Never cut corners with electricity

Do-it-yourself is the New Zealand way, particularly when it comes to building or renovating. But beware, electrical work is one area where a few dollars saved can have devastating results.

Cutting corners with electricity is usually done for one of two reasons - to cut costs on a job, or a belief that you can do the work yourself.

A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE IS A DANGEROUS THING

In building there is a lot of areas where a little knowledge can go a long way, but electrical work is not one of them. When it comes to electricity - a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Danger lurks behind seemingly simple electrical procedures. What appears to be a quick wiring job can become a technical and complex task that only a registered electrician is qualified to perform.

Whether you're building yourself, or contracting a building for work, you must always ensure a registered electrical worker is used for electrical work. Asking to see a practicing licence is the best way to ensure an electrician is registered and qualified.

Every year in New Zealand there are cases of electrical jobs that have gone drastically wrong because unqualified people have done the work. And often it is families who are the victims.

Electrical work illegally performed which results in fire or injury may not be covered by insurance and may incur legal liability for damage caused.

Builders who perform your electrical work are not legally allowed to do so, and therefore are not protected from liability in the event of faulty work. If you are contracting a builder it is important you check to make sure a registered electrical worker is being sub-contracted for all electrical work.

For legal protection, all house wiring (including the fitting of new power points) requires a Certificate of Compliance as proof that work has been carried out according to electricity regulations. Electricians provide Certificates of Compliance assuring you that the work is complete, is safe, and has been tested. It is important to keep the Certificate. If you are contracting a builder, he should receive a Certificate of Compliance from the electrical worker. Make sure you ask your builder to pass it on.

In the event of a fire or electrical accident, avoid the chance of your insurance claim being denied - ask an e lectrician for a Certificate of compliance to prove the work complies with proper electrical standards.

More Information

Electrical Workers Registration Board

Toll free on 0800 661 000
or write to
John Sickels, Registrar, PO Box 10-156, Wellington.

Information supplied by Electrical Workers Registration Board