New Zealand has reimposed a restriction on a potentially deadly electrical practice.
Inspectors warned that the earlier rule change could leave home and business systems appearing normal while still becoming "lethal, possibly with multiple injuries or fatalities."
Here's what to know
According to RNZ, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has reinstated the ban on adding switching or fusing devices to mains power earthing systems. The Ministry removed that restriction as part of wider electricity rule updates.
At the center of the dispute are Protective Earth Neutral, or PEN, safeguards. The Electrical Inspectors Association said removing them could make whole electrical installations "lethal," even when they seemed to be working normally.
Inspectors had already tried to reverse the change through meetings and letters, without success. The association then sought direct intervention, and Energy Minister Simon Watts said he was taking the concerns seriously.
MBIE said that WorkSafe had identified ways the dangers linked to PEN switching might be managed, but also said "there remained significant concern within the sector about whether it can be used safely." With those views still unresolved, officials have restored the ban while more work continues.
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More background
The argument has highlighted a clash between possible innovation and basic safety. Energy Minister Simeon Brown said PEN switching could, in some situations, support EV charging and improve energy resilience, and he said those potential advantages were worth examining.
Groups, including Engineering NZ, urged the government to reverse the changes "before somebody is injured or killed." They also said WorkSafe's advice raised wider concerns about how the agency was developing technical input for MBIE.
What's being done?
MBIE says PEN switching will remain prohibited while officials continue reviewing the risks and possible benefits. Brown said that restoring the ban would provide greater certainty for electrical workers, industry, and consumers.
WorkSafe has also sought an independent review from an international expert of the advice it gave MBIE.
Energy Minister Simeon Brown said he had listened and "agreed that safety must come first." At the same time, he said PEN switching may still offer benefits for EV charging and energy resilience.
He also said that any future shift would require stronger proof, adding, "I want to be confident the evidence stacks up and that safety risks have been fully addressed." Engineering NZ called the government's reversal an "excellent outcome for public and industry safety."
Where can I learn more?
These stories explore electrical hardware, safety oversight, and power-system changes.
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• Experts say this cutting-edge technology is taking a major environmental toll on power systems worldwide.
• Engineers at UC San Diego have unveiled stunning new technology that could transform data-center cooling.
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