Standards Australia has released for public comment a proposed revision of the Australian and New Zealand Wiring Rules, AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical installations.

The standard has been thoroughly redrafted, including new definitions and changes for additional clarity.

“The proposed changes are significant. We are interested in receiving feedback from consumers and individuals across the industry. The public comment period is a key opportunity to ensure everyone can be involved with this revision,” says Gary Busbridge, chair of the Australian and New Zealand committee responsible for the revision.
Proposed changes to the draft include:

• A restructure of the ‘Safety Services’ Clause in Section 7;
• A number of new definitions including ‘main switch’, ‘arc fault detection device’ and ‘combined outbuilding’;
• Clarity on exclusion zones in wet areas and clearances around switchboards; and,
• New appendices providing guidance on:

1. Switch gear and control gear.
2. Loss of supply.
3. Conduiting.
4. Arc Fault Detection Devices.
5. Electric vehicle socket outlets and charging stations.
6. D.C. installations.

Provisions related to Residual-Current Devices (RCDs) have also been changed substantially.

Explanatory information on changes is included at the end of the draft.

The draft standard is available for public comment through Standards Australia’s website until 20 June 2016.
Following the nine week public comment period the committee will consider all comments in detail and if necessary further drafting will be undertaken.

Standards Australia chief executive, Dr Bronwyn Evans, says the technical committee EL-001 is seeking broad-based feedback from all stakeholders who use and are affected by the wiring rules.

“The Australia and New Zealand wiring rules impact everyone. Your views are critical to informing the committee.”

The public comment period commenced 18 April 2016 and will conclude on 20 June 2016.

All draft Standards are available for review and comment through this link: https://sapc.standards.org.au/sapc/public/listOpenCommentingPublication.action.