Victoria’s peak electrical industry body the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has announced the appointment of respected industry identity Roy Sands to head up NECA Victoria’s new Technical Services advisory service.

The appointment means that NECA Victoria can now offer its members a greatly improved technical advice and consulting service.

NECA Victoria executive director Philip Green says, “Roy brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this new role.

“We’ve recognised for some time the need our members have in obtaining advice and support in technical matters. Getting the right person, who has the knowledge over a broad range of issues from the Wiring Rules, Service and Installation Rules and the capacity to provide high level electrical inspection services, was a key factor in establishing this service.”

Members will be able to get free advice and interpretations on a broad range of matters such as AS/NZS 3000:2007 and the various associated standards such as AS/NZS3003 Patient Areas and AS/NZS 3008 Cable Selection as well as the Victorian Service and Installation Rules.

In addition a consultancy and electrical inspection service will be available on a fee for service basis.

“Many contractors face technical issues such as connection arrangements to distribution company assets on matters such as Service Protection Devices (SPD’s) and Supply Capacity Control Devices (SCCD’s), CT Chambers-locations and sizing, metering and cabling within subdivisions. The new service will assist them greatly in these areas,” Philip says.

“In addition Roy can provide limited inspection services which cover large switch boards (over 800 AMP), sub divisions, medical, hazardous areas and high voltage.”

Roy has had a long and distinguished career in the electrical industry commencing his apprenticeship in January 1969. After 17 years of working with the Department of Civil Aviation on a broad range of electrical installations ranging from installing socket outlets to the critically important standby generators for the aircraft landing systems, he joined the SECV in 1986 as an Electrical Inspector.

Following its privatisation in 1999 Roy established a highly successful inspection company with over 40 inspectors providing services across Victoria. Over recent years he provided his knowledge and expertise to some of the largest organisations in the electrical industry. Until recently he was heavily involved in the management of the Powercor Electrical Inspection contract which included the Victorian Smart Meter “fault” follow up program on customers’ installations.