Electrical news
Summer 2018/19
energysafe issue 52
Your electrical
questions answered
By Simon O'Leary, Compliance Officer, Electrical Installation Safety
Question Answer Standard/Clause
I have seen that my electrical
wholesaler is selling twist on
cable connectors. There are no provisions in AS/NZS 3000 that prohibit or limit
the use of twist on connectors. AS/NZS 3000:2018
Can I use this type of connector
in a normal electrical installation?
Some considerations are:
3.7.2.3
3.7.2.4
» Connections shall be made so that no loosening is likely because
of vibration, alteration of materials or temperature variations to
which the connections are likely to be subjected in normal service
» Mechanical connection devices that meet the following criteria
may be used for the connection of conductors.
Such devices shall:
a. comply with an appropriate Standard;
b. not be dependent upon compression of insulating material
for an effective electrical connection;
c. have a short-circuit rating suitable for the application;
d. have a long-term current-carrying capacity not less than that
of the conductors they are designed to connect;
e. if capable of being re-used, suffer no deterioration in performance
when re-used;
f. include manufacturer’s information regarding their correct use
or reuse for users when supplied; and
g. be installed using the techniques specified by the manufacturer
for the application.
I am wiring a new home and the plan
shows the switchboard in an area
under the stairway that leads to the
second floor.
Is this an acceptable location
for the main switchboard?
Is the replacement of a single DC
isolator on an existing solar system
considered prescribed work, and do
I need to issue a prescribed COES
and have the work inspected?
What needs to be considered is that switchboards need to be readily
accessible and installed in suitable, well-ventilated places, arranged to
provide sufficient space for the initial installation and later replacement
of individual items of the control and protective devices and
accessibility for operation, testing, inspection, maintenance and repair.
AS/NZS 3000:2018
2.10.2.1
Consideration should also be given to the future use of that area,
in that, is it likely to be converted into a cupboard or storage area
i.e. restricted location.
If the replacement is a single DC Isolator with an equivalent
DC Isolator at the same location, it is not prescribed work.
If there is more than one DC Isolator being replaced or other parts
of the solar system are being replaced, a prescribed COES will need
to be issued. The work will then require an inspection by a licenced
electrical inspector (LEI).
Electrical Safety
(Installations)
Regulations
Regulation 238(3)
You will, however, still need to issue a Non-prescribed COES
for the replacement of a single DC isolator.
Do you need to be a licenced
electrician to work on high voltage?
Yes. You need to be a licensed electrical installation worker (LEIW)
to carry out any installation work on wiring and/or fixed electrical
equipment that normally operates at low voltage (LV) (above 50V a.c. or
120V ripple free d.c.) or a voltage greater than LV i.e. high voltage (HV).
Electricity Safety
Act 1998
Section 38
Electrical Safety
(Installations)
Regulations
Regulation 238(3)
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