Requirements for Isolators on electrical equipment, stoves, hot water and solar systems
Definitions
- The wiring rules means AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules
- The Act means the Electrical Safety Act 2022
- The Regulations means the Electrical Safety Regulations 2024
- RCD (or RCBO) means a Residual Current Device / Circuit Breaker
The Rules for new installations
Electrical licensing requirements for all new installations:
Only electricians holding an unrestricted electrical worker’s license can undertake new installation work.
For new hot water unit installations:
Clause 4.8.2.3 of the wiring rules provides that every water heater that is direct connected shall be provided with an independent, lockable isolating switch.
The isolating switch shall be in addition to any automatic switch incorporated in the heater structure and be installed adjacent to but not on the water heater.
Where a water heater is supplied by two or more final subcircuits, all of the final subcircuits for that water heater shall be capable of being isolated by a single isolating switch.
For new electric cooktop or stove installations:
Clause 4.7.1 of the wiring rules provides that a switching device be provided for a fixed or stationary cooking appliance having an open cooking surface incorporating electric heating, e.g. a cooktop, deep fat fryer, barbecue griddle or similar.
The switch must operate in all active conductors and be mounted near the appliance in a visible and readily accessible position. Clause 4.7.3 and Figure 4.17 of the wiring rules dictate where the switch must be located, for example: Socket-outlets and switches must not be installed in a location shown in Figure 4.17, on any wall, cupboard or other surface within 150 mm of the edge of an open gas or electric cooking surface.
For new installations requiring shutting down for mechanical maintenance:
Clause 2.3.6 of the wiring rules provides that an isolator capable of disconnecting electricity supply (shutting down) shall be provided where mechanical maintenance of electrically powered equipment might involve a risk of physical injury.
The isolator must be lockable in the off position, the isolator is not required to be lockable if it is continuously under the control of the person performing maintenance and is not accessible by other persons whilst this work is under way.
The Rules for direct (like for like) replacements
Electrical licencing requirements for direct replacements:
Electricians holding an unrestricted electrical worker’s licence can undertake all direct replacements.
Restricted electrical license holders are limited to the disconnection of an old appliance and the reconnection of a new appliance to the circuit wiring within the scope of their licence, this licence class cannot modify circuits should the new appliance require changes to the circuit wiring.
Where the installation of an isolator is not required:
This section applies where the maximum demand of the new appliance has not increased or has decreased due to downsizing or increased efficiency.
For the direct replacement of an appliance where only disconnection and reconnection is required there is no requirement to fit an isolator to the circuit, this includes but is not limited to motors, hot water systems and stoves and cooktops.
Clause 1.9.3.2 of the wiring rules allows repairs to existing electrical installations to use methods, fixtures and fittings that were acceptable when that part of the electrical installation was originally installed.
The rules for modifying circuit wiring
Electrical licencing requirements for direct replacements:
Only electricians holding an unrestricted electrical worker’s licence can undertake modification of circuit wiring.
Isolators and RCD’s required for modified circuits:
Isolators for the safe isolation of electrical articles are required to be fitted where an alteration is made to circuit wiring as if this is a new installation discussed previously in this document.
As this is an alteration to circuit wiring a residual current device must be installed at the switchboard if one is not already fitted as dictated by Clause 2.6.3.2.5 of the wiring rules.
The legislation
Section 29 of the Act, Safety duty of installers
A person who installs electrical equipment or an electrical installation must ensure that:
- it is installed in a manner that is safe from electrical risk and in accordance with the regulations; and
- the processes followed to install it make it safe from electrical risk when installed; and
- it is examined and tested in accordance with the regulations to be safe from electrical risk; and
- the notifications required under the regulations are complied with.
Section 30 of the Act, Safety duty of repairers
A person who repairs electrical equipment or an electrical installation must ensure that:
- the manner in which the equipment or installation is repaired is safe from electrical risk; and
- the processes of repair make the equipment or installation, when repaired, safe from electrical risk; and
- the equipment or installation, when repaired, is safe from electrical risk; and
- the person tests and examines the repaired equipment or installation to ensure it is safe from electrical risk.
Regulation 88 of the Regulations, Compliance with current standards
A person performing electrical work on electrical equipment, an electrical installation or electrical infrastructure must ensure the work complies with the Wiring Rules.
Note for regulation 88
The Wiring Rules require compliance with the standard that is applicable at the time of the electrical work.
Regulation 90 of the Regulations, to comply with Wiring Rules
(1) A person who performs electrical work on an electrical installation must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the electrical installation, to the extent it is affected by the electrical work, complies with:
- the Wiring Rules; and
- in the case of an electrical installation used for construction work – the Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 3012 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites); and
- any other requirement specified by the operator of the transmission or distribution network to which the installation is, or will be, connected.
(2) A person commits an offence if the person contravenes subregulation (1).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3) An offence against subregulation (2) is an offence of strict liability.
Regulation 91 of the Regulations, Duty of person conducting business or undertaking
(1) A person conducting a business or undertaking that performs electrical work on an electrical installation must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the electrical installation, to the extent it is affected by the electrical work, complies with:
- the Wiring Rules; and
- in the case of an electrical installation used for construction work – the Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 3012 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites); and
- any other requirement specified by the operator of the transmission or distribution network to which the installation is, or will be, connected.
(2) A person commits an offence if the person contravenes subregulation (1).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3) An offence against subregulation (2) is an offence of strict liability.