as/nz wiring rules 3000:2007 (PDF) - Energy Safe Victoria

Live antenna mounting bracketwarning from esv:metering antennamounting bracketfound to be “live”Late last year ESV issued a Safety Alert after a licensedelectrician received a shock while working nearelectrical metering communications equipment.At the time he was installing cables in a metal duct located next to theelectrical metering panel, and made simultaneous contact with theduct and a “live” metallic antenna mounting bracket associated withthe metering equipment.The antenna mounting bracket was fixed to the meter panel with two23mm self-tapping metal screws.The screws protruded though the front and the rear of the meter paneland penetrated into the single insulation cables within the meteringenclosure, therefore allowing the screws and the metal bracket tobecome “live”.This method of installation is contrary to the fundamental safetyrequirements of AS/NZS 3000:2000 in that the bracket should havebeen attached with insulated screws.As a result of the screws penetrating the single insulated cable, theantenna mounting bracket was measured to be “live” at 247.9 VAC.Warning: metallic antenna mounting brackets fixed with metal screwsshould be treated as “live”.ESV estimates there are more than 5000 sites across Victoria wherethere may be similar installations.17handy safety hint. tell your customers:Do not use a portable electrical radiator in the bathroom.A permanently installed heater is much safer.energysafe advertorial – an article supplied by Protectfund administration software a winnerA six month independent research projecthas documented the importance of Protect’sdecision to commission purpose built, leadingedge fund administration software.Rosy Buchanan & Associates draft reportsets out the effectiveness of the administrationsoftware and the subsequent savings toemployers.In place since July 2006, the administrationsoftware allows employers to work online– to lodge both paperwork and paymentelectronically.“Information …… from …… businesses ……overwhelmingly endorse the time savings ……”,the report says.“…… 90% provided feedback that the timespent on monthly returns had been reducedby between 50% - 80%”, the report added.With both industrial and commercial obligationsto provide paperwork and payment withinbusiness rule guidelines, the administrationsoftware is proving a winner for employersand Protect.1,250 employers provide monthly contributionsfor 27,000 employees. The monthlycontributions comprise severance, incomeprotection and training levy componentswhich must be provided in a manner allowingallocation to individual employee accounts.In commissioning the administration software,Protect was determined to make available aprogram which would provide accurate,speedy and user friendly access.Rosy Buchanan & Associates report indicatesthose benchmarks have been well met.Protect will give detailed consideration to thereport in the coming weeks and considera range of recommendations including thecreation of an IT Field Support Officer.The report indicates the creation of such aposition will greatly assist small businessesgather the necessary skills and confidenceto fully utilise the capacity of the software.Investing in even further administration softwareadvances will keep Protect at the top of fundadministration and further help streamlinethe business operations of a large numberof employers.SUMMER/AUTUMN 2008 ISSUE 11