AS/NZS 3010:2017, Electrical installations—Generating sets, has been published with updates to replace the 2005 version.
An important document for the electrical industry, the standard sets out requirements for connecting generating sets to an electrical installation for the purpose of supplying electricity at low voltage (not exceeding 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.).
AS/NZS 3010 applies to electricity generating sets driven by internal combustion engines and form any of the following:
- Normal supply source for electrical installations
- Alternative supply source for electrical installations
- Electrical supply source for the connection of electrical appliances and portable tools
The revised version expands on the requirements for the typical connection arrangements for generators. This includes the addition of color drawings to assist with identifying conductors.
A new section was also added to address the connection of plug-in generators either for portable electrical equipment, or for connection to an electrical installation as an alternative or normal supply.
Gary Busbridge, chair of technical committee EL-001, Wiring Rules, said the increasing number of extreme storms and power outages throughout Australia is evidence that the current electrical market needs to change.
“On most occasions it is a necessity to hook backup generators to installations to connect everyone back to the power grid,” Busbridge said. “For this reason the new edition of AS/NZS 3010 will be greatly welcomed by the electrical industry and Australian residents.”