As with many professional services, rigid guidelines and standards exist around electrical work to ensure it can be carried out safely, and to minimise the risk of fire, electrocution, or other harm to people or property.
Knowing which standards apply to the type of electrical work required is critical, but not always straightforward, which is why you should engage a registered professional who is trained and experienced in the relevant standards for the work they will be carrying out.
For example, inspectors, electrical engineers, electricians, electrical installers who do work, inspect or test general installations, should be familiar with and have access to the New Zealand Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000.
But people involved in servicing, testing and repairs of appliances should be familiar with Standards AS/NZS 5761, 5762 and 3760. People that work on, or inspect, or assess, construction, medical, caravans, boats, PV solar, explosive atmospheres or other special installations will have different specialised standards they need to follow.
Sounds complex? Well, it is! And electrical work is continually evolving to keep pace with our modern lifestyles, so understanding, navigating, and applying relevant standards is an ongoing process.
The 2018 update to AS/NZS 3000 contained nearly 200 changes! The main ones include:
- Inclusion of arc fault detection devices (AFDDs)
- Wider requirements for the installation of residual current devices (RCDs)
- Installation requirements for socket outlets with alternative pin configurations
- Clearance from open cooking services
- New clause for lifts that aren’t safety services in section 4
- Rewriting the safety services subsection to improve clarity
- New recessed luminaires requirements through the citing of AS/NZS 60598.2.2:2016
- Specific New Zealand-only electric vehicle (EV) requirements
Many of the changes were introduced to keep pace with technology like LED lighting, solar panels, home automation, and electric vehicles – all electrical projects and installations that might be tempting for a homeowner to attempt themselves.
However, electrical work can be illegal and unsafe if it is not carried out correctly by a professional, and could result in accidents, fatalities and serious damage – voiding your insurance or resulting in expensive remedial work, prosecution and penalties.
To avoid the risk and ensure your electrical work is compliant and meets relevant standards, engage a registered electrician who holds a current practising license from the Electrical Workers Registration Board, and for extra peace of mind, choose a Master Electrician.
USE CERTIFIED & EXPERIENCED EXPERTS TO KEEP YOU SAFE & COMPLIANT
With more than 40 years of experience providing electrical services in the Auckland region, French Electrical has a proven history of delivering quality craftsmanship and top-notch customer service.
Ready to book in some all-important maintenance or upgrades? Get in touch with us today for a no-fuss, no strings attached discussion on how we can best help you.
Give us a call on 09 274 8082, email us at info@www.frenchelectrical.co.nz or fill out our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch with you shortly.