Licences, certificates and the law
How do I check an electrician is licensed?
Ask to see their practising licence and check the expiry date. WorkSafe says the licence colour changes every two years. The Electrical Workers Registration Board can confirm registration on 0800 66 10 00.
What is a Certificate of Compliance (CoC)?
A CoC shows prescribed electrical work was done by a licensed electrician, meets the safety standards and was tested. Electricians must issue one for any fixed wiring work, including a new power point. Keep it, because insurers and buyers may ask for it.
What is an Electrical Safety Certificate?
Once an installation is connected and the person who did the work is satisfied it is safe to use, they issue an Electrical Safety Certificate. It must be issued within 20 working days of connection, and you should get a copy.
Which jobs need an inspector?
High-risk work, such as work on the main switchboard, the main cable and the main earth, must be inspected by a licensed electrical inspector. Your electrician arranges this and you receive a record of inspection.
What electrical work can I legally do myself?
On your own home, within limits, you can replace fuse links, connect and disconnect fixed-wired appliances, and replace switches, sockets and light fittings that do not involve the switchboard, among a few other tasks. The work must be done and tested to the required standard. Legal is not the same as safe: anything on the switchboard or on old rubber wiring is a job for an electrician.
Do I need a CoC to replace a light fitting?
Not for like-for-like maintenance, such as replacing a socket or light fitting. New fixed wiring, such as an extra power point or a new circuit, needs a CoC.
Safety, faults and old wiring
Why does my RCD keep tripping?
An RCD cuts the power when current leaks to earth, so a trip usually means there is a fault somewhere, such as water in an outdoor fitting or a faulty appliance. Unplug appliances on that circuit and try again. If it still trips, call an electrician rather than resetting it over and over.
What should I do if I smell burning from a switch or socket?
Stop using it. If it is safe to do so, turn off the main switch at the switchboard, and call an emergency electrician. Do not touch anything that is hot, scorched or sparking.
Is rubber wiring dangerous?
Vulcanised Indian rubber and tough rubber sheathed cable go brittle and crumble with age, which can expose live conductors and raise the risk of fire. It should be replaced rather than extended, and some insurers may decline cover where wiring is old or unfit.
Do I have to add RCDs to my existing home?
We have found no NZ rule that forces existing homes to be retrofitted. New and altered circuits must have RCD protection under the wiring rules, and adding RCDs to older circuits is a sensible safety upgrade.
Should I get an electrical inspection before buying a house?
WorkSafe advises having a licensed electrician or inspector check the installation before you buy, and asking the vendor for all Certificates of Compliance.
EV chargers, smoke alarms and upgrades
What does an EV charger installation need?
A dedicated circuit for the charger, protected by a Type B RCD or a Type A RCD with an RDC-DD, starting from a switchboard on a MEN system. Ask the supplier for a Supplier Declaration of Conformity, and you get a Certificate of Compliance when it is installed.
Will I need a switchboard upgrade for an EV charger?
Sometimes. If the board has no space, no spare capacity or no suitable protection, it may need work first. We check before quoting so the price includes everything.
What smoke alarms do rentals need?
Alarms within 3 metres of each bedroom door, or in every room where someone sleeps, and on every level. New alarms must be photoelectric with a battery life of at least 8 years, or hard-wired. Landlords can be fined up to $7,200 for not meeting the rules.
Do working smoke alarms in a rental need replacing?
No. Working alarms that have not expired do not need replacing. Landlords must make sure alarms work at the start of each tenancy.
When is rewiring better than repairs?
When old rubber cable runs through most of the house, or a renovation has walls and ceilings open anyway. Replacing a few circuits makes sense when the problem is limited to them.
Quotes, pricing and booking
Do you give a fixed price?
Yes. You get a written, itemised quote, and the price is fixed once you accept it. If something hidden turns up, we stop, show you and agree any change in writing before going ahead.
Can you quote from photos?
For small jobs like power points, lights and fans, often yes. Send photos of the area and your switchboard.
How much does an electrician cost per hour?
Builderscrack's directory lists Auckland electricians at $95 to $125 plus GST per hour. See our electrician prices guide for more published ranges.
Do you do emergency call-outs?
Yes. For a power fault, a burning smell or anything sparking, call us. After-hours rates apply, and we tell you the cost before we start.
What areas do you cover?
We work across Auckland, including Central Auckland, the North Shore, West, East and South Auckland and the Hibiscus Coast.
Still have a question? Contact us, book online or read the electrician prices guide.