During my enforced non-internet period last week I had time to finally have a quick read through AS3000:2000 -- The Australian and New Zealand wiring rules (PDF courtesy of one of ECN's antipodean members -- "Good on ya, mate!" [Linked Image]).

A few things which caught my attention:

Quote
1.8.2 Supply characteristics
{...}
(c) Voltage and voltage tolerances.
NOTE: The nominal voltage and tolerances for low voltage supply systems
and electrical installations are:
(a) For Australia, 230/400 V +10% −6% (in accordance with AS 60038); and
(b) For New Zealand, 230/400 V + 6% to −6%.
I hadn't realized that Australia had adopted this weird assymetric tolerance to fiddle the figures. When did that happen?

Quote
2.8.2.2 Switches in neutral conductors
A switch or circuit-breaker shall not operate in a neutral conductor of —
{...}
(b) consumers mains; or
With MEN system as used down under, the bond is between neutral and earth bars within the main panel, right?

In a single-phase panel here the main switch always opens the neutral, but then our N-E bond (where used) is before the meter.

I think this rule illustrates the different approach quite well.

Quote
(c) a submain where the neutral is used for earthing of an electrical
installation in an outbuilding in accordance with Clause 3.5.2(c); or
Which doesn't happen here, as no neutral-earth bond would be used in such a case.

Quote
3.11.3.5 Marking of cables entering or leaving a building
In New Zealand, marker signs shall be provided where a cable enters or
leaves a building.
What are these like? Are they like a downward pointing arrow stuck on the side of the building or something like that? Mike, do you have a pic of these by any chance?

Quote
4.9.4.1 General
In general each socket-outlet shall be individually controlled by a
separate switch complying with Clauses 4.9.4.2 and 4.9.4.3.
This requirement need not apply where —
(a) two socket-outlets are located immediately adjacent to each other, in
which case one switch complying with Clauses 4.9.4.2 and 4.9.4.3
may be used; or
(b) a socket-outlet installed for the connection of a fixed or stationary
appliance or a luminaire is —
(i) rated at not more than 10 A; and
(ii) not readily accessible for other purposes.
Hmm... That's different. Switched sockets are pretty much the norm here, certainly as far as residential and light commercial is concerned, but they're not a requirement, and you can install unswitched types throughout if you wish. The only time switches were required by IEE Regs. was for DC supplies.

Also of interest is section 6.3.3 which specifies rather different RCD test requirements between Australia and NZ.

Comments?


[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 08-24-2004).]