Wiktor Wise
Electrical safety is a critical aspect of any property, and ensuring compliance with safety standards is essential. An electrical safety certificate, known as a Certificate of Compliance (CoC), is required when electrical work is carried out by a licensed electrician. This certificate serves as proof that the work has been executed safely and in accordance with the applicable electrical safety standards and codes. It also indicates that the electrician has tested their work upon completion. The CoC is a crucial legal document that confirms who was responsible for the work and provides protection against future liability. It is typically issued for fixed wiring work, including installing new power points, and is often needed for insurance claims or when selling a property.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to get an electrical safety certificate | When hiring an electrician to do electrical work on your home |
| Who issues the certificate | A licensed electrician |
| What the certificate confirms | That the work done is electrically safe and has been carried out in accordance with the country's electrical safety standards and codes |
| When to issue the certificate | As soon as possible after completion of the work, within 20 days |
| What the certificate is needed for | Insurance claims, selling your home, and liability purposes |
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What You'll Learn
When hiring an electrician
A Certificate of Compliance is a crucial document that confirms the work has been done lawfully, has been tested, and meets New Zealand's electrical safety standards and codes. It also indicates that the electrician has tested their work once completed. The CoC is important for insurance purposes and may be required when selling your home. It is the responsibility of the electrician to ensure the information in the certificate is correct and complete, and to issue the certificate as soon as possible, within 20 days of completing the work.
When building or renovating a home, it is important to plan for your electrical needs, both present and future. Consult your electrical worker about the latest electrical safety devices available and ensure you have adequate power points and fittings.
If you have any doubts about the quality, safety, or compliance of any electrical fittings, ask for a copy of the manufacturer's instructions and attach these to the CoC. This will provide protection against future liability associated with those fittings. If you encounter a problem with electrical work done in your home, first discuss it with the electrical worker or company. If you remain dissatisfied, you can file a formal complaint with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).
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When doing fixed wiring work
An Electrical Safety Certificate, also known as a Fixed Wiring Certificate or an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), is a legal requirement for commercial properties. It is obtained through a property inspection by a registered electrician, who assesses the condition of electrical installations and ensures compliance with electrical safety regulations. Failure to obtain or renew this certificate can result in severe consequences, including hefty fines, legal penalties, and void insurance policies in the event of electrical fires or related incidents.
For landlords, the regulations apply specifically to the 'fixed' electrical parts of the property, such as wiring and socket outlets. A Landlords Safety Certificate, which includes an Electrical Installation Condition Report, must be obtained every five years or whenever there is a change in occupancy. This report identifies any issues and ensures the property's electrical safety and compliance with standards and regulations.
In the case of new construction or complete rewiring, an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is required. Landlords can provide tenants and local authorities with a copy of the EIC and are exempt from further checks or reports for five years, provided they comply with their duties under the regulations. If remedial work or further investigation is necessary, landlords must complete it within the specified timeframe and provide written confirmation to tenants and local authorities.
It is important to note that electrical safety certificates are not always required for all electrical work. In some cases, only specific types of certificates may be necessary, depending on the nature of the work. For example, minor works may require certification to ensure compliance with wiring regulations, while certain types of installations, alterations, or additions may necessitate inspections and certificates of electrical compliance.
While some electrical work can be undertaken by unqualified individuals, certification can only be provided by a qualified professional. This ensures that the work meets the necessary standards and helps to prevent potential dangers that may be invisible to untrained eyes. Therefore, when doing fixed wiring work, it is crucial to engage a qualified electrician who can provide the necessary electrical safety certificates to ensure compliance and protect against electrical hazards.
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When work is completed
An electrical safety certificate is a document that confirms that electrical installations are safe to use. It is required when electrical work is completed, and it serves as a formal record that the work has been carried out by a qualified professional and complies with relevant regulations. These regulations include the UK's national safety standards and wiring regulations.
In the context of landlords and rented properties, electrical safety certificates are mandated by various building and electrical safety regulations. Landlords must ensure that electrical safety standards are met and that any necessary investigative or remedial work is carried out. If a property is newly built or has been completely rewired, it should have an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). This certificate is valid for five years, during which the landlord is not required to carry out further checks or provide another report unless remedial work is specified in the original report.
For rented properties that are not new builds or have not been recently rewired, landlords are legally required to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) conducted every five years. This report assesses the safety of the existing electrical installation within a property and details any observations requiring remedial work or further investigation. If the EICR is deemed unsatisfactory, indicating that dangerous conditions have been found, remedial action must be taken without delay. Once any necessary remedial work has been completed, an electrician will issue a 'Satisfactory' certificate.
It is important to note that only Approved Contractors can issue electrical safety certificates, and landlords should ensure that the electrician is registered, qualified, competent, and fully insured. By obtaining an electrical safety certificate, landlords can ensure the safety of their tenants and avoid potential fines or legal consequences for non-compliance with electrical safety regulations.
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When buying or selling a home
An electrical safety certificate, also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), is not a legal requirement when buying or selling a home. However, it is highly recommended to obtain one as it can provide peace of mind to both the buyer and seller, knowing that the electrical installations are safe and compliant with regulations.
When selling a property, it is beneficial to have a valid electrical safety certificate to demonstrate that all electrical installations are safe. This can boost buyer confidence, enhance the value of the property, and expedite the sale process. Potential buyers may inquire about the safety of electrical systems, and some may even request an EICR as a condition of the sale or as part of the negotiation process.
If you are buying a property, it is in your best interest to request an EICR to ensure the electrical safety of the home. While the onus is generally on the buyer to check the safety of the electrics, having an up-to-date certificate can provide reassurance and reduce the risk of inheriting unknown electrical issues.
It is important to note that electrical safety checks do not cover non-fixed electrics. For these, separate Portable Appliance Tests (PAT) are required, which are not typically included in the sale of a home.
The cost of obtaining an EICR varies depending on the size and complexity of the property, with prices ranging from £80 to £300 for a standard inspection and report. It is recommended to have these inspections carried out by qualified electricians every ten years or when a change of ownership occurs, whichever comes first.
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When undertaking mains work
In Victoria, Australia, mains work is considered high-risk and requires a prescribed Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES). This certificate must be issued by a licensed electrical inspector within 28 days of the work's completion. The certificate is a legal document that outlines the details of the electrical work performed, including the range of dates and any supervised persons involved. It ensures that the work complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000, also known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules.
In New Zealand, mains work is also considered high-risk and requires certification and a record of inspection (ROI). An independent licensed electrical inspector must inspect the work and issue the ROI, which is then lodged on the high-risk Energy Safety database.
In Queensland, Australia, electrical work, including mains work, requires an Electrical Safety Certificate, which must be given to the customer within 28 days of completion. However, this does not include repair or maintenance work.
It is important to note that regulations may vary depending on the specific location and the governing electrical safety body. For example, in New South Wales, Australia, any electrical installations, alterations, repairs, or maintenance require a 'Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work' (CCEW), which must be provided to the customer within seven days of completion.
Overall, when undertaking mains work, it is crucial to consult the relevant electrical safety authorities and adhere to the specific requirements and timelines for obtaining the necessary certificates to ensure compliance and maintain safety standards.
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Frequently asked questions
An electrical safety certificate, or Certificate of Compliance (CoC), is required when any fixed wiring work has been done, including fitting new power points. It is not required for maintenance work, such as replacing sockets and light fittings or repairing appliances.
A CoC indicates that any electrical work done is safe and has been carried out in accordance with the electrical safety standards and codes of New Zealand. It also shows that the electrician has tested their work once it is completed.
A CoC is an important legal document that confirms who was responsible for the electrical work, that the work has been done lawfully, and that it has been tested. It may be required for insurance claims or when selling your home.
Only a licensed electrical worker can issue a CoC. When contracting an electrical worker, always ask to see their practising licence and check the expiry date.
