Update on the New Wiring Installation System

The new wiring installation system keeps updating to incorporate new technologies, requirements, and installation techniques. It is to keep the system accordingly to the new generation. It makes the system more organised, safe, and clear.

Are you aware of the updates on the new wiring installation system? If not, see here some of the updates on it.

What is a wiring system?

It is the system of a group of conductors, busbars, and cables with protective parts positioning them securely in place. Mechanical protection is included for the conductors. The installation method determines wiring system’s classification. The wiring installation system will either be – “Protection against mechanical damage” or “Wiring system likely to be disturbed”.

Now, updates and changes were made to accommodate advanced technologies, installation techniques, and equipment. Here’s a snippet of it.

1. Requirements for any alteration and repair of electrical installation

You may be wondering why there is a need to define alteration and repair separately? Here are the distinctions between these two terms:

Repairs: This entails to fixes to existing wiring and electrical installations. This can be performed via various methods so long as it is in accordance with the fundamental safety principle standards.

Alterations: These are the changes to an existing electrical installation to further improve its efficiency or to increase the safety and security of the property. However, the following should be noted:

✓ It should not carry excessive current nor sustain any excessive voltage

✓ It should be used in manners which are not in accordance with AS/NZS 3000:2018

Skilled and knowledgeable electricians are aware of these standards set by the Government. Talk to us about it.

2. Installation requirements for electrical generation systems

This has been updated to increase guidance on the installation of electricity generation systems.

SAPS definition (Stand-alone power system): This idea has been redefined in order to accommodate wind turbines, energy generation, mini-hydro turbines, and i.e. photo voltaic rays.

Conditions for isolation: This is a regenerative supply source or an inverter shall not be downstream connected on the generating changeover device. An exception to this rule applies to control systems that may prevent a backfeed to the generator. 

Conditions for MEN connections: MEN connection (neutral-earth connection) must be made in the main switchboard installation. It may require a disconnection from the MEN connection.

3. Enhanced mandatory RCD requirements

RCDs help protects circuits, alterations, and repairs. The following are the enhanced requirements:

Final sub-circuits for residential and domestic installation: RCDs with a max of 30 mA is now required for all final sub-circuit installation for both residential and domestic.

RCDs for industrial and commercial installation: RCDs with a minimum of 30 mA is required now for final subcircuits that are rated 32 A or less that supplies: socket-outlets, direct-connected hand-held equipment, lighting, and direct-connected equipment.

RCDs for replacement or alteration to the installation of the switchboards: The RCD requirements can be used on switchboards which were replaced or altered. It is required for final sub-circuits for protection.

Repairs exclusion: The socket-outlet or light and other electrical equipment that is not RCD protected shall be replaced. It must be with an equivalent item in their exact same location. Installing RCDs on an affected sub-circuit is allowed, though it’s not mandatory.

(These are just a few of the updates on the new wiring installation system.)

DCI Electrical are kept up to date on these new changes on the new wiring installation system. We have over 30 years of experience in the electrical business. Do you want to know more? Call (07) 4630 9788 now or send us a message today.