New Wiring Rules to be released soon

According to a recent Standards Australia media release, the new edition of the AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules is expected to be released in the final quarter of 2007.

A major change in the new edition is the separation of the document into two parts within the one cover. Part One provides an 'outcomes oriented' approach to allow flexibility in design, while still satisfying the fundamental safety principles. Part Two details 'deemed to comply' solutions that are expected to be used in the majority of electrical installation work.

The main changes include:

• extended application of RCDs
• introduction of protection against arcing faults
• introduction of requirements for selectivity (discrimination) between circuits
• installation couplers recognised as a suitable means of connection
• strengthening of requirements that prevent the spread of fire
• enhanced requirements for recessed luminaires
• introduction of requirements for sanitisation areas in food-processing industry
• mandatory requirement of testing RCDs for correct operation
• reinstatement of much of the guidance material removed from the 2000 edition
• additional informative appendices
• more intuitive index
• more logical layout with additional illustrations and background information to make it more user friendly

The new Wiring Rules were developed by the joint committee EL-001 Wiring Rules, made up of a broad range of electrical industry organisations.

When published, it will be available in Australia from SAI Global and in New Zealand from Standards New Zealand.