Electrical news
Winter 2019
energysafe issue 54
Your electrical
questions answered
By Simon O'Leary, Compliance Officer, Electrical Installation Safety
Question Answer Standard/Clause
I have been asked to issue a COES for
a house that has been disconnected
from supply for more than 12 months. This is a policy of the distribution business to ensure
that a property is safe to have the power reconnected.
This is a policy endorsed by ESV. AS/NZS 3000:2018
What do I need put on the certificate? You will need to satisfy yourself as a licenced electrician
that the property is safe to have the power reconnected.
This could be done by a combination of visual inspection
and testing. Reference should be taken from Part 8 of
AS/NZS 3000 on inspection and testing requirements.
Clause 8.3
The description on the COES should reflect that you have
carried out an inspection and testing, and that the electrical
installation is safe to reconnect to the electricity supply.
I am installing a split system
air-conditioning unit at a domestic
home. It will be sit right near the
main switchboard.
No. A lockable isolating switch must be installed
adjacent to the unit.
AS/NZS 3000:2018
Clause 4.19
The switch must isolate all parts of the system including
ancillary equipment.
Is it ok to use the CB at the main
switchboard as an isolator and not
install an isolator adjacent to the
unit?
I am installing switches and power
outlets in a bathroom with an open
shower area, and the shower has
a flexible shower hose.
Measurements for wet area classification in showers
are taken from the fixed plumbing connection on the
wall (or celling). AS/NZS 3000:2018
The following tests shall be carried out along with a
visual inspection for a low voltage electrical installation: AS/NZS 3000:2018
Clause 6.2.2.1 (c)
and
Figure 6.3 — 6.6
Where do I measure my wet area
zone from?
What are the mandatory tests
required to be carried out to verify
that the electrical work complies,
and is there documented guidance
for these tests?
Clause 8.3
a. Continuity of the earthing system (earth resistance of the
main earthing conductor, protective earthing conductors
and bonding conductors)
b. Insulation resistance
c. Polarity
d. Correct circuit connections
e. Verification of impedance required for automatic
disconnection of supply (earth fault loop impedance)
f. Operation of RCDs.
AS/NZS 3017 “Electrical Installations – Testing and inspection
guidance” sets out some common inspection and test methods.
When installing underground
consumers mains, can I reduce
the depth of cover where the conduit
runs under the concrete slab?
16
No. The underground wiring system must be buried to a
depth of at least 500mm below the surface of the ground.
Electricity Safety
(Installations)
Regulations 2009
Regulation 214