The number of people applying for electrical services has increased steadily over the years. This is particularly so during the time of an economic downturn when people have less discretionary income available for them. One of the reasons why there is a surge in the demand for electrical services is the implementation of various government initiatives aimed at improving the quality of the public’s utilities. For example, the introduction of a National Electrical Service ( NECS ) that offers competitive rates and flexible tariff choices for businesses and individuals.
There was a growth in the number of people applying for electrical services, mainly as the need for commercial electricians increases in the wake of the rising cost of electrical supplies. As of the mid-2021, there were over 48,000 application enrolments for domestic electrical services, up from the 46,890 for domestic applications from the year prior. For businesses, there was a marked growth in the number of people applying to electrical services and this has been particularly apparent in the last twelve months or so. In addition to commercial applications, there was a notable growth in the numbers of domestic electricians installing new residential property, which may account for a rise in the numbers of applications being made for residential electrical services in the Auckland area.
Qualification requirements for anyone wishing to work as an electrician in New Zealand has not changed significantly over the past three decades. An electrician must hold a qualified qualification in the recognised trade of their choice, be over 18, and be registered in the country as a permanent resident. All relevant qualifications must be completed and passed in order to become accredited as an electrician in New Zealand. An accredited electrician is required to be in possession of a valid passport, driving licence, International Driver Registration Card (IDR), Australian Drivers License (IDS), or New Zealand Passes. All of these must be current and in good condition.
Qualified electricians are required to be licensed by the electrical standards authority (ESTA). The ESTA has detailed criteria for the examination of electricians to determine if they hold the necessary qualifications and whether or not they meet the industry standards. This is undertaken annually and each country has their own individual qualification criteria. Electricians can acquire these qualification certificates by passing the necessary exams.
The role of an electrician does require a certain level of professionalism and skill. Electrical work requires the use of various forms of electrical equipment and it would be of great value to ensure that the work is carried out according to high quality standards. For instance, it would not be considered to be good practice to use substandard electrical services if lighting controls or security alarms are required on any premises. It is the electrician’s responsibility to ensure that any work carried out complies with industry standards and will result in the correct conclusion of any warranty claims. To this end, all new electrical services contracts will stipulate that all work carried out must be carried out to acceptable industry standards and will be accompanied by a warranty.
When looking to hire an electrician, it may be worthwhile checking with several local electrical companies to find out whether they have any recommendations from past clients. An electrician should work with qualified staff members who have relevant industry experience and a demonstrated understanding of electrical wiring. Electrician companies may also supply a list of preferred electrical contractors to assist with searching. A reputable electrical company will always carry out any necessary checks and rectification prior to supplying any electrical services.