When to Call an Electrician (and When You Can DIY)
Changing a bulb is fine. Swapping a light fitting isn't. Here's what New Zealand electrical law lets you DIY at home and what needs a licensed sparky.
You can change a light bulb, swap the plug on a portable appliance, or reset a tripped breaker yourself. Everything else — new wiring, replacing a fitting, switchboard work, fixed appliances, EV chargers — needs an EWRB-registered electrician. The Electricity Act is clear: most work on fixed wiring is off-limits for DIY, and getting it wrong voids your home insurance.
Here’s a rough guide:
You can do yourself:
- Change light bulbs (including LEDs into existing fittings)
- Replace a broken plug on a portable appliance
- Reset a tripped circuit breaker (once - if it trips again, call us)
You need a licensed electrician for:
- Any new wiring, including adding a power point or light fitting
- Replacing a power point, light switch, or fitting (even like-for-like)
- Switchboard work of any kind
- Installing or connecting any fixed appliance (oven, rangehood, hot water cylinder, heat pump)
- EV charger installation
The reason is simple: incorrect wiring kills people. It also voids your home insurance. Don’t risk it.
If you’re unsure, call us on 09 392 0055. We’ll tell you honestly if it’s something you can handle or if you need a sparky. No charge for that conversation.