Fridger defrost timer gone, is it legal to change it myself?

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Fridger defrost timer gone, is it legal to change it myself?

TeaLeaf

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Topic # 171825 2-May-2015 09:28

Are there any laws against changing timers and thermostats etc?

Anyone know where to get one cheap?

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Reply # 1295509 2-May-2015 09:39

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1992/0122/latest/DLM282873.html

you can DIY, must be done safely, and must be tested by an electrician afterwards and before use

TeaLeaf

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Reply # 1295512 2-May-2015 10:13

That doesnt mention getting a leccy to check it. And how would they have proof?

So if a part fails on an old appliance its cost prohibitive to get a leccy to check it so it may as well go into the bin. All for plug and play components.

Seems ludicrous.

Should apply to PCs as well? My CPU died, oh have to get the leccy in to check it over. See what I mean?

Cheers

gregmcc

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Reply # 1295546 2-May-2015 10:48

TeaLeaf: That doesnt mention getting a leccy to check it. And how would they have proof?

So if a part fails on an old appliance its cost prohibitive to get a leccy to check it so it may as well go into the bin. All for plug and play components.

Seems ludicrous.

Should apply to PCs as well? My CPU died, oh have to get the leccy in to check it over. See what I mean?

Cheers

80 (1) (g) the work is, before connection to a power supply, tested and certified, in accordance with regulations, by a registered person who holds a current practising licence issued under this Act that authorises that person to test and certify prescribed electrical work.

I guess you didn't read too far.

BTW the CPU on you PC dying, extra low voltage, no restriction on who does the work.

There is a reason why the electrical industry is regulated to ensure people don't kill themselves, there are provisions to allow simple basic repairs to be done by owners provided they are checked by someone who actually know what they are doing.

Proof is provided by the electrician providing an electrical safety certificate as they are required to do by law.

TeaLeaf

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Reply # 1295550 2-May-2015 10:53

yeah i read that, thats part i find strange when you can buy the parts on line. they simply pull out and push back in again. im not rewiring anything.

so I HAVE to have a sparky check it over, will cost me more than the fridge is worth.

i can understand the need for regulations when changing wiring etc, but when it just slots in, seems a bit much.

now im wondering how much will cost to take to the tip.

gbwelly

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Reply # 1295598 2-May-2015 11:35

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TeaLeaf: yeah i read that, thats part i find strange when you can buy the parts on line. they simply pull out and push back in again. im not rewiring anything.

so I HAVE to have a sparky check it over, will cost me more than the fridge is worth.

i can understand the need for regulations when changing wiring etc, but when it just slots in, seems a bit much.

now im wondering how much will cost to take to the tip.

If you properly understand how it works and how to change it correctly then just do so and move on with your day.

If you can get to the stage in life where you can spot the difference between knowing enough to be dangerous and actually knowing what you are doing you are unlikely to blow yourself up.

Stu

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Reply # 1295601 2-May-2015 11:41

You could also get a quote from an appliance repair person. Check yellow.co.nz. Would probably work out quite a bit cheaper then a new fridge. Surely worth making a phone call?

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

TeaLeaf

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Reply # 1295605 2-May-2015 11:53

Call our rate is $95

Then labour.

Then parts.

Id say $300 easily.

Fridge cost $130 and is only 6 years old.

Stu

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Reply # 1295607 2-May-2015 12:04

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$130? I think you've got your money's worth out of it.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

shk292

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Reply # 1295609 2-May-2015 12:06

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If it's just a screw-in or slot-in spare part, what's the difference between doing this and changing a light bulb in a standard lamp, or the lamp in your fridge? Or the PSU in a PC.

I'd just crack on and do it, but that's just my opinion

Bung

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Reply # 1295622 2-May-2015 12:18

gregmcc:

80 (1) (g) the work is, before connection to a power supply, tested and certified, in accordance with regulations, by a registered person who holds a current practising licence issued under this Act that authorises that person to test and certify prescribed electrical work.

I guess you didn't read too far.

As far as reading goes the next clause is

Electricity Act

80 Exemption for maintenance of domestic appliances

(2)Subsection (1)(g) applies only if required by regulations.

Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010

"90 Testing appliances after certain work done on them

(1)A person must comply with subclause (2) before releasing an appliance from his or her control if the person has—
- (a)done any prescribed electrical work on the appliance; or
- (b)done any work on the appliance that may affect its electrical safety.
(2)The person must test the appliance and either—
- (a)confirm that it is electrically safe in accordance with the following:
  - (i)in the case of prescribed electrical work done in reliance on section 80 of the Act (exemption for maintenance of domestic appliances): ECP 50:"

Reg 90 requires "The person" that did the repair to test it not another person.

k1w1k1d

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Reply # 1295625 2-May-2015 12:32

The home owner is allowed to do certain simple electrical work on their own home, eg change light switch, light fitting etc.
Removing and replacing a fridge thermostat could probably fall into the same category.

TeaLeaf

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Reply # 1295661 2-May-2015 13:33

Yeah thats the crazy thing, Im not even doing any wiring vs high voltage wiring of a home lightswitch etc, Im replacing a plug in component. Seems ridiculous to need a sparky to check over what is a replaceable component that an appliamce parts store is prepared to sell me and has said I can do myself.

I thought thats what subsection 2 was.

Only got 6 months from $130, just seems like such an eco waste to throw away a fridge but Im not spending $300 fixing it.

TeaLeaf

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Reply # 1295663 2-May-2015 13:36

Bung does that mean via subsection 2, anyone can do the work but must test it is working before releasing it?

Stu

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Reply # 1295671 2-May-2015 13:42

TeaLeaf: Yeah thats the crazy thing, Im not even doing any wiring vs high voltage wiring of a home lightswitch etc, Im replacing a plug in component. Seems ridiculous to need a sparky to check over what is a replaceable component that an appliamce parts store is prepared to sell me and has said I can do myself.

I thought thats what subsection 2 was.

Only got 6 months from $130, just seems like such an eco waste to throw away a fridge but Im not spending $300 fixing it.

6 months? in an earlier post you stated 6 years. That's quite a difference.

Is this a second hand fridge?

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

Bung

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Reply # 1295673 2-May-2015 13:50

TeaLeaf: Bung does that mean via subsection 2, anyone can do the work but must test it is working before releasing it?

Careful about "anyone" the Act limits the exemption to the owner or close relative working on an appliance they own and use themselves. ECP50 covers the how and testing so read that first.

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