In the scorching heat of Victoria, you will inevitably need to make an investment in a cooling system. Do your homework before making a purchase if you decide to get an air conditioner. However, when it comes to installing an air conditioner, many people often wonder who is qualified to do the job. Can an electrician handle the task?

In Victoria, the installation of air conditioning systems falls under the jurisdiction of various regulations to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance. While it might seem logical to turn to an electrician for this task, the answer isn’t straightforward. Depending on the kind of air conditioner, you will need to work with a qualified professional to make sure every detail of the installation is taken care of.

If you have a split system air conditioning system, an electrician is qualified to install it or troubleshoot any problems. On the other hand, if your air conditioner runs on ducts, you need to hire a skilled HVAC technician for installation.

What Is A Split Air Conditioner System?

The two main units of a split system air conditioner are split, or separated, from one another, hence the name. One unit is located outside the structure, and the other is situated inside the space that needs to be cooled or heated.

The compressor coil box is located in the exterior unit, while the fan coil, air filter, and blower are located in the indoor unit. The split system’s advantages include its simplicity of installation. Moreover, its capacity to heat or cool an area without the need for ducting made it a preferable choice.

The indoor and outdoor units are connected by electrical wires and refrigerant lines. Because of these final two factors, installing ACs on your own is both unsafe and against the law for the majority of people.

Split system air conditioners need to be physically connected to the electrical circuit of the building. For a safe installation, further electrical work might also be necessary. It depends on the age of your house and the condition of the wiring.

For instance, a switchboard update could be necessary in an older home in order to operate a split system air conditioner securely. It’s always a good idea to make sure your switchboard is current and modern, although it can end up costing more than you initially anticipated.

Roles Of An Electrician In Air Conditioning Installation

• Your electrician (sparky) will evaluate the state of your home’s electrical system.
• After evaluation, the electrician will decide whether it is safe to move forward with the installation or not.
• At this point, only licensed electricians are permitted to hardwire the outdoor and indoor units into the house’s electrical circuit.
• The installation process entails assessing the strength of the wall and positioning the outdoor unit correctly. It also includes putting the unit at the proper height above the ground with the right tilt.
• The correct installation of the refrigerated lines is the other essential part of a safe and effective AC installation.
• Australia has strict regulations regarding the installation of refrigerants. So make sure the person installing your split system air conditioner has the necessary refrigeration license.
• Many of the refrigerants used in Australia are environmentally hazardous and must be handled carefully. Therefore, always remember to hire a professional.

HVAC Vs Air Conditioner

For the installation of split systems and other air conditioning systems, an electrician is qualified due to their training, expertise, and certification. However, depending only on an electrician to handle the entire installation of ducted air conditioning is not enough. It could not cover all the details required for a successful outcome.

Usually, ducted air conditioning is a more sophisticated type of air conditioning system. These are found in bigger homes, companies, or commercial institutions. HVAC technicians are skilled in ducting design, air handling units, refrigerant lines, and ventilation needs. So they are the people to call when you need help in installing, repairing, or maintaining a ducted air conditioner.

Licensing & Qualifications

In Victoria, specific licensing requirements govern who can perform certain types of electrical work. Electricians are typically licensed to perform electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance. However, when it comes to air conditioning installation, additional qualifications may be necessary.

Air conditioning installation often involves handling refrigerants, which can be hazardous if not managed correctly. In Victoria, technicians who handle refrigerants must hold a Refrigerant Handling License (RHL) issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC). This license demonstrates that the technician has undergone training in handling refrigerants safely.

The Major Functions Of An Electrician While Installing An Air Conditioner

Electrical Wiring and Connections:

• Electricians ensure that the electrical wiring from the main power supply to the air conditioner unit is correctly installed. They also check whether it meets all safety standards.
• They connect the air conditioner unit to the electrical circuit, ensuring proper voltage and current levels for safe operation.
• Electricians install appropriate circuit breakers or fuses to protect the air conditioner. This also prevents electrical hazards such as short circuits or overloads.

Voltage and Current Assessment

• Electricians assess the electrical capacity of the building. This evaluation ensures the accommodation of power requirements of the air conditioning system.
• They may need to upgrade the electrical panel or circuits if necessary to prevent overload and ensure reliable operation.

Grounding and Safety

• Proper grounding is essential to prevent electrical shocks and ensure the safety of occupants.
• Electricians install grounding systems for the air conditioner unit. It ensures that all electrical connections are properly insulated and secured to minimize the risk of electrical accidents.

Thermostat Installation and Wiring

• Electricians install and wire the thermostat, which serves as the control interface for the air conditioning system.
• They ensure that the thermostat is correctly positioned for accurate temperature sensing and seamless operation.

Testing and Commissioning

• Once the electrical components are installed, electricians perform comprehensive testing to ensure that the AC operates safely and efficiently.
• This includes testing voltage levels, current draw, and proper functioning of all electrical components.

Compliance with Regulations

• Electricians are well-versed in local regulations and building codes governing electrical installations.
• They ensure that the air conditioning installation complies with all relevant regulations to avoid penalties. It also ensures the safety and legality of the installation.
• They coordinate efforts to ensure that electrical and mechanical components are seamlessly integrated for optimal performance.
• They keep abreast of any modifications and specifications pertaining to local air conditioning installations.
• You can be sure that the installation will adhere to all applicable safety and legal regulations if you hire an electrician.

Selecting The Best Fit

• To get the best performance and energy efficiency out of your split system air conditioner, it is essential to choose the appropriate size and capacity.
• Undersized or oversized units may result in insufficient cooling, higher energy usage, and early system failure.
• Electricians are skilled in calculating loads and precisely determining how much cooling is needed for your space.
• They take into account things like the room’s size, the amount of insulation, heat-producing appliances, and the temperature in the area.
• They can suggest the ideal air conditioner size and capacity based on these computations.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Split system air conditioners can have electrical problems and malfunctions even when installed correctly.
• The expertise and experience of electricians allow them to identify and resolve electrical issues with split-system air conditioners.
• They can precisely pinpoint the source of problems since they have a thorough understanding of the system.
• Whether the issue is with an electrical circuit, a malfunctioning component, or a bad connection, electricians are qualified to diagnose and fix it.

Is It Possible For an Electrician To Install A Split System Air Conditioner?

Yes, but in order to finish the installation, you’ll also need someone with a refrigeration license. Your electrician may occasionally be a licensed refrigeration specialist as well. In this instance, you’re all set! To finish the installation, your selected electrician will typically have a refrigeration license on hand.

Additionally, for simple installations, such as window or portable air conditioners, where there are no refrigeration lines involved, an electrician may be sufficient. However, for more complex installations, such as split-system or ducted air conditioning, it’s advisable to hire a licensed technician.

Make sure the person installing your split system air conditioner has the necessary electrical and refrigeration licenses before hiring them. It is acceptable if there are two people or the same person holding both licenses! The person must hold both electrical and refrigeration qualifications.

* Summing Up

Engaging a certified expert is necessary to guarantee the safe and effective installation of your air conditioner in Victoria. Although electricians are adept at managing electrical tasks, installing air conditioning frequently entails refrigeration work, which calls for additional training. Thus, it’s imperative to hire a licensed technician with the required skills to complete the installation of an air conditioner. By doing this, you can make sure that your air conditioning system runs efficiently throughout Victoria’s sweltering summers.