26www.energysafe.vic.gov.aucontents.electricalconnectionsfor g<strong>as</strong>appliancesMost domestic-type g<strong>as</strong> 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 <strong>as</strong> providing the power supply, thismethod of connection serves <strong>as</strong> a pointof isolation, allowing the appliance to bedisconnected or serviced in a safe condition.It h<strong>as</strong> been brought to ESV’s attention thatsome electricians are cutting off the plug and<strong>wiring</strong> 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-G<strong>as</strong>Installations and the requirements of AS/NZS<strong>3000</strong>:<strong>2007</strong>, (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 re<strong>as</strong>onably 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. g<strong>as</strong> hotplate andelectric oven) do have power ratings requiringdirect <strong>wiring</strong>. It is a requirement of AS 5601,AS/NZS <strong>3000</strong>:<strong>2007</strong> 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 regionalare<strong>as</strong>. 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 <strong>Victoria</strong>.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 purch<strong>as</strong>ing,lodgement and reporting of certificates.A paper certificate of electrical safety will ,however, remain available to users whodo not use computers.> Conducting a fe<strong>as</strong>ibility study aimed atreducing the number of forms required forcompletion <strong>as</strong> part of the inspection process.> Redefining prescribed inspections toconcentrate on such components <strong>as</strong> 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 <strong>rules</strong>Dates and locations are <strong>as</strong> 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 <strong>as</strong> 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 <strong>as</strong>sist education and training.> The introduction of business <strong>rules</strong> 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 h<strong>as</strong> been a major issue in recentmonths with both the Minister for <strong>Energy</strong> 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 <strong>3000</strong>:<strong>2007</strong>)cover the question of installing downlights muchmore explicitly than in the previous edition.Footnote: The commercial featuring Mick Dillema will be shownon television throughout <strong>Victoria</strong> <strong>as</strong> part of ESV’s nextpublic awareness campaign which will run for threeweeks prior to the E<strong>as</strong>ter holiday.
<strong>wiring</strong> <strong>rules</strong> information sessions 2008Region Location Date Spaces Session NumberNorthern Metro Northern Metro Inst. TAFE Preston Tuesday 11 March 5:00pm – 7:30pm 200 1Wednesday 12 March 5:00pm – 7:30pm 200 2Thursday 13 March 8:00am – 10:30am 200 3E<strong>as</strong>tern Metro Holmesglen TAFE HOLMESGLEN Tuesday 18 March 5:00pm – 7:30pm 150 4Wednesday 19 March 5:00pm – 7:30pm 150 5Thursday 20 March 8:00am – 10:30am 150 6Ballarat University of Ballarat Mt Helen Campus Wednesday 2 April 8:00am – 10:30am 150 7Wednesday 2 April 5:00pm – 7:30pm 150 8Bendigo Bendigo TAFE Monday 7 April 5:00pm – 7:30pm 75 9Tuesday 8 April 5:00pm – 7:30pm 75 10Geelong Gordon Inst. TAFE Tuesday 22 April 8:00am – 10:30am 80 11Warrnambool Deakin University Wednesday 23 April 5:00pm – 7:30pm 200 13Bairnsdale E<strong>as</strong>t Gippsland Inst. TAFE Monday 5 May 5:00pm – 7:30pm 115 14LaTrobe Valley Mon<strong>as</strong>h University CHURCHILL Thursday 8 May 8:00am – 10:30am 200 15Thursday 8 May 5:00pm – 7:30pm 200 16Wodonga Wodonga TAFE Tuesday 13 May 5:00pm – 7:30pm 68 17Shepparton Goulburn Ovens Inst. TAFE Wednesday 13 May 5:00pm – 7:30pm 180 1827Mildura Sunraysia Inst. TAFE Tuesday 20 May 5:00pm – 7:30pm 70 19Swan Hill Employment Works Wednesday 21 May 5:00pm – 7:30pm 30 20Horsham Grains Innovation Park Thursday 22 May 5:00pm – 7:30pm 50 21Sessions will be held all over <strong>Victoria</strong> to allow all Registered Electrical Contractors and Licensed Electrical Workersto attend an overview of the changes that have occurred with the introduction of AS/NZS <strong>3000</strong>:<strong>2007</strong> Wiring Rules.Spaces are limited so ple<strong>as</strong>e fill out the form below and return it to NECA <strong>as</strong> soon <strong>as</strong> possible to confirm your place. Allbookings must be pre-paid and will be confirmed PRIOR to the event. You will be sent a confirmation by either fax or email(ple<strong>as</strong>e indicate your preference below) which includes a receipt that can be used <strong>as</strong> a tax invoice and instructions on thelocation and venue.cost$30 per person (includes presentation and notes)bookings Ple<strong>as</strong>e select which session number you would like to attend, complete the form below and return it toNECA, along withmail Wiring Rules Seminars NECA Level 12, 222 Kingsway South Melbourne, <strong>Victoria</strong>, 3205orfax (03) 9645 5544ple<strong>as</strong>e confirm my booking by fax emailSUMMER/AUTUMN 2008 ISSUE 11for sessions numberlocationfor seats @ $30 total: $name:licence numberaddresscompanystreet suburb post codetelephone fax emailpaymentmake cheques payable to NECA or fill out your credit card details belowcredit card type m<strong>as</strong>tercard visacredit card number / / /expiry date: / / / amount $card holder namesignature
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