The Wiring Rule Changes of AS/NZS 3000:2018

It's been a lengthy, expensive and (at times) annoying process, but it's definitely been worth it! All 24 templates impacted by the AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules) changes have now been overhauled - and while we were there, we improved them too. When the changes were announced we adjusted some things immediately, but what we recently published is a far more comprehensive overhaul.

The revisions are quality improvements that reflect our commitment to keeping your business both safe and profitable.

If you’re an existing Occupational Safety Solutions customer and you purchased in the last 2 years, it’s likely you’ve already received your free upgrades. If you purchased over 2 years ago and would like upgrades at reasonable rates or if you previously purchased standard SWMS documents or policies (listed below) but have not received your upgrades, please let us know by calling 1800 304 336.

In this article, we'll take a look at:

1. How the changes complimented our commitment to continuous improvement processes,
2. In what ways the SWMS have been impacted, and
3. What changes that have taken place.

The Continuous Improvement Process

This process was daunting at times, not because it was technically challenging; it’s just that the sheer size of the project was at times ‘arrgghh’ inspiring (as opposed to awe inspiring).

When we were finished, I felt strangely disappointed. After investing hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars, I guess I expected more. It was like having the cover lifted off your plate at an ultra-exclusive restaurant: for a moment I looked down at the changes and said, “Is that all?”

It felt like my return on investment wasn't significant enough. After all, were I to calculate the total dollars spent and divide that by the total number of changes, I suspect the cost per item or cost per word might be embarrassingly high. But then I realised I was thinking about this the wrong way.

Now I choose to view it as an expensive process that actually produced both confidence and quality. Now, I choose to view it the way an American might feel while undergoing an MRI full body scan (in America, the machine is billed to the patient at more than $10,000 per hour).

My Electrical Wiring Templates Just Had an MRI

My electrical wiring templates just had an MRI and the scan came back 99.7% clear!

Yes, it was an expensive and arduous process. It required a line by line review of:

• WHS Regulations and supporting documentation,  
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules),
• 23 SWMS’s, and
• 1 Policy

There also had to be exacting consistency and rigour to the processes, painstaking clarity in communications, as well as thorough check and cross-check procedures.

Our exhaustive process has involved:

1. Three electricians.
2. An external Quality Control Auditor to oversee the process.
3. At least 4 review and check cycles (To be honest, I lost count), and obviously,
4. The investment of thousands of dollars.

But it was worth it! Discovering that 0.3% was important. It was also expected.

Which WHS Templates Were Impacted by AS/NZS 3000:2018

When you open the updated templates you will see:

1. Prescriptive changes that resulted directly from the standard, and
2. Quality improvements that were identified during the review.

The following Occupational Safety Solution template documents have been impacted by the Wiring Rule Changes:

1. Live Work Policy (POLICY)
2. Disconnect Electrical Installation (SWMS)
3. Electrical Outlet Installation (SWMS)
4. Electrical Rack or Cabinet Installation (SWMS)
5. Electrical Submains Installation (SWMS)
6. Electrical Work in Ceiling Space (SWMS)
7. Electrical Mains Installation (SWMS)
8. Electrical Outlet Cable Installation (SWMS)
9. Energise and Commission Electrical Installation (SWMS)
10. Fibre Optic Cable Installation (SWMS)
11. Isolate, Lockout, Tag and Test (SWMS)
12. Light Fittings Installation (SWMS)
13. Lighting Looms Installation (SWMS)
14. PCB Removal (SWMS)
15. Power and Lighting - Cable Installation (SWMS)
16. Power Point Installation (SWMS)
17. Pyrotenax Cable Installation (SWMS)
18. SELV Cable Installation (SWMS)
19. Switchboards - Installation (SWMS)
20. Switchboards - Installation of Connections (SWMS)
21. Switchboards - New Work in Existing Switchboard (SWMS)
22. Test and Tag Electrical Tools and Appliances (SWMS)
23. Test for De-Energised Electrical Conductors (SWMS)
24. Trunk Cable Installation (SWMS)

As stated above, if you're an existing customer who purchased in the past 2 years, you should already have updates. If you haven't, let us know.

What Changed?

Remember the unveiling at the restaurant that I mentioned earlier? That was my “Is that all?” moment. Well here’s why.

There’s one profound change. Yep, just one - though it is a critical one! The rest are largely improvements in efficiencies or clarifications in descriptions.

The Big Wiring Rule Change

All new circuits are now protected by a Residual Current Device (RCD). In other words, wherever and whenever the load is going to be increased on the switchboard or meter, protection by RCD is required. Examples would include light circuits and power points. This brings the installation in accordance with AS/NZS 3000:2018. Of course all electrical installations need to be carried out in accordance with the new Australian Standard. Our templates deal with the safety issues, however the changes to the Australian Standards affecting general electrical installation work should be known by licensed electricians.

Other Improvements and Clarifications

The following topic / issue inclusions or textual refinements have been made:

• Referencing AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations.
• Use of Certificates of Compliance.
• Rules pertaining to electrical testing equipment.  
• Standards regarding first-aid qualifications for workers and their offsiders.
• Inspection procedures for work areas.
• Revised safety controls for working in hot conditions.    
• Revised working at height safety controls.
• Mains dead confirmation standards.

As a final note, the changes in the Standard affect more than safety. We focus on hazards and safety controls, so please don’t think our documents cover all aspects of the changes. Further examination in regards to your particular circumstances is recommended.

Over To You

We've dotted the “I’s”. We’ve crossed the “T’s”. We’ve provided everything you need.

Our templates are accurate and thoroughly effective - and it isn’t by accident. We are procedurally focused and careful. We utilise qualified personnel and also bring in advisers external to the industry being resourced; this creates a beyond-the-box perspective that allows us to develop the very best in resources.

Whether it’s individual Safe Work Method Statements, SWMS’s specific to the electrical industry, or even entire industry packs, you’ll find what you need with our extensive range. Follow the links to find the SWMS resources you need.

We also carry a diverse range of WHS registers, documents and forms as well as comprehensive WHS Management Plans and WHS Systems.

Now it’s over to you.

If you want expertise and effectiveness, then you’re investing in the right resources. Keep your people safe, fulfil due diligence and draw on all the expertise and customer support you need. Call 1800 304 336 or complete the Request a Call form if you’d rather a call back.