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A related notice was published on 27 April 2017, Issue No. 45, Notice No. 2017-go1985.

Notice Type
Departmental
Notice Title

Prescribed Classes of Registration for Electrical Workers Including Limits of Work in Respect of Each Class and Requirements/Standards for Registration

Publication Date
27 Apr 2017

Tags

Electricity Act Requirements Business, Innovation and Employment Practising licenses

Notice Number

2017-go1984

Issue Number

45
Title
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The Electrical Workers Registration Board (“Board”) has responsibility for the registration and licensing of electrical workers. The Gazette Notice titled “Prescribed Classes of Registration for Electrical Workers Including Requirements/Standards for Registration, and Limits of Work in Respect of Each Class”, published in the New Zealand Gazette, 1 April 2010, No. 39, page 1098, provided for the classes of registration for electrical workers, the requirements/standards for registration, and limits of work in respect of each class of registration. That notice is hereby revoked.

In accordance with sections 84, 85, and 86 of the Electricity Act 1992 (“Act”), the Board gives notice of the following:

  • The classes of registration under section 84(1)(a) of the Act are those set out in Table One of this notice;
  • the requirements/standards for registration under sections 85 and 86 of the Act in each of the classes of registration are those set out in Table Two of this notice;
  • the types of prescribed electrical work each class of registration is authorised to do, or assist in doing (when licensed) under section 84(1)(b) of the Act are set out in Table Three of this notice; and
  • the commencement of this notice is six months from the date this notice is gazetted.

Definitions

Terms used in this notice that are defined in either the Electricity Act 1992 or the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 have the meanings provided in those legislative instruments.

PEW means prescribed electrical work as defined in the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010.

Qualified Engineer means a person who, by reason of qualifications in electrical engineering:

    • is registered under the Engineering Associates Act 1961 and was so registered immediately before 1 April 1993; or
    • was registered under the Engineers Registration Act 1924 immediately before 1 April 1993 and was also so registered immediately before the end of the transitional period (as defined in section 4 of the Chartered Professional Engineers of New Zealand Act 2002).

Chartered Professional Engineer means a person entitled to that designation under the provisions of the Chartered Professional Engineers of New Zealand Act 2002.

Table One – Classes of Registration and Licence

Class of Registration Prior to this Notice

Class of Registration

Electrical Inspector (Options 1, 2 and 3)

Electrical Inspector (Options 1 and 2)

Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining)

Electrician

Electrician

Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

Electrical Engineer (Options 1, 2 and 3)

Electrical Engineer (Options 1 and 2)

Electrical Installer

Electrical Installer (Options 1 and 2)

Electrical Service Technician

Electrical Service Technician (with wider limits)

Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to Disconnect and Connect)

Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to Disconnect and Connect)

Electrical Appliance Serviceperson

Electrical Appliance Serviceperson

Associated Tradesperson

Associated Tradesperson

Line Mechanic

Transmission Line Mechanic

Traction Line Mechanic

Distribution Line Mechanic

Distribution Line Mechanic (Endorsed)

Substation Maintainer

Cable Jointer

Cable Jointer


Table Two – Requirements/Standards for Registration

Registration Class

Requirements/Standards for Registration

All classes of registration

Every person seeking registration in any class 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.

A person may concurrently hold registration in more than one class of registration.

Electrical Inspector

Those seeking registration as an Electrical Inspector (Options 1 and 2) must fulfil all of the requirements of one of the following options:

Option 1:

  1. passed a Board-approved Electrical Inspector written examination;
  2. passed a Board-approved Electrical Inspector practical examination or practical assessment;
  3. been registered as an Electrician for not less than three years; and completed not less than three years practical experience in carrying out PEW that is satisfactory to the Board; or

Option 2:

  1. passed a Board-approved Electrical Inspector written examination;
  2. passed a Board-approved Electrical Inspector practical examination or practical assessment; and
  3. is either a Qualified Engineer or a Chartered Professional Engineer with the same or substantially similar practical experience as a Qualified Engineer under the Electricity Act 1992 as defined prior to 1 April 2010, and has completed not less than three years practical experience in carrying out PEW that is satisfactory to the Board.

Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining)

Those seeking registration as an Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) must fulfil all of the requirements of one of the following options:

Option 1:

  1. been registered as an Electrical Inspector;
  2. have completed not less than one year of practical experience in a Mining Operation or substantially similar practical experience satisfactory to the Board; and
  3. have adequate knowledge, training, skills, and experience satisfactory to the Board of:
    1. the control of earth potential rise;
    2. the use of relocatable mining electrical equipment;
    3. the performance of safety functions required for mining activities and mining electrical equipment; and
    4. risk management.

Option 2:

  1. have passed a Board-approved Electrical Inspector written examination;
  2. passed a Board-approved Electrical Inspector practical examination or practical assessment;
  3. been registered as an Electrician for not less than three years and completed not less than three years of practical experience in a Mining Operation or substantially similar practical experience satisfactory to the Board; and
  4. have adequate knowledge, training, skills, and experience satisfactory to the Board of:
    1. the control of earth potential rise;
    2. the use of relocatable mining electrical equipment;
    3. the performance of safety functions required for mining activities and mining electrical equipment; and
    4. risk management.

Electrician

Those seeking registration as an Electrician must have:

  1. passed a Board-approved Electrician theoretical written examination;
  2. passed a Board-approved Electrician regulatory written examination;
  3. passed a Board-approved Electrician practical examination or three stage practical assessments; and
  4. completed four years practical training and experience in carrying out PEW that is satisfactory to the Board;

or, in place of (a)–(d) inclusive:

  1. completed a Board-approved Electrician competency-based training programme.

Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

Those seeking registration as an Electrician (Endorsed Mining) must have:

  1. passed a Board-approved Electrician written examination;
  2. passed a Board-approved Electrician regulatory written examination;
  3. passed a Board-approved Electrician practical examination or practical assessment;
  4. completed four years practical training and experience, of which not less than one year of practical experience is in a Mining Operation or substantially similar operation, that is satisfactory to the Board; and
  5. have adequate knowledge, training, skills, and experience satisfactory to the Board of:
    1. the control of earth potential rise;
    2. the use of relocatable mining electrical equipment;
    3. the performance of safety functions required for mining activities and mining electrical equipment; and
    4. risk management;

or, in place of (a)–(e) inclusive:

  1. completed a Board-approved Electrician competency-based training programme; and
  2. have adequate knowledge, training, skills, and experience satisfactory to the Board of:
    1. the control of earth potential rise; and
    2. the use of relocatable mining electrical equipment;
    3. the performance of safety functions required for mining activities and mining electrical equipment; and
    4. risk management.

Electrical Engineer

Those seeking registration as an Electrical Engineer must fulfil all of the requirements of one of the following options:

Option 1:

  1. is either a Qualified Engineer or a Chartered Professional Engineer with the same or substantially similar practical experience as a Qualified Engineer under the Electricity Act 1992 as defined prior to 1 April 2010; or

Option 2:

  1. holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) qualification or a National Diploma in Engineering (Electrotechnology) (Level 6), or New Zealand Certificate in Engineering (Electrical); or
  2. an equivalent qualification as determined by either the Institution of Professional Engineers of New Zealand or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority;

and, in addition to Option 1(a) or Option 2(a) or (b):

  1. passed a Board-approved Electrician regulatory written examination;
  2. passed a Board-approved Electrician practical examination or three stages of practical assessments; and
  3. completed not less than one year of practical experience in carrying out PEW that is satisfactory to the Board.

Electrical Installer

Those seeking registration as an Electrical Installer must fulfil all of the requirements of one of the following options:

Option 1:

  1. passed a Board-approved Electrical Installer theoretical written examination;
  2. passed a Board-approved Electrician regulatory written examination;
  3. passed a Board-approved Electrician practical examination or three stage practical assessments; and
  4. completed two years practical training/experience in carrying out PEW that is satisfactory to the Board;

or, in place of (a)–(d) inclusive:

  1. completed an Electrical Installer competency-based training programme.

Option 2:

  1. immediately prior to the promulgation of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 (i.e. 1 April 2010) was an Electrician (Limited).

Electrical Service Technician (with wider limits)

Those seeking registration as an Electrical Service Technician must have:

  1. passed a Board-approved Electrical Service Technician written theoretical examination;
  2. passed a Board-approved Electrical Service practical examination or practical assessment; and
  3. completed 18 months practical training/experience in the PEW of an Electrical Service Technician that is satisfactory to the Board provided that the 18 months practical training/experience includes at least six months of training/experience on multi-phase appliances or fittings;

or, in place of (a)–(c) inclusive:

  1. completed a Board-approved Electrical Service Technician competency-based training programme.

Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to Disconnect and Connect)

Those seeking registration as an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to Disconnect and Connect) must have:

  1. passed a Board-approved Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to Disconnect and Connect) written theoretical examination;
  2. passed a Board-approved Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to Disconnect and Connect) practical examination or practical assessments; and
  3. completed 18 months practical training/experience in carrying out PEW that is satisfactory to the Board;

or, in place of (a)–(c) inclusive:

  1. completed Board-approved Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to Disconnect and Connect) NZQA competency-based training (if available).

Electrical Appliance Serviceperson

Those seeking registration as an Electrical Appliance Serviceperson must have:

  1. passed a Board-approved Electrical Appliance Serviceperson written theoretical examination;
  2. passed a Board-approved Electrical Appliance Serviceperson practical examination or practical assessment; and
  3. completed 18 months practical training/experience in carrying out PEW that is satisfactory to the Board;

or, in place of (a)–(c) inclusive:

  1. completed a Board-approved Electrical Appliance Serviceperson NZQA competency-based training programme.

Associated Tradesperson

Those seeking registration as an Associated Tradesperson must have:

  1. obtained registration from the Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board as a plumber or a gasfitter or a plumber/gasfitter;
  2. passed a Board-approved Associated Tradesperson written theoretical examination(s); and
  3. passed a Board-approved Associated Tradesperson practical examination or practical assessment(s).

Transmission Line Mechanic

Those seeking registration as a Transmission Line Mechanic must have:

  1. passed Board-approved pre-moderated capstone tests; and
  2. completed two years’ experience in the work of a transmission line mechanic that is satisfactory to the Board;

or, in place of (a) and (b):

  1. completed a Board-approved Transmission Line Mechanic competency-based training programme that incorporates the New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply in Transmission Line Maintenance (Level 4).

Traction Line Mechanic

Those seeking registration as a Traction Line Mechanic must have:

  1. passed Board-approved pre-moderated capstone tests; and
  2. completed two years’ experience in the work of a Traction Line Mechanic that is satisfactory to the Board;

or, in place of (a) and (b):

  1. completed a Board-approved Traction Line Mechanic competency-based training programme that incorporates a Traction Line Mechanic Qualification (Level 4).

Distribution Line Mechanic

Those seeking registration as a Distribution Line Mechanic must have:

  1. passed Board-approved pre-moderated capstone tests; and
  2. completed two years’ experience in the work of a distribution line mechanic that is satisfactory to the Board;

or, in place of (a) and (b):

  1. completed a Board-approved Distribution Line Mechanic competency-based training programme that incorporates the New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply Line Mechanic Distribution (Level 4).

Distribution Line Mechanic (Endorsed)

Those seeking registration as a Distribution Line Mechanic (endorsed) must have:

  1. passed Board-approved pre-moderated capstone tests; and
  2. completed two years’ experience in the work of a distribution line mechanic that is satisfactory to the Board;

or, in place of (a) and (b):

  1. completed a Board-approved Distribution Line Mechanic competency-based training programme that incorporates the New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply Line Mechanic Distribution Level 4);

and, for (a) and (b) together or (c) alone:

  1. completed a Board-approved Fault Response competency-based training programme that incorporates the New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply in Fault Response and switching (Level 4).

Substation Maintainer

Those seeking registration as a Substation Maintainer must have:

  1. passed Board-approved pre-moderated capstone tests; and
  2. completed three years’ experience in the work of a Substation Maintainer that is satisfactory to the Board;

or, in place of (a) and (b):

  1. completed a Board-approved Substation Maintainer competency-based training programme that incorporates the New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply Substation Maintenance (Level 4).

Cable Jointer

Those seeking registration as a Cable Jointer must have:

  1. passed Board-approved pre-moderated capstone tests; and
  2. completed two years’ experience in the work of a Cable Jointer that is satisfactory to the Board;

or, in place of (a) and (b):

  1. completed a Board-approved Cable Jointer competency-based training programme that incorporates either the National Certificate in Cable Jointing (Level 3) or the New Zealand Certificate in Electricity Supply (Cable Jointer High Voltage) (Level 4).


Table Three – Limits of Work by type of PEW

Legislative provision: Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010

Type of PEW

Limits of Work for Each Class of Licence

Schedule 1
Clause 1(a)

The installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations (excluding PEW in a Mining Operation).
  • Electrical Inspector – Options 1 and 2
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) – Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)
  • Electrical Engineer – Option 1
  • Electrical Engineer – Option 2 in those areas only where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Electrical Installer – Option 1 in those areas only where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Electrical Installer – Option 2 provided that they do not receive any assistance from an unlicensed person
  • Transmission Line Mechanic but in relation only to conductors used as electric lines 66kV and above
  • Traction Line Mechanic but in relation only to conductors used as electric lines that form part of traction infrastructure
  • Distribution Line Mechanic but in relation only to conductors used as electric lines that are part of distribution infrastructure up to and including 110kV
  • Distribution Line Mechanic (Endorsed) but in relation only to conductors used as electric lines that are part of distribution infrastructure up to and including 110kV, and to any type of PEW relating to the restoration of supply to an installation where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Substation Maintainer but in relation only to PEW within a substation
  • Cable Jointer but in relation only to the joining of cables

Schedule 1
Clause 1(a)

The installation, connection, or maintenance of conductors used in works or installations in a Mining Operation.
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

Schedule 1
Clause 1(b)

The installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations (excluding PEW in a Mining Operation); and work done on installations, fittings, or appliances that are intended solely for connection to, or are associated solely with, electricity supplies not exceeding extra-low voltage and are in a hazardous or medical area.
  • Electrical Inspector Options 1 and 2
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)
  • Electrical Engineer – Option 1
  • Electrical Engineer – Option 2 in those areas only where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Electrical Installer – Option 1 in those areas only where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Electrical Installer – Option 2 provided that they do not receive any assistance from an unlicensed person and in relation only to hazardous areas where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Electrical Service Technician
  • Transmission Line Mechanic but in relation only to electric lines of 66kV and above, but not in relation to extra-low voltage in a hazardous or medical area
  • Traction Line Mechanic but in relation only to fittings used with electric lines that form part of traction infrastructure but not in relation to extra-low voltage in a hazardous or medical area
  • Distribution Line Mechanic but in relation only to fittings used with electric lines that are part of distribution infrastructure up to and including 110kV, and not in relation to extra-low voltage in a hazardous or medical area
  • Distribution Line Mechanic (Endorsed) but in relation only to fittings used with electric lines that are part of distribution infrastructure up to and including 110kV, and any type of PEW relating to the restoration of supply to an installation where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board, but not in relation to extra-low voltage in a hazardous or medical area
  • Substation Maintainer but in relation only to fittings in a substation and not in relation to extra-low voltage in a hazardous or medical area
  • Cable Jointer but in relation only to fittings of cables

Schedule 1
Clause 1(b)

The installation, connection, or maintenance of fittings where the fittings are connected, or intended to be connected, to conductors used in works or installations in a Mining Operation.
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

Schedule 1
Clause 1(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 connector inserted into an appliance inlet (excluding PEW in a Mining Operation).
  • Electrical Inspector Options 1 and 2
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)
  • Electrical Engineer – Option 1
  • Electrical Engineer – Option 2 in those areas only where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Electrical Installer – Option 1 in those areas only where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Electrical Installer – Option 2 provided that they do not receive any assistance from an unlicensed person
  • Electrical Service Technician
  • Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to Disconnect and Connect) provided that the electrical rating is not greater than 250 volts
  • Associated Tradesperson (all classes) provided that the electrical rating is not greater than 250 volts and 16 amperes but in relation only to their associated trade and in those areas only where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Transmission Line Mechanic but in relation only to connections to or from electric lines 66kV or above
  • Traction Line Mechanic but in relation only to connections to or from electric lines that form part of traction infrastructure
  • Distribution Line Mechanic but in relation only to connections to or from electric lines that are part of distribution infrastructure up to and including 110kV
  • Distribution Line Mechanic (Endorsed) but in relation only to connections to or from electric lines that are part of distribution infrastructure up to and including 110kV and any type of PEW relating to the restoration of supply to an installation where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Substation Maintainer but in relation only to connections to or from sub-station fittings
  • Cable Jointer but in relation only to connections of cables

Schedule 1
Clause 1(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 connector inserted into an appliance inlet in a Mining Operation.
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

Schedule 1
Clause 1(d)

The maintenance of appliances (excluding PEW in a Mining Operation).
  • Electrical Inspector Options 1 and 2
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)
  • Electrical Engineer – Option 1
  • Electrical Engineer – Option 2 in those areas only where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Electrical Installer – Option 1 in those areas only where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Electrical Installer – Option 2 provided that they do not receive any assistance from an unlicensed person
  • Electrical Service Technician
  • Electrical Appliance Serviceperson (Endorsed to Disconnect and Connect)
  • Electrical Appliance Serviceperson provided that the electrical rating is not greater than 250 volts and are supplied by a plug and flexible cord
  • Traction Line Mechanic but in relation only to appliances connected directly to electric lines that form part of traction infrastructure
  • Distribution Line Mechanic but in relation only to appliances connected directly to electric lines that are part of distribution infrastructure up to and including 110kV
  • Distribution Line Mechanic (Endorsed) but in relation only to appliances connected directly to electric lines that are part of distribution infrastructure up to and including 110kV and any type of PEW relating to the restoration of supply to an installation where their competency has been satisfactorily demonstrated to the Board
  • Substation Maintainer but in relation only to substation appliances

Schedule 1
Clause 1(d)

The maintenance of appliances in a Mining Operation.
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

Schedule 1
Clause 1(e)

The testing of work described in Schedule 1 clause 1(a)–1(d) excluding PEW in a Mining Operation that:

  1. is not work described in Schedule 1 clause (2)(a)–(c);
  2. is required by these regulations; and
  3. is carried out for the purpose of compliance with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations.
  • Electrical Inspector (Options 1 and 2) in respect of the PEW of other authorised persons
  • All classes of licence provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW and it is their own PEW they are testing
  • Distribution Line Mechanic and Distribution Line Mechanic (Endorsed) may also test at the point where polarity to the installation can be confirmed

Schedule 1
Clause 1(e)

The testing of work described in Schedule 1 clause 1(a)–1(d) in a Mining Operation that:

  1. is not work described in Schedule 1 clause (2)(a)–(c);
  2. is required by these regulations; and
  3. is carried out for the purpose of compliance with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations.
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

Schedule 1
Clause 1(f)

The certification of work described in Schedule 1 clause (1)(a)–(1)(d) excluding PEW in a Mining Operation.
  • All classes of licence provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW

Schedule 1
Clause 1(f)

The certification of work described in Schedule 1 clause (1)(a)–(1)(d) in a Mining Operation.
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

Schedule 1
Clause 1(g)

The inspection (and assessment under regulation 75 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010) of work described in Schedule 1 clause 1(a)–1(d) excluding PEW in a Mining Operation that:

  1. is not work described in 2(a)–(c);
  2. is required by the Electricity (Safety) Regulations; and
  3. is carried out for the purpose of compliance with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations.
  • Electrical Inspector Options 1 and 2
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2

Schedule 1
Clause 1(g)

The inspection (and assessment under regulation 75 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010) of work described in Schedule 1 clause 1(a)–1(d) in a Mining Operation that:

  1. is not work described in 2(a)–(c);
  2. is required by the Electricity (Safety) Regulations; and
  3. is carried out for the purpose of compliance with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations.
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2

Schedule 1
Clause 1(h)

The supervision of any work described in Schedule 1 clause 1(a)–1(d) excluding PEW in a Mining Operation.
  • All classes of licence provided that they are authorised to carry out the type of PEW

Schedule 1
Clause (1)(h)

The supervision of any work described in Schedule 1 clause 1(a)–1(d) in a Mining Operation.
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

Schedule 1
Clause 2(a)

Work done on bolted couplers and restrained couplers used or installed in a Mining Operation.
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

Schedule 1
Clause 2(b)

Work done on installations, fittings, or appliances in an ERZ0 or ERZ1.
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2 including inspection
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

Schedule 1
Clause 2(c)

The connection, reconnection, or disconnection of bolted couplers and restrained couplers used or installed in a Mining Operation.
  • Electrical Inspector (Endorsed Mining) Options 1 and 2
  • Electrician (Endorsed Mining)

RICHARD STUBBINGS, Registrar of Electrical Workers.