The revision of AS/NZS 3000, Electrical Installations (the Wiring Rules), is underway, and it will be welcome news for electricians and contractors across Australia and New Zealand. Standards Australia writes.

The purpose of this change is to establish a high benchmark for the manufacture, performance and suitability of devices and components. By adhering to these standards, the risk of unsafe installations can be minimised, especially for distribution boards used in residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Standards Australia’s Wiring Rules committee EI-001 is leading the charge in updating this crucial standard, which references AS/NZS 61439, Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies, a modification of the IEC 61439 series.

AS/NZS 61439 is a seven-part series of standards that supersedes the AS/NZS 3439 series, Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies Type-tested Assembly (TTA) and partially type tested assembly (PTTA). The AS/NZS 3439 series has been in place since 2002.

AS/NZS 3439 will no longer be updated, and AS/NZS 61439 will replace it, addressing the inconsistencies in standards that were present in AS/NZS 3439. The changes to the standard will predominantly impact switchboard manufacturers, clarifying financial responsibilities, legal and safety issues that may arise during the manufacture of switchboards.

In addition, as part of the AS/NZS 3000 revision, the standard will no longer refer to AS/NZS 60884-1, Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes.

Instead, it will adopt AS/NZS 3112, a harmonised Australian and New Zealand standard for AC power plugs and sockets and a parallel standard that specifies the approval and test requirements for these products.

This change will help encourage manufacturers to design and produce switchboards and socket outlets in compliance with a single standard that has consistent testing requirements. The intended effect is to ultimately promote safety in the market — especially for consumers.

Stakeholders, including consumer groups, manufacturers, regulators, suppliers, testing bodies and union representatives from Australia and New Zealand, were consulted for this revision.

It also helps ensure that these standards are user-friendly and technically coherent, enhancing safety and efficiency while helping installers comply with regulations.

The last revision of AS/NZS 3000 was two years ago with amendments in 2020 and 2021.

The revisions to AS/NZS 3000 are expected to be published in mid-May 2023.

The seven parts of AS/NZS 61439 are:

• General rules
• Power switchgear and control gear assemblies
• Distribution boards to be operated by ordinary persons (DBO)
• Particular requirements for assemblies for construction sites (ACS)
• Assemblies for power distribution in public networks
• Busbar trunking systems (busways)
• Assemblies for specific applications.