Updated electrical standards to ensure boating safety

Standards Australia has released a revised version of AS/NZS 3004 Electrical installations — Marinas and pleasure craft at low-voltage, superseding the current version AS/NZS 3004:2002. The standard was revised to ensure electrical works being carried out in these environments meet requirements of the latest edition of the Wiring Rules, thereby helping to improve safety on waterways.

AS/NZS 3004 is now in two parts: Part 1 specifies requirements for electrical installations in marinas intended to supply ‘low-voltage’ electrical power to recreational boats, as well as providing guidelines for testing and verification. Part 2 provides detailed guidance for the design, installation and ongoing verification of electrical systems in recreational boats up to 50 metres in length. It includes installation requirements, protection measures, cabling information and a checklist for verification testing.

Colin Blair, Standards Australia deputy CEO, said the revised standards are vital safety guides for the boating industry: “The Wiring Rules is a ‘must have’ for the electrical industry so it’s important that associated standards are updated to reflect any new requirements contained in the latest edition.

“This standard is an essential safety reference for marina owners and operators, boat designers, manufacturers, builders and regulators dealing with electrical installations on board or at a marina."