The short answer is: no, not in most cases. In New Zealand, the electrical wiring required for a heat pump installation is classified as restricted electrical work, meaning it must be carried out — and certified — by a licensed electrician. Attempting to do this work yourself is illegal, potentially dangerous, and could void your home insurance.
What Is Restricted Electrical Work?
Under the Electricity Act 1992 and its regulations, restricted electrical work (REW) covers any work on fixed wiring in your home — including installing a new circuit, running cable from your switchboard, and connecting the indoor or outdoor heat pump units to the mains supply. Only a registered and licensed electrician can legally perform and certify this work in New Zealand.
The Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) oversees licensing for electricians in NZ. Once the work is complete, your electrician must issue you a Certificate of Compliance (CoC), which is your legal proof that the installation meets the New Zealand Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000).
Why Can't Homeowners Do Their Own Wiring?
Unlike some countries, New Zealand does not have a general homeowner electrical exemption for fixed wiring. The rules exist for good reason:
- Incorrectly wired heat pumps are a fire and electrocution risk
- Uncertified work can void your home and contents insurance
- It may cause problems when you sell your home (LIM reports and due diligence checks often flag uncertified work)
- It may breach the NZ Building Code requirements around electrical safety
If you're unsure whether work is restricted, the EWRB website has clear guidance on what falls under REW.
What Can a Homeowner Legally Do?
While the electrical connection itself is off-limits, there are some tasks you can do yourself to prepare for the installation and keep costs down:
- Choosing the location for the indoor and outdoor units
- Clearing the area and ensuring safe access for the installer
- Drilling penetrations through walls for refrigerant lines (though many installers prefer to do this themselves)
- Painting or finishing around the unit after installation
- Basic maintenance such as cleaning filters (always follow the manufacturer's instructions)
For anything involving the electrical circuit — running cable, connecting to the switchboard, or wiring the unit — you must use a licensed professional.
What Does a Typical Heat Pump Electrical Installation Involve?
To give you a sense of what the electrician will handle:
| Task | Who Does It |
|---|---|
| Install a dedicated circuit from the switchboard | Licensed electrician only |
| Run and secure electrical cable | Licensed electrician only |
| Connect indoor unit to power supply | Licensed electrician only |
| Issue Certificate of Compliance | Licensed electrician only |
| Clean filters and basic upkeep | Homeowner |
| Choose unit location and brand | Homeowner / installer |
Most heat pump installers are either licensed electricians themselves or work alongside one. When you get a quote, confirm that electrical certification is included.
Do I Need a Building Consent?
In most cases, installing a standard heat pump is exempt from building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 — but this depends on the specifics of your installation. For example, installations in certain locations or involving structural changes may require consent. Always check with your local council before proceeding, as exemptions can vary. The MBIE Building Performance website has useful guidance on Schedule 1 exemptions.
Healthy Homes and Rental Properties
If you're a landlord installing a heat pump to meet the Healthy Homes heating standard, the electrical work still must be done by a licensed electrician and certified. There are no shortcuts, even under time pressure to meet compliance deadlines.
Safety Note
⚠️ Never attempt to connect or modify fixed electrical wiring yourself. Even if the power appears to be off, working on a switchboard or live circuit carries a serious risk of electrocution or fire. Always engage a licensed electrician and ensure you receive a Certificate of Compliance on completion.
For general electrical safety guidance, refer to WorkSafe NZ.
When to Call a Professional
You should engage a licensed electrician for all fixed wiring associated with your heat pump — full stop. Many heat pump installation companies have qualified electricians on their team who handle both the refrigeration and electrical sides of the job. If yours doesn't, you'll need to arrange a separate electrician.
You can find qualified, local heat pump installers and electricians on tradedirectory.co.nz. Always ask to see their licence and ensure they'll provide a Certificate of Compliance on completion of the electrical work.
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