Regulatory
[ Last Updated 27 March 2006 ]
Q. Is compliance with Electrical Codes of Practice, AS/NZS 3000 and other joint standards mandatory?
A. Except for ECP 52 and 54, all low voltage electrical installation Electrical Codes of Practice (codes 1-33 and 53) were revoked under the Electricity Amendment 2002 and replaced by AS/NZS 3000 or its companion standards or standards applying to specific types of installations. The amendment mandated certain clauses of AS/NZS 3000 (see the integrated Electricity Regulations) and cites the companion standards from various regulations. It is important to look up the requirements for hazardous areas (AS/NZS 2381.1) and medical electrical areas (AS/NZS 2500, 3003 and 3551) for specifics relating to those areas.
Compliance with the works Electrical Codes of Practice are not mandatory because they are simply cited as a means of compliance. The exception is ECP 34 that sets the electrical safety distances for working in the vicinity of electric lines, etc. This code is cited from regulations 30 and 93 and is mandatory.
Q. Could the remaining Electrical Codes of Practice (ECPs) covering electrical installations be incorporated into AS/NZS standards?
A. As reviews of AS/NZS standards occur, material in electrical installation ECPs will be incorporated where practical. Those ECPs relating to works will remain as ECPs.
Q. What Codes or Standards should I be aware of, before working on distribution systems or works?
A. Electrical codes of practice ECPs 34 and 35 plus any OSH codes. These will be obtained from the owner of the works who has a legal requirement to provide them under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.
Codes of Practice are rules (setting standards, specifications, controls or requirements) approved by the Minister of Energy under the Electricity Act 1992. Standards are specifications approved or adopted by the Standards Council. Contact Standards New Zealand [external link], Private Bag 2439, Wellington. Tel: 04 498 5990, Standards Information Service: 0900 50 550; Fax: 04 498 5994.
In addition, Industry Rules exist. These are available from the Electricity Engineers Association of NZ Inc, PO Box 5324, Wellington. Tel: 04 473 8600, Fax: 04 473 8601.
Q. ECP 34 contains new requirements in relation to the reduction of clearances from overhead lines due to landscaping. Does a similar arrangement exist for reduction of cover over underground cables?
A. No, but if the cable is damaged, common law and regulation 94 may be invoked.
Q. Is ECP 54 applicable?
A. Yes, it is recognised by the Electricity Regulations.
Q. Are any changes proposed to Regulation 50, reporting of electrical hazards in an installation?
A. No.
Q. Is the requirement of no more than two-three lighting points on one protective device (EWR 76) being retained?
A. No. This provision was removed by the Electricity Regulations 1993.
Q. What responsibilities do owners have for the safety of an electrical installation?
A. The provisions of ER 69 apply, which requires the owner to operate and maintain the installation in an electrically safe condition.
Q. Where will the requirement for phase rotation 3-phase testing for network supply connections following line work, be stated?
A. Regulation 37, also regulation 43A applies in some cases.
Q. What are the requirements for service line certification?
A. There are no changes to the existing requirements. However, the requirements of ECP 34 must be complied with.
Q. Are there any changes to the testing requirements for commercial installations proposed?
A. No.
Q. Do scraping earth plug and sockets need to be removed from service?
A. If they are in good repair and the earth connection is serviceable, there is no need to remove them from service. The sale of scraping earth socket outlets and plugs is prohibited by the Electricity Regulations.
Q. Animal stunning equipment - is there any code or standard being prepared to cover the existing temporary information?
A. Yes NZS 6116:2006 Safe Application of Electricity in Meat Processing Industry has been prepared and is being used by the industry as a 'best practice guide'. Energy Safety proposes that this document will be used in a joint Standards project to produce an applicable Standard for the 'meat' industry.
Q. Are apartments classified as domestic or residential? Does being a multi-storey building make a difference to their classification?
A. All apartments are classified as domestic regardless of the number in the building.
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