'The revisions for each new update not only represent a step forward in electrical safety, but also allow the needs of emerging products and technologies to be addressed.'
“To date, the AS/NZ300 Wiring Rules have significantly reduced the number of electrocutions in Australia and New Zealand. The recent changes have been implemented to further improve electrical safety.
For example, the amendments in Chapter Two aim to minimise the potential for electric shock and electrical fires.” Dennis Galvin, Legrand Technical Director.
The 2018 Edition of the AS/NZ3000 Wiring Rules will come into effect in November 2018. As an Australian Industries Group representative of the EL-001 committee responsible for the changes to the standards for installation requirements, Legrand Technical Director, Dennis Galvin, is perfectly suited to discuss important changes to the Chapter Two Rules.
“Chapter Two of the Wiring Rules details how electrical circuits should be arranged, controlled and protected to ensure safety,” he says.
“The revisions for each new update not only represent a step forward in electrical safety, but also allow the needs of emerging products and technologies to be addressed.”
The 2018 Edition contains a number of important improvements including:
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Requirements for Residual Current Devices (RCDs).
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Arc Fault Detection Devices.
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Electric vehicle charging.The arrangement of neutrals for Residual Current Circuit Breakers with Overcurrent Protection (RCBOs)
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Switchboard access.
Undoubtedly, the most important of these changes are the new rules for RCDs. However, to fully understand the importance of the new regulations, it is necessary to look how these have changed over time.
“I myself was involved in the original introduction of RCD requirements into the 1992 Edition of the Wiring Rules,” says Dennis.
“I identified only two cases where RCDs would have made no difference: in all the other instances, RCDs would have probably prevented the fatality. This made a hugely compelling case for the use of RCDs to be mandated into the Wiring Rules."
The 2018 Edition will undoubtedly improve safety and will help the industry take positive steps towards a point where electrocution and electrical fire-related deaths no longer occur.
Legrand’s blog provides in-depth insight into the changes in Chapter Two of the Wiring Rules. For more information visit www.legrand.com.au