Key points at a glance
- Prescribed electrical work must be done by a registered, licensed electrical worker.
- A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) certifies the work meets AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules.
- An Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC) is required when connecting an installation to power.
- CoCs and ESCs must be issued within 20 working days; records kept for at least 7 years.
Certificates of Compliance
Under the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a mandatory legal document certifying that prescribed electrical work — such as new installations, additions or alterations — was carried out safely and complies with the New Zealand wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000).
A CoC is not required for simple maintenance such as replacing a light fitting or socket. The worker who did the work must issue the CoC within 20 working days of completion, including their registration and licence details.
Electrical Safety Certificates
An Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC) is required when prescribed electrical work connects or reconnects an installation to a power supply. While a CoC confirms compliance, the ESC specifically covers safe connection, and must also be issued within 20 working days of the work being connected.
Trainees cannot complete an ESC on their own — the supervising licensed electrical worker must sign and date it and include their registration number. High-risk work also needs an independent Record of Inspection before it is considered complete.
The EWRB and your records
The Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) registers and licenses electrical workers and can discipline those who provide false certification or fail to supply required documents on time.
Electrical workers must keep copies of certificates for at least seven years. As a homeowner you should receive your CoC and ESC — keep them safe for insurance and resale.
For homeowners
- Always get your Certificate of Compliance and Electrical Safety Certificate.
- Check the electrician is registered and licensed on the EWRB register.
- Keep certificates with your property records for insurance and resale.
For tradespeople
- Issue the CoC (and ESC where required) within 20 working days.
- Include your registration and licence details on every certificate.
- Retain copies for at least seven years and arrange inspection for high-risk work.
Official sources
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