Tempted to cut costs by giving DIY electrical work a go or hiring an unlicensed contractor? Don’t! The importance of hiring a qualified electrical contractor simply cannot be underestimated. Before exploring why, it’s important to know how to identify a qualified electrical worker and what that actually means.

In New Zealand, a qualified electrical worker is a professional who has met the stringent requirements set by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). These individuals have completed the necessary education and training, passed rigorous examinations, and gained practical experience under supervision. 

They hold a current practicing license, which ensures they are up-to-date with the latest safety standards and regulations. Qualified electrical workers are authorized to perform a wide range of electrical tasks, from installing and maintaining electrical systems to ensuring compliance with New Zealand's electrical safety laws. 

Their expertise is crucial in safeguarding homes, businesses, and public spaces from electrical hazards.

A qualified and licensed electrician will have been extensively trained in safety procedures for both him or herself and the people in the area in which they are working. If you try and cut costs by hiring an unqualified electrician, they may not have had the same training and you could be putting people at risk.

Master Electricians ensures all members are fully trained in appropriate safety procedures to mitigate risks and keep you safe both during the electric work and after they leave.

When you're hiring an electrician arguably the most important deciding factor is whether or not they will get the job done right. The only way you can know this for sure is if you hire a qualified electrician. Their qualification ensures that they are fully competent in all the relevant skills to give you the best results.

In the field of electrical work there are plenty of rules and regulations that need to be adhered to that change based on where you live. A qualified electrician will be trained and well aware of those rules to ensure any electrical work complies. If you hire someone who is unqualified you run the risk of having to get your electrical work fixed in the future in the case that it is not compliant.

In New Zealand, electrical compliance is crucial to ensure safety and adherence to regulations. One key example is the Certificate of Compliance (CoC). This certificate is issued by a licensed electrical worker after completing any fixed wiring work, such as installing new power points or wiring a new building. The CoC certifies that the work complies with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and relevant standards, such as AS/NZS 3000. 

It includes details about the work performed, the standards met, and the testing results, ensuring that the installation is safe to connect to the power supply.  This process helps maintain high safety standards and provides assurance to property owners and occupants.

To put it quite simply, when considering DIY electrical work, ask yourself if it's worth the risk.

Rules, regulations and extensive training procedures are in place for electricians for a reason. There are lots of potentially fatal risks that go along with the job, and if you're not qualified you simply aren't aware of these risks and how to mitigate them.

What's more, it's illegal in many places and could jeopardise your insurance if anything goes wrong. If you care about your own life and those around you, steer clear of any DIY electrical work.

If you're located in Christchurch, Christchurch Electrical are the choice for you. We ensure the safety, competency and compliance of all our electrical workers to give you peace of mind. To discuss your upcoming electrical project with our team give us a call on (03) 366 1718 today.