The Short Answer: Almost Always No
In NSW, electrical installation work connected to the mains has to be carried out by a licensed electrician. This isn't just a safety recommendation, it's a licensing requirement enforced by NSW Fair Trading. Doing fixed wiring work yourself without a licence is illegal, not simply risky.
What You're Actually Allowed to Do Yourself
Everyday things like changing a light bulb, plugging in an appliance, or replacing a plug-in power board are fine, none of that is licensed electrical work. But anything involving the fixed wiring in your walls, ceiling or switchboard, including power points, light switches, light fittings, ceiling fans, or any permanent connection to the grid, legally requires a licensed electrician. There's no practical exception for "it looked simple."
Why the Law Is Strict About This
The obvious reason is safety, incorrect wiring is a genuine shock and fire risk. But there's a second, less obvious reason that matters just as much: insurance and compliance. Unlicensed electrical work can void your home insurance if it ever contributes to a fire or an electric shock claim, and it can create real problems when selling a property, since a building inspection can flag non-compliant work.
Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work
NSW Fair Trading can issue significant fines, both to a person who carries out electrical work without a licence, and in some cases to the person who engaged them knowing they weren't licensed. Beyond the fine, non-compliant work often has to be opened up and redone by a licensed electrician before it can be certified, which ends up costing more than if it had been done properly the first time.
What About a Handy Mate's Electrical Work?
This is the most common trap. A friend or family member who's genuinely good with tools still isn't legally allowed to touch your fixed wiring unless they hold an electrical licence. Only a licensed electrician can issue a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW), which you'll need for insurance purposes, for council or strata requirements, and when you eventually sell.