Use of annealed, compressed (compacted) or hard drawn type conductors and cables
This electrical information bulletin has been developed to assist industry, electrical contractors and electricians with compliance requirements when using annealed, compressed (compacted) or hard drawn type conductors during the installation of electrical switchboards and metering panels where movement may be required due to a hinged door or escutcheon panel.
Annealed, compressed (compacted) or hard drawn type conductors are designed for fixed applications only. The flexibility of the conductors is limited due to compacted conductors and the insulation and sheath thickness of such conductors and cables is also reduced as per AS/NZS 5000.1. These types of conductors are usually distinguishable from soft drawn type conductors due to having a significantly higher tensile strength, are much more difficult to bend and the twisting pattern of the conductors is usually evident through the insulation.
AS/NZS 3000:2018 – 3.3.2.8(e) requires wiring systems to be selected and installed so as to minimise the risk of damage to the cable insulation, sheathing and connections during installation, operation and maintenance. Measures to minimize damage may include the provision of flexibility to accommodate any movement or tension stresses.
Where movement is required after installation and whilst the conductors are energised the conductor type used needs to be suitable for the application and the conductors or cable need to be installed so that there is no mechanical stress on any connection. This may be achieved by using soft drawn copper or flexible type conductors and fixing the cable in place where it traverses the hinged joint or part where movement will occur
Power Water Corporation NP010 Meter Manual - 5.7.4.1 also does not allow compressed (compacted) or hard drawn conductors to be used for meter wiring due to the conductors needing to be flexible to bend into the meter terminals.
