AS 3000-2007

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economic growth and social wellbeing through

fair, safe and decent work

Wiring Rules Information

Seminar

AS/NZS 3000:2007

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WHATS NEW

A survey found industry wanted a document that:

Is more suited to the present regulatory structure;

Is more logical and easier to understand;

Reinstates much of the guidance information that wasremoved from the 2000 edition;

Has more examples.



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WHATS NEW

Standard is in 2 parts bound as 1 document:

Part 1

provides uniform essential elements that constituteminimum regulatory requirements;

Part 2

provides installation practices that achieve certainty of

compliance with Part 1.



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WHATS NEW

Preface contains details of 56 additions and alterations

included in the new Standard.

These include:

extended application of safety switches;

protection against arcing faults;

requirements for discrimination between circuits;

installation couplers recognised as a suitable means of

connection;

(continued)



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WHATS NEW

strengthening requirements for the prevention of the spread

of fire;

enhanced requirements for recessed luminaires;

requirements for sanitisation areas in the food processingindustry;

mandatory testing of safety switches for correct operation;

additional appendices, improved index, more logical

layout, further illustrations and background information.



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PART 1

DEFINITIONS

Revised definition:

Clause 1.4.82 Safety service

A system or component that operates to identify anemergency, or is intended to operate during an emergency,

and is primarily associated with (a) the safety of persons evacuating a building; or

(b) fire-fighting operations; or

(c) fire suppression.

Called emergency systems or essential equipment inprevious editions.



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PART 1

DEFINITIONS

New definition:

Clause 1.4.69 Outbuilding

A structure completely separated by an area of land from

another structure containing the switchboard from whichsupply is obtained.

See Clause 5.5.3.3 Earthing of outbuildings.



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PART 1

SCOPE, APPLICATION AND FUNDAMENTAL

PRINCIPLES

Part 1 (Section 1) provides a mechanism for acceptance ofdesign practices that may not be addressed in Part 2.

This mechanism is only intended to apply wheredepartures from the methods in Part 2 are significant.

However, a degree of flexibility exists within Part 2.



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PART 1

Clause 1.9.4 Compliance by specific design and installation.

Certain installations or portions of installations that mayhave unusual requirements, applications or intended use,

that cannot meet Part 2 may use a specific design and

installation method.



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PART 1

Such installations may be deemed suitable provided thatthey:

satisfy the fundamental safety principles of Part 1;

result in a degree of safety not less than that which would

be achieved by compliance with the particularrequirements of this Standard; and

satisfy the other requirements of this Standard as detailedin this Clause.

The remaining portions of such installations shall complywith Part 2.



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PART 1

If all or part of the design/construction is not based on Part2, this choice must be made by the designer prior to finalcertification of construction by the person carrying out theconstruction.

Any departures from Part 2 must be formallyacknowledged by the installation owner or operator.

The designer shall document the Part 1 design.



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PART 1

Documentation must:

be in English;

state why Part 2 was not used;

list the verification requirements that are required to ensurecompliance;

state how compliance with Part 1 is achieved;

contain the owner/operators acknowledgement as to the

departures from Part 2;



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PART 1

List any requirements where the design requires specific

use;

List the verification undertaken to ensure compliance andinclude the results of this verification.

Be retained by the designer and also on site by the person

with overall responsibility for the installation.



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PART 2

GENERAL

Part 2 provides installation practices that achieve

compliance with Part 1.

It generally retains the structure of AS/NZS 3000:2000.

It restores information from AS 3000:1991.

Emphasis placed on common, practicable and cost-

effective methods.



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PART 2 SECTION 2

GENERAL ARRANGEMENT, CONTROL AND

PROTECTIONClause: 2.2.1.2 Common neutral

A common neutral conductor may be used for two ormore circuits subject to the following conditions:

(a) The continuity of the common neutral shall not dependon connections at the terminals of electrical equipment,including control switches.

(b) The circuits shall be controlled and protected by linkedcircuit breakers.

(c) The neutral shall be marked at the switchboard toidentify the associated active conductors. (Cl. 2.9.9.5)



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.3.3.2 Number of main switches

The number of main switches should be kept to theminimum practicable to provide effective operation in an

emergency.Domestic installations:

One switch per separately metered supply;

Where there is more than one separately controlled supply

from a meter, a main switch is required for each supply.



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.5.1.1 requires overcurrent protection of the

consumers mains in accordance with one of the following:

short circuit and overload protection at the origin (point of

supply);

short circuit at the origin and overload protection at the

main switchboard;

short circuit protection not required where overload

protection is provided at main swb. and mains are

constructed and installed to Clause 3.9.7.1.2. (unprotectedU/G tee-off arrangement)



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.5.1.1 (continued)

Note:

Distributors Service fuse will provide short circuit

protection. (Requirement of the Qld Electrical SafetyAct & Regulation 2002)

Distributors circuit breaker may provide both shortcircuit and overload protection.



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.5.1.1 (continued)Note:

Consumers mains supplying circuits that areindividually protected against overload are deemed tohave overload protection where the sum of the circuit

breaker ratings does not exceed the current carryingcapacity of the consumers mains.

Eg. Simple domestic installation with gas range and water

heater comprising of 220A power circuits and 210A lighting circuits and 63A consumers mainswill comply with the above.



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.5.5.1 Protection against switchboard internalarcing fault currents

Protection against arcing faults while equipment is inservice, or is undergoing maintenance, shall be provided

for heavy current switchboards. (ie. switchboards >800Aper phase).

The supply conductors up to the line side of the protectivedevices shall be provided with means to reduce initiationof arcing faults by insulation or by separation.



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.5.5.2

Heavy current switchboards shall be provided with internal

separation in accordance with AS/NZS 3439.1.

Note:

Arc fault containment is not required and is considered to

be an enhancement of internal separation.

See Clause 7.2.8 for switchboards supplying Safety

Services.



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.5.5.3

Protective devices shall be provided to limit, as far as

practicable, the harmful effects of a switchboard internal

arcing fault by automatic disconnection.

Note:

Switchboards complying with AS/NZS 3439.1

Forms 3b 4bh should meet these requirements.



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.5.7.1 Reliability of supply

The electrical installation shall be designed to provide areliable supply by dividing the electrical installation intoappropriate circuits and selecting protective devices with

appropriate discrimination so that in the event of a faultoccurring, the loss of supply resulting from operation of a

protective device is minimized.

The selection and setting of the protective devices shall beverified by inspection.



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.5.7.2 Coordination of protective devices

Coordination of various protective devices requiresconsideration of both discrimination and backup(cascading) protection.

Clause 2.5.7.2.3 General supply circuit discriminationIn accordance with Clause 2.5.7.1, to minimize loss ofsupply, discrimination shall be arranged between

protective devices for outgoing circuits and the upstreamprotective device.

Downstream devices shall be selected to discriminate withupstream devices, using time-current curves.



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SECTION 2



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SECTION 2



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.6.1 RCD protection - General

The use of fixed setting RCDs with a rated operating

residual current not exceeding 30mA, is recognized as

providing additional protection in areas where excessive

earth leakage current in the event of failure of other

measures of protection or carelessness by users could

present a significant risk of electric shock.



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.6.2.3 Protection against initiation of fire

Although not a mandatory requirement of this Standard, to

provide additional protection against the initiation of firecaused by leakage current across insulation, a Type S RCDwith a rated residual current in the range of 100 mA to 300mA may be used as a main switch in a domesticinstallation.



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.6.2.4 Arrangement

Where RCDs are required in accordance with Clause 2.6.3the circuits shall be arranged as follows:

(a) Not more than 3 final subcircuits shall be protected byany one RCD; and

(b) Where (i) the number of RCDs exceeds 1; and

(ii) more than 1 lighting circuit is installed;

lighting circuits shall be distributed betweenRCDs.

(c) In domestic installations having more than 1 finalsubcircuit, a minimum of 2 RCDs shall be installed.



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.6.3.1 Residential electrical installations

RCDs are required for socket outlets and lighting circuits

in residential electrical installations. And also for:

(c) directly connected hand-held(Cl.1.4.8) electrical

equipment, eg directly connected hair dryers or tools;forming part of

(i) individual domestic installations; or

(ii) residential areas of other electrical installations(motels, hospitals etc); or

(iii) multiple residential electrical installations that areprovided for common use;



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SECTION 2


Exceptions:

Sockets outlets located in a home dialysis installation shallbe protected in accordance with Clause 2.6.3.3.

Clause: 2.6.3.3Home dialysis installationsIn accordance with AS/NZS 3003 medical equipment usedin home dialysis installations shall be:

(a) supplied by a dedicated circuit; and

(b) protected by a 10mA RCD positioned so that it maybe reset by the patient while under treatment.



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.6.3.2 Other electrical installations

Additional protection by 30mA RCDs shall be provided

for final subcircuits supplying

(a) socket outlets having a rated current not exceeding20A; and

(b) one or more lighting points and having a rated current

not exceeding 20A; and

(c) directly connected hand-held electrical equipment.



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SECTION 2


Note: The final subcircuits referred to in Item (b) include,without limitation, those supplying the following:

(a) External lighting installations, such as bollard-type

luminaires; and(b) Illuminated signs; and

(c) Ground mounted lighting for the illumination ofpublic features.

Exception: Where disconnection could cause a dangerous

situation. E.g. Traffic lights.



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SECTION 2

Clause: 2.6.3.4Alterations, additions and repairs

Socket outlets added to an existing circuit shallbe

protected by an RCD.

Exception:

(a) Where socket outlets or lighting points are not RCDprotected are replaced, including the replacement of a

single outlet with a multiple.

(b) Extensions to circuits supplying lighting points only,

provided the existing circuit is not RCD protected.



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SECTION 2Clause 2.9.2.5 (k)



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PART 2 SECTION 3

SELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF WIRING

SYSTEMS

Clause: 3.5.2(b)(ii)Neutral conductor Multiple phase

The current carrying capacity of the neutral conductor ofmultiphase consumers mains, submains or final subcircuitshall be not less than that of the current carrying capacityof the largest associated active conductor.

Exception 2:

Current carrying capacity of the neutral can be lower if

detection device fitted.



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SECTION 3

Clause: 3.6.2 Voltage drop

Voltage drop remains at 5% with several exceptions. The

most common exception is shown below.

Exceptions:

3. Where the point of supply is the low voltage

terminals of a substation located on the premises

containing the electrical installation and dedicatedto

the installation, the permissible voltage drop may beincreased to 7%.



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SECTION 3

Clause: 3.9.3.2 Suspended ceilings(a) Wiring systems may be supported by the suspended

ceiling system unless this is not permitted by thesuspended ceiling manufacturer; and

(b) Cables shall be provided with additional protection

against mechanical injury where in contact withconductive ceiling support runners (Cl. 3.3.2.6); and

(c) Wiring systems installed above suspended ceilings shallbe fixed at suitable intervals to prevent undue sagging ofcables.

Note 2: National Building Codes may restrict use ofsuspended ceilings to support services.



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SECTION 3



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SECTION 3

Clause: 3.11.4.4 & TABLE 3.6 U/G wiring systems



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SECTION 3



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SECTION 3



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SECTION 3

Clause: 3.11.4.5 Identification ofU/G wiring systems

Underground wiring systems shall be identified by anorange marker tape complying with AS/NZS 2648.1 and

positioned at approximately 50% of the depth of coverabove the wiring system or any additional mechanical

protection.

Exception:

Underground wiring systems installed by boring,provided the location is marked and recorded in a readilyavailable permanent location. If a pipe is retained after

the boring operation, orange-coloured pipe or conduit isrecommended.



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SECTION 3

Clause: 3.11.4.6 Marking and recording ofU/G cablelocation

The presence of U/G wiring shall be marked andrecorded as follows:

(a) Permanent cable marker signs shall be provided toindicate the point where a cable enters or leaves astructure;

Exception:

Cable entry signs need not be provided where the

position ofU/G cable entry into the ground is obvious.



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SECTION 3

Clause: 3.11.4.6 Marking and recording ofU/G cablelocation (continued)

or

The route shall be recorded on a plan to enable future

location. This plan shall be located at the switchboardfrom which the circuit originates. The plan locating theconsumers mains shall be kept at the main switchboard.



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PART 2 - SECTION 4

SELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF

APPLIANCES AND ACCESSORIES

Clause: 4.5.2.3 Recessed luminaires

Recessed luminaires and their auxiliary equipment shallbe installed in a manner designed to minimizetemperature rise and prevent the risk of fire.

This requirement shall be satisfied by one of thefollowing methods:

(a) The use of a luminaire specifically designed andcertified by the manufacturer to permit

(i) contact with combustible materials; or(ii) enclosure or covering by thermal insulation, as

appropriate to the location of the luminaire.



SECTION 4

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SECTION 4

Clause: 4.5.2.3 Recessed luminaires (continued)

(b) Installation of the luminaire within a fire-resistantenclosure.

(c) Provision of required clearances from combustible andthermal insulating material as specified by themanufacturer of the luminaire.

(d) Provision of the default clearances from combustible andthermal insulating material as specified in Figure 4.7.

Where manufacturers installation instructions thatspecify required clearances are not available the

luminaire shall be installed in accordance with (b) or(d).



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SECTION 4

Clause: 4.5.2.3 Recessed luminaires (continued)

Where thermal insulation is of a type that is not fixed in

position, e.g. loose fill, a barrier or guard constructed of

fire-resistant material shall be provided and secured in

position to maintain the necessary clearance (see Figure

4.7).Where thermal insulation may reasonably be expected to

be installed in the space containing a recessed luminare,

the luminaire shall be installed in such a manner as to

provide for the subsequent installation of thermalinsulation.



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SECTION 4



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SECTION 5 - EARTHING



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SECTION 5

Clause 5.5.1.3L

abelingThe main earthing conductor shall have a permanent label

attached at the connection to the earth electrode with a

legible warning against disconnection in the following

form:

WARNING: MAIN ELECTRICAL EARTHING

CONDUCTORDONOTDISCONNECT

Exception: Where the method of connection to the

electrode precludes disconnection this requirement need

not apply.



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SECTION 5



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SECTION 5

Clause 5.6.2.5 Showers and bathrooms

Any conductive reinforcing within a concrete floor or

wall forming part of a shower or bathroom shall be

bonded to the earthing system of the electrical installationto avoid any potential differences that may occur between

conductive piping (including taps, drain, etc) connected

to, or in contact with, the electrical installation earthing

system and the concrete floor or wall.



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SECTION 5

Clause 5.6.2.5 Showers and bathrooms (continued)

An equipotential bonding conductor, in accordance with

Clause 5.6.3, shall be connected between the reinforcing

material and any part of the earthing system within the

room.

Note: Clause 5.6.3.2(b) requires 4mm2 conductor.



PART 2 SECTION 6

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PART 2 - SECTION 6

DAMP SITUATIONS

Clause 6.7 Sanitization and general hosing-down operations

Electrical installations where the requirements of this

clause may apply include, without limitation, food

production or processing areas and agricultural or

horticultural premises, such as rooms, locations orareas where

(a) livestock are kept; or

(b) feed, fertilizers, vegetable or animal are produced,

stored, prepared or processed; or



SECTION 6

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SECTION 6

Clause 6.7 Sanitization and general hosing-down operations

(continued)

(c) Plants are grown, such as greenhouses or hydroponic

installations; or

(d) Agricultural or horticultural products are produced,prepared or processed, e.g. dairies, drying, stewing,

pressing out, fermenting, butchering, meat processing,

etc.

Clause 6.7.4.4. Switchboards shall have IPX6 enclosures.



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PART 2 - SECTION 7

SPECIAL ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Clause 7.3Electrical Generation Systems

New Clause covering:

(i) Engine-driven generator sets;

(ii) Stand-alone power systems, e.g. photovoltaic, wind

turbine etc;

(iii)Grid-connected inverter systems.



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SECTION 7

Clause 7.3.5.2.2 - RCDs

Where an electricity generation system includes an inverter,

the RCD shall be of a type suitable for the waveform of the

particular inverter, and in accordance with the invertermanufacturers instructions.

Note: Requirements for types of RCDs are set out in Clause

2.6.2.2.



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SECTION 2

Clause 2.6.2.2 Types of RCDs

States in part:

In Australia, an RCD shall be of the type that tripping is

ensured when the waveform is sinusoidal.Note:

1. The possible waveform of a fault current to earth can

affect the operation of an RCD and shall be taken into

account for the selection of the type of RCD.



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SECTION 7



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SECTION 7



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SECTION 7



Clause 7.8 Specific ElectricalInstallation Standards

This Clause outlines those Standards that are applicable to

specific electrical installations.

AS/NZS 3001 Relocatable installations and their sitesupply;

AS/NZS 3002 Shows and carnivals;

AS/NZS 3003 Electromedical treatment areas;

AS/NZS 3004 Marinas and recreational boats;

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SECTION 7



Clause 7.8 Specific ElectricalInstallation Standards(continued)

AS/NZS 3012 Construction & demolition sites;

AS/NZS 3832 Cold-cathode illumination systems (HV

neon);AS/NZS 3015 Telecommunications networks power

supplies;

Installations complying with AS/NZS 3018 (Single

domestic installations) are deemed to comply with thisStandard.

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SECTION 7



Guidance Standards:

AS/NZS 3010 Generating sets;

AS/NZS 3014 & 3016 Electric fences

AS/NZS 4249 Film, video & TV sites.

Appendix A contains a list of referenced documents,

compliance with which is called up as a mandatory

requirement for those Standards listed as Normative

References.

SECTION 8

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SECTION 8

VERIFICATION



Clause 8.3.6.2 Results

The insulation resistance between

(a) the conductors of consumers mains and submains; and

(b) live and earthed parts of an electrical installation, orparts thereof, including consumers mains and submains

shall be not less than 1 M.

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SECTION 8



Clause 8.3.9.1 Socket outlets not RCD protectedThe impedance required for automatic disconnection of

supply to socket outlet circuits not RCD protected shall

be verified by

(a) verification of the total resistance (Rphe) of the activeand protective earthing conductors; or

(b) where supply is available, verification of the earth fault

loop impedance,

in accordance with Clause 8.3.9.3. (eg. measurement or

by using a fault loop impedance test device).

S. 12 ElectricalSafety Regulation 2002.

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SECTION 8



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SECTION 8



Clause 8.3.10 Operation of RCDsWhere supply is available, the function of the RCD shall beverified by the operation of the integral test device, or bythe use of special test equipment.

Tests shall be performed on each final subcircuit protectedby an RCD to verify that the RCD functions correctly todisconnect the designated circuit

Clause 8.3.10.3 The RCD shall disconnect

supply.

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SECTION 8



Clause 8.4Date of initial energisation of an installation

The date of initial energisation of an installation should be

available on-site, either by marking or in an accessible

record.

Either month and year or year only will be acceptable.

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APPENDIX C



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APPENDIX C



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APPENDIX C



Examples of other Tables in Appendix C:

TABLE C1 Maximum demand single & multiple

domestic;

TABLE C2 Maximum demand non-domestic;

TABLE C3 Maximum demand Energy demand method

for non-domestic installations;

TABLE C8 Guidance on the loading of points per final

subcircuit.

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APPENDIX D



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APPENDIX D



Examples of Tables in Appendix D:

TABLE D1 Sinking of posts/poles in ground;

TABLE D2 Force exerted by aerial line conductors;

TABLE D6 Round hardwood pole - strength ratings;

TABLE D10 Grade 250 steel pipe strength ratings;

TABLE D12(a) Grade 350 steel square section strength

ratings.

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OTHER NEW APPENDICES



APPENDIX E Electrical installation requirements in

National Building Codes (e.g. BCA);

APPENDIX F Installation of surge protective devices;

APPENDIX G Degrees of protection of enclosed equipment

(i.e. IP ratings);

APPENDIX H WS Classification of wiring systems (i.e.

fire ratings);

APPENDIX I Protective device ratings and sizes of

imperial cables;

APPENDIX J1 Symbols used in this Standard.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?


fair safe and decent work

Electrical work commenced under AS/NZS 3000:2000

prior to 01/06/2008 may continue;

Electrical work which has been quoted and a contract has

been awarded may be performed under AS/NZS

3000:2000;

Large projects designed under AS/NZS 3000:2000 (e.g.

shopping centres) may be performed under that Standard.

Can be applied immediately, but comes into force in Qld on

01/06/2008.

Documents

AS 3000-2007