What the endorsed areas cover

Mains Parallel Generation Systems

Mains Parallel Generation Systems means fittings that:

• are used or intended for use by any person in, or in connection with, the generation of electricity for that person’s use, and
• are capable of supplying electricity to fittings that, at the same time, are supplied with electricity from other systems of electrical supply.

Regulation 4 in the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010(external link) – New Zealand Legislation

Whether you need a Mains Parallel Generation Systems endorsed registration class depends on the PEW you are doing. Not all solar installations are connected as a Mains Parallel Generation System.

Examples of Mains Parallel Generation Systems:

• A low voltage photovoltaic (PV) system in an installation connected to the national grid.

Solar installations (or PV arrays) that are not connected to the grid do not generate electricity in parallel with the mains supply. You do not need to hold a Mains Parallel Generation Systems endorsed registration class if the system does not supply electricity at the same time as other systems of electrical supply.

If other systems are used to generate electricity at same time as another system, it may be a Mains Parallel Generation System.

All PEW involving installation of a PV system is high-risk PEW. It must be inspected by someone authorised to inspect high-risk PEW.

Supervision

Supervision means work is carried out under the control and direction of:

• a person authorised under the Electricity Act 1992, or
• a person authorised to supervise work under that section 76 of the Act.

Section 76 of the Electricity Act 1992(external link) – New Zealand Legislation

Supervision must ensure that:

• the work is performed competently
• appropriate safety measures are used while the work is being undertaken
• completed work complies with the regulatory requirements under section 169.

Part 1 of the Electricity Act 1992(external link) – New Zealand Legislation

Section 169 of the Electricity Act 1992(external link) – New Zealand Legislation

An endorsed Supervision registration class holder may supervise more than 2 persons at one time to carry out PEW. This includes:

• trainees with Limited Certificates
• people working under supervision
• licensed electrical workers working outside their limits of work.

Electrical Inspectors may supervise any number of people to carry out PEW without holding this endorsed registration class.

You can only supervise work that you are authorised to carry out. If you supervise work in a high-risk area, you may also need the relevant endorsed registration class.

For more information:

Supervision companion guide [PDF, 1 MB]

Mining Operation

A Mining Operation is defined in clause 2 of Schedule 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

This may include the extraction of coal and minerals at the place where extraction occurs. It excludes a quarrying operation or an alluvial mining operation.

Schedule 3, clause 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015(external link) – New Zealand Legislation

Hazardous Area

A Hazardous Area means an area in which an explosive atmosphere is present, in quantities that require special precautions for the construction, installation, and use of electrical equipment.  

Regulation 4 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010(external link) – New Zealand Legislation

Examples include areas where flammable liquids, like petrol or kerosene, are used or stored. These places may have explosive vapours.

The AS/NZS 60079 series of standards sets requirements for electrical equipment in hazardous areas. AS/NZS 60079.0:2019 defines explosive gas and dust atmospheres.

Common examples of hazardous areas are:

• commercial garages and fuel dispensing facilities
• aircraft hangers and refuelling apron
• vehicle repair and spray-painting workshops
• chemical process plants
• dry cleaning processes
• agricultural processes (for example, stock feed, grain handling and storage)
• milk powder processes.

Medical Cardiac Protected Area

A Medical Cardiac Protected Area is a patient treatment area classified as a cardiac-protected electrical area under AS/NZS 3003.

Examples of Medical Cardiac Protected Areas include:

• cardiac catheter laboratories
• operating theatres for cardiac surgery
• cardiac intensive care units (ICUs).