Ceiling fans are prescribed devices under Australian electrician regulations and must be tested and certified to Australian standards before they can be sold by importers/manufacturers.

As part of the certification process it is a requirement of standard AS/NZS 60335.1 (Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety) that the following clause applies:

7.12.2 if a stationary appliance is not fitted with a supply and a plug, or with other means of disconnection from the supply mains having a contact separation in all poles that provide full disconnection under overvoltage category III conditions, the instructions shall state that means for disconnection be incorporated in the fixed wiring in accordance with the wiring rules.

All ceiling fan instructions include the requirement for installation of an isolation switch to meet this requirement.

Being a stationary appliance not fitted with a plug and cord a ceiling fan must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor in accordance with the Australian wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000.)

The following clause of AS/NZS applies when installing a ceiling fan:

1.7 Selection and installation of electrical equipment

1.7.1 Essential requirement:

In summary, it is requirement of the standards which apply to the product that and isolation switch be installed and a requirement of the wiring rules that the product be installed to manufacturer's instructions.

Any installation which does not meet both of the above requirements is not deemed to be a safe installation