Edition 57, June 2008

New electrical wiring rules come into effect

The new edition of the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules, AS/NZS 3000: 2007 Electrical installations has been released with states and territories beginning to enforce compliance.

The new Wiring Rules have been developed by the Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand joint Committee EL-001 Wiring Rules, which consists of representative from a broad range of electrical industry organisations.

It was published on Monday 12 November 2007 and is available from SAI Global.

The document is separated into two parts. Part 1 (Scope, application and fundamental principles) provides uniform essential elements that constitute the minimum regulatory requirements for a safe electrical installation, and Part 2 (Installation practices) provides installation practices that achieve certainty of compliance with the essential safety requirements of Part 1.

The main changes from the former Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000: 2000) include:

  • extended application of safety switches / RCD's
  • protection against arcing faults
  • requirements for selectivity (discrimination) between circuits
  • installation couplers recognised as a suitable means of connection
  • strengthening requirements for the prevention of the spread of fire
  • enhanced requirements for recessed luminaires
  • requirements for sanitisation areas in the food processing industry
  • mandatory requirement for testing safety switches for correct operation
  • bonding of bathroom slabs
  • new requirements for identification of underground wiring
  • reinstatement of guidance material
  • additional appendices, an improved index, and a more logical layout with further illustrations and background information.

Electrical safety regulators from around Australia have different compliance or mandate dates with some beginning enforcement of compliance to the new Wiring Rules from 1 June 2008. Electrical operators bound by the wiring rules need to check with their regulatory body for exact details.

The Wiring Rules have provided a unified approach to electrical installation safety. It has provided requirements for their design and construction to ensure safety from fire and electric shock and prevent electrical faults caused by poor installation design, equipment selection and installation practices.

The Wiring Rules have played an important role in decreasing the incidence of electrical injuries and fatalities and the changes incorporated into the new edition are intended to further reduce such occurrences.

The Wiring Rules have long been 'the bible' for electrical contractors, design consultants, regulators, electrical industry training bodies, and manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers of electrical equipment and accessories.

States and territories have different legislation and regulations requirements which outline how the Wiring Rules are used for ensuring compliance with the electrical safety legislation on electrical work performed. State and territory regulators can advise on the requirements licensed electrical workers must undertake to meet the new Wiring Rules.

For more information visit www.wiringrules.com.au

This page was generated on 07 January, 2010

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