Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
No worries if you’ve got a few curly ones about your electrical needs – we get it! At Viper Electrical, we’re all about clarity and making things easy as. We’ve pulled together answers to the most common questions our Auckland customers ask us. Have a squiz below, and hopefully, you’ll find just what you’re after. If not, don’t be shy – flick us a message or give us a buzz, and our expert team will sort you out, pronto!
General & Residential Electrical
Are your electricians qualified and licensed?
Absolutely. Every member of the Viper Electrical team is a fully qualified and registered electrician with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) of New Zealand. We are committed to the highest standards of safety and workmanship.
What areas in Auckland do you service?
We provide comprehensive electrical services across the wider Auckland region. Whether you’re in the North Shore, West Auckland, East Auckland, South Auckland or Central, our team is ready to assist.
Can I do minor electrical work, like changing a light fitting, myself?
Technically, homeowners in New Zealand can replace light fittings themselves — but it’s strongly not recommended. New Zealand’s Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 are very clear about what electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. For your safety, and to ensure your insurance and compliance aren’t compromised, any work involving fixed wiring — including changing light fittings, adding power points, or touching your switchboard — must legally be done by a registered electrician. Play it safe and call the pros.
Do you provide a Certificate of Compliance (COC)?
Yes. For all prescribed electrical work, we issue a Certificate of Compliance (COC). This is your legal guarantee that the work has been completed to the required safety standards and is compliant with New Zealand regulations.
How much does it cost to get an electrical issue looked at?
For fault-finding and smaller jobs, we typically work on an hourly rate plus travel costs. For larger projects like new builds or full rewires, we provide a detailed, obligation-free quote upfront so you have full clarity on the costs involved.
Switchboard Upgrades & House Rewiring
What are the signs my home needs a new switchboard?
Common signs include frequently tripping fuses or circuits, flickering lights, a burning smell near the board, or an old, black, asbestos-style backboard with ceramic fuses. If your switchboard is over 25 years old, an upgrade is highly recommended for safety.
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost in Auckland?
A standard switchboard upgrade with Viper Electrical typically starts from $1,400 + GST. The final cost can vary depending on factors like the size of your home and the condition of your existing main earth and supply cables. We always provide a firm quote after an on-site assessment.
My house was built in the 1970s. Does it need rewiring?
Potentially, yes. Homes built before the 2000s, especially in the 60s and 70s, often have wiring with insulation that degrades over time (like TRS cabling) or may lack an earth wire, which is a major safety risk. A full or partial rewire can be essential to handle modern electrical loads safely.
Commercial Electrical Services
Why does my business need a regular electrical assessment?
A regular assessment is crucial for Health & Safety compliance, preventing costly downtime, and ensuring the safety of your staff and assets. It helps identify potential hazards, improves energy efficiency, and ensures your insurance policy remains valid.
What is involved in a commercial electrical maintenance plan?
Our tailored maintenance plans can include regular testing and tagging of appliances, thermal imaging of switchboards to detect overheating, RCD (Residual Current Device) testing, and checking your emergency lighting systems to ensure they function correctly.
Our office is moving. Can you handle the new electrical fit-out?
Yes, we specialise in commercial electrical fit-outs for offices, retail stores, and workshops. We can manage everything from the initial design and installation of lighting and power systems to data cabling and security system wiring.
Lighting & Heat Pumps
Is it worth upgrading to LED lighting?
Definitely. Upgrading to LED lights can reduce your lighting-related energy consumption by up to 80%. They also have a much longer lifespan than traditional bulbs, meaning lower maintenance costs and less waste for your home or business.
Do I need an electrician to install LED downlights?
Yes. In New Zealand, installing recessed downlights involves working with your home’s fixed wiring, which legally requires a registered electrician to ensure it’s done safely and to code.
What size heat pump do I need for my room?
The right size depends on the room’s dimensions, insulation levels, window size, and the local climate. We provide a full assessment to recommend a unit with the correct heating and cooling capacity (kW) to ensure it runs efficiently without wasting energy.
Can you help with choosing and installing a heat pump?
Absolutely. We can advise on the best brand and model for your needs, ensure the indoor and outdoor units are positioned for optimal performance and minimal noise, and carry out the full installation to the highest standard.
