The Johnson family had just moved into their brand-new home. It was a new build with modern architecture, spacious rooms, and state-of-the-art appliances.

But just days after moving in, they noticed a strange odour. It wasn't the typical ‘new house’ smell, but something more concerning – like burning plastic. It went through the entire house, making it impossible to ignore. A friend recommended calling in an electrician to investigate.

What we found was shocking, to say the least. The electrical work was so dodgy, we had no choice but to report it to the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). The developer had hired someone who talked a good game, but they had unwittingly let an untrained labourer do most of the electrical work.

We're talking rookie mistakes that could've been deadly – power points in all the wrong places, heated towel rails practically over the tub (fancy a side of electrocution with your bubble bath?), and no isolator switches for the oven and hob (these isolate individual cooking appliances for installation, maintenance, or emergencies without affecting the entire circuit.)

It was a disaster waiting to happen.

This is a true story, and our No Shock Electrical electricians had to go in and clean up the mess. It needed rewiring from top to bottom. We're talking walls torn open, floors ripped up—the works. It was a nightmare, sure, but better than the alternative—a potential house fire or worse.

The moral of the story? Always check your electrician's credentials and make sure the relevant certification is provided, inspected and signed off.

Want to find out more? Read on….

First things first – what to look for

So, how do you ensure you're getting a qualified electrician who'll do the job right and provide all the necessary paperwork? Your first stop should be the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) website. You can search for registered electricians in your area and check their qualifications.

Remember, a registered electrician isn't just someone who knows which end of a screwdriver to hold. They've undergone proper training and are required to keep up with the latest regulations. This is crucial because electrical standards can change, and you want someone who's up to date – or your insurance might not cover any issues arising from dodgy work.

When it comes to carrying out the electrical work in your home or business, safety should be the top priority. But let's face it – the world of electrical regulations and certifications can be as confusing as a tangle of wires behind your TV stand. As a homeowner or business owner in New Zealand, it's really important to understand the basics to ensure you're getting safe, compliant work done. Let's break it down in plain English.

The certification maze

There are several types of electrical certifications you will come across:

1. Certification of Compliance (COC)
2. Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC)
3. Record of Inspection (ROI)
4. Certificate of Verification (COV)
5. Warrant of Electrical Fitness (EWOF)

Each serves a different purpose but aims to ensure that electrical work meets safety standards. Let's focus on the ones you're most likely to encounter as a property owner.

An explainer

For most standard electrical work, you'll deal with either a COC or an ESC. A Certification of Compliance (COC) is typically issued for new installations or major work. An Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC), on the other hand, is usually for repairs or minor installations.

Here's a handy rule of thumb: if you're getting a repair done, like fixing a faulty light switch, you'll probably get an ESC. For a new installation, like wiring up a new room addition, you'll likely need a COC.

If you're dealing with more complex work involving new mains or a new switchboard, you might need both a COC and a Record of Inspection (ROI). The ROI can only be issued by an electrical inspector, not your average Sparky.

If you’re purchasing a home, an electrical Certificate of Verification (COV) is often requested by insurers, particularly for older homes. It confirms the safety of a property's electrical systems and is typically required for mortgage approval.

Lastly, if you own a caravan, motorhome or a large boat, you'll need to keep an eye on your Warrant of Electrical Fitness (EWOF).

This is specific to portable structures that can be moved from place to place. Think of it like a WOF for your vehicle's electrics.

Keeping it legal

These aren't just fancy pieces of paper – they're legal documents that you and your electrician must take seriously. By law, these certificates need to be retained for seven years. That goes for both the electrician and you, the property owner.

I know what you're thinking – seven years? I can barely keep track of my socks for seven days! But it's important. These documents prove that the work done on your property was up to scratch. If anything goes wrong down the line, you'll be glad you hung onto them.

DIY: just not worth it.

Some of you might be thinking, ‘I'm pretty handy. Can't I just do it myself?’ Yes and no.  There is a book out there – The Homeowner's Guide to Electrical Wiring – with instructions for homeowners to carry out their own electrical work. But here's the catch – while you can do the wiring, you're not allowed to connect it to a power source.

So, you still have to get in a Sparky and still have to get it certified. And if you haven’t done the original work properly (which the Sparky will check), you’ll have to pay for it to be done again.

It's not worth the risk. Electrical work isn't like putting together flat-pack furniture. Get it wrong, and you're not just looking at a wobbly bookshelf – you could be putting lives at risk.

When it comes to electrical work, cutting corners isn't just risky - it's dangerous. Always hire a registered electrician, make sure you get the right certification for the job, and keep those documents safe.

Remember, a little extra care now can save you a lot of headaches (and potentially tragedy) down the line. Stay safe!

Don’t leave it to an amateur – contact our team here to get your electrical work done legally and safely