Electrical Codes of Practice (ECPs) are issued by WorkSafe under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1992. Their purpose includes the setting of standards and requirements for those involved in working with electricity and any electrical installations or appliances. These standards and requirements include training and qualifications, design and construction, operation and supply, and safety around people and property.

The Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010(external link) cite several New Zealand Electrical Codes of Practice (ECPs), as listed in Schedule 2(external link).

ECP 34 - New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances (NZECP 34:2001)

This Code sets minimum safe electrical distance requirements for overhead electric line installations and other works associated with the supply of electricity from generating stations to end users.

The minimum safe distances have been set primarily to protect persons, property, vehicles and mobile plant from harm or damage from electrical hazards. The minimum distances are also a guide for the design of electrical works within substations, generating stations or similar areas where electrical equipment and fittings have to be operated and maintained.

Warning label for operation of mobile plant near overhead conductors

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ECP 35 - New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Power Systems Earthing (NZECP 35:1993)

This code of practice is intended to provide guidance on acceptable methods for determining the safety of earthing systems associated with works.

ECP36 - New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Harmonic Levels (NZECP 36:1993)

This Code is based on the Limitation of Harmonic Levels Notice 1981, and sets acceptable levels of harmonic voltages and currents which may be introduced into an electricity supply system by a consumer’s installation.

ECP 46 - New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for High Voltage Live Line Work (NZECP 46:2003)

This Code sets out the minimum industry standards for high voltage live line work. The principles may be enhanced or supplemented, provided this does not result in reduced safety standards. This Code applies to all work undertaken on live high voltage overhead lines using approved procedures, tools and equipment, and by persons holding the minimum competencies detailed under this Code.

ECP 50 - New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Repair and Maintenance of Domestic Electrical Appliances by the Owner of the Appliance (NZECP 50:2004)

If you are the owner of a domestic electrical appliance, cord set, or extension lead that is for your own private use, then you are permitted to carry out repairs in accordance with this Code. This Code outlines the basic requirements for ensuring work is carried out safely, and includes testing before re-use. This Code aims to ensure that there will be no electrical hazard created after the repair.

ECP 51 - New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Homeowner/Occupier's Electrical Wiring Work in Domestic Installations (NZECP 51:2004)

If you are the owner of a domestic electrical installation that is for your own private use, you can do your own electrical wiring work. If you not have an appropriate electrical qualification, and you are planning to carry out electrical wiring work, you are required by law to do the work “in a workmanlike manner”, in accordance with this Code, without payment, reward or koha. Only a licensed electrical worker can carry out work on another person’s home or do work for payment, reward or koha.

ECP 54 - New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for the Installation of Recessed Luminaires and Auxiliary Equipment (NZECP 54:2001)

This Code sets out the electrical and physical installation requirements for recessed luminaires (commonly known as “downlights” or similar) and their auxiliary equipment, such as transformers and control gear, in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. The Code gives guidance on the selection of recessed luminaires and their installation requirements to ensure that the integrity of the building is maintained.

ECP 55 - New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Managing Electrical Risks Associated with Electrically Conductive Thermal Insulation (NZECP 55:2016)

This Code intends to protect people and property from electric shock, physical injury, and fire resulting from conductive thermal insulation becoming electrically live.

The requirements for all domestic installations set out in this Code will enable property owners and industry to manage electrical safety risks associated with installing new, and working with fitted, conductive thermal insulation in a number of settings.

ECP 60 - New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Inspection, Testing and Certification of Low Voltage A.C. Railway Signalling Control Circuits (NZECP 60:1997)

Railway signalling control circuits are designed to be earth free so that a single earth fault will not cause the signalling system to fail to a dangerous or less safe condition. They are designed in accordance with International standards and Industry principles. This Code of Practice is intended for use by persons who have been trained and certified to standards for working on the low voltage A.C. railway signalling circuits and connected fittings.