Legal Requirement Update

WorkSafe New Zealand and the EWRB now recognise digitally generated and signed Certificates of Compliance as legally valid, provided they meet specific requirements outlined in this guide.

The Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is your proof that electrical work meets New Zealand safety standards. For decades, electricians have filled out paper forms by hand, made copies, filed them away, and hoped they never needed to find them again. Digital CoCs change everything—automated generation, instant distribution, searchable archives, and no more lost paperwork.

What is a Certificate of Compliance?

A Certificate of Compliance certifies that electrical work complies with:

AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules
Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010
All applicable New Zealand standards

When you need a CoC: For all new electrical installations, alterations, and most repairs. Essentially any work beyond basic maintenance requires a CoC within 20 working days of completion.

Digital CoC Requirements

Legal Requirements for Digital CoCs

To be legally valid, a digital CoC must meet the same requirements as paper:

1. Complete Information

• Electrician's name and EWRB registration number
• Business name and contact details
• Customer name and installation address
• Date of work completion
• Detailed description of work performed
• Test results and measurements
• Statement of compliance

2. Authentic Digital Signature

Must uniquely identify the signatory and indicate approval of the document. This can be:

• Typed name with confirmation of identity
• Digital signature captured on tablet/device
• Electronic signature with timestamp

3. Tamper-Evident Format

The CoC must be in a format that shows if it's been altered after signing. PDF with digital signature or certified electronic format is recommended.

4. Record Retention

You must retain CoC records for at least 7 years (EWRB requirement). Digital storage makes this easy with automatic backups.

Required CoC Information

Standard CoC Fields

Electrician Details

□ Full legal name
□ EWRB registration number
□ Practising licence status
□ Business name
□ Business address
□ Contact phone/email

Customer & Job Details

□ Customer name
□ Installation address
□ Job/reference number
□ Date of completion
□ Description of work
□ Circuit details

Test Results

□ Continuity of earthing
□ Insulation resistance
□ Polarity tests
□ RCD functionality
□ Earth fault loop impedance
□ Circuit breaker ratings

Compliance Statement

□ AS/NZS 3000 compliance
□ Electricity Safety Regulations
□ Other relevant standards
□ Limitations/exclusions
□ Signature and date

How to Generate Digital CoCs

Option 1: Dedicated Electrical Software (Recommended)

TPT ERP Digital CoC Generator

The most efficient way to create compliant digital CoCs. Information flows automatically from your job details.

Auto-populate electrician details from profile

Customer and address pulled from job record

Test results entered directly on mobile device

Digital signature captured on tablet/phone

PDF generated with tamper-evident seal

Auto-email to customer and stored in cloud

Option 2: PDF Templates

Create fillable PDF templates that can be completed on a tablet or computer:

1. Design CoC template in Word or design software
2. Convert to fillable PDF using Adobe Acrobat or PDFescape
3. Save template to tablet or cloud storage
4. Fill out on-site using PDF annotation app
5. Sign using stylus or typed signature
6. Export as final PDF and email to customer

Note: More manual than dedicated software but lower cost for very small operations.

Option 3: EWRB Online Portal

The EWRB provides online CoC generation for certain types of work. Check the EWRB website for current availability and requirements.

Pros: Official EWRB format, free
Cons: Limited to certain work types, manual data entry, no integration with job management

Digital Signature Options

Legally Valid Digital Signatures

Type 1: Stylus Signature on Device

Customer signs directly on your tablet or phone screen using a finger or stylus. Most natural option and widely accepted.

Type 2: Typed Name with Confirmation

Signatory types their full name with a checkbox confirming: "I agree this electronic signature is the legal equivalent of my handwritten signature."

Type 3: Digital Certificate Signature

Advanced electronic signature using PKI digital certificates. Highest security but overkill for most electrical CoCs.

CoC Distribution Best Practices

Timing

Provide the CoC to the customer within 20 working days of work completion. Digital delivery makes this easy—email the PDF immediately after signing on-site.

Who Gets the CoC

• Homeowner/tenant: Primary recipient
• Property manager: If rented property
• Main contractor: For sub-contract work
• Council: If building consent involved
• You: Keep copy for 7 years minimum

Storage & Backup

Store digital CoCs in multiple locations:

• Job management software (primary)
• Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
• Local backup (external drive)
• Email sent records

Common CoC Mistakes

Incomplete Test Results
Missing mandatory tests or incomplete data. Use a checklist to ensure all required tests are recorded.
Wrong EWRB Number
Typos in registration numbers are common with handwritten forms. Digital systems auto-populate from your profile.
Vague Work Descriptions
"Electrical work" is insufficient. Be specific: "Installation of new 32A circuit for oven, including RCD protection and testing."
Missing Signatures
An unsigned CoC is invalid. Digital systems can require signature before the document can be finalised.
Lost Paperwork
Paper CoCs get lost, damaged, or fade. Digital storage with automatic backups ensures you can always find historical records.

Digital CoC Workflow

Complete the Work

Finish installation, repairs, or alterations. Ensure everything is tested and working correctly.

Perform Required Tests

Conduct all mandatory safety tests. Record results immediately on your mobile device or tablet.

Generate CoC

Use software to auto-generate CoC from job details and test results. Review for accuracy.

Sign Digitally

Apply your digital signature. Software timestamps and seals the document to prevent tampering.

Email to Customer

Send PDF immediately while on-site or from the office. Include a brief explanation of the work performed.

Store Securely

Document is automatically saved to cloud storage with backup. Retrieve anytime using job number or customer name.

FAQ

Are digital CoCs legally valid in NZ?

Yes. Under the Electronic Transactions Act 2002 and EWRB guidelines, digital CoCs are legally equivalent to paper, provided they meet the requirements outlined in this guide (complete information, authentic signature, tamper-evident format).

Can customers refuse a digital CoC?

Customers can request a paper copy, but they cannot refuse a valid digital CoC. If they want paper, you can print the PDF. Most customers prefer digital for easy storage and email forwarding.

What if my digital device fails during sign-off?

Always have a backup plan. Keep a few blank paper CoC forms for emergencies. Complete the paper form, then digitise it by scanning or photographing when you're back online.

How long must I keep CoC records?

EWRB requires 7 years. WorkSafe also recommends 7 years for safety documentation. Digital storage makes this easy—set up automatic backups and you'll never lose a record.

Do I need to submit CoCs to the EWRB?

Generally no—CoCs go to the customer. However, you may need to produce them for EWRB audits or if there's a safety investigation. Keep them organised and accessible.

Key Takeaways

Digital CoCs are legally valid when properly generated and signed
Must include all required information and authentic digital signature
Provide to customer within 20 working days of completion
Retain records for minimum 7 years
Digital storage is safer and more searchable than paper filing

Certificate of Compliance Digital Guide for NZ Electricians 2025