  
5. Flood Damage House RecoveryThe Ministry has received a number of enquiries relating to the repair of electrical installations that have been damaged in the recent flooding. The following sets out the Ministry's interpretation of the regulatory requirements relating to the repair of such work. The Ministry has published this interpretation to provide clarity to those in the industry who are assisting flood victim recovery. Irrespective of how much of the electrical installation wiring and fittings are being replaced, including an entire switchboard, it is the Ministry's opinion that:
- The work of restoring the electrical wiring within a flood damaged property is work to which regulation 68 applies and therefore no upgrading is required for compliance with AS/NZS 3000:2000 including the installation of RCDs,
- The work is not subject to certification under Regulation 39 [39(2) applies],
- The work is therefore not subject to inspection under Regulation 41, [41(1) applies],
- Regulation 44 must be applied, as the Ministry interprets any reconnection as being that of a recommissioned installation.
This does not imply that the provisions of Regulations 38, 39 and 41 (which are cited in 44) apply.
- Therefore an inspection to verify the fundamental safety features is required which must be carried out in accordance with AS/NZS 3019. The installation would then be covered by a Certificate of Verification. However this inspection could be carried out by the person carrying out the installation work if they are a registered inspector.
Irrespective of the above factors:
- - The work must be tested in accordance with Regulation 37.
Please note that the above mentioned does not prohibit the use of a certificate of compliance if the client or insurer wishes one to be issued. Also where a client is agreeable, RCDs should be considered for applications where the risk of electric shock is higher, such as bathrooms and laundries. This is however a matter of recommendation and not mandatory, excepting where socket outlets are located in damp zones where the use of RCDs are mandatory.
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