No — you should never run an extension lead permanently under carpet in New Zealand. It is a serious fire hazard, breaches the NZ Electrical Code of Practice, and could void your home insurance. The good news is there are safe, legal alternatives that a licensed electrician can install for you.
Why It's Dangerous
Extension leads are designed for temporary, occasional use — not as a permanent wiring solution. When you run one under carpet, several risks stack up quickly:
- Heat build-up: Carpet acts as insulation, trapping heat generated by current flowing through the cable. Over time, this can degrade the cable's insulation and cause a fire.
- Physical damage: Foot traffic compresses and abrades the cable, eventually breaking down the insulation or the conductors inside.
- No overload protection: Extension leads don't have the same fault protection as fixed wiring. A fault under carpet can smoulder undetected for a long time before anyone notices.
- Hidden damage: Because the lead is out of sight, you can't inspect it for wear, kinking, or damage.
House fires caused by electrical faults are a real and ongoing concern in New Zealand. WorkSafe NZ consistently identifies electrical hazards as a leading cause of preventable fires and injuries in the home.
What NZ Law and Standards Say
In New Zealand, all fixed electrical wiring must comply with the NZ Electrical Code of Practice (NZECP 34:2001) and the NZ Building Code, particularly Clause G9 (Electricity). A permanently placed extension lead under carpet is considered a form of fixed wiring — and only a licensed electrician is legally permitted to install fixed wiring.
Under the Electricity Act 1992, electrical installation work is restricted work. This means a homeowner cannot legally carry out or alter fixed wiring themselves. Doing so can result in fines, and — critically — your insurer may decline a claim if a fire or damage results from unlicensed electrical work.
You can check whether an electrician is registered and licensed through the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).
What About Temporary Use?
Extension leads are perfectly fine for genuinely temporary situations — think a power tool used for an afternoon, or a lamp plugged in for a party. Even then, you should:
- Never run them under rugs, carpet, or through doorways where they can be pinched
- Never daisy-chain multiple extension leads together
- Always use a lead rated for the load you're connecting
- Unplug and store them when not in use
If you find yourself relying on an extension lead in the same spot week after week, that's a clear sign you need additional power points installed.
Safe, Legal Alternatives
The right solution depends on your situation, but a licensed electrician can offer several options:
Install Additional Power Points (GPOs)
This is almost always the best long-term fix. A qualified electrician can install new general power outlets (GPOs) in the wall exactly where you need them. This is tidy, safe, and adds value to your home.
In-Floor Power Outlets
For open-plan living areas or home offices where running cables to a wall isn't practical, in-floor power outlets are a great option. These are flush-mounted into the floor and fully compliant when installed by a licensed electrician.
Flat Cable Systems (Under-Carpet Wiring)
There are specialised flat wiring systems designed to run under carpet — but these are not standard extension leads. They are purpose-built products installed as part of a fixed electrical installation, and must be installed by a licensed electrician to be legal and safe. Ask your electrician whether this suits your situation.
Rerouting via Ceiling or Wall Cavities
In many NZ homes, an electrician can run new cabling through ceiling spaces or wall cavities to reach a new outlet location without major disruption.
Healthy Homes and Rental Properties
If you're a landlord, it's worth noting that the Healthy Homes Standards require rental properties to be safe and well-maintained. Unsafe electrical arrangements — including improvised wiring — could put you in breach of your obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Cost as a Guide
As a rough guide only, having a licensed electrician install one or two additional power points typically costs somewhere in the range of a few hundred dollars, depending on how easy it is to access the wall cavity and run new cable. Getting a proper quote from a local electrician is always the best approach.
When to Call a Professional
You should call a licensed electrician if:
- You need power in a location that currently has no outlet nearby
- You're relying on extension leads as a semi-permanent solution anywhere in your home
- You're renovating and want to plan power point locations properly
- You're unsure whether your existing wiring is safe or up to standard
You can find qualified, local electricians on tradedirectory.co.nz and verify their licence status at the EWRB.
Safety note: If you ever smell burning plastic, notice discolouration around a power point, or experience flickering lights, turn off the relevant circuit at your switchboard and call a licensed electrician immediately.