Electrical Connection Autumn 2015

33 / 116

a l c o
with Gary Busbridge
strength and performance.
The good thing about AS/NZS 61386 is
that a classification system will be marked
on the conduit, giving you a better
understanding of performance for ‘light
duty’ through to ‘heavy duty’ conduits.
In my view, more information always
helps the user to understand the
practicalities of installation.
Even the switchboards committee is
getting ready to publish a new suite of
Standards to align with the international
requirements for switchboard building
and installation. Those of you in this
game should take note, as there are a few
changes regarding safety and performance.
The lighting committee has been
working hard to complete the recessed
luminaire Standard. This will help
overcome some of the anomalies in
the market regarding where and how
to install these items to achieve a
safe outcome.
In short, a new classification adapted
from our friends in New Zealand will have
to be marked on the downlight. It is a great
system, allowing contractors to choose the
correct downlight for an installation.
The latest version of the Photovoltaic
Installation Rules has been released.
To finish off this project, inverter
requirements and inverter installation
Standards will be released soon.
Designers, installers and regulators
will be able to determine the correct
product and installation procedure well
into the future.
The Medical Installation Rules revision
is well under way and is scheduled for
release early in 2016. This will mean much
better alignment with the Wiring Rules,
and more contractors will be able to
consider working in this field.
The definition of patient areas and the
determination of other relevant areas are
the most urgent matters dealt with. The
revision also means that the rules cover
everything from the smallest clinic to the
biggest hospital project.
The allowances for home dialysis
machines and 10mA RCD protection are
to be issued as an amendment in the
near future.
Well, that’s enough for the moment
– except that there may be increasing
opportunities for contractors in the near
future. See you on the road.
REDUCE your power bills
REDUCE your energy use
Thermofilm Australia Pty Ltd, 27 Rosalie St, Springvale, Victoria, Australia.
Tel: 03 9562 3455 Fax: 03 9548 3979 Email: Web:
No longer worry about leaving
lights and appliances ON and
wasting electricity
Introducing the new Envirotouch™
range of timer based energy savings
switches and GPO’s. This smart, yet simple
point-of-use switch comes with 4 pre-set
timer options (15, 45, 60 & 120 minutes) -
so Set, Forget and Enjoy the Savings.
; Ideal for lights, fans, heaters and most
small electrical appliances
; New builds or retrofits
; Residential & commercial
; 4 models – single & double light switch,
10 amp GPO & heated towel rail option.
For more information please call
03 9562 3455 or