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If you've had electrical work done — or you're buying or selling a home — you'll come across the Certificate of Compliance. Here's what it is, when the law requires one, and why DIY or undocumented work can cost you.
Published 2026-06-02 · Taupō Electricians
A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is the document an electrician issues to certify that electrical work was done to current NZ wiring standards and is safe to connect. For most homeowners it's the proof the job was done properly.
You may also hear about an Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC). That's a separate certificate covering testing of higher-risk (“high-risk prescribed”) work — things like a new circuit or mains work — confirming it was tested and is safe to energise. For bigger jobs you can receive both.
Under NZ electrical safety regulations, a CoC must be issued for prescribed electrical work — which covers most fixed wiring jobs: new circuits, a switchboard upgrade, rewiring, adding power points, hard-wired appliances and the like. The electrician must give you the certificate, and they keep a copy too.
Truly minor like-for-like swaps can be exempt, but the safe rule is simple: if an electrician did fixed wiring work in your home, you should receive paperwork. If you didn't, ask for it.
The only way to get a valid CoC is to have the work done (or inspected and corrected) by an EWRB-registered electrician. If you've inherited dodgy or undocumented wiring in a Taupō home, we can inspect it, bring it up to standard and issue the certification you need for peace of mind, insurance and resale. Keep every certificate with your house records.
FAQ
You should receive one for prescribed electrical work — new circuits, rewiring, switchboard upgrades and similar. Very minor like-for-like swaps can be exempt. If in doubt, ask your electrician.
It can complicate insurance claims and selling your home. An EWRB-registered electrician can inspect the work and issue certification if it meets standard, or bring it up to standard first.
Most fixed electrical work must be done by a registered electrician. DIY on prescribed work is illegal, uninsurable and unsafe.
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