You are here: Home >  F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What kinds of electrical work can I do for myself?
  The kinds of work a homeowner is legally entitled to do is fully described in the Electricity Regulations 1997.
  
  Call in the Experts
  While you may be able, as a homeowner, to undertake some electrical work in your own home under certain conditions, the vast majority of homeowners will not be competent to meet these conditions, nor would they feel confident enough to put their family and property in danger.
  
  You need then to call on the services of a Registered Electrician with a practising licence, and in today's climate you need a MASTERelectrician, a member of  The Electrical Contractors Association of New Zealand (ECANZ) who has met the MASTERelectricians criteria.
  
  The advantages of selecting a MASTERelectrician with the backing of a national body such as ECANZ are that the entire membership backs the MASTERelectricians Guarantee Scheme offered by ECANZ. In the unlikely event of a problem relating to the quality of workmanship or safety, ECANZ will remedy defects up to a value of $10,000 if your original ECANZ contractor will not.

  ---

• Do I need a Certificate of Compliance?
  Ask for a Certificate of Compliance immediately on completion of any fixed wiring work, including fittings and power points that are connected to that wiring. Electrical workers are required by law to issue customers with a Certificate of Compliance - except for repairs or maintenance. It is your assurance that the work done complies with the safety standards. Keep all Certificates of Compliance in a safe place for insurance purposes, as they will protect you from liability if something goes wrong.

  ---

• Where can I get more information?
  Energy Safety is the part of the Ministry of Economic Development which monitors and encourages compliance with the laws relating to energy safety.
  
  Visit them at www.energysafety.govt.nz
  
  Download their useful brochures:
  
  A Guide to doing your own Electrical work legally (PDF file, 17 KB)
  
  Living Safely with Electricity (PDF file, 531 KB)
  This very handy and comprehensive reference covers all aspects of electrical issues for the homeowner. Includes information on how to change a fuse, checking your circuit breakers, emergency information, and much, much more.
  
  About Residual Current Devices - RCDs (PDF, 500 KB)

  ---

Contact us today to find out more.