patient areas -as/nzs 3003:2011 (pdf) - Energy Safe Victoria

Q U E S T I O N S & A N S W E R SPATIENT AREAS - AS/NZS 3003:2011These interpretations have been issued by Energy Safe Victoria (Victorian Electricity Safety Regulator). They are specifically intended to provideguidance for Electricians, Licenced Electrical Inspectors and Consultants in Victoria pending revision of the current Australian/New Zealand Standard.Query 12:016 Question: Is a remote isolating switch that is used for the control of a socket-outlet that is notreadily accessible, required to be provided with one amber, yellow or orange indicatorlight to show when supply is available?Clause 2.7.4.4 Response: No, it is not a requirement of the current standard.Note: However, it is strongly suggested that the switch be provided with an amber power available indicator onthe line side of the isolation switch.Query 12:017 Question: Is the looping of electrical inter-connections between separate EP nodes permitted?Clause 4.4.3.2 Response: No. Each node shall be directly connected to the EP junction by an insulated conductorwith a maximum resistance of 0.01 Ω.Query 12:018 Question: Can single-pole isolating switches be installed in patient areas?Clause 2.10 Response: No, isolating switches, other than those used for non-LPD protected final sub-circuits,must operate in all live conductors, e.g. double pole switch for single-phase 2-wirecircuits.Query 12:027 Question: Is a readily accessible isolating switch provided for non-dedicated LPD protected socketoutlets,required to be capable of securing in the open position?Clause 2.10 Response: No. Note: The function of the isolation switch in these instances is for the purposes of control only.Query 12:019 Question: Does the area where socket-outlets have been installed within 5,000mm of the entranceto a patient area require marking?Clause 2.12.2 Response: No.Query 12:020 Question: Where may a 2.5mm 2 EP earthing conductor be used in lieu of a 4.0mm 2 conductor?Clause 4.4.1 Response: Except for (a) and (b) below, earthing conductors within equipment may have a minimumcross-sectional area of 2.5mm 2 .(a) All installation work associated with the EP earthing system shall be carried out usingearthing conductors with a minimum cross -sectional area of 4.0mm 2 .(b) All earthing conductors used to connect socket-outlets to the EPJ, shall have aminimum cross-sectional area of 4.0mm 2 .Query 12:021 Question: What are the earthing requirements for socket-outlets installed within 5,000mm of theentrance to a patient areaClause 4.4.2.4.1 Response: Socket-outlets located within 5,000mm immediately outside a cardiac protected electricalarea (with or without a door) shall be earthed via the EP earthing system of the patientarea.Print date: 7/01 /2013 Page 4 of 5

Q U E S T I O N S & A N S W E R SPATIENT AREAS - AS/NZS 3003:2011These interpretations have been issued by Energy Safe Victoria (Victorian Electricity Safety Regulator). They are specifically intended to provideguidance for Electricians, Licenced Electrical Inspectors and Consultants in Victoria pending revision of the current Australian/New Zealand Standard.Query 12:022 Question: Are EP nodes required to be insulated and segregated from other conductive items?Clause 4.4.2.3Clause 4.4.2.7Response:Yes.Query 12:023 Question: May an EP test point be connected to an EP junction node?Clause 4.4.2.9 Response: No. Note: Problems may arise if the node was ever disconnected from the EPJ.Query 12:024 Question: Is magnetic field testing required prior to electrical installation work being carried out in aroom that is already been used for ECG monitoring or recording?Clause 7.3 Response: No, on the provision that the existing area where ECG monitoring or recording havepreviously been successfully used and proven that the ECG equipment operation has notbeen compromised.Query 12:025 Question: May an ECG monitor or recorder be used to test for magnetic interference in lieu of acertified, calibrated, tri-axial flux density meter?Clause 7.4 Response: Yes, provided the ECG monitor or recorder, to be used in the area, is in good workingorder.Query 12:026 Question: Who is responsible for the routine inspection & testing of cardiac-protected and bodyprotectedelectrical areas?Clause 9.1 Response: Compliance/conformity for routine testing is an impost on the owner/occupier of thehealthcare facility. Therefore they should ensure that routine inspection and testing of allcardiac-protected and/or body-protected electrical areas is carried out at intervals notexceeding 12 months.Print date: 7/01 /2013 Page 5 of 5