Electrical FAQ - Expert Answers

ElectricianQuotes.co.nz is New Zealand's leading electrician matching platform. Simply submit your electrical project details through our quote form, and we'll connect you with up to 3 qualified, licensed electricians in your area who will provide detailed quotes for your project. The service is completely free for customers.

Absolutely. Every electrician in our network is fully licensed by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB), certified, and carries comprehensive insurance. We verify all credentials, licenses, and insurance coverage before accepting any electrician into our network.

Our quote matching service is completely free for customers. You only pay for the electrical work you choose to proceed with. Electricians pay us a small referral fee only when they complete a job, which doesn't affect your pricing.

For genuine electrical emergencies, our network of 24/7 emergency electricians can typically respond within 30-60 minutes in major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Response times may be longer in rural areas.

Electrical emergencies include: complete power loss, sparking outlets or switchboards, burning electrical smells, exposed or damaged wiring, electric shocks from appliances, or any situation posing immediate safety risks. Call emergency services if there's fire or immediate danger.

Emergency electrical services in New Zealand typically cost $150-250 per hour, plus a call-out fee ranging from $80-150. Weekend and after-hours rates may be higher. The total cost depends on the complexity of the issue and time required to resolve it.

Complete house rewiring in New Zealand typically costs $8,000-30,000, depending on house size, age, and complexity. A 3-bedroom home averages $12,000-18,000. Factors affecting cost include: house size, accessibility of wiring, switchboard upgrades, and local regulations.

Installing a new power point in New Zealand costs $150-300 per point, including parts and labor. Additional costs may apply if new wiring is required or for outdoor/waterproof outlets. Multiple installations often reduce per-point costs.

Switchboard upgrades in Auckland typically cost $1,500-3,500 for a standard residential upgrade, including RCD protection and modern circuit breakers. Larger homes or complex upgrades may cost more. All work must comply with AS/NZS 3000 standards.

Electrical safety inspections (electrical WOFs) cost $200-400 for residential properties in New Zealand. Commercial inspections range from $300-800 depending on property size and complexity. Inspections are required for rental properties every 4 years.

EV charger installation in New Zealand costs $800-3,000 total. Basic Level 1 chargers (standard outlet) cost $800-1,200 installed. Level 2 chargers (faster charging) cost $1,500-3,000 installed, including electrical upgrades if needed.

No, EV charger installation must be performed by a licensed electrician in New Zealand. This ensures compliance with electrical codes, safety standards, and may be required for insurance and warranty coverage. DIY installation can be dangerous and illegal.

Solar panel electrical installation for residential systems typically takes 1-3 days, depending on system size and complexity. This includes DC and AC wiring, inverter installation, meter connection, and grid tie-in. Larger commercial systems may take several weeks.

Yes, most electrical work in New Zealand requires permits and must be performed by licensed electricians. This includes new circuits, outlet installation, lighting changes, and appliance connections. Only basic tasks like changing light bulbs can be done without a license.

Your house may need rewiring if you notice: frequently blown fuses or tripped breakers, flickering lights, outlets that don't work, old cloth-wrapped or aluminum wiring, burning smells, mild electric shocks from switches, or insufficient outlets for modern needs. Homes over 40 years old should be inspected.

A switchboard (or consumer unit) distributes electricity throughout your home via circuit breakers or fuses. You should upgrade if yours is over 25 years old, has old-style fuses instead of circuit breakers, lacks RCD protection, or frequently trips. Modern switchboards provide better safety and accommodate higher electrical loads.

Modern bedrooms should have at least 4-6 power points to accommodate devices like phones, lamps, computers, and appliances. Building codes require a minimum number, but most electricians recommend additional outlets for convenience and future needs.

Yes, licensed electricians can add power points by extending existing circuits or installing new ones. The method depends on your electrical load capacity and switchboard space. Adding outlets to existing circuits is cheaper than running new circuits.

An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a safety device that quickly cuts power when it detects electricity leaking to earth, preventing electrocution. All new electrical installations in New Zealand require RCD protection, and older homes should be upgraded with RCDs for safety.

Rental properties require electrical safety inspections every 4 years by law. For owner-occupied homes, inspections every 10-15 years are recommended, or immediately if you notice electrical problems. Older homes (40+ years) should be inspected more frequently.

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, first unplug all appliances on that circuit, then reset the breaker. If it immediately trips again, there's likely a wiring fault requiring professional attention. Don't repeatedly reset a tripping breaker - call a licensed electrician.

Complete house rewiring in Auckland typically costs $10,000-25,000 for a 3-bedroom home, depending on size, age, and accessibility. Auckland's higher labor costs and stricter building requirements can increase pricing compared to other regions.

Yes, Wellington has numerous 24/7 emergency electricians available through our network. Response times typically range from 30-60 minutes within the Wellington metro area, including Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Porirua.

Absolutely. Christchurch has numerous certified electricians experienced in post-earthquake electrical work, including seismic compliance, insurance repairs, and complete electrical rebuilds. Many specialize in earthquake-resistant electrical installations.

Commercial electrical work in New Zealand typically costs $100-200 per hour for qualified commercial electricians, plus materials. Project costs vary widely based on complexity, from simple repairs ($200-500) to complete fitouts ($10,000-100,000+).

Yes, commercial electrical work requires electricians with appropriate commercial or industrial qualifications beyond basic residential licensing. Commercial work involves different codes, higher voltages, and specialized equipment requiring additional training and certification.

Flickering lights can be caused by: loose wiring connections, overloaded electrical circuits, faulty light fixtures, problems with the electrical grid, or major appliances drawing power. Occasional flickering during storms is normal, but persistent flickering requires professional diagnosis.

Power outlets stop working due to: tripped circuit breakers, blown fuses, tripped GFCI outlets, loose wiring connections, or outlet failure. First check your switchboard for tripped breakers and look for GFCI reset buttons on outlets in wet areas.

High electricity bills can result from: old, inefficient appliances, poor home insulation, electrical faults causing power wastage, phantom loads from devices on standby, or faulty hot water systems. An electrical audit can identify energy waste.