You should have seen some of the electrical work I saw in Mexico!! Sheesh!!!!

Originally Posted by Frank&Earnest

The reason the voltage is not mentioned is because you can indeed do electrical work yourself provided you do not endanger yourself and others.

That is an extremely irresponsible statement. It is illegal to do your own prescribed electrical work. If you read the rest of the act you will find that ELV (Extra Low Voltage) i.e. 12V is not prescribed electrical work so it can be done by anyone. Work on appliances is prescribed so it can only be carried out by those holding the appropriate licence (unrestricted or appliance repairer)

I should say that this is purely my understanding of the law and i am in no way an expert. The laws vary from state to state but not by a large degree.
I agree, the act and the wiring regulations are very confusing but individual interpretaions should not be stated as fact. (I can feel another thread topic coming on)

For the record i hold an unrestricted wiring licence in Vic and a Qualified Supervisors certificate in NSW.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

So as usual a group of members who don't agree with our laws, especially immigrants who come from countries where apparently it is legal to do your wiring, decided to stir again.

So like SilentC said elsewhere "Are any of my points hitting home, or am I just wasting my breath?"

As I said in my opening post normally I don't participate in electrical type of threads anymore as I will not debate the relative merits of our existing laws, I just wanted to correct an incorrect view held by some members.

So I will not participate anymore in this discussion, especially since Toolin Around feels it appropriate to question my integrity by suggesting that I endanger life whilst driving or cheat on my taxes.


Peter.

Sorry if you feel that I was questioning your integrity. Everyone speeds and it endangers lives - there is no debating this. But we do it anyways because we can and it's done so much no one cares. Everyone also conveniently forgets to put all there income on their tax return. It's another area where everyone does it - but again it's an accepted form of illegal activity. But for some reason the law alwasy comes up as to why you shouldn't do anything that's remotely electrical related...

It's obvious the electic shocks kills far far less than driving over the speed limit does but for some reason people get all bent out of shape with doing even the minorist repair to a appliance... saying don't you dare it illegal. And I don't get why.

Originally Posted by Toolin Around

It's obvious the electic shocks kills far far less than driving over the speed limit does but for some reason people get all bent out of shape with doing even the minorist repair to a appliance...

I'm pleased someone has actually read the statistics I wrote in the "other thread". I'm pleased it wasn't a complete waste of time!

I'm not sure why this thread has been started as a separate thread when it is a response to the "other" thread?

It all comes down to giving advice. Yes we all speed, yes we all understate our incomes, yes we all do our own wiring when nobody is looking. All three are illegal, all three cop penalties if you are caught. The only difference is that no-one on here is giving people practical advice that is encouraging people to lie about their income or break the speed limit.

I don't get why people don't get that...

I bought a valve guitar amp that I'm going to modify.

(Don't tell anybody o.k.)

Cool craigb
I might be able to not give you some help and advise on that. I build my own valve amps.

Originally Posted by sundancewfs

Cool craigb
I might be able to not give you some help and advise on that. I build my own valve amps.

Thanks, I'll keep your intention not to give me any advice in mind.

Valves! Pfft, they went out with The Mavis Bramston Show, didn't they?

Actually, it's funny waiting for the amp to warm up. Reminds me of the olden days when you'd turn the telly on and wait for the picture and sound.

It's all instant gratification in this digital age isn't it?

Has it got a spring reverb in it? They make a lovely sound if you try to move the amp while it's turned on. Fender Chorus

Is there a difference between advice and information.

I know I always want to see what the tradie is up to. I'm interested OK. I might learn something that I can apply to something that I am allowed to do.

A technique, a tool, a safety measure that I might not have thought of.

I Also like to be across the why's and wherefores so I can talk intelligently to a tradie so I give them some sort of indication of what needs doing or what exactly needs fixing.

Surely all this information can contribute to a better informed purchaser and a more intelligent world ... that's why I'm on the forums ... if I can't find the info here that I want I'll just keep looking til I find it.

adios amigos

I have collected some great information from these two threads but I now think it's burnt itself out and I feel there will be arguments and interpretations of the law til the cows come home and people will still be after some intelligent information with regard to 240v and will look here or elsewhere.

Here is some of the fun you can have with tubes/valves... seeing as it is a wood working forum.... Oh and I also did all the covering and the electronics as well. It is a 5F6A 1959 Fender Bassman clone (not a kit either I purchased all the individual components and made the turrent board and all. The finised amp is pictured with my Scot Wise guitar ( a luthier from Margaret River WA)