Changes to the ‘wiring rules’

A new edition of AS/NZS 3000:2018 (the ‘wiring rules’) has been published.

The Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 cite AS/NZS 3000:2007 including its Amendments 1 and 2. This means the 2007 standard must be used to ensure compliance with the Regulations, until the Regulations are updated to cite the 2018 edition.

AS/NZS 3000:2018 also contains some provisions different to AS/NZS 3000:2007 requirements. For example, the use of AS/NZS 3000:2018 before its inclusion in the Regulations may not comply with the provisions relating to domestic down-lights installation under AS/NZS 3000:2007 and therefore could constitute an offence.

Standards Australia are likely to make amendments to AS/NZS 3000:2018 to include provisions to address aspects not yet accounted for in AS/NZS 3000:2018. Regulatory recognition of AS/NZS 3000:2018, along with any amendments, , will avoid two rule changes in a short timeframe.

Details of how AS/NZS 3000:2007 is applied can be found in Schedule 2 of the Regulations.

Article adapted from the Work Safe website.