Adhering to regulatory standards is a critical aspect of the electrical industry in New Zealand. Electricians and electrical workers must follow strict guidelines to ensure safety, efficiency, and legal compliance. Not only do regulations protect workers but also safeguard homes, businesses, and the public from potential electrical hazards. Failure to comply regulations can lead to severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even fatal accidents.
A recent case involving an unlicensed trainee performing electrical work highlights the dangers of non-compliance and the importance of ensuring only qualified professionals manage electrical installations and repairs. This article explores the significance of regulatory adherence, examines a recent case study, and emphasises why maintaining high industry standards is essential for the future of electrical work in New Zealand.
What is the role of regulatory standards?
The New Zealand electrical industry is governed by the Electricity Act 1992 and the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, overseen by WorkSafe New Zealand and the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). These regulations ensure that only licensed and competent individuals conduct electrical work, reducing the risk of fire, electrocution, and faulty installations.
Key requirements include:
- Licensing and registration, ensuring that only registered and licensed electricians can conduct prescribed electrical work (PEW).
- Training and supervision, requiring trainee electricians to work under direct supervision to prevent errors that could lead to hazardous situations.
- Safety inspections and certifications, ensuring all electrical installations are tested and certified before being connected to the power supply.
Non-compliance with regulations can have serious legal and financial repercussions.
Case study: Trainee electrician fined for dangerous work.
In January 2025, a trainee electrician was fined $10,000 for conducting unsupervised electrical work that posed serious safety risks. The case, investigated by WorkSafe New Zealand, revealed that the trainee had conducted wiring and installation tasks without the required oversight from a licensed electrician.
The trainee was employed by an electrical company but was left unsupervised on multiple occasions. Electrical faults were later discovered, including incorrectly installed wiring, which could have led to electric shocks or fire hazards. The case became known when a homeowner reported power fluctuations and exposed live wires. Upon investigation, it was found that no Certificate of Compliance (CoC) had been issued for the work.
The Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) issued a $10,000 fine, and the company employing the trainee was also subject to an official warning. This case underscores the necessity of following regulatory standards to prevent unsafe practices and avoid financial penalties.1
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Improper electrical work increases the likelihood of fires, electric shocks, and equipment failures. According to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, electrical faults are a leading cause of house fires in the country.2
Regulatory authorities impose heavy fines and legal actions against individuals and businesses that violate safety regulations. Apart from fines, non-compliant electricians risk losing their licenses, which can end their careers or result in their businesses being shut down.
Businesses that fail to comply with regulations suffer financial losses, including compensation claims and increased insurance premiums. Additionally, negative publicity can harm an electrician’s professional reputation, leading to loss of clients and business opportunities.
Furthermore, widespread non-compliance lowers industry standards and compromises the integrity of the electrical trade. Without strict adherence to regulations, unqualified individuals may enter the market, leading to poor-quality installations and increased accident rates.
Why is it important to only hire licensed electricians?
Consumers play a role in ensuring safety by hiring only registered electricians. The EWRB provides an online called the Electrical Worker Public Register, enabling consumers to verify whether an electrician is licensed and authorised to perform electrical work in New Zealand. This register allows users to search for electrical workers by name, town/city, license type, or registration class, ensuring that the professional they intend to hire holds a valid and current license.3
Those considering hiring an electrician should:
- Check an electrician’s registration before hiring.
- Request a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) after electrical work is completed.
- Report any suspected illegal electrical work to WorkSafe New Zealand.4
What industry initiatives are in place to improve compliance?
To enhance compliance, New Zealand’s electrical industry has introduced several initiatives. Organisations like Master Electricians New Zealand run campaigns educating consumers about the dangers of hiring unlicensed workers and the importance of certified electrical work.5
Regulatory bodies have increased random site inspections and imposed stricter penalties on non-compliant individuals. WorkSafe NZ encourages reporting of unsafe practices to ensure industry-wide accountability.6 Following recent cases, authorities are reviewing supervision policies for trainee electricians to ensure that apprentices receive adequate guidance before working independently.7
Adhering to regulatory standards is not just a legal requirement but a moral responsibility in the electrical industry. The recent case of a trainee electrician fined for dangerous work highlights the risks of non-compliance and the potential consequences of failing to follow safety protocols. New Zealand’s electrical industry must continue to enforce strict regulations, conduct inspections, and educate both professionals and the public about the importance of licensed electrical work. By maintaining exacting standards, we can ensure a safer, more reliable electrical industry for everyone.
by Sean Aucamp, 07 March 2025
References
1 RNZ. (2025). “Trainee Electrician Fined $10,000 Over Dangerous Work.” Retrieved from www.rnz.co.nz.
2 Fire and Emergency NZ. (2024). “Electrical Fires: Causes and Prevention.” Retrieved from www.fireandemergency.nz.
3 Electrical Workers Registration Board. (2025). “Find Electrical Workers.” Retrieved from https://kete.mbie.govt.nz/.
4 EWRB. (2025). “Why Licensing Matters.” Retrieved from www.ewrb.govt.nz.
5 Master Electricians NZ. (2025). “Ensuring Compliance in the Electrical Trade.” Retrieved from www.masterelectricians.org.nz.
6 WorkSafe. (2022). “Report an unsafe or unhealthy work situation.” Retrieved from https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/.
7 EWRB. (2024). “Important changes for all Registered Electrical Workers.” Retrieved from www.ewrb.govt.nz.