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The NZ electrical compliance knowledge base
27 plain-English answers, written against the actual standards, the legislation and WorkSafe guidance — cited, dated and reviewed by a person. Written to tell you what your obligations genuinely are, what earns its keep, and what you can stop paying for.
Test & tag
11 published
What the law actually requires, how often to test, who is allowed to do it, and what the tag on the cord is really worth.
- Is test and tag legally required in New Zealand?
- How often should you test and tag in New Zealand?
- Who can test and tag in New Zealand?
- AS/NZS 3760 — which version applies in New Zealand?
- What do test and tag colours mean in New Zealand?
- What happens when an appliance fails a test and tag?
- Do new appliances need testing before first use in New Zealand?
- Test and tag on construction sites in New Zealand (AS/NZS 3012)
- Test and tag for schools and early childhood centres
- How to build an electrical asset register from scratch
- What should test and tag cost in New Zealand?
Emergency & exit lighting
9 published
The obligation that genuinely is the law. Specified Systems, compliance schedules, IQPs, and why most buildings fail on records rather than hardware.
- Emergency lighting testing and your Building Warrant of Fitness
- How often does emergency lighting need to be tested in New Zealand?
- How long must emergency lighting stay on — 30 minutes, 90 minutes or longer?
- What is an IQP and do you need one?
- What are Specified Systems under the Building Act 2004?
- How long do emergency lighting batteries last?
- Why buildings fail emergency lighting on their BWoF
- What happens if you miss a BWoF inspection in New Zealand?
- Taking over a building — the first compliance week
RCD testing
7 published
The device that actually stops people being killed, and the one nobody measures. Including what changes on 12 November 2026.
- When are RCDs required in New Zealand?
- How often should RCDs be tested in New Zealand?
- Push-button vs trip-time RCD testing — what is the difference?
- RCD types AC, A, F and B — what changes on 12 November 2026
- Why does an RCD keep tripping?
- What is a portable RCD, and when do you need one?
- RCD protection in commercial kitchens and wash-down areas
Tools & templates
2 published
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Greyed items are being written. We publish when a page is accurate and reviewed, not to hit a number.