Don't DIY warning signs

Businesses must display a ‘Don’t Do-It Yourself’ (Don’t DIY) warning sign on electrical equipment for sale to the public in Queensland.

A person who conducts a business or undertaking that involves the sale of electrical equipment to the public must not sell an item of particular electrical equipment unless a 'Don't Do-It Yourself' (Don't DIY) warning sign is displayed.

Don't DIY warning signs aim to raise awareness that certain types of electrical equipment must only be installed by a licensed electrician.

Who needs to display a 'Don't DIY' warning sign?

Business owners who sell certain types of electrical equipment to the public in Queensland, are required to display 'Don't DIY' warning signs.

This applies to face-to-face as well as online selling but generally does not apply to garage sales, jumble sales, fêtes - unless a person sells at these events as part of a business.

What should the sign look like?

There are two types of signs and several options for display.

1. Multiple items

This sign applies to multiple items in a display area and must state: 'ALL ELECTRICAL WORK MUST BE PERFORMED BY A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN'. This sign must be displayed in close proximity to the point of display of the item.

You can use a single sign for a number of different items of particular electrical equipment in the vicinity of the sign, as long as the sign can still be easily seen and read from where each of the items (which require the signage) is displayed.

Download samples

• portrait small (PDF, 0.04 MB) - 4 sign per page
• medium (PDF, 0.03 MB) - 2 signs per page
• large (PDF, 0.02 MB) - 1 sign per page
• various large (PDF, 0.12 MB)

2. Individual items

This option applies specifically to a single item and must state: 'MUST BE INSTALLED BY A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN'.

This sign can be displayed in several ways:

• as part of the price tag of the item
• on a label attached to the packaging of the item
• as part of the packaging of the item
• on a label attached to the item.

Use this sign with individual items (or model types). If one of these display options is chosen, care must still be taken to ensure the sign can be easily seen and read.

Signs for individual items are in portrait (left) and landscape (right).

Download samples

• various sizes (PDF, 1.3 MB)
• landscape small (PDF, 0.6 MB) - 6 signs per page
• landscape medium (PDF, 0.53 MB)- 2 signs per page
• landscape large (PDF, 0.14 MB)- 2 signs per page
• portrait small - 4 signs per page
• portrait medium - 3 signs per page
• portrait large - 2 signs per page
• portrait largest - 1 sign per page

What must the signs include?

Both sign types must include the following:

• contain a symbol in the form of a red circle and a red diagonal line over the letters 'DIY' in black uppercase letters
• have a white background
• be unambiguous and clearly legible to ensure the sign may be clearly seen and read by any person at all times in the area where the electrical equipment is displayed for sale.

The requirement for a sign to be 'unambiguous and clearly legible' is to ensure that, in the absence of a minimum size requirement, a sign (whatever size is chosen) is printed and displayed in such a way it may at all times be clearly seen and read by any person in the area where the particular electrical equipment (to which the sign applies) is displayed for sale.

Products that must have signs

Signage is required for any electrical equipment which must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor or licensed electrical worker in Queensland.

Examples include:

• fixed-wired electrical equipment
  • air conditioners
  • stoves
  • ovens
  • electric hot water systems
  • ceiling fans
  • light fittings
• electrical accessories
  • socket outlets
  • light switches
  • electrical cable
  • wall switches
  • plugs
  • cord extension sockets
• electrical parts
  • electrical motors
  • switches
  • solenoids
  • elements.

Please note that some versions of the listed examples may not be subject to the signage requirement.

For example:

• a light fitting or ceiling fan specifically designed for 'DIY' installation (connects into an existing batten holder)
• a switch or relay designed for 12 volt automotive use.

Definition of 'sell'

'Sell' is defined as:

• sell by wholesale, retail or auction; and
• supply in trade or commerce or under an arrangement; and
• hire; and
• agree, attempt or offer to sell; and
• keep or expose for sale; and
• cause or permit to be sold.

'Point of display' meaning

For the purpose of this requirement, 'point of display' means either:

• where an item is displayed in a shop, warehouse or other physical space
• where an item is displayed in an online shop's website at the place where a customer may purchase, or place a bid for, the item.

If you prefer, you can have your own signage developed to suit your specific retail environment. However, you must ensure it complies with the requirements of Part 8, Division 1 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.

Penalty for not displaying the required signage

Failure to display a sign as required will attract a maximum penalty of 40 units for individuals or $20,000 for corporations.

More information?

For more information about 'Don't DIY' warning signs for sale of electrical equipment call 1300 362 128.