Can I do my own electrical work in NZ?

Only minor non-restricted work. You can change light bulbs, replace socket cover plates, reset circuit breakers, and connect plug-in appliances. Any work involving fixed wiring, new circuits, outlets, hard-wired light fittings, or the switchboard is restricted work under the Electricity Act 1992 and must be done by an EWRB-licensed electrician.

What happens if I do illegal electrical work in NZ?

Penalties include fines up to $10,000 for individuals under the Electricity Act 1992. More seriously: your home insurer can void your policy if they find unlicensed work was done — meaning no payout if a fire starts from that wiring. You'll also need to disclose it when selling, and it can block a Code Compliance Certificate.

Can I install my own light fittings in NZ?

Not if they're hard-wired. Replacing a plug-in lamp is fine. But installing or replacing a hard-wired ceiling light, downlight, or batten holder involves the fixed wiring and is restricted electrical work — it must be done by an EWRB-licensed electrician who will issue a Certificate of Compliance.

Can I install a EV charger myself in NZ?

No. Installing a home EV charger requires a dedicated circuit from your switchboard — this is restricted electrical work and must be done by a licensed electrician. Budget $500–$1,500 for installation on top of the charger cost. Many charger manufacturers also require an accredited installer to maintain the product warranty.

⚡ What Electrical Work Can I Do Myself in NZ? (2026)

Almost all electrical work in NZ is restricted work under the Electricity Act 1992. Doing it without a licence is illegal, can void your home insurance, and is genuinely dangerous. Here's the plain-English breakdown of what's allowed — and what isn't.

Bottom line: If it touches fixed wiring, the switchboard, or a hard-wired fitting — it's restricted. Get a licensed electrician. For everything else, read on.

Allowed vs Restricted — Quick Reference

✅ You CAN do this yourself

Replace light bulbs (all types)
Replace a socket or light switch cover plate (not the wiring inside)
Reset a tripped circuit breaker or RCD
Plug in appliances, extension cords, power boards
Replace a fuse wire (not the fuse board)
Connect a plug to an appliance cord
Install a plug-in (not hard-wired) lamp or fan
Replace batteries in smoke alarms

❌ You CANNOT do this yourself

Add or move power points (outlets)
Install or replace hard-wired light fittings or downlights
Any switchboard or consumer unit work
Add new circuits
Install an EV charger
Wire a heat pump (electrical side)
Install a hot water cylinder or oven
Any work on the mains supply
Install outdoor/garden lighting (if hard-wired)
Replace a bathroom exhaust fan (if hard-wired)
Repair or extend any fixed wiring

Why Is This Restricted?

The Electricity Act 1992 makes most electrical work "prescribed electrical work" — a legal category that requires a person licensed by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). The reasons are practical:

Fire risk — faulty wiring causes around 10% of NZ house fires
Electrocution risk — incorrect wiring can be fatal even when switched off
Insurance — insurers routinely void claims when unlicensed electrical work is found
Property sale — solicitors ask about unconsented/unlicensed work; it can block settlement

⚠️ If You Get It Wrong

Fines up to $10,000 for individuals under the Electricity Act
Home insurance policy voided — no payout if a fire starts from unlicensed wiring
Must be disclosed at property sale — can delay or block settlement
Neighbour's property damage claim falls on you personally if caused by your illegal work

The Grey Areas

A few things homeowners commonly get wrong:

Replacing a light switch or outlet — you can swap the cover plate, but not the mechanism (the wiring connections inside). These look identical from the outside but have very different legal statuses.
Installing a ceiling fan — if it's plug-in, fine. If it wires directly into the ceiling (most do), it's restricted work.
Running an extension cord through a wall — the moment cable is in the wall, it's fixed wiring. Restricted.
Solar panels — the panels themselves and the DC side may be done by the homeowner in some cases, but the AC connection to the grid is always restricted. Check with your installer.
Smoke alarms — battery-powered, fine. Hard-wired interconnected alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician.

What Does a Licensed Electrician Cost?

For full rates by city see our Electrician Cost Per Hour guide. Quick reference:

Hourly rate: $90–$145/hr ex-GST (Auckland highest, provincial lowest)
Callout fee: $75–$150 ex-GST
Add power point: $200–$450 per outlet (fixed price)
Install downlights (set of 6): $400–$800
EV charger installation: $500–$1,500 (plus charger cost)

Need a Licensed Electrician?

Browse EWRB-registered electricians near you — with verified reviews and direct contact.

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How to Verify an Electrician's Licence

Before any electrician starts work, check their EWRB registration at ewrb.govt.nz. Look for "Practising Licence — Current". After the job, they must provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) — keep it with your property records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace a power point myself in NZ?

No — not the wiring. You can replace the cover plate (the plastic face), but the actual outlet mechanism involves fixed wiring connections and is restricted electrical work. An electrician charges $200–$450 to add or replace an outlet including materials.

Can I install downlights myself in NZ?

No. Hard-wired downlights involve fixed wiring — connecting them to the circuit in your ceiling is restricted work. A licensed electrician typically charges $60–$100 per downlight to supply and install, less per unit in larger sets.

What certificate do I need after electrical work?

A Certificate of Compliance (CoC). Your electrician must issue this after completing any restricted electrical work. It certifies the work was done correctly and to code. Keep it — you'll need it for insurance claims and when selling your home.

Can my landlord ask me to do electrical work?

No. A landlord cannot ask a tenant to carry out restricted electrical work. Tenants are subject to the same legal limits as homeowners under the Electricity Act. If a landlord's electrical system is unsafe, contact WorkSafe NZ.

Can I install solar panels myself in NZ?

Some of the DC side (the panels, racking, and DC wiring) may be done by a homeowner, but the inverter connection and AC grid connection is always restricted electrical work. Most installers handle the full system. For grid-connected systems, you also need Energex/lines company approval.