In New Zealand, the terms registered electrician and licensed electrician are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean two distinct things under the Electricity Act 1992. Understanding the difference matters — not just for compliance, but for your safety and the legal validity of any electrical work done on your home.
The Short Answer
A registered electrician holds a formal qualification and is listed on the national register, but may not be authorised to carry out all electrical work independently. A licensed electrician holds both registration and a current practising licence, which legally allows them to perform and certify electrical work. When hiring someone for electrical work on your home, you almost always need a licensed electrician.
How Electrical Licensing Works in NZ
Electrical workers in New Zealand are regulated by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). The EWRB maintains a public register of all registered and licensed electrical workers, which you can search online before hiring anyone.
There are several classes of registration and licence, including:
- Craftsperson – A fully qualified electrician who can perform and certify most domestic and commercial electrical work.
- Technician – Qualified for specific types of electrical work, often in a particular field such as appliance servicing or electrical engineering.
- Inspector – Authorised to inspect and certify electrical installations.
- Electrical engineer – Covers design and engineering work on electrical systems.
Each class has its own scope of work. The most common type you'll deal with as a homeowner is a Craftsperson, which is the standard fully qualified electrician.
What Is a Registered Electrician?
Registration means the person has completed the required training and qualifications — typically a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Electrician for Registration) — and has been entered onto the EWRB register. However, registration alone does not automatically grant the right to carry out or certify electrical work independently.
An apprentice or trainee electrician, for example, may be registered but working under supervision. They cannot legally sign off on electrical work themselves.
What Is a Licensed Electrician?
A licence is an additional step on top of registration. To hold a current practising licence, an electrician must:
- Be registered with the EWRB
- Have the required practical experience
- Hold a current, valid practising licence (renewed periodically)
Only a licensed electrical worker can legally carry out restricted electrical work and issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) — the document that confirms the work meets the New Zealand Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000) and the NZ Building Code.
What Is Restricted Electrical Work?
Restricted electrical work covers most electrical installation, alteration, and repair work in homes and buildings. This includes:
- Installing or altering wiring, switchboards, or circuits
- Adding power points or light fittings (beyond the fitting itself)
- Installing fixed appliances such as heat pumps, ovens, or hot water cylinders
- Any work on your main switchboard
Under the Electricity Act, restricted electrical work must be carried out by — or directly supervised by — a licensed electrical worker. This is a legal requirement, not just a recommendation. Unlicensed electrical work is dangerous and can void your home insurance.
Safety note: Faulty electrical work is a leading cause of house fires in New Zealand. Always verify your electrician's licence on the EWRB register before work begins.
What Can a Homeowner Do?
As a homeowner, there are a small number of minor electrical tasks you can legally do yourself without a licence, such as:
- Replacing a light bulb or LED lamp
- Replacing a fuse in a fuse box (like-for-like)
- Connecting a plug to a flexible cord (for portable appliances)
- Installing a ceiling rose or light fitting if the wiring is already in place and isolated
However, any work involving fixed wiring, switchboards, or new circuits is restricted work and must be done by a licensed electrician. If in doubt, don't attempt it — contact a professional.
How to Check Your Electrician's Licence
Before any work starts, ask your electrician for their licence number and verify it on the EWRB public register. Check that:
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| They are licensed (not just registered) | Only licensed workers can certify work |
| Their licence is current | Expired licences are not valid |
| Their licence class covers your job | Different classes have different scopes |
| They will issue a Certificate of Compliance | Required for insurance and future sale |
When to Call a Professional
For virtually all electrical work beyond changing a light bulb, you should engage a licensed electrician. This is especially important for:
- Any new circuits or switchboard upgrades
- Installing heat pumps, EV chargers, or solar systems
- Rewiring older homes (pre-1980s wiring can be a serious hazard)
- Rental properties, where Healthy Homes Standards compliance may be required
- Any work requiring a building consent — check with your local council
You can find qualified, licensed electricians in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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