Prescribed Electrical Work (PEW) limits

Individuals who are registered and hold a current practising licence issued by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) are authorised to carry out or supervise PEW.

PEW includes tasks such as:

• installation, maintenance, and testing of electrical fittings
• work on electrical installations and appliances
• restoration of supply following faults.

The purpose of regulating PEW is to ensure electrical work is performed safely, competently, and in accordance with legislation and standards.

Who can carry out PEW

The ability to carry out PEW depends on the class of registration the person holds and whether they hold a current practising licence.

Electrical workers holding the registration classes listed below that renew, or have renewed, their practising licence on or after 4 August 2025, must comply the 2025 Registration Notice.

Electrical workers holding these classes who renewed their licence between 1 September 2024 and 3 August 2025 must comply with the 2023 Registration Notice.

• Electrical Inspector
• Electrical Engineer
• Distribution Line Mechanic
• Transmission Line Mechanic
• Traction Line Mechanic
• Substation Maintainer
• Cable Jointer
• Associated Tradesperson.

Electricity (Prescribed Classes of Registration for Electrical Workers) Notice 2025(external link) – New Zealand Gazette

Electricity (Prescribed Classes of Registration for Electrical Workers) Notice 2023(external link) – New Zealand Gazette

The following registration classes must comply with the 2019 Registration Notice when they are granted or renew their practising licence before 1 September 2026:

• Electrician
• Electrical Appliance Serviceperson
• Electrical Service Technician
• Electrical Installer.

Electricity (Prescribed Classes of Registration for Electrical Workers) Notice 2019(external link) – New Zealand Gazette

For licences approved on or after 1 September 2026, the 2025 Registration Notice will apply.