PEW classes

Prescribed electrical work, Risk categories

PEW (Prescribed electrical work) is classified by ESR (Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010) 6A into three risk-based categories – low, high and general risk.

Low-risk work comprises all maintenance or replacement PEW.

High-risk work is work that is not low risk and includes, but is not limited to, mains work, installations operating at high voltage, installations located in hazardous areas or mines, and installations intended for use with medical devices.

General work is work that is neither high-risk nor low-risk.

Certification required

See below for certification requirements, depending on the risk category. In some cases, a combined CoC and ESC can be issued.

High-risk work must also be entered on the Electricity and Gas High-risk (EGHR) Database by an electrical inspector.

Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC)

• Required for Low Risk work
• Required for High Risk work
• Required for General work

Certificate of Compliance (CoC)

• Optional for Low Risk work
• Required for High Risk work
• Required for General work

Record of Inspection (RoI)

• Not required for Low Risk work
• Required for High Risk Work
• Not required for General Work

Entry on EGHR database

• Not required for Low Risk work
• Required for High risk Work
• Not required General Work

PEW certification process guide

For an indicative guide to electrical certification requirements, see PEW Certification Process Guide (PDF).

Details about the regulations available from NZ Legislation.