Tools and checkersQuick answers before you pick up the phone.

These checkers help with four questions people ask before calling an electrician: does my switchboard need work, why does the power keep tripping, which smoke alarm rules apply to me, and is this quote complete. We're building them now. Until each one is live, its page explains what it'll ask and links to the guide that covers the same ground.

Which one fits your question?

Old board, or adding something big? The switchboard checker has you match your board to a photo, then asks about tripping and what you're planning.

A switch that keeps dropping? The tripping troubleshooter works out whether it's an appliance, an overload, the wiring, or a power cut for your lines company.

Landlord, tenant, owner or building? The smoke alarm checker shows whether the rental rules, the new-home rules or FENZ's advice apply to you.

Got a quote in hand? The quote checker ticks through it line by line and flags what's missing.

What they won't do

None of them gives you a figure for a job, because we don't publish prices for electrical work. They can't see inside your switchboard or test your wiring, and they aren't legal advice. Only a licensed electrician can tell you for certain what's going on behind the walls.

Want to check who you're hiring? There's no separate tool for that, because the EWRB public register already does it well. How to check an electrician's licence shows you how.

Smoke, sparks or a shock? Skip the checkers

Call 111 if anyone's hurt or there's smoke or fire, and don't touch a person who may still be in contact with the power. If you can reach the main switch safely, turn it off. A checker can wait.

Tools

Tools and checkers

Switchboard checkerAnswer a few questions about your switchboard and find out if it's worth an electrician's look.Tripping troubleshooterOne question at a time: is your tripping an appliance, an overload, the wiring, or a power cut?Smoke alarm rules checkerOwner, landlord, tenant or building new? See which smoke alarm rules apply to your home.Quote checkerTick through your electrical quote and see what's missing before you say yes.

Related help

Helpful next

Electrical guidesPlain-English guides to electrical problems, NZ rules and choosing the right electrician.Why does my power keep tripping?Why an RCD or breaker keeps dropping out, the unplug test, and when it's a job for an electrician.Smoke alarm rules in New ZealandThe rental rules and the new-home rules for smoke alarms, side by side, plus FENZ's advice for your own home.How to check an electrician's licenceThe licence ID, the QR code and the EWRB public register: how to check an electrician before work starts.How it worksWho sees your job, who gets your number, and what happens from the form to the finished work.

Where this information comes from

MBIE Kete (EWRB public register) Search the Electrical Worker Register, checked 28 October 2026

Rules change, so check with the EWRB, WorkSafe or Tenancy Services if something matters to your job. How we write and check these pages.