Certificate of Compliance for dimmer installation?

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eracode

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#304453 5-May-2023 07:10

We have arranged via Builderscrack for a sparkie to come this afternoon to install a dimmer in a LED light circuit in our kitchen. The existing pendant light is dimmable but does not currently have a dimmer. For physical reasons (existing switch too small) the job also requires a new mounting block and faceplate (incorporating the dimmer and a new switch) next to the existing switch. The existing wiring will be transferred to the new switch and the old switch will be disabled.

Via the website I asked the sparkie to confirm that he will issue a CC for the job. He indicated that this small job does not need a CC. Is that correct?

TIA

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#3072568 5-May-2023 07:53

Jobs like that, I don't believe they do need one.

If it does, I'm a crapload of trouble..... :)

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eracode

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#3072569 5-May-2023 07:56

All I'm looking for is what is required by the regs or law.

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tchart

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#3072571 5-May-2023 08:11

eracode:

He indicated that this small job does not need a CC. Is that correct?

I would say it is in the "like for like" category as there is no new wiring etc.

I recently had an extractor fan replaced and the electrician did issue a CC - but he did install a new socket as the fan model now comes with a plug (previous model was hard wired).

eracode

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#3072573 5-May-2023 08:19

Thanks Guys. The existing light wiring is to be moved to a new switch in a new location (a few inches away) and the dimmer is a new addition. Would that be classed as 'like for like'?

I'm not wanting to be pedantic or obsessive - just want it to be all correct if there was ever a problem - insurance etc.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

tchart

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#3072593 5-May-2023 09:14

eracode:

Would that be classed as 'like for like'?

Im 99% sure it is.

Moving of sockets/switches is allowed (by home owner) as long as you arent modifying the length of the circuit so I dont believe it requires a CC.

Swapping a non-dimmable to dimmable switch is considered like for like - same as swapping for a smart switch is.

From worksafe;

https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/managing-health-and-safety/consumers/safe-living-with-electricity/getting-electrical-work-done/doing-your-own-electrical-work/

itxtme

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#3072609 5-May-2023 10:20

If you really want one he will be able to do one for you. They charge for it though - understandably

Arsonist

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#3072640 5-May-2023 11:48

The electrician may not give you a Certificate of Compliance, but at minimum he should give you an Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC).

EWRB Website

Replacement or repair work example, the replacement of a light switch or power outlet or RCD needs to be verified it is electrically safe. This done by issuing an ESC.

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eracode

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#3072649 5-May-2023 12:16

Arsonist:

The electrician may not give you a Certificate of Compliance, but at minimum he should give you an Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC).

EWRB Website

Replacement or repair work example, the replacement of a light switch or power outlet or RCD needs to be verified it is electrically safe. This done by issuing an ESC.

Aha - thanks - that sounds like what I’m looking for.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

tchart

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#3072656 5-May-2023 12:48

Good reading here;

http://www.safepower.co.nz/Site/Blog/2014_COC_v_ESC.aspx

FYI was OP was asking about Code of Compliance (COC) for "like for like" work. This isnt required according to Worksafe since no new wiring is involved.

BUT it looks like if an electrician does any work (even like for like) then a Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC) is required.

So electrician was correct, CoC not required but ESC is.

John19612

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#3072669 5-May-2023 13:05

eracode:

Thanks Guys. The existing light wiring is to be moved to a new switch in a new location (a few inches away) and the dimmer is a new addition. Would that be classed as 'like for like'?

I'm not wanting to be pedantic or obsessive - just want it to be all correct if there was ever a problem - insurance etc.

The dimmer is a new addition to the circuit. Therefore not maintenance or replacement of a fitting. It doesn't meet the requirements to be considered low risk PEW. A CoC and an ESC will be required.

From the Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010 - which is the only place you should be looking for the actual answer.

6A Meaning of low-risk, high-risk, and general prescribed electrical work
(1) In these regulations, low-risk prescribed electrical work—
(a) means prescribed electrical work that comprises the maintenance or
replacement of a fitting in an existing installation; and
(b) includes relocation or extension of a conductor to facilitate replacement
of a fitting; but
(c) excludes maintenance that involves the adjustment of protection or gas
monitor settings of mining electrical equipment.

(3) In these regulations, general prescribed electrical work means any prescribed
electrical work on an installation, or on mining electrical equipment, that is not
low-risk prescribed electrical work or high-risk prescribed electrical work.

65 Requirement for certificate of compliance
(1) A certificate of compliance must be issued in accordance with these regulations
for all general and high-risk prescribed electrical work done on an installation
or part installation that comprises—

You could, of course, do the work yourself ensuring compliance with Regulation 57.

BlueShift

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#3072688 5-May-2023 13:55

John19612:

eracode:

Thanks Guys. The existing light wiring is to be moved to a new switch in a new location (a few inches away) and the dimmer is a new addition. Would that be classed as 'like for like'?

I'm not wanting to be pedantic or obsessive - just want it to be all correct if there was ever a problem - insurance etc.

The dimmer is a new addition to the circuit. Therefore not maintenance or replacement of a fitting. It doesn't meet the requirements to be considered low risk PEW. A CoC and an ESC will be required.

From the Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010 - which is the only place you should be looking for the actual answer.

6A Meaning of low-risk, high-risk, and general prescribed electrical work
(1) In these regulations, low-risk prescribed electrical work—
(a) means prescribed electrical work that comprises the maintenance or
replacement of a fitting in an existing installation; and
(b) includes relocation or extension of a conductor to facilitate replacement
of a fitting; but
(c) excludes maintenance that involves the adjustment of protection or gas
monitor settings of mining electrical equipment.

(3) In these regulations, general prescribed electrical work means any prescribed
electrical work on an installation, or on mining electrical equipment, that is not
low-risk prescribed electrical work or high-risk prescribed electrical work.

65 Requirement for certificate of compliance
(1) A certificate of compliance must be issued in accordance with these regulations
for all general and high-risk prescribed electrical work done on an installation
or part installation that comprises—

You could, of course, do the work yourself ensuring compliance with Regulation 57.

See, I'm not a sparky, but I would have though 6A (1) (a) & (b) would cover removing an existing switch and replacing it with a new switch in a very slightly different location. The new switch has a dimmer built in, but is still just a switch.

I've done the opposite in my own home, and replaced a dimmer switch with a non-dimmer switch, and I'll be doing it again in another room soon as I'm replacing the downlights with LEDs and I don't want to faff with dimmability.

John19612

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#3072698 5-May-2023 14:17

BlueShift:

See, I'm not a sparky, but I would have though 6A (1) (a) & (b) would cover removing an existing switch and replacing it with a new switch in a very slightly different location. The new switch has a dimmer built in, but is still just a switch.

I've done the opposite in my own home, and replaced a dimmer switch with a non-dimmer switch, and I'll be doing it again in another room soon as I'm replacing the downlights with LEDs and I don't want to faff with dimmability.

Relocate the wiring and switch a bit - Yes no problem.
Replace just the switch with a new one - Yes, no problem.
Add a seperate dimmer into the circuit - No, it wasn't there before, it is an addition to the circuit so therefore not maintenance or replacement.
Replace the original off/on switch with an off/on dimmer switch (or vice-versa) - Maybe. Would require proper investigation.

A switch is a passive component. A dimmer is full of electronics and is an active component.

djtOtago

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#3072730 5-May-2023 15:47

John19612:

Relocate the wiring and switch a bit - Yes no problem.
Replace just the switch with a new one - Yes, no problem.
Add a seperate dimmer into the circuit - No, it wasn't there before, it is an addition to the circuit so therefore not maintenance or replacement.
Replace the original off/on switch with an off/on dimmer switch (or vice-versa) - Maybe. Would require proper investigation.

A switch is a passive component. A dimmer is full of electronics and is an active component.

So the same as swapping out an incandescing bulb for a LED bulb. A passive component bulb for a bulb full of electronics. 😊

tchart

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#3072734 5-May-2023 16:00

John19612:
BlueShift:

See, I'm not a sparky, but I would have though 6A (1) (a) & (b) would cover removing an existing switch and replacing it with a new switch in a very slightly different location. The new switch has a dimmer built in, but is still just a switch.

I've done the opposite in my own home, and replaced a dimmer switch with a non-dimmer switch, and I'll be doing it again in another room soon as I'm replacing the downlights with LEDs and I don't want to faff with dimmability.

Relocate the wiring and switch a bit - Yes no problem.

Replace just the switch with a new one - Yes, no problem.

Add a seperate dimmer into the circuit - No, it wasn't there before, it is an addition to the circuit so therefore not maintenance or replacement.

Replace the original off/on switch with an off/on dimmer switch (or vice-versa) - Maybe. Would require proper investigation.

A switch is a passive component. A dimmer is full of electronics and is an active component.

He didn’t say he’s adding a dimmer. He’s replacing the existing switch with a dimmer switch. He’s not altering the circuit AFAIK

John19612

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#3072738 5-May-2023 16:15

tchart:

He didn’t say he’s adding a dimmer. He’s replacing the existing switch with a dimmer switch. He’s not altering the circuit AFAIK

Yes he did, multiple times:

We have arranged via Builderscrack for a sparkie to come this afternoon to install a dimmer in a LED light circuit in our kitchen. The existing pendant light is dimmable but does not currently have a dimmer. For physical reasons (existing switch too small) the job also requires a new mounting block and faceplate (incorporating the dimmer and a new switch) next to the existing switch. The existing wiring will be transferred to the new switch and the old switch will be disabled.

Thanks Guys. The existing light wiring is to be moved to a new switch in a new location (a few inches away) and the dimmer is a new addition. Would that be classed as 'like for like'?

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