ELECTRIC WIRING

Evening Star, Issue 19019, 14 August 1925, Page 10

ELECTRIC WIRING

CONTROL AFTER APRIL NEXT [From Our Parliamentary Reporter,] WELLINGTON, August 13. After April, 1926, no electric wiring may be done in Now Zealand except under the direct supervision of a licensed electric wlreman. A Bill making complete provision fbr the licensing and registration of wiromen was introduced in the House to-day. It proposes to set up a board lo control the system, comprising the chief electrical engineer and one representative each of the electric power boards, insurance companies, electrical traders, and licensed wiremen. The board's functions will be to provide for the examination of applicants for registration, to maintain, a register, and, if necessary, to suspend licensees for proved complaints of defective workmanship. Two such endorsements of license may result in cancellation. The qualification for a registered wircman is stated as satisfactory training and the passing of a theoretical and practical examination, or the fact that the applicant is, at the time of the commencement of the Act, the possessor of a license as an electric wircman. issued by an electric supply authority approved by the board. A further clause will enable the board to issue a certificate to a person who, though not having passed the prescribed examination, is in its opinion competent to perform the duties of an electrical wircman. Registered electrical engineers arc to be recognised to do wiring, or to act ns inspectors, and will bo subject to the board’s [lower to suspend thorn for any defect or iault in their work. Persons who are holders of an electric wireman’s license must satisfy tho board that they have had three years’ practical experience before being allowed to register without examination. Electrical supply authorities are empowered to inspect wiring and enforce remedy _ of defects. The wiring of any promises for electric purposes may only bo done by, or' under the direct supervision of, a registered electric wireman. Electric supply authorities arc required to have inspections made only by persons appointed by them as electrical inspectors, and a register of inspectors will be kept by the Electric firemen’s Board. Complaints against inspectors’ decisions, if made by a recognised body representing electrical traders, may ho investigated by a person appointed by the Minister, who, if satisfied that the inspection was made in an unfair manner, may suspend the inspector, or cancel his license. Power is given to appeal against tho decision of tho Wiremen’s Board, the appeal to be board by a. magistrate and two assessors. Offences against the Act arc punishable by a fine up to £2O.