Installing a TV aerial point is one of those jobs that sits right on the boundary between DIY and restricted electrical work in New Zealand. The short answer is: some parts you can do yourself, but the electrical wiring side is restricted by law and must be carried out by a licensed electrician. Read on to understand exactly where that line falls.
What Does a TV Aerial Point Installation Involve?
A typical TV aerial point installation has two distinct parts:
- The aerial (antenna) and coaxial cabling — running coax cable from the aerial on your roof or in your ceiling down to a wall plate (the F-connector or IEC socket on the wall).
- The mains electrical supply — if your aerial system includes a signal amplifier or distribution amplifier that plugs into or is wired to the 230V mains supply.
These two parts are treated very differently under NZ law.
What a Homeowner Can Legally Do
Coaxial (RF) cabling that carries only the aerial signal — not mains voltage — is not restricted electrical work under the Electricity Act 1992. This means a competent homeowner can generally:
- Mount an aerial on a chimney, wall, or in a roof space
- Run coaxial cable through walls, ceiling cavities, or conduit
- Terminate coaxial cable onto wall plates (IEC or F-type sockets)
- Connect a passive splitter to distribute signal to multiple rooms
- Replace a faulty wall plate like-for-like
This is similar to running data cabling — as long as you are working only with low-voltage signal cable and not touching the 230V mains system, you are generally in the clear.
Practical tips for DIY coax work:
- Use good-quality RG6 quad-shield coaxial cable for best signal quality and minimal interference.
- Keep cable runs as short as practical and avoid sharp bends, which degrade signal.
- Use a proper coax stripper and compression-fit or crimp connectors — poor terminations are the most common cause of poor picture quality.
- Seal any external cable entry points with silicone to prevent moisture ingress, which is especially important in NZ's varied climate.
What Is Restricted Electrical Work — and Why It Matters
Restricted electrical work (REW) in New Zealand is defined under the Electricity Act 1992 and associated regulations. Any work on the 230V mains wiring — including installing a new power outlet (GPO) to supply an aerial amplifier, modifying a switchboard, or connecting any device directly to fixed wiring — must be carried out by a registered electrician and, in most cases, requires an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC).
The Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) oversees licensing of electricians in NZ. Doing restricted electrical work yourself is illegal, can void your home insurance, and poses a serious risk of electrocution or fire.
If your aerial system needs a mains-powered amplifier wired into a new power point, that power point installation is REW and you must hire a licensed electrician.
Do I Need a Building Consent?
For most straightforward aerial installations — mounting an aerial and running coax cable — building consent is generally not required under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004. However, rules can vary depending on your specific situation (e.g., work on a heritage building, or structural changes to the roof). Always confirm with your local council if you are unsure. Check MBIE Building Performance for general guidance on consent exemptions.
Signal Amplifiers: A Common Grey Area
Many modern aerial systems use a distribution amplifier to boost signal across multiple outlets. These units typically have a small plug-pack (plug-in transformer) that supplies low-voltage DC power — this plug-pack simply plugs into an existing GPO and is fine for a homeowner to use. However, if you need a new mains power point installed near the amplifier location, that wiring work must be done by a licensed electrician.
Working Safely on Roofs
Even if the electrical side of your aerial job is DIY-legal, working at height carries real risk. WorkSafe NZ recommends using appropriate fall protection when working on roofs. Consider whether the job is safely within your abilities — a fall from a roof can be fatal. If in any doubt, engage a professional.
When to Call a Professional
You should hire a licensed electrician for any TV aerial job that involves:
- Installing a new 230V power point for an amplifier
- Any modification to your switchboard or consumer unit
- Fault-finding on a mains-connected distribution system
- Any work where you are unsure whether mains voltage is involved
For the aerial and coax side, a specialist TV aerial installer (not necessarily a licensed electrician) can handle mounting, cabling, and signal optimisation — and they often have the right tools (signal meters) to get the best result.
You can find qualified local electricians and aerial installers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Quick Reference Table
| Task | Can Homeowner DIY? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mount aerial on roof/wall | Generally yes | Take fall-safety precautions |
| Run coaxial cable | Yes | Not mains voltage |
| Terminate coax wall plates | Yes | Use correct tools |
| Install passive splitter | Yes | No mains involved |
| Plug in amplifier plug-pack | Yes | Uses existing GPO |
| Install new 230V power point | No — REW | Must use licensed electrician |
| Modify switchboard | No — REW | Must use licensed electrician |
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