Is it time to genuinely adopt 230 V as our distribution voltage?
01 December, 2009 by Prof Alex Baitch, Principal, BES (Aust) Pty Ltd and Visiting Professorial Fellow at University of WollongongThe article in September/October 2008 Electrical Solutions raised many questions regarding supply voltage variances. Author Paul Stathis was warned that he could be opening a can of worms. The advice he received was not wrong. In this article, I will attempt to answer some of the issues raised in the previous article and bring attention to more issues that need to be addressed by the electrical industry.
Dealing with the halogen downlight conundrum
01 December, 2009 by Paul StathisThe 2007 Wiring Rules introduced a number of installation directives for halogen downlights because of the high incidence of fires directly attributable to the extreme heat output from them igniting nearby combustible materials. One of these directives is to leave considerable clearance around them from all materials, including insulation. But this introduces the problem of potentially compromising a home’s thermal efficiency. How do electrical contractors deal with this conundrum?
Why calibrate your test equipment?
01 December, 2009 by Paul StathisTest and measurement equipment is essential to the electrical trade, be it for electrical, data or control systems. Whether it’s for commissioning a new installation or finding a fault in an existing one, electrical tradespeople and technicians put a lot of faith in the readings from these instruments. But how can they be certain what’s being reported is correct?
Action needed on safety inspection standards to combat dangers of installing insulation
30 November, 2009NECA has called for urgent action by federal and state governments to introduce new safety inspection requirements for the insulation installation industry.
The contractor ‘killing fields’ - life, death and liability for a contractor - Part 3
24 November, 2009 by Andrew Douglas*Under OHS legislation, employers have a statutory duty to secure the health, safety and welfare of employees and third persons working at or near their workplace.
The contractor ‘killing fields’ - life, death and liability for a contractor - Part 2
05 November, 2009 by Andrew Douglas*The implications of the Fair Work Act on contractor relationships.
Revised standards for electrical installations in hazardous areas
19 October, 2009Standards Australia has published two new standards for electrical installations in hazardous areas standards to supersede existing standards.
Revised standards for electrical installations in hazardous areas
19 October, 2009Standards Australia has published two new standards for electrical installations in hazardous areas to supersede existing standards.
The contractor ‘killing fields’ - life, death and liability for a contractor - Part 1
16 October, 2009 by Andrew Douglas*Part 1 - Defining independent contractor relationships. The use of independent contractors is a common business practice around the country, often perceived as a flexible and low-risk alternative to engaging employees. But many of the obligations and duties owed to employees under Industrial Relations and OHS legislation extend to independent contractors as well.
Debate over powerline home automation standards
09 October, 2009International home-automation standards seem to have stalled over interoperability issues. Meetings being held by standards bodies in October will work towards resolving many of these issues.
Wiring Rules amendment now available
02 October, 2009An amendment to the current Wiring Rules has just been released, with clarifications, technical modifications and new information for clearer guidelines and improved safety.
Electrical industry supports new WA RCD regulations
16 July, 2009A new requirement to have RCDs fitted in all Western Australian homes has been welcomed by NECA WA.
Fire dangers from roof insulation near electrical services
24 June, 2009The Western Australian government has issued a warning about the dangers of fires caused by roof insulation in close proximity to electrical fittings and lighting.
Power pole audit reveals problems in WA
15 June, 2009A 2008 WA EnergySafety audit has found serious deficiencies in Western Power's management of its wooden power poles.
Energy-efficient lighting mandated for Queensland dwellings
12 June, 2009New regulations in Queensland restrict the installation of light fittings and lamps that are not energy efficient to just 20% of a dwelling's floor space.
