LICENSING INFORMATION STATEMENT #25
INSTALLATION OF SPLIT SYSTEM AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS
QBCC has developed this licensing information statement to clarify the licensing requirements for the
installation of split system air-conditioning units. This information statement does not replace anything
contained in the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 or the Queensland
Building and Construction Commission Regulation 2003.
Pursuant to that legislation, the installation of split system air-conditioning units, greater than $3,300 in
value1, constitutes ‘building work’. This means the person undertaking this work is required to hold an
appropriate QBCC licence as listed below. If you are required to be licensed and are not, you may not
be entitled to payment and may be prosecuted by QBCC.
•
To install split system air-conditioning units for a builder or consumer, a QBCC
licence is required in either –


‘Refrigeration, air-conditioning and mechanical services including unlimited design’ or
‘Refrigeration, air-conditioning and mechanical services including limited design’.
The limitation in the latter licence class limits the contractor to designing systems for
a building that is not more than 3 storeys; that has a floor area of not more than
2000m2; that do not form part of a smoke hazard management system for the
building; and for which the plant capacity for any one system for the building is not
more than 34kW.
•
A contractor who holds the ‘Refrigeration, air-conditioning and mechanical services
including limited design’ can install, commission, service or repair any size system.
They are only limited in the design and preparation of plans and specifications.
Note: QBCC’s licence does not permit electrical work to be undertaken. To perform electrical work
you will need a licence through the Electrical Safety Office which can be contacted on 1300 362 128.
•
A licensed electrical contractor is able to install split system air-conditioning units for
a builder or consumer without a QBCC contractor licence. In conjunction with the
installation of a split system air-conditioner, a licensed electrical contractor is able to
perform ancillary building works to a value of $3,300 without a QBCC contractor
licence. However, where “rigid duct work” is involved in the installation of an airconditioning system a QBCC licence in any of the Air-Conditioning licence classes is
required.
•
To handle greenhouse gases, an occupational licence may be required through the
Commonwealth Government Department of Environment and Heritage. The
Department can be contacted on 02 6274 1111.
1
Value of building work means an amount representing the reasonable cost to a consumer of having the work carried out by a licensed
contractor on the basis that all building materials are to be supplied by the contractor (whether or not the work is in fact carried out by a
licensed contractor on that basis).
If you require any further information or wish to apply for a licence please contact your nearest QBCC
office on 139 333 or log onto the QBCC’s website at www.qbcc.qld.gov.au
1st Introduced
Amended
QBCC commenced
8/2/06
7/8/08
1/12/09
21/7/16
1/12/13