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

26www.energysafe.vic.gov.aucontents.electricalconnectionsfor gasappliancesMost domestic-type gas appliances relyon electricity to function. They aregenerally supplied with a power cordand 10 amp three pin plug. A power pointis required adjacent to the appliance.As well as providing the power supply, thismethod of connection serves as a pointof isolation, allowing the appliance to bedisconnected or serviced in a safe condition.It has been brought to ESV’s attention thatsome electricians are cutting off the plug andwiring the appliance direct to the supply. Theonly point of isolation may be at a switchboardremote from the appliance.This is in contravention of AS 5601-GasInstallations and the requirements of AS/NZS3000:2007, (Wiring Rules), in which Clause 1.7.1states:“1.7.1 Essential requirementElectrical equipment, forming part of anelectrical installation, shall be selected andinstalled to—(a) operate in a safe and reliable manner in thecourse of normal operating conditions; and(b) not cause a danger from electric shock,fire, high temperature or physical injury inthe event of reasonably expected conditionsof abnormal operation, overload, fault orexternal influences that may apply in theelectrical installation; and(c) be installed in accordance with themanufacturer’s instructions.”Some dual-fuel cookers (e.g. gas hotplate andelectric oven) do have power ratings requiringdirect wiring. It is a requirement of AS 5601,AS/NZS 3000:2007 and the manufacturer’sinstallation instructions that an acceptablemeans of isolation be provided adjacent tothe appliance.The publishers and marketers of the new WiringRules, SAI Global, have arranged a series ofhalf day seminars on the new Wiring Rules forAustralia’s capital cities and major regionalareas. The seminars are scheduled to run forfive hours, commencing at 1 pm.Members of the Wiring Rules EL-001 Committeewill be presenting at the seminars. An overviewof the sessions says they will explain “what wehave to do now” that “we did not have to dobefore”.Four sessions are planned for Victoria.consultationcontinueson certificateof electricalsafety reviewIndustry consultation on ESV’s major reviewof the certificate of electrical safety and theelectrical inspection and auditing systemsis continuing. A discussion paper reflectingcomments already received is expected to beissued within the next couple of months.The principle recommendation from the reviewis that the certificate should be retained for allprescribed, non-prescribed and periodic work,but with some refinements.RefinementsHere are some of the proposed refinements.> The introduction of online purchasing,lodgement and reporting of certificates.A paper certificate of electrical safety will ,however, remain available to users whodo not use computers.> Conducting a feasibility study aimed atreducing the number of forms required forcompletion as part of the inspection process.> Redefining prescribed inspections toconcentrate on such components as all submains,earthing systems and distributionboards related to the control of an individualoccupier’s portions of multiple installations.Why downlights should not be placedtoo close to structural timber.half day seminars on the new rulesDates and locations are as follows:Tues, 22 April – Melbourne > Wednesday,23 April – Traralgon> Mon, 2 June –Geelong > Tues, 3 June – BendigoThere are four ways to register.Call 1300 727444 to register over the phone;Visit www.saiglobal.com/trainingto book online;Fax registration form with credit card detailsto 1300 727 888;Mail the completed registration form andpayment to: SAI Global Limited, GPO Box 5420,Sydney 2001.> Amending legislation to require registeredelectrical contractors to retain paper copiesof certificates for three years. Electroniccopies will be retained by ESV.> Improving the electrical inspection processinclude rationalising the listing of defects toreflect the remedial work required, withthe recording of the defects to be limitedto the ESV, LEI and REC copies only.> The introduction of regular auditing oflicensed electrical inspectors who will alsohave to undertake additional on-goingtraining as a condition of licence renewal.> The introduction of new auditing processesto address work standards and workerperformance, and setting minimum timeframes between audits of LEIs, RECs,and LEWs. Also information collectedfrom the audit process should be usedto assist education and training.> The introduction of business rules todemonstrate the independence of theLEIs from the RECs who engage them.a clear exampleof a dodgydownlightREC Mick Dillema of Wandin Electricstook this photo on a job recently andit clearly shows the danger of placingdownlights too close to structuraltimber in a roof. And this particularexample comes from the roof of a café!Mick is of course our “new face” of electricalsafety appearing in the ESV commercial whichurges the community to always use a licensedelectrician and demand a certificate of electricalsafety when the job is finished.The dangers of poorly installed halogendownlights has been a major issue in recentmonths with both the Minister for Energy andResources, Peter Batchelor, and ESV issuingwarnings about them. They pose a fire risk ifinstalled close to structural timber or becomecovered by insulation and ceiling debris.As reported in recent issues of energysafe,the new Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000:2007)cover the question of installing downlights muchmore explicitly than in the previous edition.Footnote: The commercial featuring Mick Dillema will be shownon television throughout Victoria as part of ESV’s nextpublic awareness campaign which will run for threeweeks prior to the Easter holiday.