Guidance Notes / Guidelines

Notes for Registered Electrical Workers

As a registered electrical worker, your attention is drawn to the following points:

1. Responsibilities of a Registered Electrical Worker
2. Validity Period of Certificate
3. Renewal of Registration
4. Keeping of Certificate
5. Inspection, Testing & Certification of Electrical Installations
6. Performance Monitoring Point System (PMPS) for Registered Electrical Workers

Annex 1
Annex 2

Enquiries

Electricity Legislation Division, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government

Note: This is NOT a legal document and is prepared for general information only.

1. Responsibilities of a Registered Electrical Worker

   As a registered electrical worker, you have to comply with the requirements of the Electricity Ordinance and its subsidiary regulations. Below is a list of those major responsibilities of registered electrical workers for you to note and comply with:

   • You shall carry out electrical work in compliance with the requirements of the Electricity Ordinance and in particular, the requirements of the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations. (Note: The Electrical & Mechanical Services Department has published a "Code of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations" for public sale in around end of 1997 to give technical guidance on how to comply with the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations. You are advised to obtain a copy of the Code of Practice for your reference.)
   • You shall have your registration certificate with yourself or available at your workplace while doing electrical work.
   • You shall only do the type(s) of electrical work which is/are entitled by your registration certificate.
   • Although you are a registered electrical worker, you shall note that you cannot do business as an electrical contractor or contract to carry out electrical work unless you are a registered electrical contractor. (Note: For details of registration as an electrical contractor, please refer to publicity leaflets and application forms [PDF format (298KB)] that are available at the Public Enquiry Services Centre of various District Offices and the Customer Services Office of Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (Address: 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong)).

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2. Validity Period of Certificate

   A registration of electrical worker shall be valid for a period of 3 years. The validity period of your registration certificate is from the effective date up to the expiry date shown in your certificate.

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3. Renewal of Registration

   If you wish to renew your registration after the expiry of your registration validity period, you shall submit to me an application for renewal of registration in a specified form "New/Renewal/Change of Grade of Electrical Work Application for Electrical Worker Registration" (i.e. Form 8) [PDF format (294KB)] together with the relevant supporting documents and the renewal fee. You must submit your renewal application to me at least 1 month before, and no earlier than 4 months before, the expiry date of your registration.

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4. Keeping of Certificate

   You shall have your registration certificate with you or available at your workplace while doing electrical work. In case of a loss of your registration certificate, a replacement copy may be issued to you on payment of a fee of HK$340 (subject to review).

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5. Inspection, Testing & Certification of Electrical Installations

   You shall note the following requirements under the new electricity legislation which have become effective as from 1 June 1992:

   • A registered electrical contractor shall, after completing a fixed electrical installation and before the installation is energized for use, have the installation inspected, tested and certified by a registered electrical worker (employed by the contractor) to confirm that the requirements of the Electricity Ordinance have been met. This requirement also applies to any electrical work completed after repair, alteration or addition in an existing electrical installation but only the affected parts of the installation need to be inspected, tested and certified. Certification for the above shall be made on specified forms - "Work Completion Certificate" (i.e. Form WR1) [PDF format (162KB)] or "Work Completion (Part of an Installation) Certificate" (i.e. Form WR1(A)) [PDF format (159KB)].

   • An owner of certain specified types of fixed electrical installations is required to have his installation periodically inspected, tested and certified by a registered electrical worker to confirm that the requirements of the Electricity Ordinance have been met. The frequency for such inspection, test & certification may be at least once every 12 months or at least once every 5 years depending on the type of installation (see section (II) of Annex 2). Certification for the above shall be made on specified forms - "Periodic Test Certificate" (i.e. Form WR2) [PDF format (303KB)] or Periodic Test (Part of an Installation) Certificate" (i.e. Form WR2(A)) [PDF format (43KB)].

   A more detail description of the above two requirements is now given in Annex 1.

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6. Performance Monitoring Point System (PMPS) for Registered Electrical Workers

   6.1	The system, which is administered by the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (DEMS), serves to monitor the performance of registered electrical workers (REW) to ensure that the electrical work undertaken by them is in compliance with the Electricity Ordinance (Chapter 406), in particular the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations. It provides administrative guidelines to DEMS to take appropriate action to improve the performance of REW.
   6.2	In carrying out electrical work, if a registered REW is found to have failed in his statutory duty in ensuring a fixed electrical installation to comply with all the safety requirements of the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations, a number of demerit points will be accorded to the REW. The number of demerit points accorded depends on the nature of non-compliance expressed in terms of itemised defects. A list of such defects is attached in Annex 2. Each category of defects corresponds to a number of demerit points according to the severity of the defects.
   6.3	The system will rely on feedbacks from the following inspections:-
   	(a)	inspection by the power companies, usually on new installations; and
   	(b)	inspection by DEMS on randomly selected installations, and in response to genuine complaints.
   6.4	The demerit points accorded to any particular REW will remain on the record for a period of 12 months. The average number of demerit points (ADP) is derived from the accumulated demerit points divided by the number of inspections within the period. For instance, within the past 12 months, if a REW accumulates 100 demerit points from 20 inspections, then the ADP against the REC is 5.
   6.5	There will be 2-stage actions for monitoring the performance of REW. When the ADP against a REW has reached the first pre-set limit (10 or above), notification letter will be issued by DEMS to give him a warning for him to improve his performance.
   6.6	Once the ADP has reached or exceeded the second pre-set limit (15 points or above), DEMS will issue another notification letter requesting him to arrange with officers of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department for a joint site inspection of future electrical work carried out by him. If evidence shows that he has violated the Regulations during the on-site inspections, DEMS will take disciplinary or prosecution action against him, depending on the evidence collected.
   6.7	This system will not derogate any action or penalty which has to be taken or imposed in relation to any disciplinary matter or any offence under the Electricity Ordinance.
   6.8	The system is effective on 1 January 1994.

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Important Note to Registered Electrical Workers:

A registered electrical worker should NOT sign certificates for tests and inspections unless he has carried out or supervised the tests and inspections on site, and is satisfied with the results of the tests and inspections. Any registered electrical workers not following this practice is deemed to have violated the good workmanship required under the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations and may be subject to disciplinary actions under the Electricity Ordinance.

Annex 1

Requirements of Inspection, Testing and Certification of Fixed Electrical Installations under the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations

(I)   First inspection, testing and certification of fixed electrical installations

1. A registered electrical contractor shall, after completing electrical work on a fixed electrical installation and before the installation is energized for use, have the installation inspected, tested and certified by a registered electrical worker (employed by the contractor) to confirm that the requirements of Electricity Ordinance have been met. This requirement also applies to any electrical work completed on an existing electrical installation (e.g. repair, alteration or addition) but only the affected parts of the installation need to be inspected, tested and certified.

2. Certification for the above shall be made on a specified form - the "Work Completion Certificate" (i.e. Form WR 1). Every Work Completion Certificate shall be signed by the registered electrical worker(s) who is/are responsible for doing the work. The certificate shall also be endorsed by the corresponding registered electrical contractor(s). After signing the various parts of the certificate, the registered electrical contractor shall then issue the certificate to the owner of the electrical installation. For electrical installations that required inspection/testing by the electricity supply company before use (e.g. new electrical installation), it is recommended that a copy of the certificate may be copied to the supple company concerned.

3. For a large fixed electrical installation which is divided into more than one part, the individual parts can be inspected, tested and certified by different registered electrical worker. In such case, for simplicity, a single "Work Completion Certificate" (i.e. Form WR 1) may be issued by one main registered electrical worker provided that he has received valid "Work Completion (Part of an Installation) Certificate(s)" (i.e. Form WR 1(A)) from other registered electrical workers for the individual parts. (Note: the main registered electrical worker does not need to personally inspect and test all the individual parts himself).

4. Proforma of the Work Completion Certificate (i.e. Form WR1) and Work Completion (Part of an Installation) Certificate (i.e. Form WR1(A)) can also be obtained from the following addresses.

1. Electricity Legislation Division Electrical & Mechanical Services Department 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

2. China Light & Power Co. Ltd.Consumer Enquiry Centre,147 Argyle Street,Kowloon.

3. The Hong Kong Electric Co. Ltd.9/F., Electric Centre,227 Electric Road,North Point,Hong Kong.

4. The Hong Kong Electrical Contractors' Association8/F., 195-197 Johnston Road,Wanchai,Hong Kong.

5. The Hong Kong & Kowloon Electrical Engineering & Appliance Trade Workers Union1/F., 5-7 Yu Chau Street,MongkokKowloon.

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(II)   Periodic inspection, testing and certification of fixed electrical installations

1. Fixed electrical installations that require to be inspected, tested and certified at least once EVERY YEAR

   An owner of a fixed electrical installation located in one of the following type of premises shall have the installation inspected, tested and certified at least once every year with effect from 1 June 1992:

   (a)   Places of public entertainment

   Fixed electrical installations in places of public entertainment (as defined in the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap. 172)) other than a sea-going vessel shall be inspected, tested and certified at least once every year. Typical examples of places of public entertainment are places, buildings or structures (temporary or permanent) for dramatic or theatrical entertainment, cinematography display, lecture, exhibition, acrobatic performance, sporting exhibition or amusement rides etc.

   (b)   Premises for the manufacturing or storing of dangerous goods

   Fixed electrical installation in premises for the manufacturing or storing of dangerous goods (classified under categories of the Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulations (Cap. 295), previously known as the Dangerous Goods (Classification) Regulations) shall be inspected, tested and certified at least once every year. Examples of the above are dangerous goods stores, dangerous goods storage tanks, gas stations, petroleum and diesel filling stations and liquidfied petroleum gas stations etc.

   (c)   High voltage fixed electrical installations

   Owners of premises having high voltage fixed installations that are fed directly from a high voltage supply are required to have their high voltage fixed electrical installations inspected, tested and certified at least once every year. Example of such installations are high voltage switchrooms and substations of a large commercial complex.

2. Fixed electrical installations that require to be inspected, tested and certified at least once EVERY FIVE YEARS

   Except already included in paragraph (1) above, an owner of the following type of fixed electrical installation shall have the installation inspected, tested and certified at least once every 5 years with effect from 1 June 1992:

   1. Fixed electrical installations in factories and industrial undertakings having an approved loading exceeding 200 amperes, single or three phase at nominal low voltage are required to be inspected, tested and certified at least once every five years.

   2. Fixed electrical installations except as mentioned in subparagraph (a) above having an approved loading exceeding 100 amperes single or three phase at nominal low voltage are required to be inspected, tested and certified at least once every five years. Examples of such installations are power supply to lifts, water pumps, public lightings and other communal services in the common area of domestic premises and fixed installations in offices etc. having total loading exceeding 100 amperes, single or three phase.

   3. Low voltage fixed electrical installations located in one of the following type of premises are required to be inspected, tested and certified at least once every 5 years:

      1. hotel or guest house;
      2. hospital or maternity home;
      3. school;
      4. premises of the institutions listed in section 2 of the Education Ordinance (Cap. 279) including technical institutions and universities;
      5. child care center; and
      6. premises that the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services may, by notice posted to or served on the owner, specify that he considers could cause great harm in the event of an electrical accident.

3. Certification for the above shall be made on a specified form - the "Periodic Test Certificate" (i.e. Form WR 2). Every Periodic Test Certificate shall be signed by the registered electrical worker who is responsible for carrying out the inspection and testing. The certificate shall also be endorsed by the responsible registered electrical contractor. After signing the various parts of the certificate, the responsible registered electrical contractor shall then issue the certificate to the owner of the electrical installation. The owner shall then deliver the certificate to the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services for endorsement within 2 weeks after the date of the certificate. The owner shall also submit an endorsement fee of $695 (subject to review) for each certificate delivered to the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services.

4. For a large fixed electrical installation which is divided into more than one part, the individual parts can be inspected, tested and certified by different registered electrical worker. In such case, for simplicity, a single "Periodic Test Certificate" (i.e. Form WR2) may be issued by one main registered electrical worker provided that he has received valid "Periodic Test (Part of an Installation) Certificate(s) (i.e. Form WR2(A)) from other registered electrical workers for the individual parts. (Note: the main registered electrical worker does not need to personally inspect and test all the individual parts himself).

5. Proforma of the Periodic Test Certificate (i.e. Form WR 2) [PDF format (303KB)] and Periodic Test (Part of an Installation) Certificate (i.e. Form WR2(A)) [PDF format (43KB)] can also be obtained from the following addresses.

   1. Electricity Legislation Division Electrical & Mechanical Services Department 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

   2. China Light & Power Co. Ltd.Consumer Enquiry Centre,147 Argyle Street,Kowloon.

   3. The Hong Kong Electric Co. Ltd.9/F., Electric Centre,227 Electric Road,North Point,Hong Kong.

   4. The Hong Kong Electrical Contractors' Association8/F., 195-197 Johnston Road,Wanchai,Hong Kong.

   5. The Hong Kong & Kowloon Electrical Engineering & Appliance Trade Workers Union1/F., 5-7 Yu Chau Street,MongkokKowloon.

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(III)   Important points to be noted by registered electrical workers & contractors

For inspection, testing and certification of fixed electrical installations, the responsible registered electrical workers & contractors shall comply with the followings:

1. Tests on a fixed electrical installation shall be carried out with proper tools and testing equipment and in accordance with accepted practices so that no danger to persons or property can occur even if the circuit being tested is defective.

2. Results of tests and inspections shall be recorded, dated and certified by the registered electrical worker who carried out the tests and inspections. The registered electrical contractor shall keep all records of the test and inspection results and issue a copy of the records to the owner of the electrical installation.

3. The tests and inspections covered shall be carried out within a reasonable time, normally not exceeding one month, before the date of certification.

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Annex 2

List of Defect Items for Use in the Performance Monitoring Point System for Registered Electrical Workers

Category A (5 points):

Serious defects that cause danger

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Category B (3 points):

Defects that may cause danger or involve wrong choice of equipment/apparatus.

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Category C (1 point):

Defects involving poor workmanship or non-compliance with good practices

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