The Electrical Workers' Registration Board ("the Board") has responsibility for the registration and licensing of electrical workers.
In accordance with section 30 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 ("the Amendment Act"), a review has been conducted into the current classes of registration.
In accordance with sections 84, 85, and 86 of the Amendment Act, the Board gives notice of the following:
1. As from 1 April 2010, (on which date the Electricity Safety Regulations 2010 ("the Regulations") come into force), the classes of registration set out in Table One of this notice are to form the new classes of registration; and
2. The requirements/standards for registration in each of the new classes of registration are those set out in Table One of this notice; and
3. The types (ie limits) of work each new class of registration is permitted to perform are those set out in Table One of this notice; and
4. The transitioning/reclassification of old classes of registration into one of the new classes of registration are as set out in Table Two of this notice.
Table One
Registration Class Requirements / Standards For Registration Limits of Work
All classes of registration Every person seeking registration in any of the new classes of registration is required, as a prerequisite, to have satisfactorily completed instruction in safe working practices, testing, basic first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation as approved by the Board. The types of work each class of registration is permitted to perform are as listed below, unless the work being carried out is specifically excluded from the definition of prescribed electrical work by clause 2 of the First Schedule to the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010.
Electrical inspector Those seeking registration as an electrical inspector must fulfil all the requirements of one of the three options specified below:
Option 1
(a) Passed the electrical inspector written examination; and
(b) passed the electrical inspector practical examination or assessment; and
(c) been registered as an electrician for not less than three years and completed three years' practical experience which is satisfactory to the Board.
Option 2
(a) Had the status of qualified engineer under the Electricity Act 1992 for not less than three years and completed three years' practical experience which is satisfactory to the Board.
Option 3
(a) Been registered as an electrical engineer for not less than three years and completed three years' practical experience which is satisfactory to the Board. The types of work an electrical inspector is permitted to carry out are:
(a) the installation or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
(b) the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
(c) the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet; and
(d) the maintenance of appliances; and
(e) the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
(f) the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
(g) the inspection of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
(h) the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (g) above.
Electrician Those seeking registration as an electrician must have:
(a) passed the electrician theoretical written examination; and
(b) passed the electrician regulatory written examination; and
(c) passed the electrician practical examination or three stage assessments; and
(d) completed an electrician competency-based training programme or completed four years' practical training/experience in the work of an electrician which is satisfactory to the Board. The types of work an electrician is permitted to carry out are:
(a) the installation or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
(b) the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
(c) the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet; and
(d) the maintenance of appliances; and
(e) the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
(f) the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
(g) the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (f) above.
Electrical engineer Those seeking registration as an electrical engineer must fulfil all the requirements of one of the three options specified below:
Option 1
(a) Immediately prior to the promulgation of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 (ie 1 April 2010) was a qualified engineer under the Electricity Act 1992.
Option 2
(a) Holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) qualification; and
(b) passed the electrician regulatory written examination; and
(c) passed the electrician practical examination or three stage assessments.
Option 3
(a) Holds a National Diploma
in Engineering (Electrotechnology)
(Level 6), or New Zealand Certificate in Engineering (Electrical); and
(b) passed the electrician regulatory written examination; and
(c) passed the electrician practical examination or three stage assessments; and
(d) completed three years' practical experience which is satisfactory to the Board. The types of work an electrical engineer is permitted to carry out are:
(a) the installation or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations; and
(b) the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations; and
(c) the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet; and
(d) the maintenance of appliances; and
(e) the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
(f) the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above; and
(g) the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (f) above.
Electrical installer Those seeking registration as an electrical installer must have:
(a) passed the electrical installer theoretical written examination; and
(b) passed the electrician regulatory written examination; and
(c) passed the electrician practical examination or three stage assessments; and
(d) completed an electrical installer competency-based training programme or completed two years' practical training/experience in the work of an electrical installer which is satisfactory to the Board. The types of work an electrical installer is permitted to carry out are:
(a) the installation or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations which are directly related to one or more of the following;
(i) security systems; or
(ii) fire alarm systems; or
(iii) railway systems; or
(iv) lift/escalator systems; or
(v) heating/ventilating/air conditioning systems; or
(vi) renewable energy systems of electrical supply which do not exceed 10kVA capacity and are intended for connection to a standard low voltage installation (not including any works, installation, appliance or fitting that may be connected to those systems of supply).
(b) the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations which are directly connected to one or more of the systems described in paragraph (a)(i) to (v) above; and
(c) the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet which are directly connected to the systems described in paragraph
(a)(i) to (v) above; and
(d) the maintenance of appliances which are directly connected to the systems described in paragraph
(a)(i) to (v) above; and
(e) the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to
(d) above and;
(f) the certification of work described in paragraphs
(a) to (d) above; and
(g) the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (f) above.
Electrical service technician Those seeking registration as an electrical service technician must have:
(a) passed the electrical service technician written theoretical examination; and
(b) passed the electrical service technician practical examination or practical assessments; and
(c) completed an electrical service technician competency-based training programme or completed
18 months' practical training/experience in the work of an electrical service technician which is satisfactory to the Board. The 18 months' practical training/experience must include at least six months' training/experience on multi phase appliances or fittings The types of work an electrical service technician is permitted to carry out are:
(a) the maintenance of fittings that are connected to conductors used in works or electrical installations; and
(b) the maintenance of appliances; and
(c) the disconnection and connection of fittings and appliances from and to a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet; for the purpose of the maintenance of those fittings; and
(d) the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (c) above; and
(e) the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (c) above; and
(f) the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (e) above.
Electrical appliance serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) Those seeking registration as an electrical appliance serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) must have:
(a) passed the electrical appliance serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) written theoretical examination; and
(b) passed the electrical appliance serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) practical examination or practical assessments; and
(c) completed an electrical appliance serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) competency-based training programme or completed 18 months' practical training/experience in the work of an electrical appliance serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) which is satisfactory to the Board. The types of work an electrical appliance serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect) is permitted to carry out are:
(a) the maintenance of appliances that have an electrical rating of not more than 250 volts which are supplied by plug and flexible cord; and
(b) the disconnection and connection of the appliances described in paragraph (a) above from a power supply where a plug or appliance coupler is not fitted but the flexible cord is connected to a permanent connection unit; and
(c) the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above; and
(d) the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above; and
(e) the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above.
Electrical appliance serviceperson Those seeking registration as an electrical appliance serviceperson must have:
(a) passed the electrical appliance serviceperson written theoretical examination; and
(b) passed the electrical appliance serviceperson practical examination or practical assessments; and
(c) completed an electrical appliance serviceperson competency-based training programme or completed
18 months' practical training/experience in the work of an electrical appliance serviceperson which is satisfactory to the Board. The types of work an electrical appliance serviceperson is permitted to carry out are:
(a) the maintenance of appliances that have an electrical rating of not more than 250 volts and are supplied by plug and flexible cord; and
(b) the testing of work described in paragraph (a) above; and
(c) the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above.
Associated tradesperson Those seeking registration as an associated tradesperson must have:
(a) obtained registration from the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board as a plumber or a gasfitter or a plumber/gasfitter; and
(b) passed the associated tradesperson written theoretical examination(s); and
(c) passed the associated tradesperson practical examination(s) or assessment(s). The types of work an associated tradesperson is permitted to carry out are:
Associated tradesperson (plumber)
(a) the maintenance and replacement of fittings that have an electrical rating of not more than 250 volts and
16 amperes which are one of the following:
(i) Storage water heater elements;
(ii) storage water heater thermostats.
(b) the disconnection and connection of fittings from or to a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet; where those fittings have an electrical rating of not more than 250 volts and 16 amperes and are one of the following:
(i) Waste disposal units;
(ii) electronic water control units;
(iii) water pressure devices;
(iv) storage water heaters.
(c) the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above; and
(d) the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) and (b) above; and
(e) the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above.
Associated tradesperson (gasfitter)
(f) the maintenance and replacement of fittings that have an electrical rating of not more than 250 volts and
16 amperes which form part of gas fired equipment; and
(g) the disconnection and connection of fittings from or to a power supply, other than by means of a plug or pin inserted into a socket, or an appliance coupler inserted into an appliance inlet; where those fittings have an electrical rating of not more than 250 volts and 16 amperes and form part of gas fired equipment; and
(h) the testing of work described in paragraphs (f) and (g) above; and
(i) the certification of work described in paragraphs (f) and (g) above; and
(j) the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (f) to (i) above.
Associated tradesperson (plumber/gasfitter)
(k) All of the work described in paragraphs (a) to (j) above.
Line mechanic Those seeking registration as a line mechanic must have:
(a) passed the line mechanic written examination; and
(b) passed the line mechanic practical examination or assessment; and
(c) completed a line mechanic competency-based
training programme or completed two years' training/experience in the work of a line mechanic which is satisfactory to the Board. The types of work a line mechanic is permitted to carry out are:
(a) the installation or maintenance of conductors used as electric lines in works; and
(b) the installation or maintenance of conductors used as electric lines in installations; and
(c) the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to the work described in paragraph (a) above; and
(d) the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to the work described in paragraph (b) above; and
(e) the connection or disconnection of work described in paragraphs (a) and (c) above to or from a power supply; and
(f) the connection or disconnection of work described in paragraphs (b) and (d) above to or from a power supply; and
(g) the maintenance of appliances where the appliance is supplied with electricity directly from an electric line; and
(h) the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (g) above; and
(i) the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (g) above; and
(j) the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (i) above.
Cable jointer Those seeking registration as a cable jointer must have:
(a) passed the cable jointer written examination; and
(b) passed the cable jointer practical examination or practical assessment; and
(c) completed a cable jointer competency-based
training programme or completed two years' training/experience in the work of a cable jointer which is satisfactory to the Board. The types of work a cable jointer is permitted to carry out are:
(a) the installation or maintenance of conductors of low or high voltage polymeric and paper insulated cables including oil and gas filled cables, and oil and gas pressured cables that necessitate the specialist jointing and terminating of such cables; and
(b) the installation or maintenance of fittings connected, or intended to be connected, to the work described in paragraph (a) above; and
(c) the connection of low voltage conductors described in paragraph (a) above or low voltage fittings described in paragraph (b) above to a power supply; and
(d) the testing of work described in paragraphs (a) to (c) above; and
(e) the certification of work described in paragraphs (a) to (c) above that is carried out in any installation; and
(f) the supervision of any work described in paragraphs (a) to (e) above.
Table Two
Present Class of Registration or Authorisation New Registration Class
Electrical inspector Electrical inspector
Electrician Electrician
Qualified engineer Electrical engineer
Electrician limited from the transitional provisions of the Act Electrical installer
Electrician limited to domestic security installations Electrical installer
Electrical service technician unlimited Electrical service technician
Electrical service technician limited to the servicing of fittings up to 460 volts and the disconnection and reconnection of those fittings from fixed wiring for servicing purposes (Level "B") Electrical service technician
Electrical service technician limited the servicing of 230 volt fittings supplied by plug and flexible cord including the connection of those appliances to fixed outlets Electrical appliance serviceperson (endorsed to disconnect and connect)
Electrical service technician limited to the servicing of 230 volt fittings supplied by plug and flexible cord (Level "A") Electrical appliance serviceperson
Tradesperson Associated tradesperson
Line mechanic limited to distribution Line mechanic
Line mechanic limited to transmission Line mechanic
Line mechanic limited to traction Line mechanic
Line mechanic limited to cable joining Cable jointer
Dated at Wellington this 24th day of March 2010.
JOHN SICKELS, Registrar, Electrical Workers' Registration Board.