Download NZs EWRB Electrical Safety Certificate

Download NZs EWRB electrical ESC PDF template

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How TradeDocs Simplifies Electrical CoCs

Pre-built, compliant templates

  • Easily fill out CoC and ESC templates aligned with NZ requirements
  • All mandatory fields included by default

Auto-filled electrician details

  • Save your licence, registration, and business details once
  • Automatically populated on every new electrical CoC

Digital signatures & instant delivery

  • Sign CoCs digitally
  • Email certificates straight to clients, builders, or property managers

Secure storage & easy search

  • Store CoCs securely in the cloud
  • Find any certificate in seconds – no more sorting through folders

The Problem With Paper & PDF CoCs/ESCs

Many electricians still rely on paper pads or basic PDF templates to complete electrical CoCs. While familiar, this approach creates unnecessary admin and risk.

Common issues include:

  • Time wasted printing, scanning, and emailing
  • Lost, damaged, or incomplete certificates
  • No central storage, making it difficult to find certificates years later
  • Hard-to-read handwriting or scanned copies
  • Missing required fields or signatures

What Is an Electrical Safety Certificate

An Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC) is a legal document that verifies prescribed electrical work (PEW) has been tested, is electrically safe, and connected to a power supply in a compliant manner.

Whereas a CoC confirms the design and installation of the work, the ESC confirms the work is safe to energise and use.

In New Zealand, issuing an ESC is a mandatory requirement under the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, and every electrician or electrical worker completing PEW must issue one when the work is connected to the mains or energised.

When Do You Need an Electrical Safety Certificate?

You must issue an ESC whenever prescribed electrical work is completed and connected/energised, including but not limited to:

You need an ESC when:

In short, A CoC is issued for the work. An ESC is issued for energising the work.
Both documents are required for compliance.
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What Must Be Included in EWRBs Electrical Safety Certificate?

The exact contents of the ESC are defined by the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and the EWRB. An ESC must include the following key elements:

1. Electrical Worker Details

2. Details of the Work

The CoC must describe the work that has been carried out, including:

3. Compliance Statement

The certificate must confirm that the work:

Why Electrical ESCs Are So Important

An electrical certificate of compliance isn’t just paperwork. It’s a critical part of electrical safety and legal protection in New Zealand.

  • Legal requirement – Failure to issue a compliant ESC can result in EWRB disciplinary action, fines, insurance complications and liability exposure if incidents occur.
  • Proof of compliance – They document that the work meets the relevant standards and regulations.
  • Protection for homeowners and businesses – By ensuring all energised electrical work is tested and safe, ESCs significantly reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or equipment failure.
  • Insurance and property sales – Insurers, property managers, and buyers often request CoCs as part of due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical ESCs in NZ

Do all electrical jobs require an ESC?

No. Only prescribed electrical work that is connected to a power supply requires an ESC. Minor work that doesn’t involve energising typically does not.

Do I need both a CoC and an ESC?

Yes — for almost all PEW.

  • CoC = certifies compliance of the work itself
  • ESC = certifies the work is safe to energise

Are digital ESCs valid in New Zealand?

Yes. Digital ESCs are legally valid as long as all required information is included and digitally signed correctly.

How long must electricians and homeowners keep copies of ESCs?

Electricians and homeowners are required by law to keep a copy of each electrical safety certificate for a minimum of 7 years.

Does an ESC replace a safety inspection?

No. It is the electrician’s declaration — not a third-party assessment.

Is an ESC needed for temporary power?

Yes, if the prescribed electrical work has been connected and energised.