Short answer: A Level 2 electrician is an electrician working for a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider (ASP), authorised in NSW to work on the connection between the electricity network and your home. That includes the overhead or underground service line, the service fuse, meters, and disconnecting and reconnecting supply. Blue Link Electrical Services is not Level 2 accredited. We’re a licensed electrical contractor working on your side of the meter and main switch.
“Do I need a Level 2?” is one of the most common questions we hear, usually when someone is renovating, moving a meter box or adding big loads. NSW splits electrical work into two worlds: work on the network side and work on the customer side. Knowing which side your job falls on saves time and avoids booking the wrong trade.
Licensed electrician vs Level 2 ASP
| Licensed electrician (e.g. Blue Link) | Level 2 Accredited Service Provider | |
|---|---|---|
| Who regulates it | NSW electrical licensing through Building Commission NSW | NSW ASP Scheme, run by the NSW Government |
| Where they work | Your home’s installation: switchboard, circuits, lights, power points, appliances | The connection to the network: service lines, service fuse, metering, connection and disconnection |
| Extra authorisation | Licence for electrical wiring work | ASP accreditation plus authorisation from the local distributor (Ausgrid in the Inner West) |
| Typical jobs | Switchboard upgrades, rewiring, lights, EV charger circuits, fault finding | New or upgraded service connections, moving the service line, meter installs, temporary disconnections |
The NSW Government’s ASP Scheme page explains that accredited service providers do contestable network work, and that there are three levels:
- Level 1: building network assets such as poles, overhead lines and underground cables
- Level 2: work on service lines connecting premises to the network, energising new or altered connections, disconnecting and reconnecting, and working on network-related devices such as the service protection device
- Level 3: designing network assets
Individual workers also need to be authorised by the local distributor before they can work on its network.
When you need a Level 2
You’ll generally need a Level 2 ASP if your job involves:
- upgrading your supply, such as single phase to three phase
- moving or replacing the overhead service line (the wire from the pole to your house) or the underground service
- relocating a meter box or the point of attachment, common in Inner West renovations and extensions
- replacing consumer mains where the network connection also needs to change
- installing, replacing or moving meters
- disconnecting and reconnecting supply so other work can go ahead, such as demolition or re-roofing
- a new connection for a new build, granny flat or separate supply
The NSW Government’s guide to installing or altering electricity supply explains that you’ll need to engage an accredited service provider for this kind of work and apply to the distributor.
When you don’t need a Level 2
Most household electrical work happens on your side of the main switch and needs a licensed electrician, not a Level 2. For example:
- switchboard upgrades where the meter and service stay where they are
- new circuits for an EV charger, induction cooktop or air conditioner
- lighting and power points
- smoke alarms and safety switches
- fault finding and rewiring inside the home
Sometimes a job needs both. A switchboard upgrade might also need the service fuse replaced, or a new EV charger might push you towards a supply upgrade. In that case, a licensed electrician does the internal work and a Level 2 ASP handles the network part.
Not sure which side of the meter your job falls on? Call 0421 772 661. We’ll look at the internal work and tell you honestly if you also need a Level 2. We don’t offer Level 2 services ourselves.
How to find and check a Level 2 ASP
- Ask for their ASP accreditation level and number. The NSW Government publishes information about accredited providers through the ASP Scheme.
- Confirm they are authorised by Ausgrid for the type of work, if you’re in Ausgrid’s area (which covers the Inner West).
- Ask who lodges the paperwork with the distributor and your retailer, such as the connection application and notification of service work.
- Check their electrical licence too, through Service NSW’s licence check.
Why Blue Link doesn’t do Level 2 work
We’d rather be upfront than overpromise. Level 2 work needs separate accreditation and distributor authorisation, and we don’t hold Level 2 accreditation. Our focus is the work inside your property: safe switchboards, wiring, lighting, EV charger circuits and fault finding. If your job crosses into Level 2 territory, we’ll say so before we quote.
For tips on choosing any electrician, see how to choose a licensed electrician in NSW. We work across Stanmore, Newtown, Enmore and the Inner West.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Level 2 electrician the same as a licensed electrician?
No. A Level 2 worker is usually a licensed electrician who also works for an accredited service provider and is authorised by the distributor to work on network connections. A regular licensed electrician works on the customer’s installation.
Is Blue Link Electrical Services Level 2 accredited?
No. Blue Link is a licensed electrical contractor (licence 332956C) and does not provide Level 2 services such as service mains, meters, poles or connection work.
Do I need a Level 2 for a switchboard upgrade?
Not always. If the meter, service fuse and consumer mains stay as they are, a licensed electrician can usually do the upgrade. If those need replacing or moving, a Level 2 ASP is also needed.
Who pays for Level 2 work?
In most cases the customer pays the ASP directly. Some network-side work may be funded differently, so ask the ASP and check the NSW Government’s guidance on altering supply.