What the changes to AS/NZS 3000:2018 mean for electrical safety

The changes to the AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules came into effect on the 26th June 2018. The purpose of the changes is to keep pace with technology like LED lighting, solar panels, home automation and electric vehicles.

Most jurisdictions throughout Australia have established enforcement dates i.e when the work performed under the new rules will be enforceable under work health and safety law. Typically the enforcement date for AS/NZS 3000: 2018 Wiring Rules will be on 1 January 2019 across Australia. Regulators will ensure that electrical installations carried out after this date will need to comply otherwise fines or notices under respective work health and safety legislation may be issued.

The new AS/NZS 3000:2018 edition contains a number of changes from the previous 2007 edition including:

  • new requirements for safety switches;
  • enhanced requirements for MEN earthing systems, including bonding of pool structures and wet areas;
  • increased mechanical protection for cables installed within a ceiling space;
  • additional installation requirements for electrical appliances, accessories and equipment;
  • enhanced safety requirements for electrical equipmentinstalled in locations exposed to water;
  • five new appendices now include:
    • continuity of supply for active assisted living;
    • electrical conduits;
    • installation of arc fault detection devices;
    • guidance for the installation and location of electrical vehicle charging stations;
    • DC circuit protection and switching devices.

The news standard will have the greatest on electricians, who must ensure that  the new changes are implemented in their applicable work by 1 January 2019. If you’re a business engaging an electrical contractor, please check with your contractor to ensure that the requirements of the changes will be included in your scope of work and that installations will comply with the requirements of the new standard.

Safetysure would also recommend businesses and property owners be vigilant in compliance with the new standard. If a property owner was to get a project  undertaken by an electrical contractor (and the work that they had undertaken was not compliant), there is a risk that, in the event of an incident then insurers may refuse to pay claims. In some circumstances, building owners may not be able to sell the property until the work is brought up to the new standard requirements.

There are now mandatory requirements in AS/NZS 3000:2018  for residual current devices (RCDs), commonly called safety switches to be placed on  all residential installations and every single circuit.

You can purchase the new standard on the SAI Global’s website.

Safetysure provides business with advice and audits on compliance with work health and safety legislation. We provide advice to clients around compliance with electrical safety standards. AS/NZS 3000:2018 will no doubt impact a range of businesses and property owners over the coming year. We’ve updated our audit schedules to capture applicable changes.

You can read more safety news and information here.

By |2018-09-19T03:32:58+09:00September 19th, 2018|Safety Advice|0 Comments

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