Guidance: Changes to Electricity Safety Regulations 2010

The amended Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 came into force on 13 November 2025. These changes include a significant update to the standards referenced for electrical installation work. This article provides an overview of the key changes and what they mean for electrical workers.

Updated Standards Now in Force

The amendment introduces updates to the standards cited in Schedules 2 and 4 of the Regulations, including new versions of several AS/NZS standards. In total, approximately 440 standards have been updated. Key changes include:

  • a new version of AS/NZS 3000 has been cited
  • new versions of AS/NZS 3001.1 and AS/NZS 3001.2 have been cited
  • a new version of AS/NZS 3003 has been cited
  • a new version of AS/NZS 3019 has been cited
  • a new version of AS/NZS 4777.1 has been cited for the specific purpose of a low voltage mains parallel generation system that is connected to the national grid
  • a new version of AS/NZS 5033 has been cited
  • a new version of AS/NZS 60079.14 has been cited.

What These Changes Mean for You

  • Plan ahead for compliance: Check the standard version you need to use before starting work.
  • Transitional flexibility: You may choose to use the updated standards immediately (from 13 November 2025), but existing installations do not need to be upgraded unless you are altering themz.
  • Documentation matters: Ensure Certificates of Compliance (CoCs) clearly reflect which version of the standard was used for each stage of work.

When the Updated Standards Apply

WorkSafe’s guidance distinguishes between existing installations and repairs, new installations, and alterations. The start date of the work determines when you must use the updated standards.

Existing installations and repairs

Existing electrical installations do not need to be upgraded just because the standards have changed. They can continue to be used and repaired for as long as they remain safe. There is no time limit for this. 

The previous version of the standards can continue to be used for any repair work.

New installations

For new installations, there are transitional arrangements. The date you begin work determines which standards apply:

  • if construction began before 13 November 2025, you may continue using the previous standards with no deadline for completion
  • if construction began after 13 November 2025, you may continue using the previous standards provided the work is completed by 12 November 2026. If it is not finished by that date, you must issue a CoC for the work completed up to that point and complete the remaining work to the updated standards
  • if construction began after 12 November 2026, you must use the updated standards. 

Alterations

If you are relocating, adding to, or altering an existing installation, only the parts you change need to comply with the updated standards. There is no requirement to upgrade the current parts of the existing installation.

The transitional arrangements for alterations are the same as for new installations.

More information

WorkSafe Guidance(external link)
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010(external link)