Electrical Certificate of Verification

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Electrical Certificate of Verification

An electrical Certificate of Verification (COV) for residential property can often be requested by insurance companies during the sale & purchase of property. In particular, older properties are more likely to receive a request for a COV from an insurance company. Insurance compliance is normally a vital requirement for banks to sign-off on mortgage settlement.

The purpose of the electrical COV is to verify the condition and safety of the electrical circuits in the property. Typically, the certificate covers verification of; ‘an existing installation on which no work has been carried out and is not subject to Regulation 73’.

Situations in which COVs are commonly requested:

Electrical COV’s help to identify potential electrical hazards and provide peace of mind to individuals and a level of risk reduction to insurance companies & banks. Common situations when electrical COV’s are requested include:

  • BUYING PROPERTY
    • As a Pre-Purchase requirement for mortgage settlement (via the insurance company).
    • As a Pre-Purchase reassurance measure or due diligence condition of sale.
    • As a Post-Purchase reassurance measure to give you peace of mind.
  • OWNING & MAINTAINING PROPERTY
    • As an identification measure when you receive repeated ad-hoc and often intermittent electrical issues throughout the property.
  • SELLING PROPERTY
    • As a evidence when selling your older home or investment property.

Types of verification:

The time it takes to complete an on-site electrical COV inspection can vary. Typically, up to two hours on-site is common for an average sized home. Verification is classified as either: (a) Basic visual inspection; (b) Visual inspection and limited testing; or (c) Visual inspection and full testing.

Our standard residential home electrical COV is by Basic visual inspection.

The verification process includes:

The visual inspection applies to the readily visible wiring and electrical items. An electrician will run through a checklist and grade a series of listed items that typically include:

  • Main earth
  • Switchboard
  • Hot Water System
  • Range/Stove/Oven
  • House
    • Light switches
    • Light fittings
    • Metal fittings earthed
    • Switch-Sockets
    • Polarity
    • Condition of Cable
    • Pipe Insulation
  • Miscellaneous
    • Laundry
    • Garage
    • Other
  • Mains cable (to fully test mains cable an Electrical Inspector is required, thus it does not form part of our COV by basic visual inspection)

This will give you, your insurance company and your bank piece of mind that at this particular moment in time a qualified electrician believes the electrical condition of the property is safe.

Book a COV

Call the office on 0800 422 973

If you required the full testing of an Electrical Safety Audit & Report we can arrange an independent third party specialist inspector for this service. This service is often required by insurance companies for Commercial Buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an electrical Certificate of Verification (COV) in NZ?

A Certificate of Verification (COV) confirms that certain prescribed electrical work has been inspected and tested to ensure it meets New Zealand safety standards. It must be issued by an authorised and licensed person.

When do I need a Certificate of Verification?

You need a COV for certain types of electrical work that require formal verification under New Zealand regulations. The need depends on the job, and we can advise during booking whether a COV is required.

How do I get a Certificate of Verification for electrical work?

Book the electrical work with us and ensure testing is completed at the end of the job. Certification follows once the required checks and records are in place.

Is a COV different from other electrical certificates in NZ?

Yes, a COV differs from a Certificate of Compliance, which is used for other work categories. Certificate type depends on the risk level and the kind of electrical work completed.

Who is authorised to issue a Certificate of Verification?

A Certificate of Verification must be completed by a licensed electrician who is authorised to carry out and certify the relevant prescribed electrical work in New Zealand.