What electrical work can a home owner do in their own house?

What electrical work can a home owner do in their own house?

Gibson Electrical

In New Zealand, homeowners are allowed to perform some basic electrical work on their own homes, provided they follow specific safety guidelines and regulations. However, there are strict limitations on what unlicensed individuals can do. Here's a summary of the electrical work you can and cannot do yourself:

Electrical Work You Can Do Yourself:

  1. Replacement of Existing Components:You can replace existing light switches, sockets, and plugs.Replacing light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and starters.
  2. Simple Wiring Tasks:You can wire and install appliances like ovens, cooktops, and range hoods, but only if they have a plug and you are plugging them into an existing socket. Installing or replacing light fittings, provided it does not involve new wiring or changes to the existing wiring setup.
  3. Repairs:
    Repairing or replacing existing electrical components, such as light switches and sockets, as long as it does not involve new wiring. Repairing or replacing existing electrical components, such as light switches and sockets, as long as it does not involve new wiring.
  4. Using Pre-wired Kits:Using pre-wired kits designed for simple installations like garden lights or prefabricated shed wiring kits, as long as no new wiring is done. Using pre-wired kits designed for simple installations like garden lights or prefabricated shed wiring kits, as long as no new wiring is done.

Electrical Work You Cannot Do Yourself:

  1. Installation of New Wiring:Installing new circuits, outlets, switches, or light fittings that require new wiring. Installing new circuits, outlets, switches, or light fittings that require new wiring.
  2. Modifying Existing Wiring:Any modifications to the existing electrical wiring, such as extending circuits, adding new circuits, or altering existing circuits.
  3. Main Electrical Systems:
    Work on the main switchboard, circuit breakers, or any work that involves the main electrical supply.

Certification and Inspection:

  1. Even if you are allowed to do certain electrical tasks, any new wiring or major alterations need to be inspected and certified by a licensed electrician.
  2. Upon completion of any electrical work that requires certification, a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) must be issued by the inspecting electrician.

Best Practices:

  1. Always turn off the power at the main switchboard before starting any electrical work.
  2. Use appropriate tools and wear safety gear.
  3. Follow all instructions and guidelines provided by manufacturers and local regulations.

While there are certain tasks you can legally undertake yourself, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations is crucial to avoid hazards and ensure the safety of your household. For more complex tasks, hiring a licensed electrician is always the best course of action.

Call us if you need help, or are in any way not confident. 09 407 6468