New changes to the Wiring Rules

An amendment has just been released for the 2018 edition of AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules.

According to an alert from Queensland Electrical Safety Office, changes included in Amendment 1 are highlighted in the text by a marginal bar and amendment number against the clause, note, table or figure. The new standard can be purchased on SAI Global’s website.

A transition period for the amendment will apply until 1 July 2020 to allow electrical contractors and workers time to gain an understanding of its requirements.

The amendment includes a major change to section 7.8 Standards for specific electrical installations. This section now references AS/NZS 5139 Electrical installations - Safety of battery systems for use with power conversion equipment.

AS/NZS 5139 was published on 11 October 2019 and outlines the safety requirements for the installation of renewable energy battery storage equipment.

Designers and installers should consider using a pre-assembled integrated battery energy storage system (BESS) and pre-assembled battery system equipment (BS) that are shown to comply with the Best Practice Guide: battery storage equipment — electrical safety requirements, V1.0 2018.

The Electrical Safety Office said installation requirements in AS/NZS 5139 are streamlined for equipment that complies with the guide. Independent evidence of battery equipment complying with the guide could be a certificate from an Australian accredited certifier or be on an industry association listing such as the CEC approved batteries list.

There is also a transition period for AS/NZS 5139 until 1 July 2020 to allow electrical contractors and workers time to gain an understanding of the new standard. Battery systems installed after this date will need to comply with the standard. Enforcement action including notices and fines will be taken to address non-compliance.

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