What Is a CCEW?
A Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) is a legal document issued by a licensed electrical contractor certifying that the electrical work they have performed complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000 (the Wiring Rules) and all applicable NSW regulations.
The CCEW is not optional paperwork — it is a requirement under the NSW Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 and the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2006. Every piece of electrical work completed in NSW by a licensed contractor must be accompanied by a CCEW, regardless of how small or straightforward the job appears.
Think of the CCEW as your proof of compliance. It is the electrical equivalent of a building compliance certificate — a record that the work was done to the required standard by a qualified person.
Who Issues a CCEW?
A CCEW must be issued by the licensed electrical contractor who carried out the work — not a subcontractor or labourer, but the licence holder responsible for the job. In NSW, electrical contractor licences are issued by NSW Fair Trading. The licence holder's name and licence number appear on the certificate.
The contractor certifies on the CCEW that they have tested the work, that it complies with the relevant standards, and that it is safe to energise. By signing the certificate, they take professional and legal responsibility for the quality of the work.
What Information Appears on a CCEW?
A properly completed CCEW contains the following information:
- The contractor's name, licence number, and contact details
- The address where the work was carried out
- A description of the electrical work performed
- The date the work was completed
- A declaration that the work complies with AS/NZS 3000 and all applicable regulations
- Test results (for example, insulation resistance readings and RCD test times)
- The contractor's signature
When Must a CCEW Be Issued?
A CCEW must be issued for all electrical work other than certain minor maintenance tasks — such as replacing a like-for-like light globe, a fuse element, or an access cover. Any work that involves installing, altering, or repairing electrical wiring, fittings, or equipment requires a CCEW.
Common jobs that require a CCEW include: installing new power points or light fittings; upgrading or modifying a switchboard; installing an air conditioner, oven, or dishwasher circuit; running new circuits for EV chargers or solar systems; and any level 2 network connection work.
The contractor is required to give you the CCEW on completion of the work, not weeks later. If they leave without providing it, follow up immediately. Persistent failure to issue a CCEW is a serious breach of licensing conditions that can be reported to NSW Fair Trading.
What If the Electrician Does Not Give You a CCEW?
An electrician who fails to issue a CCEW is in breach of their licensing obligations under NSW law. This is not a minor administrative issue — it is a red flag that suggests either the work was not tested properly, the contractor is unlicensed, or they are cutting corners.
If you do not receive a CCEW, first request it in writing. If the contractor does not respond, you can lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading, who have the power to investigate, issue penalties, and suspend or revoke licences.
All electricians in the Connect Electric network are contractually required to issue a CCEW on every job. If you engage a tradesperson through our platform and do not receive a certificate, contact us and we will follow up on your behalf.
Why Do You Need a CCEW?
The CCEW serves several practical purposes beyond legal compliance. It is your evidence that the work was performed by a licensed contractor and tested to the required standard. This matters for your home insurance — policies typically require electrical work to be done by a licensed tradesperson, and the CCEW is the proof.
When you sell your home, conveyancers and solicitors increasingly ask for CCEWs for any recent electrical work. A buyer's building inspector may also request them. Having your certificates on file makes the sale process smoother and demonstrates that the property has been properly maintained.
For landlords, CCEWs are essential documentation. A property manager or tenant can request evidence of compliance for any electrical work carried out during the tenancy, and the CCEW is the definitive record.
How Long Should You Keep Your CCEW?
Keep your CCEWs for the life of the property. There is no statutory minimum retention period in NSW, but the certificate documents the condition of the installation at the time the work was done. If a fault develops years later, the CCEW may be relevant to any insurance claim or dispute.
Store physical copies in a home file alongside other property documents (building approvals, pool compliance certificates, etc.). If the contractor provides a digital certificate, save it to cloud storage so it cannot be lost.