What is an Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC)?

An ESC is a legal document issued by the electrician who did the work, confirming it is safe and compliant with NZ regulations. It is required for all prescribed electrical work. Keep your ESCs — they are important when selling your home or making insurance claims.

How do I verify an electrician is registered?

Search the EWRB public register at ewrb.govt.nz. Enter the electrician's name to see their registration class, practising licence status, and any disciplinary history. You can also call the EWRB directly.

Hiring an Electrician Checklist — What to Check Before You Hire | Call A Tradie NZ

Electrical work in New Zealand is prescribed — only registered electricians can legally do it. Dodgy wiring is a fire and electrocution risk. This checklist helps you verify that your electrician is properly qualified, insured, and will issue the required compliance documentation.

Registration & Licensing

4 items

Verify EWRB registration on ewrb.govt.nz

All electricians must be registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). Search the public register to confirm their registration class and current practising licence.

Confirm their registration class covers your work type

Common classes: Electrician (general electrical work), Electrical Inspector, Electrical Engineer. For household work, you need a registered Electrician with a current practising licence.

Check their practising licence is current

EWRB practising licences are renewed annually. An electrician with an expired licence cannot legally do electrical work. The public register shows their licence status and expiry.

Ask about additional certifications (e.g., solar, EV charging)

Specialist work like solar panel installation or EV charger wiring may require additional training or certification. Ask whether they have relevant experience.

Safety & Compliance

5 items

Confirm they will issue an Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC)

By law, a registered electrician must issue an ESC for all prescribed electrical work. This certificate confirms the work is safe and compliant with NZ electrical regulations.

Ask if they will notify the electricity retailer if required

Certain electrical work (new connections, switchboard upgrades) requires notification to the local lines company. Your electrician should handle this.

Confirm they test and tag their work before sign-off

All electrical work must be tested to verify safety before the ESC is issued. Ask about their testing procedures and what instruments they use.

Check they will comply with AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules

The AS/NZS 3000 standard (known as the Wiring Rules) sets out requirements for all electrical installations in NZ. Compliance is mandatory for all prescribed electrical work.

Ask about their approach to asbestos awareness

Older NZ homes may contain asbestos in switchboards, wiring, or wall linings. A responsible electrician will know how to identify and manage asbestos risks safely.

Quotes & Pricing

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Get at least three quotes for planned work

Electrician rates range from $80 to $130 per hour plus GST. Get multiple quotes and compare the scope, not just the price. Ensure all quotes include the cost of the ESC.

Ask whether the quote includes materials

Some electricians supply materials at trade prices, others charge retail markup. Clarify whether cable, switches, light fittings, and other materials are included.

Clarify callout fees and minimum charges

Most electricians charge a callout or minimum fee of $100 to $250. After-hours and emergency rates are typically 1.5 to 2 times the standard hourly rate.

Check if consent fees are included for larger work

Electrical work that is part of a building project may require a building consent. Ask whether consent costs and inspections are included in the quote.

Experience & Reviews

4 items

Check reviews on Call A Tradie and Google

Look for feedback on punctuality, tidiness, communication, and quality of work. Electricians who consistently get positive reviews are usually reliable.

Ask for references from similar projects

If you are doing a kitchen renovation, ask for references from previous kitchen jobs. Relevant experience reduces the risk of mistakes and delays.

Confirm they have experience with your home type

Working on a 1950s bungalow with old wiring is very different from a new build. Ensure your electrician has experience with your type of property.

Check if they are a member of Master Electricians

Master Electricians NZ members agree to a code of practice and undergo regular audits. Membership signals a commitment to quality and accountability.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not registered with the EWRB or cannot provide their registration number
Refuses or forgets to issue an Electrical Safety Certificate
No public liability insurance
Offers to do the work without a quote or written agreement
Suggests skipping building consent for work that requires it
Uses second-hand or uncertified electrical components
Cannot explain what work they will do in plain language
Wants full payment before starting work
No professional vehicle, tools, or test equipment visible

Electricians Hiring FAQ

No. Almost all electrical work is prescribed under the Electricity Act 1992 and can only be done by a registered electrician. Homeowners can only do very basic tasks like changing a light bulb or replacing a plug on an appliance. Anything involving fixed wiring requires a registered electrician.