When it comes to installing security cameras, the first person many Australians think to call is an electrician. After all, they run cables and hook up systems and know their way around a meter box, right? But here's the reality: in Australia, installing security cameras legally requires more than just electrical know-how—it requires a security license or registration.
Unfortunately, social media posts asking for security camera installation recommendations are flooded with electricians offering their services.
Here's the kicker—90% of those electricians don't have the proper security license. And yes, I check.
So, let's break down why you shouldn't hire an electrician and why a licensed security installer is the right choice.
by Bryce Whitty
Bryce has a background in the security industry and founded ProtectFind as an independent information site.
1
Why a Security License is Essential
Under Australian law, a person installing security cameras must have a security license or registration. This isn't just bureaucratic red tape—there's a good reason for it. Security installation is a position of trust.
Installers are often privy to sensitive information about your property, like where cameras are placed, how footage is accessed, and the value of the items that are being secured. The licensing process includes stringent police checks to help ensure that only trustworthy professionals handle this responsibility.
While some electricians do carry a security registration, most don't. And many, either out of ignorance or opportunism, take on these jobs illegally.
2
What's Involved in Installing Security Cameras?
Installing a security camera is more complex than running a few wires and screwing in a camera. Licensed security installers bring specialized expertise that electricians typically don't have, such as:
- Optimal Camera Placement: Knowing where to place cameras to cover entry points and eliminate blind spots.
- Improving Detection and Reducing False Positives: Setting up complex triggers to detect intruders, but not be triggered by false positives like things blowing in the wind or car headlights
- System Integration: Connecting cameras to a recording system and ensuring remote access works seamlessly.
- Privacy Considerations: Following legal guidelines for positioning cameras to avoid recording areas like neighbouring properties.
3
The Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Installer
By choosing an electrician without a security license, you're taking a significant risk. Not only could they botch the job, but you may also be breaking the law by hiring them.
Another major concern is that insurance companies may ask who installed your security system if there is an intrusion. If they discover it was done by someone without the proper license, they may decline your insurance claim.
Here are some common scenarios:
- Residential Properties: Security installers are often hired by people who feel vulnerable after an incident or near-miss. The last thing they need is to be left unprotected because of poor installation, or invite someone into their home that hasn't undergone stringent police checks.
- Commercial Sites: Businesses can have millions of dollars worth of equipment and stock on-site. A poorly installed system is a weak point that compromises security.
4
Understanding Security Licenses in Australia
Each state and territory in Australia has its own licensing requirements, but they all agree on one thing: you need the right license for the job.
There are typically two types of licenses:
- Individual License: For the person doing the installation work as an employee.
- Master/Business/Firm License: For the business overseeing the work.
To make things even more confusing, many electricians (and even some security installers) hold an individual license and run their own security installation business.
However, the individual license only permits them to perform security work as an employee (even if it's their own business). The business itself also needs a Master/Business/Firm license to operate legally. This means there are a lot of licensed, but incorrectly licensed security installers who unknowingly or knowingly operate outside of legal requirements.
Even those in the security industry sometimes find the licensing rules confusing, so it's no wonder consumers struggle to understand them.
State or | Licence required | Regulator | Check your installer |
|---|---|---|---|
NSW | Class 2C Security Equipment Specialist | Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (NSW Police) | |
VIC | Private Security Individual Registration | Licensing and Regulation Division (Victoria Police) | |
QLD | Security Provider Licence (Class 2) | Office of Fair Trading | |
WA | Security Installer Licence | WA Police Force Licensing | |
SA | Security Agent Licence | Consumer and Business Services | |
TAS | Security Equipment Installer Licence | Tasmania Police Licensing Services | |
ACT | Security Industry Employee Licence | Access Canberra | |
NT | Security Industry Licence | NT Police Licensing |
The Northern Territory and Tasmania do not have security licensing.
New South Whales
License Required: Class 2C Security Equipment SpecialistRegulator: Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (NSW Police)
Check your installer
Victoria
License Required: Private Security Individual RegistrationRegulator: Licensing and Regulation Division (Victoria Police)
Check your installer
Queensland
License Required: Security Provider Licence (Class 2)Regulator: Office of Fair Trading
Check your installer
West Australia
License Required: Security Installer LicenceRegulator: WA Police Force Licensing
Check your installer
South Australia
License Required: Security Agent LicenceRegulator: Consumer and Business Services
Check your installer
Australian Capital Territory
License Required:Security Industry Employee LicenceRegulator: Access Canberra
Check your installer
Tasmania
License Required: Security Equipment Installer LicenceRegulator: Tasmania Police Licensing Services
Northern Territory
License Required:Security Industry LicenceRegulator: NT Police Licensing
Note: The Northern Territory and Tasmania do not have security licensing.
5
How to Find the Right Installer
At this point, the decision is simple.
You either hire someone properly licensed to do security work, or you take on the risk of doing it wrong.
The problem is, figuring out who’s actually licensed isn’t as straightforward as it should be. Many electricians advertise these services without the correct security licence. Some installers are partially licensed but not authorised to operate as a business. And most homeowners don’t know what to check.
That’s where people get caught out.
ProtectFind exists to make that process easier.
It’s an independent directory of security installers, built to help you find professionals who operate in the industry, not just trade-adjacent services trying to fill a gap.
Instead of relying on social media comments or guesswork, you can use it to find installers who specialise in security systems and understand the legal requirements around them.
Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just another trade job.
You’re giving someone access to how your property is monitored, where your blind spots are, and how your system works. That’s not something to hand over to whoever happens to be available.
If you’re serious about getting it done properly, take a few minutes to check who you’re dealing with before you commit.
