Hardwired electrical work needs a licensed electrician, while a gas connection needs an appropriately licensed gasfitter. Some oven and cooktop installations need both.
A factory-fitted flexible cord plug can connect to a suitable existing socket without becoming electrical work. That narrow exception does not permit outlet, circuit, cord or gas alterations.
Which trade matches each connection?
| Appliance or work | Who handles it? |
|---|---|
| Hardwired electric oven or cooktop | A licensed electrician disconnects, connects, tests or alters the fixed wiring and checks the electrical installation. |
| Factory-plug electric appliance | A householder may use a suitable existing socket when the manufacturer permits. An electrician is required if the socket, circuit, plug or cord needs work. |
| Gas oven or cooktop | A gas work licence holder whose scope covers installation connects, tests and certifies the gas work. |
| Gas appliance with fixed electrical work | The gasfitter handles the gas system and a licensed electrician handles the fixed electrical connection. |
| Cabinet, benchtop or ventilation changes | A suitable kitchen or building trade may be needed for that scope, but cannot perform licensed gas or electrical work without the required licence. |
Check the exact appliance instructions before assigning trades. Appearance alone does not reliably show the connection type or installation requirements.
When is an electrician required?
The Queensland Electrical Safety Office says appliances that need hardwiring must be connected by a licensed electrician.
Electrical work includes connecting or disconnecting fixed supply wiring. It also includes installing, testing, repairing or altering electrical equipment and installations.
An electrician is needed when the job involves:
- connecting or disconnecting a hardwired oven or cooktop
- installing, moving or replacing a socket outlet or isolation switch
- altering the circuit, wiring or switchboard
- repairing a damaged plug, flexible cord or electrical component
- testing an uncertain or damaged electrical connection
Do not remove covers to determine whether an appliance is hardwired. Use the model instructions and let the electrician inspect any uncertain connection.
What can be plugged into an existing socket?
Queensland's Electrical Safety Act excludes connection through a flexible cord plug and socket outlet from the definition of electrical work.
This applies only when the appliance has the intended factory-fitted plug and a suitable existing socket. It does not approve other installation details.
Stop if the outlet is loose, cracked, scorched or shows heat damage. Do not replace the plug, modify the cord or use an improvised adaptor.
What must a gasfitter do?
A suitably licensed gasfitter must connect, disconnect, alter, test and certify the gas installation. The licence must cover the actual work and appliance type.
Business Queensland explains that a gas servicing licence does not cover new installation or system alteration. Check the licence scope rather than relying on the trade name.
After applicable installation work, the gasfitter uses the RSHQ Portal to issue the owner or operator a gas system compliance certificate.
Read how Queensland gas compliance certificates work before the installation is booked.
What should be checked before buying the appliance?
Confirm the model before changing the cabinet, benchtop or services. Ask the relevant trades to check:
- the electrical or gas connection shown in the current instructions
- the existing circuit, socket and isolation arrangement
- the gas type, supply, isolation and appliance approval
- the opening, support, securing and accessible service clearances
- the ventilation arrangement and nearby combustible materials
- whether more than one trade must attend and in what order
For fuel-change planning, review what to check before replacing an electric cooktop with gas.
What can you safely prepare yourself?
You can record the model, read its instructions and clear safe access. You can also photograph visible connections without removing covers or disturbing services.
Do not cut a benchtop until the approved model, support and installation sequence are confirmed. A wrong opening can affect safe mounting and future servicing.
Do not disconnect gas, alter fixed wiring, test live equipment or commission the appliance. Read why gas appliance work is not a DIY task.
When should work stop?
If you smell gas, do not use flames, electrical switches or phones in the affected area. Leave and call 000 for an emergency from a safe location.
Stop using an appliance or outlet that is sparking, smoking, scorched or exposing wiring. Keep clear until a licensed electrical worker makes it safe.
For a gas oven or cooktop, book licensed gas appliance connection and testing. Arrange a licensed electrician separately for any fixed electrical work.