Restricted Area Access (Non-Competent Persons)

This competency applies to individuals who are required to enter restricted electrical areas but are not authorised to carry out any work on the network. Access is limited to outside Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) only and is strictly for areas where no live exposed electrical conductors are present. This classification aligns with NZECP 34 Section 9 for non-electrically competent persons and ensures safe, controlled access under appropriate supervision.

Minor Works Management – Restricted Area Access

This competency applies to individuals who require access to restricted network areas to carry out minor works activities. It permits the holder to work on or near the network, including undertaking visual inspections up to Minimum Approach Distance (MAD). All activities must be conducted in accordance with NZECP 34, ensuring safe work practices and appropriate controls when operating in proximity to electrical assets.

Permit Holder – High Voltage Network Access

This competency applies to individuals authorised to receive permits, manage worksites, and access the high voltage (HV) network. The holder is responsible for ensuring work is carried out safely and in accordance with industry requirements. Additional competencies may be required depending on the specific field or scope of work for which the individual is authorised to hold permits.

Vegetation Control – Competent Worker Zone

This competency applies to vegetation control workers authorised to work and cut vegetation within the Competent Worker Zone around electricity networks. All activities must be carried out in accordance with the Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Tree Work Part 2, ensuring safe management of vegetation near powerlines and adherence to industry safety requirements.

Vegetation Control – Close Working Zone / Network Competent Worker

This competency applies to vegetation control workers authorised to work and cut vegetation within the Close Working Zone around electricity networks. All work must be carried out in accordance with the Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Tree Work Part 2, ensuring safe practices when working in close proximity to live electrical assets. It also applies to competent workers involved in constructing, maintaining, and operating in accordance with Vector standards, requiring adherence to both industry codes of practice and network-specific requirements.

Low Voltage Service Connections & Streetlighting

This competency applies to individuals authorised to carry out the installation, connection, and disconnection of customer overhead and underground low voltage (LV) service connections, including the connection of the neutral conductor. All work must be performed using approved LV live working procedures. It also includes the installation, maintenance, disconnection, and reconnection of streetlighting systems connected to overhead or underground networks. Holders of this competency are permitted to work unsupervised within 4 metres of live lines, provided appropriate permissions to work are in place and all activities are conducted in accordance with industry safety requirements and network standards.

De-energised HV & LV with Live LV Capability

This competency applies to individuals authorised to construct and maintain de-energised high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) networks, including work on overhead lines, underground cables, and associated equipment. Holders are permitted to receive, transfer, and cancel permits, manage worksites, and access the high voltage network in accordance with industry requirements. This competency also includes Live LV work, which must be carried out in line with the relevant Live LV justification matrix and all applicable safety standards.

LV and HV Cabling (Excludes Jointing and Terminating)

This competency applies to individuals authorised to work with low voltage (LV) and high voltage (HV) cabling, including handling, installation, and general cable-related activities. This classification does not permit the holder to carry out cable jointing or terminating activities, which require separate authorisation and competency.

Underground Cable Jointing (LV & HV Networks)

This competency applies to individuals authorised to construct and maintain underground low voltage (LV) and high voltage (HV) networks, including carrying out cable terminations and installation of service cables. This includes connections to the outgoing side of fuses supplying service lines and cables, including those located in LV ground-mounted pillars. Level 4 Cable Jointers may hold endorsements for work up to 66kV and paper-insulated cables up to 33kV, where applicable. Holders are also permitted to receive permits, manage worksites, and access the high voltage network, ensuring all work is completed in accordance with industry standards and safety requirements.

Overhead Network Operations (Line Mechanic – Standard Practice)

This competency reflects the typical scope of work a qualified line mechanic is able to carry out on the overhead network without additional assessment. This includes the operation of manually operated air break switches (ABS), drop-out fuses, and links up to 33kV, as well as operating overhead network assets such as automated ABSs, sectionalisers, reclosers, pole-mounted voltage regulators, and pole-mounted capacitors. Holders must be specifically endorsed for the types of equipment and voltage levels they are authorised to operate, in accordance with network standards and safety requirements.

Ground-Based Switchgear Operations

This competency applies to individuals authorised to operate ground-based switchgear, including ring main units (RMUs) (fused or circuit breaker protected), automated ring mains, and ground-mounted voltage regulators up to 33kV. Holders must be specifically endorsed for the types of equipment and voltage levels they are authorised to operate, in accordance with network standards and safety requirements.

High Voltage Network Equipment Operations (Up to 110kV)

This competency applies to individuals authorised to operate network equipment within zone substations, including both indoor and outdoor switchgear, signal injection plant, capacitors, and associated equipment up to 110kV (including voltage transformers (VTs). Holders must be specifically endorsed for the types of equipment and voltage levels they are authorised to operate, in accordance with network standards and safety requirements.

Switching Sequence Development & Verification

This competency applies to individuals authorised to develop and verify switching sequences for the release, isolation, and reinstatement of network equipment. It includes the ability to select and apply appropriate primary safety measures, ensuring all switching activities are planned and executed in accordance with industry standards and network safety requirements.