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Electrical Design & Construct

PLE holds full Design & Construct capability — taking complete responsibility for electrical design, construction, and certification under a single subcontract.

What D&C Electrical Means

Under a Design & Construct subcontract, PLE takes both design and construction responsibility. Our in-house drafting department prepares all electrical design documentation — switchboard layouts, distribution schematics, load calculations, lighting layouts, and fire alarm interface drawings — and our licensed electricians build from those drawings.

At completion, PLE certifies both the design (Form 15 Electrical Safety Certificate) and the installation (Form 12 Electrical Safety Certificate). The builder receives a single set of certified as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and maintenance schedules at handover.

Why D&C Suits High-Rise Construction

Consulting engineering documentation is rarely complete at the time a head contractor goes to tender for a high-rise project. On a compressed programme, waiting for drawings that may not be finalised for months can expose the programme to critical delays.

D&C collapses the design-build sequence. PLE begins design development in parallel with early construction works, runs Energex submissions in parallel with structure, and progresses installation as design is confirmed — rather than waiting for a complete drawing set. The result is a faster programme with fewer design-coordination interfaces for the builder to manage.

Documentation PLE Provides

  • Electrical design drawings — switchboard layouts, distribution schematics, lighting layouts, load calculations
  • Energex connection application and network protection proposals
  • Form 15 Electrical Safety Certificate (design)
  • Form 12 Electrical Safety Certificate (installation)
  • As-built drawings (CAD) for handover to building owner
  • O&M manuals and maintenance schedules
  • RCD testing records and inspection documentation

Case Study — Lagoon Apartments

On Lagoon Apartments — twin towers of 32 and 24 storeys, 259 apartments, Main Beach — PLE held the full D&C electrical subcontract for Hutchinson Builders. Design documentation, Energex submissions, and construction ran concurrently across the project's programme. PLE issued the Form 12 in March 2026 and completed O&M documentation by April 2026.

View Lagoon Apartments case study →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Form 15 and when is it required?
A Form 15 Electrical Safety Certificate certifies the electrical design. It is required when the electrical installation is designed by the subcontractor rather than being built from a consulting engineer's certified drawings. PLE issues Form 15 as a standard deliverable on all D&C subcontracts.
Can PLE take D&C responsibility mid-project if design is stalled?
Yes. PLE has taken on D&C responsibility partway through projects where consulting engineering has not kept pace with construction. Contact David Hall to discuss your specific situation.
Does D&C cost more than a conventional subcontract?
D&C pricing includes the cost of design documentation and certification. On projects where consulting engineering is already budgeted, there may be an offset. On projects where no consulting engineer is engaged, D&C is often the most cost-effective path to a certified, compliant installation.

Key Facts

  • D&C subcontracts up to $8M
  • In-house drafting team
  • Form 12 & Form 15 issued as standard
  • Energex submissions in-house
  • As-built drawings at handover
  • O&M manuals included
  • QLD Licence No. 78210
Discuss Your Project Capability Statement

Discuss a D&C electrical requirement

Contact David Hall to discuss your project scope, programme, and design status.

Get a Quote Capability Statement