Lineworkers and cable jointers consultation paper

Lineworkers and cable jointers consultation paper

We consulted on matters relating to guidance and effective supervision requirements for Class D lineworkers and Class C cable jointers. The decision paper and submissions received are below.

Outcome – decision paper and position

Our decision is informed by consultation feedback and reflects established industry practice.

Read the full decision and statement of reasons:

What this decision does

This decision explains how the existing electrical licensing and exemptions framework applies in practice, particularly for work involving underground electric cables and at the boundary between the electricity network and a customer’s installation.

Importantly, the decision:

• does not change the law, and
• does not reduce safety requirements.

Key outcomes

The decision provides clarity in the following areas:

Work done by Class C cable jointers

Cable jointers can carry out work on underground electric cables, including where that work occurs above ground. This includes activities such as raising cables onto poles, securing and terminating cables, and connecting cables to network equipment.

This reflects how cable jointing work is already carried out in practice.

Boundary between Class C cable jointers and Class D lineworkers

The decision clarifies where cable jointing work ends and linework begins.

Cable jointers carry out work on underground electric cables, including terminating and connecting them to equipment such as brackets, isolators or switching devices.

Lineworkers then carry out the work to connect that equipment to overhead network assets.

Supervision requirements

Under the Exemptions Order, Class D lineworkers and cable jointers may be required to work under the supervision of a licensed electrician when carrying out certain work on a consumer’s installation.

The decision paper confirms that:

• Energy Safe will not require this supervision for work carried out as part of network connection, maintenance or restoration.
• This applies only to the limited area where the distribution network assets interface with consumer-owned electrical conductors.
• The work must be performed in accordance with applicable major electricity company authorisation frameworks and Victorian Electricity Supply Industry procedures.

Supervision requirements continue to apply to electrical installation work within a consumer’s installation.

Certificate of electrical safety (COES)

A COES will not be required for the same types of network interface work described above.

This is because the work is already verified through established network testing and commissioning processes.

A COES is still required for electrical installation work within a consumer’s installation beyond the point of supply.

Consultation process

We undertook consultation to understand:

• work being carried out by Class D lineworkers and Class C cable jointers
• how effective supervision requirements under the Exemptions Order are operating in practice.

Consultation was open from 16 September to 27 October 2025.

Submissions

We received submissions from stakeholders including major electricity companies and industry participants.

Submissions are available below:

Submissions have been published in line with our consultation process. Personal information has been removed where appropriate.

Consultation paper

Read the original consultation paper:

Further information

We will continue to respond to stakeholder enquiries and may develop additional guidance to support consistent application of the framework.

For enquiries, please contact: consultation@energysafe.vic.gov.au