Split System Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Installation

AC installation requires two primary qualifications: an ARCtick Refrigerant Handling Licence (either full RAC01 or restricted RSS03 for single-head splits under 18kW), and appropriate state electrical credentials. Electrical licence requirements vary by state - VIC requires A-Grade or REL plus VBA Mechanical Services registration, QLD requires REWL (with limited scope), WA/SA allow REL holders to install fixed cables up to 4kW. A White Card is required for construction sites (face-to-face only in Victoria), and Working at Heights certification is needed for installations above 2 metres (3m in SA until July 2026).

An SWMS is legally required when the AC installation involves high-risk construction work as defined in WHS Regulations Section 291. This includes: work at heights above 2 metres (wall-mounted outdoor units, roof installations), work on or near energised electrical installations, work in confined spaces (ceiling cavities), or work on refrigerant lines. Most split system installations will trigger at least one of these categories. Note: SA currently uses a 3m fall threshold but will align to 2m from 1 July 2026.

RAC01 is the full Refrigeration and Air Conditioning licence allowing installation, service, maintenance, and repair of any refrigeration/AC system. RSS03 is a restricted licence only permitting installation and decommissioning of single-head split systems under 18kW. Critically, RSS03 holders cannot service, repair, maintain, or add refrigerant to a system after the initial installation - they must refer this work to a RAC01 licence holder. This is a national scheme administered by ARCtick.

Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) allows many licence holders to work interstate automatically, but there are critical exceptions: Queensland has NOT joined the AMR scheme - interstate workers must apply through traditional Mutual Recognition. Western Australia has exempted electrical licensing from AMR until 2027 - electricians must apply separately. Victoria requires face-to-face White Card training only (interstate online cards not accepted). ACT has exempted construction licences from AMR until July 2027. Always verify requirements with the destination state regulator before commencing work.

Each state has different electrical compliance certificate requirements: NSW requires CCEW within 7 days; VIC requires COES (Certificate of Electrical Safety) plus VBA Compliance Certificate for mechanical services ≥$750; QLD requires Certificate of Testing and Compliance; WA requires Electrical Safety Certificate; SA requires eCoC (electronic Certificate of Compliance) before energisation; TAS requires CEC notification to TechSafe within 3 days; NT requires Certificate of Compliance (hard copy only for AMR workers); ACT follows similar requirements to NSW.

The ACT has unique requirements due to the "Mr Fluffy" loose-fill asbestos legacy. Before ANY ceiling, wall cavity, or subfloor work, you MUST check the Affected Properties Register at loosefillasbestos.act.gov.au. Additionally, ACT mandates specific asbestos training: 11084NAT (Asbestos Awareness) for ALL construction workers and 11348NAT (Working Safely with ACM) for AC/refrigeration trades. Training from before January 2008 is not accepted. Do NOT penetrate cavities without a Class A asbestos assessor if the property is affected.

Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act, handling refrigerant without an ARCtick licence attracts penalties up to $3,300 for individuals. Unlawfully venting refrigerant to atmosphere carries penalties up to $66,600 for individuals or $333,000 for corporations. Penalties were increased under 2024 amendments from 10 to 50 penalty units. Additionally, unlicensed work may void equipment warranties and insurance coverage. State electrical regulators can also impose penalties for unlicensed electrical work.

Yes. Western Australia has a mandatory requirement that mains power must be switched OFF before ANY worker enters the roof space of residential buildings (Class 1, 2 or 10a). This applies to ALL workers, not just electricians. This requirement was implemented following a fatal electrocution of an AC installer in 2020. Always isolate power at the main switchboard and verify isolation before roof space entry in WA.