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For all the latest energy safety news visit www.esv.vic.gov.au
May 2014
energysafe issue 35
Requirements for builders’
construction supplies
As a result of a number of complaints received
by ESV in relation to builders’ construction
supplies, random audits were recently
conducted of builders’ construction supplies
connected or ready to be connected to supply.
The results of these audits were extremely
disappointing, with most builders’ construction
supplies identified as having defects. ESV
is reaffirming the requirements for builders’
construction supplies prior to a major audit of the
trade to ensure compliance.
The audits revealed that most building
construction supplies had varying degrees of noncompliance. The following represents a summary
of the common defects identified:
»» Installations where the support structure was
identified as not securely fixed or unstable
after excavation
»» Additional mechanical protection not provided in
areas where the ground was excavated around
conduits that contained live, unprotected cables
»» Enclosures installed that were not fit for
purpose, such as domestic metering
enclosures installed without being enclosed
within the building or structure as required by
the manufacturer’s instructions
»» Underground cable drawings/maps showing
t