Electrical Safety & Compliance in NZ 2025: Complete Guide
Quick Answer
In New Zealand, all prescribed electrical work must be performed by EWRB registered electricians who issue a Certificate of Compliance within 5 working days. Homeowners cannot do their own electrical work (except replacing bulbs). Landlords must provide 4-yearly electrical checks and RCD protection. Non-compliance can result in $10,000+ fines and voided insurance.
Understanding NZ Electrical Regulations
New Zealand has strict electrical safety laws to prevent deaths, injuries, and property damage. The Electricity Act 1992 and Electricity Regulations 2010 govern all electrical work.
The Two Main Regulatory Bodies
| Organisation | Role | Key Functions |
|---|---|---|
| EWRB (Electrical Workers Registration Board) | Registers and regulates electrical workers | • Registration of electricians • Competency assessment • Disciplinary actions • Public complaints |
| WorkSafe NZ | Enforces electrical safety laws | • Inspections and audits • Prosecutions for unsafe work • Safety standards enforcement • Accident investigations |
What is Prescribed Electrical Work?
"Prescribed electrical work" is any electrical work that requires a Certificate of Compliance. This covers most electrical work beyond basic tasks like changing light bulbs.
Work That ALWAYS Requires EWRB Registered Electrician
Prescribed Electrical Work (Illegal for DIY):
- ✓ Installing or modifying fixed wiring
- ✓ Adding power points or light fixtures
- ✓ Switchboard/fuse box work
- ✓ Installing new circuits
- ✓ House rewiring (full or partial)
- ✓ Installing fixed appliances (ovens, hot water cylinders)
- ✓ Outdoor/garden lighting installations
- ✓ Heat pump electrical connections
- ✓ EV charger installation
- ✓ Solar panel electrical work
- ✓ Pool/spa electrical systems
- ✓ Shed/garage electrical installations
- ✓ Fault finding and repairs to fixed wiring
- ✓ Any work inside switchboard
Work Homeowners CAN Do Themselves
Non-Prescribed Work (Legal for Homeowners):
- ✓ Replacing light bulbs (incandescent, LED, CFL)
- ✓ Changing batteries in smoke alarms
- ✓ Plugging in and unplugging appliances
- ✓ Resetting tripped circuit breakers (if safe to do so)
- ✓ Testing safety switches/RCDs using test button
Note: Even though you can reset breakers, if they trip repeatedly, call an electrician - it indicates a fault.
Certificate of Compliance (CoC) - Your Legal Proof
What is a Certificate of Compliance?
A Certificate of Compliance is a legal document that certifies electrical work has been completed to New Zealand safety standards (AS/NZS 3000:2023). It's issued by the registered electrician who performed the work.
Why Certificates of Compliance Matter
- Legal Requirement: Mandatory for all prescribed electrical work - not optional
- Insurance Protection: Insurance won't pay for fire/electrical damage without valid CoC
- Property Sales: Cannot sell property without CoCs for recent electrical work
- Rental Compliance: Landlords need CoCs to prove electrical safety
- Safety Assurance: Confirms work meets current safety standards
- Liability Protection: Electrician takes responsibility for compliant work
Certificate of Compliance Timeline
Legal Timeframes for CoC:
- Day 0: Electrical work completed
Electrician performs final testing and safety checks - Within 5 Working Days: CoC issued to homeowner
Electrician must provide CoC certificate (physical or electronic) - Within 10 Working Days: CoC lodged with council
Electrician (or homeowner) lodges CoC with territorial authority - Retained Indefinitely: Keep your copy safe
You'll need it for insurance claims, property sales, or future work
What Information is on a CoC?
- Electrician's name and EWRB registration number
- Property address where work was performed
- Detailed description of work completed
- Date work was completed
- Test results (earth resistance, insulation resistance, RCD testing)
- Confirmation work complies with AS/NZS 3000:2023 wiring rules
- Electrician's signature and company details
- Any special conditions or limitations
What to Do if You Don't Receive a CoC
Steps if CoC Not Provided:
- 1. Contact electrician immediately: Request CoC in writing (email/text)
- 2. Withhold final payment: Don't pay until CoC received (legal right)
- 3. Give 14-day deadline: Formal written notice with specific deadline
- 4. Report to EWRB: If no response after 14 days, file complaint at ewrb.govt.nz
- 5. Get remedial work: Another electrician can test and certify (you can claim costs)
Penalty: Electricians face fines up to $10,000 for failing to provide CoC. EWRB can suspend their registration.
EWRB Registration Requirements
Who Must Be EWRB Registered?
Anyone performing prescribed electrical work in New Zealand must hold current EWRB registration. This applies to employees, contractors, and business owners.
| Registration Class | What They Can Do | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Electrician | All electrical work unsupervised, issue CoCs | $200-250 |
| Practising Electrician | All work, supervise trainees, issue CoCs | $250-300 |
| Limited Certificate | Specific prescribed work only (e.g., appliance repairs) | $150-200 |
| Trainee/Apprentice | Work under supervision, cannot issue CoCs | $100-150 |
How to Verify an Electrician's Registration
Always check before hiring. It takes 2 minutes and could save you thousands:
- Go to ewrb.govt.nz
- Click "Check an Electrical Worker"
- Search by name or registration number
- Verify registration is current (check expiry date)
- Check registration class matches the work required
- Look for any disciplinary actions or conditions
NZ Electrical Safety Standards
AS/NZS 3000:2023 - The Wiring Rules
All electrical installations in New Zealand must comply with AS/NZS 3000:2023 (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules). This standard covers design, installation, testing, and verification of electrical systems.
Key Safety Requirements
1. RCD Protection (Residual Current Devices)
RCD Requirements:
- ✓ All power point circuits: Must have RCD protection (30mA, 30ms trip time)
- ✓ Outdoor circuits: RCD protection mandatory
- ✓ Bathroom circuits: Must be RCD protected
- ✓ New installations: All circuits require RCD (with some exceptions for fixed appliances)
- ✓ Testing frequency: Test RCDs every 3 months using test button
RCDs prevent electrocution by detecting current leakage and disconnecting power within 30 milliseconds.
2. Earthing and Bonding
- Earth electrode: All installations must have effective earth connection
- Main earthing conductor: Minimum 16mm² copper or equivalent
- Equipotential bonding: Metal pipes, structure must be bonded to earth
- Earth testing: Maximum earth loop impedance varies by circuit type
3. Cable Sizing and Protection
- Current-carrying capacity: Cables sized for maximum expected load
- Voltage drop: Maximum 5% voltage drop from switchboard to outlet
- Mechanical protection: Cables in walls/floors must be protected or in safe zones
- Colour coding: Active (brown/red), neutral (blue/black), earth (green/yellow)
4. Switchboard Standards
- Circuit labelling: All circuits must be clearly labelled
- Isolation: Main switch must isolate entire installation
- Accessibility: Switchboard accessible for maintenance (not in cupboards/locked areas)
- IP rating: Weather-resistant enclosures for outdoor switchboards
Landlord Electrical Safety Obligations
The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and Healthy Homes Standards set minimum electrical safety requirements for rental properties in New Zealand.
Mandatory Electrical Requirements for Rental Properties
| Requirement | Standard | Deadline/Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Safety Check | Inspection by EWRB registered electrician | Every 4 years (from 1 July 2024) |
| Smoke Alarms | Hardwired or 10-year battery, all sleeping areas | Already mandatory |
| RCD Protection | Power point circuits must have RCD protection | Within 90 days if defect identified |
| Electrical Faults | No exposed wiring, damaged sockets, unsafe conditions | Repair within 14 days of notification |
| Fixed Appliances | If supplied, must be safe and compliant | Before tenancy and as needed |
4-Yearly Electrical Safety Checks (New from July 2024)
What the 4-Year Check Includes:
- ✓ Visual inspection of switchboard, wiring, and outlets
- ✓ Testing of RCD protection devices
- ✓ Checking earth bonding and connections
- ✓ Identifying safety hazards or non-compliant installations
- ✓ Smoke alarm compliance check
- ✓ Written report with remedial actions (if required)
Cost: $200-400 for standard 3-bedroom home
Who Pays: Landlord responsibility
Landlord Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Electrical safety check not done: $4,000 fine per property
- Smoke alarms non-compliant: $4,000 fine + exemplary damages
- Electrical faults not fixed: $4,000 fine + tenant can apply for rent reduction
- Injury due to electrical fault: Civil liability + potential criminal charges
- Tribunal orders: Tenancy Tribunal can order immediate repairs
Tenant Electrical Safety Rights
- Request electrical safety inspection if concerned
- Report electrical faults in writing - landlord has 14 days to fix
- Apply to Tenancy Tribunal for rent reduction if faults not fixed
- Emergency repairs (if landlord unreachable) - landlord must reimburse
- Cannot be evicted for reporting electrical safety issues
Consequences of Non-Compliant Electrical Work
Homeowner Penalties
| Offence | Maximum Fine | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Allowing unregistered person to do electrical work | $10,000 | Insurance void, rectification costs |
| DIY prescribed electrical work | $10,000 | Cannot sell property, safety risks |
| Not obtaining Certificate of Compliance | $5,000 | Work deemed non-compliant |
Electrician Penalties
- Performing electrical work unregistered: $50,000 fine or 3 years imprisonment
- Not issuing Certificate of Compliance: $10,000 fine + disciplinary action
- Unsafe electrical work: $50,000 fine + registration suspension/cancellation
- Falsifying compliance documents: $50,000 fine + criminal prosecution
- WorkSafe prosecutions: Can result in 6-figure fines for serious safety breaches
Real-World Consequences
Case Studies:
House Fire from DIY Work (Auckland, 2023):
Homeowner did own power point installation. Faulty connection caused fire, $180,000 damage. Insurance refused claim. Owner paid $180,000 repairs + $8,000 fine + alternative accommodation costs.
Unregistered "Electrician" (Wellington, 2024):
Person claiming to be electrician worked on 15 properties. Charged $40,000 fine, 6 months home detention. All work had to be redone by registered electricians - homeowners collectively paid $90,000+ in rectification.
Landlord Electrocution Risk (Christchurch, 2023):
Landlord failed to fix reported electrical fault. Tenant received electric shock. Landlord fined $4,000, ordered to pay $8,000 exemplary damages, $2,500 rectification costs. Tenant received 4 weeks free rent.
Electrical Safety Checklist for Homeowners
Annual Safety Checks (DIY):
- □ Test all RCDs using test button (should trip immediately)
- □ Test smoke alarms monthly
- □ Check power points for cracks, burn marks, or looseness
- □ Inspect light fittings for damage or overheating signs
- □ Check outdoor lights and power points for weather damage
- □ Look for exposed wiring or damaged cables
- □ Ensure switchboard area is clear and accessible
When to Call Electrician Immediately:
- ⚠️ Burning smell from outlets or switchboard
- ⚠️ Electric shocks when touching appliances or switches
- ⚠️ Frequent circuit breaker trips
- ⚠️ Flickering lights (not caused by bulbs)
- ⚠️ Sparks from outlets or switches
- ⚠️ Hot power points or light switches
- ⚠️ Buzzing sounds from switchboard
- ⚠️ Visible damage to wiring or electrical components
Frequently Asked Questions
What electrical work requires compliance in NZ?
All prescribed electrical work in New Zealand requires a Certificate of Compliance. This includes: installing/modifying fixed wiring, switchboard work, adding circuits, installing fixed appliances (ovens, hot water cylinders), EV charger installation, and any work on main electrical installations. Only EWRB registered electricians can perform and certify this work.
Who can legally perform electrical work in New Zealand?
Only EWRB (Electrical Workers Registration Board) registered electricians can legally perform prescribed electrical work in New Zealand. This includes Registered Electricians, Practising Electricians, and Limited Certificate holders (for specific work). Homeowners cannot do their own electrical work except replacing light bulbs, batteries in smoke alarms, and plugging in appliances.
What is a Certificate of Compliance and when is it required?
A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a legal document certifying that electrical work meets NZ safety standards. Required for all prescribed electrical work including new installations, modifications, and repairs to fixed wiring. The electrician must issue it within 5 working days of completion and lodge it with your local council within 10 working days.
What are landlord electrical safety obligations in NZ?
NZ landlords must ensure rental properties have safe, compliant electrical systems. Requirements include: electrical safety checks every 4 years by registered electrician, functional smoke alarms (hardwired or 10-year battery), RCD protection on power point circuits, safe appliances if supplied, and fixing electrical faults within 2 weeks of notification. Non-compliance can result in fines up to $4,000.
What happens if electrical work is done without compliance certification?
Non-compliant electrical work consequences: homeowner fined up to $10,000, electrician fined up to $50,000 or 3 years imprisonment, insurance claims rejected, cannot sell property without rectification, safety hazards (fire, electrocution), and cost to fix often exceeds original work. Always ensure your electrician provides Certificate of Compliance.
Find EWRB Registered Electricians
Need compliant electrical work? Connect with up to 3 EWRB registered electricians who provide Certificates of Compliance for all prescribed work. All electricians are verified, insured, and experienced with NZ electrical standards.