Electron Issue 126
Keeping you up to date with the latest regulatory changes, exam reports, technical issues, consultation results and other issues affecting electrical workers – published 20 June
Registrar update
Kia ora
Welcome to another edition of Electron for 2024.
Winter has well and truly set in across the country and I hope you’re managing to keep warm.
This edition of the newsletter provides you with some key information about the upcoming changes to the registration framework. We have outlined the process for transitioning into the new framework “grandparenting”. I encourage you to have a good read of this information, so you know what to do.
If you know anyone who is not receiving the Electron who needs to know the about information and updates relating to the new registration framework, please encourage them to subscribe the newsletter here:
Subscribe to the Electron(external link)
We have also highlighted some recent complaint decisions made by the Board, I encourage you to have a read of these and take note of the learnings from them.
Take care, work safely, and thank you for taking the time to read this edition of the newsletter.
Duncan Connor
Registrar of Licensed Electrical Workers
Presiding Member's update
Kia ora koutou,
Welcome to our June Electron.
We often hear of feedback about the confusion for what version of AS/NZS3000 Electrical Workers should follow.
For clarity, AS/NZS3000:2007 is still the currently cited standard under the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010.
AS/NZS2018 is the latest standard and is considered best practice although the AS/NZS2007 standard is currently cited in legislation and is the minimum standard that must be followed.
As we are now in the depth of winter, please stay safe out there and complete all your necessary certification in a timely manner in keeping with the legislation.
Russell Keys
Presiding Member
Electrical Worker Licensing update – Grandparenting process
A new registration framework for Licensed Electrical Workers will take effect on 1 September 2024. All Licensed Electrical Workers need to be aware of the changes and what they mean for them.
The changes include:
- New classes of registration introducing endorsed classes of registration for specialist high-risk area.
- New competency requirements
- New limits of work for each registration class
Registered Electrical Workers who currently hold an active license will move into the new registration framework and will have the opportunity to gain the new endorsed classes of registration – this is the ‘Grandparenting process’.
The grandparenting process will happen in two phases:
- Phase 1: Automatic class transfer
- Phase 2: Manual class transfer
For information on the Grandparenting process please visit:
Transferring to a new endorsed class – Grandparenting
To prepare for the change we encourage you to:
- Make sure your Electrical Inspector has inputted your work into the Energy Safety High-Risk Data Base
- Keep a record of work you’ve completed.
- Make sure we have the best contact email for you by logging into the Portal
- Keep an eye on your emails, Electron and the website for more information.
Standard of the Month - AS/NZS3760
This standard specifies procedures for the safety inspection and testing of low voltage single phase and polyphase electrical equipment that is either placed into service for the first time, is already in-service, has been serviced or repaired, is returning to service from a second-hand sale, or is available for hire, where this equipment is connected to the electrical supply by a flexible cord or connecting device.
Typical examples of equipment covered by this Standard include cord sets, electrical portable outlet devices (EPODs), portable equipment, and hand-held and stationary equipment designed for connection to a low voltage supply by a supply cord to a socket outlet.
AS/NZS 3760 and over 90 other electrical Standards are available for all licensed electrical workers to access from the Board’s portal:
Certification Documentation for Prescribed Electrical Work
The Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010 includes details on certification and specifies the situations in which certification is to be completed. Regulation 74A covers Electrical Safety Certificates (ESCs) and applies to prescribed electrical work (PEW) on an installation, a part installation, or any fittings that supply an installation or a part installation with electricity. The person who completes any PEW in accordance with this regulation must issue an ESC if they are satisfied that the completed work is safe to use and that the work has not adversely affected any other part of the installation.
A certificate of compliance (CoC) is required to be issued for work including partially completed work, whether or not it is connected or livened. The CoC should have a clear description of the work that was done including dates and all tests carried out. You must specify the partially completed work that is not safe to connect.
The CoC must be provided to the person who contracted the work within 20 working days after completing the work or the date from which you are unable to complete the work for whatever reason.
More information on issuing CoC’s for incomplete work can be found here:
What happens if I can’t finish a job, how can I certify that work?
Consultation on Building Granny Flats
The Government is focused on increasing the supply of affordable homes for New Zealanders. As part of this, the Government is proposing to make it easier to build small, self-contained, and detached houses, commonly known as ‘granny flats’ on property with an existing home on it.
MBIE are seeking feedback on options to enable granny flats up to 60 square metres in size to be built without needing a building or resource consent. They will need to meet certain building performance and environmental criteria. We want these to be safe, healthy, and durable homes.
MBIE want to understand all perspectives on potential costs, benefits and risks for the criteria that granny flats and small homes will need to meet. MBIE want to hear from as many people as possible, including:
- those thinking about building a granny flat on their property
- those wanting to live in a granny flat
- builders and tradespeople
- mortgage lenders and property insurance providers
- those responsible for building control, district planning and infrastructure development.
Have your say on options to make it easier to build granny flats(external link)
Prosecution – EWRB v Santini Renney
On 7 May 2024, Mr Renney was sentenced on a charge of performing unauthorised prescribed electrical work.
Disciplinary decisions
This month we summarise the outcomes of six cases of disciplinary decisions amongst licensed electrical workers. For more information on these offences and the outcomes visit our website.