Plugs

Make sure plugs are correctly inserted into sockets. Shocks may occur when the pins are partially exposed and still connected to the socket.
Use plugs with insulated pins or recessed sockets.
Energy Safety recommends in all cases to avoid plugs that are not designed for use in New Zealand.
Overloaded power points are a fire hazard. Install an extra outlet rather than risk a fire.

How to wire a plug

We recommend that you buy moulded plugs that do not need rewiring. However if you do need to rewire, there is only one way to wire an electrical plug safely.
Study the diagram below and ensure that you always connect the correct colour to the correct letter. In New Zealand, it is most common for the coloured wires inside power
cords to look like either A or B. They should be connected as illustrated below.

Warning! If you are rewiring a plug yourself, always ensure the wires are correctly positioned, as this is a common cause of serious electric shocks if wired incorrectly.
All household power outlets in New Zealand only use a flat three or two-pin plug, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.
Typical three pin plug:

Typical three pin plug.