The Wiring Rules, also known as AS/NZS 3000:2018, “Electrical Installations,” has been updated.
“The Wiring Rules are an integral part of modern Australian life,” says Kara Chan, engagement manager at Standards Australia. “It is of interest to industry, government, and community for the standards to be continuously updated, setting the benchmark for electrical installations. They play an important role in keeping the broader community safe by providing guidance to the design, construction, and verification of electrical installations,”
Amendment 2 includes:
- A transitional period of two years will be introduced for industry to implement Type A Residual Current Devices (RCDs) (sensitive to AC and DC waveforms), moving away from the use of Type AC RCDs (sensitive to AC waveforms), due to a number of DC voltage appliances and photovoltaic systems (PV) in use currently by industry
- Clarifications surrounding the meaning and application of alterations and repairs in regard to RCD installation
- An exception for “not testing an RCD if there is no power available” has been removed. All RCDs will be required to be tested as part of the installation verification process.
- Clarification of access requirements for switchboard within switchboard rooms
- AS/NZS 61439:2016, “Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies” series is now mandatory in design, manufacture, and verification for switchboards greater than 125A, or greater than 10kA prospective short-circuit current
- Figures for generator connection have been updated to align with AS/NZS 3010:2017, “Electrical Installations—Generating sets”
- “Polarity” and “correct circuit connections” have been combined into one clause to provide clarity.
“The recent updates to the Wiring Rules are a reflection of how Standards Australia endeavors to add value to the Australian community by continuing to develop standards that meet the needs of industry,” concludes Chan.
AS/NZS, 3000:2018, “Electrical Installations, Amendment 2,” is available through Standards Australia’s website and directly from SAI Global and Techstreet.