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The ARCtick licence, and why you should ask for it

A cheap install from someone without a refrigerant licence is not a bargain. It is an offence, and the licence types have limits worth knowing.

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Short answer

Anyone who installs, services or repairs an air conditioner needs a Refrigerant Handling Licence↗, and handling refrigerant without one is an offence↗. There are two licence types↗ for split systems. The full licence covers everything; the restricted one covers single-head split systems under 18 kW↗ and no refrigerant repairs.

What each ARC licence allows: a full refrigeration and air conditioning licence covers any system and all refrigerant work; the restricted split system licence covers installing single-head systems under 18 kW, but not refrigerant repairs or multi-head systems Full RAC licence Install, service, repair and decommission Any system, any cooling capacity Multi-head systems Restricted split system licence Install single-head splits under 18 kW Service or repair that touches refrigerant Multi-head systems, or systems over 18 kW
Two licences, two very different scopes. Ask which one your technician holds.

What does an ARC licence cover?

The licence is about refrigerant, the gas sealed inside the pipes. Licensed work includes installing, servicing and decommissioning↗, plus anything else that risks letting refrigerant escape. That takes in most of what happens on an installation day.

It is a national rule, so it applies the same way in Darwin as in Hobart. The Australian Refrigeration Council issues the licences; the "ARCtick" name is its brand.

How do the two licence types differ?

WorkFull RAC licenceRestricted split system licence
System sizeAny cooling capacitysingle-head split systems under 18 kW↗
Install and commissionYesYes, single-head only
Multi-head systemsYesNo
Service or repair involving refrigerantYesNo
Recover refrigerant before removalYesYes, with the right authorisation

In short, a full licence holder any system, any capacity↗. A restricted licence holder has no service or repair that touches refrigerant↗. The restricted licence is fine for installing a bedroom split. It is the wrong licence for chasing a leak.

Is a gas top-up legal?

Only after the system has been leak tested and any leaks fixed. The ARC says topping up before that is illegal↗, and that applies to everyone, licensed or not. If a technician wants to add gas without testing, say no.

What does the business need?

Individuals hold licences; businesses that buy and handle refrigerant hold an authorisation. Adding refrigerant on a long pipe run needs a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation↗. A reputable installer will know their authorisation number as readily as their licence number.

Does the licence cover the electrical work?

No. The ARC licence is a national environmental licence↗. Wiring in a new circuit is electrical work, licensed separately by your state or territory, so a job that needs both may involve two tradespeople or one with both licences.

How do you check before you book?

  1. Ask for the technician's ARC licence number and licence type with the quote.
  2. Check it with the Australian Refrigeration Council.
  3. For multi-head systems, larger systems or any refrigerant repair, confirm it is a full licence.
  4. If new wiring is needed, ask who holds the electrical licence.