In New Zealand, the short answer is: it depends on their qualifications. A heat pump installer can legally carry out the electrical connection themselves — but only if they hold the appropriate electrical registration or licence. If they don't, the wiring must be done by a separately engaged registered electrician. This is not a grey area; getting it wrong can void your warranty, fail a building inspection, and create serious safety risks.
Why Electrical Work Is Restricted in NZ
Under the Electricity Act 1992 and the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, most electrical work in New Zealand is classified as restricted electrical work (REW). This means it must be carried out — or supervised — by a person registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).
For a heat pump installation, the restricted electrical work typically includes:
- Connecting the indoor and outdoor units to the mains power supply
- Installing or modifying a dedicated circuit from the switchboard
- Any wiring inside the building's fixed electrical installation
The low-voltage signal wiring (the communication cable between indoor and outdoor units) is generally not restricted work, but the mains-side connection absolutely is.
What Qualifications Does a Heat Pump Installer Need?
Many professional heat pump installers in NZ hold a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) trade certificate and are also registered electricians — or work alongside one. The key registrations to look for are:
- Registered Electrician (RE) — licensed to carry out and certify restricted electrical work
- Electrical Inspector — can inspect and certify work
- Certifying Electrician — can issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC), which is legally required after restricted electrical work is completed
A heat pump installer who holds only an RAC qualification (but is not registered with the EWRB) cannot legally connect the unit to your home's electrical supply. They must either hold the appropriate electrical registration themselves or subcontract that part of the job to someone who does.
You can verify a tradesperson's electrical registration on the EWRB register.
The Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
Once restricted electrical work is completed, a Certificate of Compliance must be issued by a Certifying Electrician and provided to you as the homeowner. This document:
- Confirms the work meets the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice
- Is required by your insurance company if you ever make a claim
- Should be kept with your home's records
If your installer cannot provide a CoC, that is a serious red flag. Always ask for it before making final payment.
Do You Need a Building Consent?
For most standard residential heat pump installations, a building consent is not required under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 — this is a common exemption. However, there are exceptions, such as installations involving significant structural work (e.g., cutting through a concrete wall or roof) or commercial premises.
Always confirm with your local council whether a consent is needed for your specific situation. The MBIE Building Performance website has useful guidance on Schedule 1 exemptions.
What About Refrigerant Handling?
Separate from the electrical rules, refrigerant handling is also regulated. Technicians must hold a Refrigerant Handling Licence issued under the Ozone Layer Protection Act 1996 to legally purchase and handle refrigerants like R32 or R410A. A qualified RAC technician will hold this licence — it's worth confirming before work begins.
Practical Tips for Homeowners
- Ask upfront: Before hiring, ask whether the installer is registered with the EWRB or will subcontract the electrical connection to someone who is.
- Check the register: Verify their EWRB registration at ewrb.govt.nz.
- Request the CoC: Make it a condition of payment that you receive the Certificate of Compliance.
- Check your warranty: Most heat pump manufacturers (Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Fujitsu, etc.) require installation by a qualified person — improper installation can void the warranty.
- Get it in writing: A written quote should specify who is carrying out the electrical work and what qualifications they hold.
Safety Note
Unauthorised electrical work is not just illegal — it is genuinely dangerous. Faulty wiring is a leading cause of house fires in New Zealand. WorkSafe NZ takes electrical safety seriously, and penalties for unlicensed electrical work can be significant. Never allow anyone to connect your heat pump to mains power unless you have confirmed they are EWRB-registered.
When to Call a Professional
Always use a qualified professional for heat pump installation. Ideally, look for an installer who holds both an RAC trade qualification and EWRB registration, so they can manage the full job — mechanical and electrical — under one roof. If they subcontract the electrical work, make sure you know who that person is and that they are registered.
You can find qualified, local heat pump installers and electricians on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) — verify electrician registration and learn about restricted electrical work
- MBIE Building Performance — building consent requirements and Schedule 1 exemptions
- WorkSafe NZ — electrical safety regulations and compliance
- BRANZ — building research and best practice guidance for NZ homes
- Energywise — advice on heat pumps and energy efficiency for NZ homeowners
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