Electrical Maintenance - How Often?

Determining how often to perform electrical maintenance depends largely on the type of property, how it’s used, and its environmental conditions. In New Zealand, the electrical safety requirements differ between private residences, rental properties, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. Each of these settings faces unique risks, operational loads, and legal obligations. Knowing the appropriate maintenance intervals is crucial to keeping your property safe, compliant, and functional over the long term.

How Often Should Electrical Maintenance Be Done in Different Property Types?
Key Signs That Your Electrical System Needs Maintenance
Electrical Maintenance and New Zealand Compliance Requirements
How Preventative Electrical Maintenance Saves You Money
Why Choose Weka Electrical for Electrical Maintenance in Wellington
Frequently Asked Questions

Residential Properties

For owner-occupied homes in Wellington and throughout New Zealand, there are no strict legal requirements mandating electrical inspections at set intervals. However, experts recommend a comprehensive electrical check every 5 to 10 years, depending on the age and condition of the system. If your home is over 25 years old and the wiring has never been updated, you should consider having it inspected every 3 to 5 years.

Other factors that may increase the frequency of required maintenance include:

Visible wear: Discolouration on outlets, buzzing switches, or flickering lights may signal hidden faults.
DIY electrical work: If previous occupants have made unauthorised electrical changes, an inspection is highly recommended.
High power demand: Homes with EV chargers, heat pumps, or multiple large appliances may place additional strain on circuits.

Routine electrical maintenance in residential settings should include a general visual inspection, testing of safety switches (RCDs), and checks for overloaded or aging circuits. This proactive approach can prevent costly damage and reduce the risk of electrical fires — especially in homes with older wiring systems such as VIR (Vulcanised Indian Rubber) or TPS (Tough Plastic Sheathed) cables, which degrade over time.

Rental Properties

Landlords in New Zealand have a higher duty of care when it comes to electrical safety. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords are legally obligated to ensure that all electrical systems and appliances they provide are safe and in good working order. While the law doesn’t specify an exact timeframe for inspections, industry best practice recommends a full electrical safety check every 5 years, or more frequently if issues are reported by tenants.

In addition, landlords must respond promptly to any reported electrical faults and ensure that urgent repairs (especially those posing safety risks) are addressed immediately. Failure to do so can result in fines, tenancy disputes, and even insurance implications if an incident occurs due to neglect.

For tenanted properties in Wellington, periodic checks by a registered electrician can include:

Testing of RCDs and circuit breakers
Verification of earthing and bonding
Inspection of fixed wiring and switchboards
Tagging and testing of supplied appliances (where applicable)

Documenting these checks provides protection for both the tenant and the landlord in the event of an insurance claim or tenancy tribunal hearing.

Commercial Properties

Commercial properties, such as offices, retail spaces, and hospitality venues, have even greater electrical maintenance responsibilities due to their high occupancy and power usage. In these environments, electrical faults can lead to operational downtime, safety hazards for staff and customers, or serious damage to equipment.

For most commercial buildings in New Zealand, the recommended frequency for electrical maintenance is every 12 months. However, more frequent checks may be warranted if:

Electrical loads are consistently high or increasing
The building contains older or poorly documented wiring systems
There is exposure to moisture, dust, or temperature fluctuations

Commercial electrical maintenance typically includes thermal imaging of switchboards (to detect overheating components), verification of emergency lighting systems, RCD testing, and visual inspection of power points, light fittings, and cable integrity. Additionally, any electrical equipment used in a business environment should be subject to regular test and tag protocols, particularly in hospitality or retail spaces where customer safety is paramount.

Industrial Sites

Industrial environments such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, or processing facilities have some of the most rigorous electrical maintenance requirements. These sites typically operate high-voltage systems, heavy-duty machinery, and often run 24/7 — all of which increase the wear and complexity of the electrical infrastructure.

Because of the risks associated with industrial electrical systems, many facilities operate on a preventative maintenance schedule, where inspections are carried out every 6 to 12 months. In hazardous environments or high-risk industries (such as food processing, petrochemicals, or waste management), quarterly checks may be necessary.

Industrial electrical maintenance may involve:

Detailed thermographic scanning of switchboards and control panels
Load testing and power quality analysis
Inspection and servicing of motors, relays, and industrial circuit protection
Ensuring compliance with AS/NZS 3760 for electrical equipment testing

Maintaining these systems is not only about safety, but also about productivity. Unexpected downtime due to preventable faults can lead to major operational disruptions and financial loss.

Summary of Recommended Maintenance Intervals

Property Type	Recommended Maintenance Frequency
Residential (Owner-Occupied)	Every 5–10 years (or 3–5 years if older wiring)
Rental Properties	Every 5 years, or when tenants report issues
Commercial Premises	Annually (12 months), or more frequently for high-load areas
Industrial Facilities	Every 6–12 months; quarterly in high-risk environments

In all cases, it’s important that inspections and maintenance be carried out by a licensed and experienced electrician, who understands New Zealand’s electrical codes and can provide certification where required.

Key Signs That Your Electrical System Needs Maintenance

Even when everything seems to be working fine, your electrical system may be hiding issues that only a trained eye can spot. Many homeowners and business operators in Wellington wait for a major fault to occur before calling in an electrician — but by that stage, the damage can be costly or even dangerous. Understanding the warning signs that indicate your system needs professional attention is a critical part of proactive property maintenance.

Whether you’re managing a residential home, a retail business, or an industrial operation, recognising the signs that your electrical system is in decline can help you avoid unexpected failures, fire hazards, and compliance issues. This section outlines the most common and most serious indicators that it’s time to schedule electrical maintenance.

1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Tripping

Circuit breakers are designed to protect your property from electrical overloads. When too much current flows through a circuit, the breaker trips and cuts off the power to prevent overheating and potential fires. However, if you’re experiencing frequent tripping — especially on the same circuit — it may indicate a deeper issue such as:

Overloaded circuits due to increased power usage
Faulty appliances or wiring problems
Aged or undersized switchboards not designed for modern electrical loads

This is one of the most clear-cut signs that your system needs professional maintenance. A qualified electrician can assess the cause of the overload and recommend safer, more efficient solutions.

2. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Flickering lights are often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, but they can point to serious underlying electrical faults. Common causes include:

Loose or corroded wiring
Voltage fluctuations or surges
Faulty light fittings or switches

In commercial or industrial settings, flickering lights can disrupt work and create an unsafe environment. In residential properties, they can signal hidden problems that may worsen over time. If you notice consistent flickering, especially when using large appliances, it’s time to call an electrician for an inspection.

3. Burning Smells or Discoloured Outlets

Any burning smell near switches, power points, or appliances is a red flag. Similarly, discolouration (such as black marks or yellowing) around electrical outlets may indicate overheating. These signs often point to:

Loose or damaged wiring creating resistance and heat
Melted insulation inside the wall cavity
Overloaded circuits unable to cope with the connected load

These symptoms should never be ignored. Unchecked, they can lead to electrical fires — a serious risk in both residential and commercial environments. Switch off the power at the main board and call an electrician immediately if you notice these signs.

4. Outlets or Switches Feel Warm to the Touch

Electrical outlets and light switches should never feel warm or hot. If they do, it may indicate that the wiring behind the wall is under stress. Warmth suggests increased resistance, which can lead to component failure or fire. This can happen due to:

Poorly connected wires
Overloaded circuits from high-draw devices
Aging infrastructure in older buildings

In a well-maintained system, your outlets should remain cool during regular use. Feeling warmth is a prompt for immediate inspection.

5. Buzzing or Humming Sounds

Electricity should operate silently. If you’re hearing a soft buzzing or humming near outlets, switches, or your switchboard, it may be a sign of:

Loose wiring connections
Arcing faults within walls
Issues with transformers or dimmer switches

Buzzing is often caused by small electrical arcs or vibrations in components — issues that can quickly escalate. Arcing faults are particularly dangerous because they can occur inside walls, making them difficult to detect without specialised tools.

6. Ageing Wiring and Switchboards

If your property is over 30 years old and hasn’t had a recent electrical upgrade, your wiring or switchboard may no longer comply with current safety standards. Outdated wiring types such as:

VIR (Vulcanised Indian Rubber): Common pre-1960s wiring, now considered hazardous due to insulation degradation.
TRS (Tough Rubber Sheathed): Used in mid-20th century homes, prone to cracking and hardening.
Old fuse boxes: Often replaced by modern RCD-based switchboards that provide significantly better protection.

Old or unmodified electrical systems may not be compatible with today’s appliances and power demands. An inspection can confirm whether rewiring or switchboard upgrades are needed for safety and compliance.

7. Shocks or Tingling Sensations

If you or your tenants feel a mild shock or tingling when touching a switch, tap, or appliance, this could be a sign of faulty earthing or wiring. In New Zealand, metal plumbing fixtures can become live if not correctly bonded — posing a major shock risk.

This is especially important in older properties, or those with recent renovations that may have disrupted the existing earth bonding. A registered electrician can test and correct these issues, ensuring your property meets the current safety standards outlined in AS/NZS 3000:2018 (the Wiring Rules).

8. Frequent Bulb Burnouts or Appliance Failures

If lightbulbs burn out regularly or appliances fail before their expected lifespan, you may be dealing with voltage irregularities or faulty circuits. These symptoms can also indicate that your system is operating outside its safe parameters, which can shorten the life of your electrical devices and increase energy bills.

9. You Haven’t Had an Inspection in Several Years

Sometimes, the clearest sign that electrical maintenance is overdue is the lack of any recent inspection. If it’s been more than five years since a registered electrician checked your property, you may be overdue — especially if you’ve added new appliances, installed heat pumps, or undergone renovations during that time.

Even if there are no outward signs of trouble, electrical degradation can occur silently. Proactive maintenance gives you peace of mind, protects your investment, and may even reduce your insurance premiums.

Don’t Wait for a Failure to Act

These signs are your electrical system’s way of asking for help. While some symptoms seem minor, they can often signal deeper problems hiding behind your walls or within your switchboard. In Wellington’s coastal climate, where moisture and salt air accelerate wear, these issues can appear sooner than expected — making regular inspections even more essential.

In the next section, we’ll explore how New Zealand safety regulations and standards shape the recommended maintenance practices for homes and businesses, and how compliance plays a major role in managing risk.

Electrical Maintenance and New Zealand Compliance Requirements

In New Zealand, electrical maintenance isn’t just a best practice — in many cases, it’s a legal requirement. Whether you’re a landlord, business owner, or building manager, keeping up with electrical compliance regulations is essential to protect lives, maintain property value, and avoid costly penalties. Understanding how these laws work, and how they apply to different property types, is key to answering the question: how often do you need to do electrical maintenance?

In this section, we’ll break down New Zealand’s key electrical safety and compliance frameworks, and explain how they influence maintenance schedules for residential, commercial, and industrial properties — with specific reference to Wellington’s building environment.

Key Legislation and Regulatory Bodies

Several key laws and standards govern electrical safety and maintenance in New Zealand. These include:

Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010: These regulations mandate that all prescribed electrical work (PEW) must be completed by a licensed electrician and meet safety standards.
Building Act 2004: Covers building safety and outlines when building consents are needed, including for electrical upgrades.
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA): Requires business owners (PCBU — Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) to identify and manage risks, including those related to electrical systems.
AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules): The key technical standard for designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems in Australia and New Zealand.

The primary enforcement and regulatory body for electrical safety is WorkSafe New Zealand, which monitors compliance, investigates incidents, and can impose penalties where breaches occur.

Residential Compliance Obligations

For owner-occupied homes, there’s no legal obligation to have regular electrical inspections unless major electrical work is being done. However, under the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, homeowners must still ensure that all electrical systems remain safe over time. That means faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or unsafe switchboards must be addressed — even if they haven’t yet caused a visible issue.

In practice, this means that homeowners are responsible for recognising when maintenance is needed (as outlined in Section 2) and hiring a licensed electrician to carry out any work. Installing new circuits, rewiring, or upgrading switchboards all fall under “prescribed electrical work” and must be carried out by a registered electrical worker and certified through a Certificate of Compliance (CoC).

Rental Property Compliance

Landlords have a higher level of responsibility. Under the Residential Tenancies Act and Healthy Homes Standards, they must ensure that rental properties are electrically safe at all times. This includes both fixed wiring and any electrical appliances supplied with the property.

While there is currently no mandatory inspection interval legislated, WorkSafe and the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) recommend a professional inspection every five years as a best practice. In the event of a fire or injury caused by faulty wiring, landlords could be held liable if regular maintenance hasn’t been performed or documented.

Electrical maintenance for rentals should include:

Visual inspection of wiring, outlets, and fittings
Testing of RCDs and circuit breakers
Checking earthing and bonding
Inspection and tagging of supplied electrical appliances (if applicable)

Maintenance work should always be supported with a Certificate of Verification (CoV) or Certificate of Compliance (CoC), depending on the work performed. These documents act as evidence of safety and can be invaluable if disputes or insurance claims arise.

Commercial and Industrial Compliance

In the commercial and industrial sectors, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) is the main framework governing electrical safety. Businesses are required to identify all risks in the workplace, and implement systems to eliminate or minimise those risks — including those arising from electrical installations and equipment.

This includes ensuring that:

All fixed electrical systems are maintained in safe working condition
Portable appliances are regularly tested and tagged under AS/NZS 3760
Maintenance schedules are followed and documented
Any electrical work is done by a licensed practitioner and certified

Failure to comply with these requirements can result in enforcement action by WorkSafe, including improvement notices, prohibition notices, and fines. In severe cases involving negligence or injury, criminal charges may apply.

Recommended maintenance intervals for these settings often range from every 6 to 12 months, depending on the environment and operational load. High-risk industries such as manufacturing or food processing may require quarterly checks, thermal imaging, and load testing to detect early signs of failure.

Certificates and Record-Keeping

One of the most important aspects of compliance in New Zealand is documentation. Every time prescribed electrical work is done, a licensed electrician must issue:

Certificate of Compliance (CoC): Proves that the work complies with safety standards.
Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC): Issued when work is connected to a power supply, confirming the installation is safe to use.
Certificate of Verification (CoV): Often used when inspecting existing installations (e.g. prior to reconnection or tenancy changes).

These documents should be kept for a minimum of seven years. For landlords and business owners, this paper trail provides critical evidence of compliance in the event of an incident, insurance claim, or audit.

How Compliance Affects Maintenance Schedules

While no single regulation outlines exact maintenance intervals for every situation, compliance frameworks place the onus on the property owner or operator to ensure electrical safety is maintained. This often translates into:

Scheduling annual inspections for commercial premises
Completing five-yearly inspections for rental properties
Conducting preventative maintenance every 6–12 months for industrial operations
Checking residential systems every 5–10 years, or sooner if warning signs are present

Staying compliant means being proactive. Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of faults, helps avoid breaches of the law, and ensures that if an incident does occur, the appropriate safety procedures and inspections have been followed.

Local Considerations in Wellington

Wellington’s unique climate and geography add another layer to electrical compliance. High humidity, salt-laden winds, and earthquake risk all place additional stress on electrical systems. For this reason, many local electricians recommend slightly more frequent inspections, especially in older suburbs like Karori, Newtown, and Island Bay where legacy wiring systems are still common.

In addition, businesses operating in Wellington’s seismic risk zones must consider not only electrical safety, but also emergency power systems and backup lighting — all of which must be maintained to ensure performance in the event of a power outage or emergency evacuation.

Conclusion: Compliance Is More Than a Checklist

Understanding and meeting New Zealand’s electrical safety regulations is not just about ticking boxes — it’s about protecting people, property, and livelihoods. Compliance is a shared responsibility between property owners, tenants, and qualified electricians. Staying on top of inspections and maintenance is the surest way to avoid legal complications, insurance issues, and — most importantly — serious harm caused by electrical failures.

In the next section, we’ll explore how preventative maintenance can actually save you money over time by avoiding reactive repairs and extending the lifespan of your electrical systems and appliances.

How Preventative Electrical Maintenance Saves You Money

While some may view electrical maintenance as an expense, it’s more accurate — and financially smart — to treat it as an investment. Preventative maintenance is one of the most cost-effective strategies available to homeowners, landlords, and businesses in New Zealand. By staying ahead of problems, you not only reduce repair bills and avoid emergencies, but you also extend the life of your property’s electrical systems, improve energy efficiency, and protect your assets.

In Wellington, where ageing buildings meet complex weather conditions and increasing energy demands, preventative maintenance is even more essential. In this section, we’ll break down exactly how a proactive approach to electrical care can lead to real savings in the short and long term.

1. Avoiding Costly Emergency Repairs

Electrical failures rarely happen at a convenient time. A sudden power outage, burnt-out switchboard, or failed safety switch can halt your household or business operations and require urgent, after-hours service — which often comes at a premium. Emergency call-outs for electricians typically cost more than scheduled work and are more likely to involve rushed decisions and temporary fixes.

By contrast, preventative maintenance can identify and resolve issues before they escalate. For example, thermal imaging of a switchboard may reveal overheating terminals well before they melt or catch fire. Replacing worn components during a routine check is far cheaper than addressing a complete system failure.

Estimated savings: Routine inspections may cost between $200–$400, whereas emergency repairs (including parts and labour) can exceed $1,500 — or more if structural damage or downtime is involved.

2. Extending the Life of Your Electrical System

Just like a car, your electrical system needs regular servicing to run reliably. Switchboards, wiring, RCDs, circuit breakers, and even light fittings all have a limited service life. Without maintenance, they deteriorate faster and are more likely to fail prematurely. This is especially true in coastal environments like Wellington, where salt-laden air and moisture can accelerate corrosion and insulation breakdown.

With preventative maintenance, electricians can monitor wear and tear over time and replace components before they fail. This approach means your system can perform safely and efficiently for longer — delaying the need for expensive upgrades or rewiring projects.

Example: Replacing a corroded terminal block during a routine inspection may cost $150–$200. Waiting until it fails might require replacing the entire switchboard at a cost of $2,000 or more.

3. Improving Energy Efficiency

Faulty wiring, poor connections, and outdated lighting or appliance circuits can all waste energy. Even something as simple as a loose neutral wire can cause power imbalances that result in higher electricity usage or reduced appliance performance.

Preventative maintenance allows your electrician to identify and correct these inefficiencies. Tasks like tightening terminals, checking load balance across phases, and replacing outdated lighting with LED alternatives can have a measurable effect on your monthly power bill.

Bonus tip: Many Wellington homes and businesses are switching to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Regular maintenance ensures these systems are operating on safe, efficient circuits — maximising their performance and minimising unnecessary power draw.

Estimated savings: Minor efficiency gains through electrical maintenance can reduce your annual power bill by 5–10% or more, depending on the scale of your property and usage habits.

4. Reducing Downtime in Commercial and Industrial Settings

For businesses, downtime caused by electrical faults can be financially devastating. If your POS system fails during trading hours or a machinery breakdown halts production, the impact goes well beyond the cost of repairs — it includes lost revenue, reputational damage, and strained customer relationships.

Preventative maintenance is a proven method for reducing operational interruptions. In commercial and industrial environments, this often includes:

Scheduled thermal imaging and load testing
Regular testing and tagging of appliances
Switchboard servicing and cleaning
Monitoring of circuit loads to prevent tripping or overheating

By identifying trends and stress points before failure occurs, businesses can schedule repairs or replacements during planned downtime — avoiding disruptions to normal operations.

Estimated savings: A mid-sized business in Wellington might lose $2,000–$10,000 per day in lost productivity due to electrical faults. Investing in annual preventative checks can significantly reduce the likelihood of such events.

5. Supporting Insurance and Compliance Requirements

Insurance providers often look for evidence of regular maintenance when processing claims related to electrical damage or fire. In many cases, a lack of inspection records can result in denied claims or higher premiums. Similarly, regulatory bodies like WorkSafe may require documentation to prove compliance with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Preventative maintenance provides this paper trail. Certificates of Compliance (CoCs), inspection reports, and appliance tagging logs all demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe electrical system. This can:

Improve your position during insurance claims
Reduce business liability in the event of an accident
Lower insurance premiums by showing reduced risk

For landlords and businesses in particular, staying on top of electrical maintenance can help avoid costly disputes and fines — especially when housing or workplace safety is involved.

6. Boosting Property Value and Marketability

In the competitive Wellington property market, well-maintained homes and buildings stand out. For buyers and tenants, a recent electrical safety certificate or switchboard upgrade offers peace of mind and reduces uncertainty during the decision-making process.

Investing in preventative maintenance and documenting the work not only makes your property safer, but also more attractive on the market. This is especially important for rental properties and commercial spaces, where high standards of electrical safety can influence tenant satisfaction and retention.

Example: A property with documented maintenance and upgraded RCD-protected circuits is more likely to pass pre-purchase inspections and command a higher sale or rental price.

Long-Term Cost Savings Summary

Let’s recap the ways that preventative maintenance adds value and reduces overall expenditure:

Minimises emergency repair costs
Extends the life of electrical components
Lowers energy consumption and power bills
Reduces operational downtime and disruption
Supports insurance and regulatory compliance
Improves property marketability and value

When you look at the full picture, it’s clear that preventative maintenance isn’t a cost — it’s a strategic investment. For a relatively low annual outlay, property owners and business operators can avoid far more significant financial burdens down the road.

In the next and final section, we’ll look at how Weka Electrical can help property owners in Wellington manage their electrical maintenance needs with professionalism, reliability, and local expertise.

Why Choose Weka Electrical for Electrical Maintenance in Wellington

When it comes to electrical maintenance, choosing the right service provider makes all the difference. For homeowners, landlords, and businesses across Wellington, Weka Electrical offers dependable, certified, and tailored electrical services that prioritise safety, efficiency, and compliance.

With years of experience across residential, commercial, and industrial projects, Weka Electrical is the local expert you can trust to handle everything from routine maintenance to complex system upgrades. Whether you’re proactively managing a rental property or maintaining critical infrastructure in a commercial setting, their skilled team brings the knowledge, tools, and professionalism required to get the job done right — and to New Zealand’s strict electrical standards.

Fully Licensed and Certified

All work performed by Weka Electrical is carried out by registered electricians and backed by the required Certificates of Compliance (CoC) and Electrical Safety Certificates (ESC). Their team stays current with New Zealand regulations, including the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules. This means you can rest assured that every task — from RCD testing to switchboard upgrades — meets or exceeds national safety requirements.

Tailored Solutions for Every Property Type

No two properties are the same — and neither are their electrical needs. Weka Electrical offers custom maintenance plans for:

Residential homes — including safety inspections, circuit upgrades, and energy efficiency recommendations
Rental properties — helping landlords meet their obligations with five-yearly safety checks and responsive service
Commercial premises — covering annual maintenance, test and tag services, lighting, and emergency power systems
Industrial facilities — including thermal imaging, fault diagnostics, load testing, and preventative maintenance schedules

Whether you’re looking to reduce your long-term energy costs, minimise operational downtime, or simply stay compliant, Weka Electrical can deliver a solution that works for you and your property.

Reliable Service and Local Expertise

Based in Wellington, Weka Electrical understands the challenges posed by the region’s climate and aging infrastructure. Salt air, moisture, and seismic activity all place stress on electrical systems — especially in older suburbs like Newtown, Thorndon, and Karori. The team’s local knowledge ensures your electrical systems are designed and maintained to handle these conditions safely and efficiently.

Clients consistently praise Weka Electrical for their prompt response times, clear communication, and quality workmanship. When it comes to safety and reliability, their reputation speaks for itself.

Transparent Pricing and Honest Advice

One of the things that sets Weka Electrical apart is their commitment to transparency. You’ll receive honest, no-pressure advice on your options, and clear pricing for all services — with no hidden costs. They focus on long-term solutions, not quick fixes, helping you avoid costly surprises later down the line.

Contact Weka Electrical Today

If you’re asking yourself, “How often do you need to do electrical maintenance?” — the answer is clearer with expert help. Don’t wait for a problem to strike before taking action. Whether you’re due for a routine inspection, or you’ve noticed signs that something might be wrong, the team at Weka Electrical is here to help.

For a trusted electrician in Wellington, reach out to Weka Electrical today and discover the difference proactive electrical care can make for your home or business.

Call now: +64 21 0914 5069

Or visit: wekaelectrical.co.nz

Choose safety. Choose efficiency. Choose peace of mind — with Weka Electrical.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should a residential home have an electrical inspection in New Zealand?

For owner-occupied homes in New Zealand, it’s recommended to have a comprehensive electrical inspection every 5 to 10 years, or every 3 to 5 years for older properties (over 25 years old). This helps ensure safety, identify wear or outdated components, and prevent unexpected faults. Homes with modern technology like EV chargers or solar systems may benefit from more frequent checks due to increased electrical load.

2. Are landlords legally required to do regular electrical maintenance?

While New Zealand law doesn’t currently mandate a specific timeframe, landlords are legally required to ensure the electrical systems in rental properties are safe and in good working order under the Residential Tenancies Act. Best practice is to schedule a professional electrical inspection every 5 years, or immediately if any faults are reported by tenants. Regular maintenance helps protect both landlord and tenant from safety risks and potential disputes.

3. How often should commercial properties have electrical maintenance done?

Commercial properties should typically undergo electrical maintenance every 12 months. However, more frequent inspections may be required if the business relies on heavy equipment, operates in challenging environments (e.g. kitchens, workshops), or has aging infrastructure. Regular maintenance ensures safety compliance, reduces downtime, and protects against costly equipment failure.

4. What are the risks of not maintaining your electrical system regularly?

Neglecting electrical maintenance can lead to a wide range of problems, including electrical fires, shocks, power outages, and appliance damage. It also increases the risk of non-compliance with New Zealand safety regulations, which may lead to legal or insurance complications. Preventative maintenance helps catch problems early, reducing long-term costs and safety risks.

5. How do I know if my property needs electrical maintenance?

Common signs include frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, buzzing sounds, burning smells, warm switches or outlets, and electrical shocks or tingles. If your property hasn’t had an inspection in several years — especially if it’s an older building — it’s best to schedule one. A qualified electrician can identify hidden faults and provide a detailed safety report.

6. Does insurance require electrical maintenance documentation in NZ?

Many New Zealand insurance providers require proof of electrical maintenance to validate claims involving electrical fires or damage. Documentation such as a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) or inspection report can support your claim and demonstrate due diligence. Without it, insurers may deny coverage, especially if the damage was preventable.

7. What’s the difference between a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and a Certificate of Verification (CoV)?

A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is issued by a licensed electrician for prescribed electrical work, confirming the work complies with New Zealand safety standards. A Certificate of Verification (CoV) is used to verify the safety of existing installations, often prior to reconnection or tenancy changes. Both documents are critical for proving electrical safety and compliance.

8. Who should carry out electrical maintenance in New Zealand?

All electrical maintenance and inspection work in New Zealand must be carried out by a registered and licensed electrician. DIY electrical work is not only unsafe but illegal. Using a qualified professional ensures the work meets the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and provides the correct certification, keeping your property safe and compliant.