Welcome to NECA - National Electrical and Communications Association

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is the peak industry body that represents the best interests of the electrical and communications contracting industry in Australia. It is the only peak body that is run by contractors for contractors. NECA provides its members a suite of tools and member services to help make their business stronger. NECA works will all levels of government to ensure the best interests of the industry are maintained. NECA is the essential business partner for any electrical and communications contractor and will help to make your business stronger. MORE ABOUT NECA

Latest News

New training requirements for registered cabling providers

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has amended the regulatory requirements for cabling providers who install specialised cabling within customer premises.

The ACMA’s Cabling Provider Rules (CPRs) regulate the performance of cabling work in customer premises. Under the CPRs, cabling providers must be appropriately registered by registrars appointed by the ACMA to undertake the work they perform.

The amendments to the ACMA cabling arrangements have been made to ensure cabling providers have the necessary skills required to perform specialised cabling work for the current and emerging customer cabling environment.

Under the new arrangements, cabling providers undertaking broadband, structured, optical-fibre or co-axial cabling work must have the training competencies relevant to the specialised cabling work. The new competencies only apply to cabling providers who are undertaking the relevant specialised cabling work within customer premises.

The new competency requirements will apply from 1 July 2012. Existing cabling providers who install those specialised cables, but who have not already attained the additional competencies, will be given a 2 year transition period to attain those competencies.

For more information on the new arrangements, please contact the ACMA on email address: comply.label@acma.gov.au 

If you are registered with the Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS), you will receive a letter in the coming months advising you of your current registration endorsements and explaining the requirements for you to remain compliant and appropriately registered to undertake your work.

Members urged to be aware of potential non-compliant cable

NECA has long warned members of the risks associated with using non-compliant product, and are strong supporters of the proposed Electrical Equipment Safety Systems (EESS).  NECA has been working with all major electrical suppliers in Australia through their industry association AIG, to support a new system and to introduce a new RCM (Regulatory Complaint Mark) on all electrical products across Australia.  The EESS is due for launch in March 2013 and among other things, will provide contractors with a database to enable them to ascertain that the equipment they are using is approved.

Recently, NECA was contacted by the newly formed Australian Cablemakers Association (ACA) and advised of the outcome from a series of independent tests undertaken on a cable imported into Australia.  ACA have requested that we make members aware of the potential risks associated with using cable which does not comply with the relevant Australian Standards.   

Click here to read the letter from the ACA.

Electrical Contracting Industry Survey

The electrical industry in Australia is constantly changing as new technology and new legislation affects how businesses operate. NECA, as the peak industry body for electrical contractors in Australia, has developed a survey in conjunction with independent research company Connection Research. The survey was sent to all registered electrical contractors in Australia and aims to obtain results to help the industy plan future strategies and business directions.  Speak to your local state office if you have missed the articles regarding the survey results in NECA News.

Electrical Connection - Autumn 2012

The latest edition of Electrical Connection is now out and features the exclusive NECA News section.

All NECA members receive a free subscription to Electrical Connection. To read the latest edition, visit the NECA Electrical Connection and Cabling Connection page. 

Modern Award - Free Guide and Online Video

Electrical contractors and other companies employing staff under the Electrical, Electronics and Communications Contracting Award will have access to a plain English guide to the Modern Award and a free online webinar thanks to NECA.

NECA received funding for the Shared Industry Assistance Program (SIAP) managed by the Fair Work Ombudsman and launched the online webinars on 5 April 2011 on the NECA website.

To find out more about the guide and the online videos CLICK HERE

NECA's Media Coverage

To view NECA's media coverage and media releases visit the News and Media section of the website.

Read NECA Publications

NECA produces numerous publications of interest to electrical and communications contractors. You can read NECA's publication online now by visiting the Publications page on the website.