# Defect Notice (/docs/form-guides/electrical/national/national-electrical-defect-notice)



The **Electrical Defect Notice** records defects found during a visit, the risk rating, any photo evidence, and the advice given to the owner, agent, or builder.

This is a Tradie Forms designed notice, not a regulator certificate. Requirements differ between states and jobs. Check the current rules that apply before issuing or lodging any electrical document.

[Open the Electrical Defect Notice](/forms/national-electrical-defect-notice) after confirming this record suits the job and jurisdiction.

<Callout type="warn" className="docs-callout-warn my-4">
  This notice does not replace a state or territory defect notice, electrical
  safety certificate, distributor notice, or urgent reporting process where one
  is required.
</Callout>

<Cards className="docs-cards docs-cards-cols-2 my-6">
  <Card title="Required to download" icon="info">
    Business and electrician names, recipient, notice date, at least one complete
    defect, overall risk, made-safe status, declaration and signature.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Check local requirements" icon="info">
    Confirm who must receive the notice, the required form, timeframes, and any
    separate regulator or network reporting.
  </Card>
</Cards>

<span id="before-you-start" />

## Before you start [#before-you-start]

* Confirm whether the job needs an authority, network or jurisdiction-specific notice instead.
* Have the recipient, site and job reference ready.
* Record the condition, exact location and risk of each defect while you are on site.
* Note what was isolated or made safe and the advice given before you leave.
* Keep the photos and test records that support the notice.

<span id="business" />

## Business [#business]

Add the business and electrician details that appear at the top of the notice.

* **Business Logo** is optional. It appears top right on the downloaded notice.
* **Business Name** and **Electrician Name** are required.
* Add the **ABN**, **Licence Number**, and **Phone** where they help the client identify and contact you.

Save the business section on Solo or Team to prefill it on the next notice.

<span id="site" />

## Site [#site]

* **Issued To** is the person responsible for the installation, such as the owner, agent, or builder.
* **Contact Phone or Email** helps with repair follow-up.
* **Job Reference** keeps the notice with the right work order or quote.
* **Notice Date** is the date you gave the notice.
* Search the **Site Address** to fill the suburb, state, and postcode.

<span id="defects" />

## Defects [#defects]

Add one card for each defect observed.

* **Defect** describes the condition in plain language.
* **Location** tells the client exactly where it was found.
* **Risk Rating** is Low, Medium, High, or Extreme.
* **Recommendation** says what should happen next. High and Extreme defects need a recommendation before download.
* Add up to **3 photos** per defect. The first appears beside the defect in the notice. Extra photos are added as evidence pages.

The notice records the condition observed during the visit. It does not certify that no other defects exist.

<span id="advice" />

## Advice [#advice]

* **Overall Risk** should match the highest risk across the listed defects.
* **Isolated or Made Safe** records how the installation was left.
* **Notice Given By** records whether you gave it in person, by phone, by email, or left it at the premises.
* **Summary of Advice** gives the client the main next step, including any circuits isolated or work that should happen before re-energising.

Review a High or Extreme notice carefully if the site was left in service.

<span id="declaration" />

## Declaration [#declaration]

Add your **Name**, **Date**, and **Signature**. The declaration confirms that the listed defects were observed during the visit and records the condition at that time.

<span id="final-check" />

## Before download [#before-download]

* Check the recipient and site address.
* Make sure each defect says what was observed and exactly where.
* Check the overall risk is not lower than the highest defect risk.
* Record what was isolated or made safe and what remained in service.
* Make sure every High or Extreme defect has a clear recommendation.
* Check the current local notice and reporting process separately.

<span id="after-download" />

## After download [#after-download]

Give the signed notice to the responsible person and keep a copy against the job. Follow any separate delivery, lodgement, notification, or certification process required in the jurisdiction.

Energy Safe Victoria publishes a [sample installation defect letter](https://www.energysafe.vic.gov.au/industry-guidance/electrical/electricians-toolkit/sample-installation-defect-letter) for Victorian electricians. For work elsewhere, check the relevant state or territory regulator.

For practical wording examples, read the [electrical defect notice template guide](/resources/electrical-defect-notice-template-guide).