Do You Need a Compliance Certificate in Melbourne When Installing a Rangehood?
Installing a rangehood in Melbourne or anywhere in Victoria isn’t always as simple as swapping an appliance. Depending on what work is involved, you may need a compliance certificate, and in some cases, the work must be carried out by a licensed trade, even if a certificate isn’t legally required.
Here’s how it works.
What Is a Compliance Certificate?
A compliance certificate is a document issued by a licensed tradesperson confirming that work has been completed in accordance with Victorian regulations and Australian Standards.
Compliance certificates help ensure:
- The work is safe and legal
- Your insurance cover is protected
- There are no issues when selling or leasing the property
- Liability risks are reduced if problems arise later
When You DO Need a Compliance Certificate for a Rangehood in Melbourne
⚡ Electrical Work
If the rangehood installation involves any electrical installation work. If your rangehood is being swapped over, there may already be a plug base in the roof space to use, so no electrician will be required. If one is required, this work is generally done before the rangehood installation and compliance certificate is required.
This includes:
- Hard-wiring the rangehood
- Installing a new circuit
- Adding or relocating switches
- Modifying existing wiring
In Victoria, a licensed electrician must perform this work and issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) once completed — even for small electrical jobs.
🏗️ Ducting & Building Work
If installing the rangehood involves:
- Cutting through walls or ceilings
- Installing or altering ducting
- Modifying cabinetry, bulkheads, or structural elements
The work must comply with Victorian Building Regulations, particularly around ventilation performance and fire safety. Depending on the scope, building documentation or approval may also be required as part of a renovation.
🚿 Roof Penetrations (Licensed Plumber Required)
If the rangehood ducting penetrates the roof, this work must be carried out by a licensed plumber, even if a plumbing compliance certificate is not required.
Roof penetrations are classified as plumbing work in Victoria because they affect:
- Roof flashings
- Weatherproofing
- Drainage and water ingress prevention
Using a licensed plumber ensures the penetration is sealed correctly and meets Victorian standards, protecting the home from leaks and structural damage.
🧾 Plumbing Compliance Certificates (Only Over $750)
A plumbing compliance certificate is only legally required in Victoria if the plumbing work exceeds $750, including labour and materials.
This may apply if plumbing is altered as part of a broader kitchen renovation (for example, relocating sinks or pipework near the rangehood).
🔹 If the plumbing work is under $750, a certificate is not mandatory
🔹 However, you may request a compliance certificate for under-$750 works
🔹 If you request one, a fee may be charged by the licensed plumber to issue the certificate
Even when a certificate isn’t required, all plumbing work must still be completed by a licensed plumber where applicable.
When You Likely DON’T Need a Compliance Certificate
You will usually not need a compliance certificate if:
- You’re replacing a rangehood like-for-like
- It plugs into an existing power point
- No new wiring, ducting, roof penetration, or structural work is involved
When in doubt, always ask the installer before work begins.
Why Compliance Still Matters
Missing required certificates or using unlicensed trades can lead to:
- Insurance claims being rejected
- Issues during property sale inspections
- Costly repairs from water leaks or electrical faults
- Legal and safety risks
Compliance protects both the homeowner and the installer.
Quick Melbourne Checklist
✔️ Electrical work involved? → Certificate of Electrical Safety required
✔️ Roof penetration for ducting? → Must be done by a licensed plumber
✔️ Plumbing work over $750? → Plumbing compliance certificate required
✔️ Plumbing under $750? → Certificate optional (fee may apply if requested)
✔️ Simple plug-in replacement? → Likely no certificate needed
Final Tip
Before installing a rangehood in Melbourne, always confirm:
- Which trades are required
- Whether compliance certificates are mandatory
- Whether optional certificates are available for peace of mind
Doing it right the first time avoids headaches later.
