Can I install the smart system into my house?

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toneytang

11 posts

Geek

#169625 20-Mar-2015 16:42

Hi, there

I intend to install a smart system into my house. But I don't have the Electrician license. Can I do it? If anything happened according to this system, does the insurance will pay me?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SAwn1MiTzk

This video is only a part of this system. This system is based on Zigbee, So, I think I don't need to re-wire the lines in the house. But it will change some power socket on the wall and also need the change the light switches into wireless one.

Does this installation require the electrician license to do it?

Thank you!

regards

Toney

Niel

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#1264271 20-Mar-2015 18:36

If you own the house and live in it yourself (not a rental) then you can do some replacements but not install new wiring. If you are renting or if you don't live in the house yourself, then you are not allowed to. The idea is that you can replace a faulty switch/socket/fitting yourself and you are not putting someone else in danger.

But the fitting must be certified for use in NZ, you can't just buy anything off the internet and install it. Neither can an electrician. Actually the importer needs to hold a copy of the compliance certificate. Usually items purchased in AU will meet the same compliance as NZ, but there are some differences for some types of products.

Insurance will avoid paying if they can. If an investigation finds the cause of a fire was from you installing something that does not meet compliance, then they will likely not pay for damages. There are even instances of car insurance not paying because someone installed window tinting without declaring to the insurance, with the insurance claiming that tinting makes the care more attractive to theft. My point it, don't give the insurance any excuse to not pay out a claim.

What you can do is install it yourself (assuming you know the correct way of doing wiring according to the NZ wiring rules), and before you screw the switches to the wall then get an electrician to inspect/test the work and give you a certificate for the installation. So you pay him only for the inspection, not for the labour of installing. But you will need to get the electrician to agree to this first and make sure you know the NZ wiring rules.

You can never have enough Volvos!

StGabriel

20 posts

Geek

#1264411 21-Mar-2015 08:39

Niel: What you can do is install it yourself (assuming you know the correct way of doing wiring according to the NZ wiring rules), and before you screw the switches to the wall then get an electrician to inspect/test the work and give you a certificate for the installation. So you pay him only for the inspection, not for the labour of installing. But you will need to get the electrician to agree to this first and make sure you know the NZ wiring rules.

If you follow this route, then you will need to get an electrical inspector to inspect/issue a CoC (Certificte of Compliane) as a electrician is unable to certify a homeowners work. Good Luck with that. Also the wiring rules mentioned above is AS/NZS 3000:2007 and retails for $180 (unless you can find a copy for download from illegitimate sources)

Niel

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#1264568 21-Mar-2015 14:12

StGabriel, does that apply to just changing light switches etc. when there is no wiring change? My comment regarding getting it inspected by an electrician was regarding keeping the insurance happy and I did direct him to find himself an electrician to agree to it.

You can never have enough Volvos!

StGabriel

20 posts

Geek

#1264573 21-Mar-2015 14:39

Niel,

Simply put, "like for like" replacements with no changes of loading, adding or removal of conductors, requires an ESC. Changing circuits, their loading, adding outlets, changing lighting placments will require a CoC. From memory, my employer charges $10 for ESC and $25 for CoC.

toneytang

11 posts

Geek

#1264716 21-Mar-2015 20:47

Hello, Niel, StGabriel

Thank you guys give the advice.

I asked the seller, they said the system already get c-tick for AU. And they told me that is suitable for NZ. I really don't want to touch the wiring. Just to replace the current switches and use the controller to control it.

Today, I went to the home garden show in Northshore Auckland. I met the control4 guys. And they said, if buy their products, they can do some initial work first, and I will do the rest of them. But they did not give the details. There are too many people on the show. Maybe next time I just go to their showroom to ask for more details.

StGabriel, what are ESC and CoC for?

Thank you both.

Toney

gregmcc

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#1264719 21-Mar-2015 20:59

electrical safety cert, and cert of compliance

ESC for repairs/replacements
COC & ESC for changes/modifications/additions

StGabriel

20 posts

Geek

#1264720 21-Mar-2015 21:01

ESC is Electrical Safety Certificate
CoC is Certificate of Compliance

These are legal forms supplied to the customer stating that the work is safe and compliant with the relevent riles and regulations. If there is an issue further down the track then you (or the insurance company/authorities) can use that as proof of who did what work and who might be responsible. One of the certificates (depending what work was undertaken) should be supplied by the electrician whenever any prescribed electrical work is completed.

Handy link
http://www.ewrb.govt.nz/for-consumers/diywhen-do-i-need-an-electrical-worker/

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greenbone

176 posts

Master Geek

#1267486 25-Mar-2015 13:00

http://www.med.govt.nz/energysafety/consumer/safe-living-with-electricity/getting-electrical-work-done/doing-your-own-electrical-work

the only mention of testing and inspoection is in relating to :Install, extend, and alter subcircuits (including submains)"

based on the above, if youre competent, i would say go for it

Niel

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#1267906 25-Mar-2015 21:03

What Greenbone said is what I was thinking of. Be aware that it is only in relation to a house you own and live in yourself, not a rental. And you must be sure you are competent, and that your insurance company would not disagree.

You can never have enough Volvos!

greenbone

176 posts

Master Geek

#1268224 26-Mar-2015 10:54

observation / rant:

it seems that a lot of these DIY electrical threads, both here and on other forums, are quickly met with replies along the lines of "you cant do that!", "really thats an electricians job", "youll need testing and certification" etc etc. emphasis is to discourage the OP from even thinking about undertaking the job themselves, regardless of the scope of work.

electricians, we understand; electrical work is dangerous - people can die if the job is not carried out safely and correctly. but lets be honest - for a person with prior experience, or who has done enough research to be confident they can do the work compenently, jobs like replacing a switch or a socket outlet are extremely basic and low-risk. you would really have to go out of your way for something to go catastrophically wrong, and this is reflected by the exemptions afforded these jobs under the regs.

homeowners, be informed as to what electrical work you can legally undertake on your own home, without qualified supervision, testing, certification or otherwise.