Reminder – New Northern Territory Electrical Safety Regulations Commenced 1 July 2026 

Several important amendments to the Northern Territory Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 came into effect on 1 July 2026, introducing new requirements for energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, solar installations and electrical contractors.  

Smoke Alarms 

It is now mandatory to install smoke alarms where an Energy Storage System (ESS) is installed inside a domestic residence under the same roof as a habitable room. 

Under regulation 143(3) of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2024, the smoke alarm must: 

1. be located above or close to the energy storage system; and 
2. be interconnected with any other smoke alarms installed in the building. 

 Failure to comply is a strict liability offence carrying a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units. 

 Members undertaking battery installations should ensure these requirements are incorporated into their installation practices. Additional ESS installation requirements can be found in regulations 142–151 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2024. 

Other Key Changes Effective 1 July 2026 

The following regulatory changes also commenced on 1 July 2026:  

Solar Installations 

1. Fencing around free standing low set solar installations

Energy Storage Systems  

1. Mandatory smoke alarms for eligible residential ESS installations. 
2. New signage requirements where energy storage systems are installed outside the buildings. Signage must also be placed in or on the main switchboard, in or on the sub-board and in or on the fire indicator panel in commercial buildings. 
3. Additional signage requirements for non-residential buildings where ESS are installed. 

Electric Vehicle connection points   

1. New requirements for the installation of smoke detectors. 
2. New signage requirements for EV connection point installations.

Electrical Contractor Advertising 

1. Electrical contractors are now required to include their licence details when advertising their services.  

Safety Switches 

1. PCBUs undertaking manufacturing work must ensure safety switches are installed for socket-outlets that: 
2. have a current rating of 20 A or less; and 
3. are located 2.3 metres or less above the floor.

Residential Property Home Owner/Tenant Delays
A number of regulatory changes affecting owners, occupiers, landlords and property managers that were scheduled to commence on 1 July 2026 have not commenced following amendments made to the regulations in 2026. These requirements have been deferred and are not currently in effect.

Understanding Your Obligations 

Members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new requirements to ensure ongoing compliance. 

For further information on the 2026 regulatory amendments, refer to the NT WorkSafe's guidance on the updated Electrical Safety Regulations.