Doing electrical work yourself not only carries the risk of something going wrong, causing damage to your property or injury to yourself or a family member, it can also prove to be extremely expensive.
If you carry out or get work done that is not compliant and something goes wrong, your insurance claim is likely to be denied. If you wish to sell, you may not be able to list and sell your property until you’ve rectified the damage, and the work certified by a registered electrician.
Master Electricians estimates that remediation can end up costing homeowners five times as much as it would have if they had paid to get the work carried out correctly the first time.
There are some instances where homeowners are allowed to carry out electrical work in their own homes. However, it is no job for amateurs, and the risks are high, including causing a house fire or electrocuting yourself or someone else.
WorkSafe NZ does not recommend that homeowners carry out any electrical work unless you are appropriately skilled and understand precisely what you are doing. They specify some clear guidelines around what is and is not permitted.
You must own and live in the property to carry out the work, a specific list of low voltage tasks are permitted, and you must receive no payment or reward for carrying out the work.
Employers, employees, landlords, and tenants are not allowed to carry out electrical work on their workplace or rental property unless they are registered electrical workers with current practising licenses.
Worksafe and Master Electricians both stress that finished electrical work, no matter how simple, should be checked by a licensed professional. Worksafe NZ states that you “must get the finished work tested and connected by a licensed electrical inspector who will verify the safety of the completed work before connecting it.”
And that “it is advisable to have consulted the inspector prior to starting any installation, extension, or alterations.”
Electrical work can be illegal and unsafe if it is not carried out correctly by a professional, and could result in accidents, fatalities and serious damage – voiding your insurance or resulting in expensive remedial work, prosecution and penalties.
To avoid the risk, engage a registered electrician who holds a current practising license from the Electrical Workers Registration Board, and for extra peace of mind, choose a Master Electrician.
USE CERTIFIED & EXPERIENCED EXPERTS TO KEEP YOU SAFE & COMPLIANT
With more than 40 years of experience providing electrical services in the Auckland region, French Electrical has a proven history of delivering quality craftsmanship and top-notch customer service.
Ready to book in some all-important maintenance or upgrades? Get in touch with us today for a no-fuss, no strings attached discussion on how we can best help you.
Give us a call on 09 274 8082, email us at info@www.frenchelectrical.co.nz or fill out our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch with you shortly.