Getting prescribed electrical work right

Before starting, electrical workers need to be authorised and competent to undertake prescribed electrical work. They need to understand the testing, inspection, and certification requirements that apply.

Understanding your responsibilities

Every day, electrical workers do work that affects the safety of people and property. The Electricity Act 1992 and Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 defines prescribed electrical work (PEW) that must be done safely and by people with the right skills and knowledge.

Completing the installation is part of the job. Electrical workers must make sure the work is:

  • tested
  • inspected when required
  • certified correctly
  • carried out within the limits of their registration class and licence.

Being competent to carry out work

Electrical workers must also be competent to undertake the work they perform, and hold registration and a current practising licence.

Competence means having the knowledge, skills, training, qualifications, and experience to do the work safely.

Being registered allows an electrical worker to carry out PEW within their registration class. However, registration alone does not mean they can do every type of work covered by that class.

Before starting work, electrical workers need to be sure they have the training, experience, and understanding of the relevant standards and technology involved. If they need training, supervision, or specialist advice, they should get it before carrying out the work.

Testing completed work

Testing work is an important part of carrying out prescribed electrical work. Before the work is connected to a power supply, it must be tested to make sure it is safe.

Testing confirms that electrical installations and equipment have been wired correctly and are safe. It can also identify problems that may not be visible during installation, such as damaged insulation, polarity, or faults with protective devices.

Electrical workers need to ensure:

  • Testing is carried out in accordance with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and applicable standards.
  • Appropriate test instruments are used and are suitable for the work being performed.
  • Any defects identified during testing are rectified before the installation is energised.

Failing to adequately test completed work can create safety risks and may result in enforcement action where regulatory requirements have not been met.

Inspection requirements for high-risk PEW

High-risk PEW must be independently inspected. This provides an extra check to make sure the work is safe and meets legal requirements.

Importantly, inspection does not replace the obligation on the person carrying out the work to test the work. Testing and certification responsibilities remain with the person who performed the PEW. Electrical workers need to ensure they understand when inspection requirements apply.

Working within your limits of work

Electrical workers who hold a current practising licence must only carry out prescribed electrical work that falls within the limits of work authorised by their registration class. The Board prescribes limits of work for each class of registration to ensure that work is undertaken by the appropriate people.

Before undertaking work, electrical workers should ask:

  • Am I registered and licensed for this type of work?
  • Does the work fall within the limits of my registration class?
  • Am I competent to perform the work safely?

If the answer to any of these questions is uncertain, further advice should be sought before proceeding.

Protecting people and maintaining standards

When electrical workers do PEW safely and within the limits of their registration, they protect people and property. They also maintain professional standards and support a safe electrical industry for everyone in New Zealand.