Recently Standards New Zealand have replaced, updated and proposed for withdrawal quite a number number of Standards. The effects on Masterspec sections are not major, but include the following.
AS/NZS 3112: 2017, Approval and Testing Specification - Plugs and Socket-outlets
This new Standard supersedes the old version AS/NZS 3112: 2011. The new Standard has had a range of updates, particularly the inclusion of plugs to suit connections to modern electronic equipment like integral or detachable plug portions. Note: There are a number of particular updates that fall into a transition period of 18 months, which may complicate the situation slightly for manufacturers.
Masterspec sections refer to this Standard but the updates have little effect on the references.
NZS 3101.1 (&.2): 2006 A3, Concrete Structures Standard
Amendment 3 to NZS 3101.1 (& 2) involves significant revision and the introduction of new material. It has been primarily developed to address recommendations from the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission. In addition, errors in the original published standard and commentary have been corrected and included in this amendment.
Masterspec sections refer to this Standard but the updates have had very little effect on the references. However we have taken this opportunity to make changes to improve the consistency of how we reference NZS 3101.1 & 2.
AS/NZS 1554.1:2014 A2 - Structural steel welding - Welding of steel structures
AS/NZS 1554.4:2014 A1 - Structural steel welding - Welding of high strength quenched and tempered steels
AS/NZS 1554.5:2014 A2 - Structural steel welding - Welding of steel structures subject to high levels of fatigue loading
The very minor amendments to these AS/NZS 1554 Standards have no effect on references in Masterspec sections.
It is worth noting, AS/NZS 1554 welding Standards are referenced in NZS 3404.1, and NZS 3404.1: 1997 A2 is cited in NZBC B1/VM1. However NZS 3404.1 1997 A2 does not say what year the AS/NZS 1554's are, only that they are the latest, which presumably for AS/NZS 1554.1&5 is the 2004 versions. The latest version NZS 3404.1: 2009 (not cited in NZBC B1/VM1) does refer to AS/NZS 1554.1&5: 2004.
Masterspec, for Health and Safety reasons, are referring to the latest versions of these Standards as they have been updated a number of times since 2004.
AS/NZS 3500.1: 2015 A1 Plumbing and Drainage - Water Services
AS/NZS 3500.4: 2015 A1 Plumbing and Drainage - Heated Water Services
Although both of these Standards are cited in NZBC G12/AS1 Water Supplies and NZBC G12/AS2 Solar Water Heaters, the amendments are minor (mainly for Australia) and have no effect on references in Masterspec sections.
AS/NZS 4331.1:1995 - Metallic flanges - Steel flanges
AS/NZS 4331.2:1995 - Metallic flanges - Cast iron flanges
AS/NZS 4331.3:1995 - Metallic flanges - Copper alloy and composite flanges
These Standards on pipe flanges are proposed to be withdrawn, with no apparent replacement. The series of these Standards is referred to in the Masterspec Services section 7614 MECHANICAL PUMPS. However, the reference has now been deleted as metal pipe flanges were already covered by other referenced Standards.
AS/NZS 60695.11.5:2005 - Fire hazard testing - Test flames - Needle-flame test method - Apparatus, conformity test arrangement and guidance
This Standard is proposed to be withdrawn, with no apparent replacement. This may cause some issues as this is the compliance Standard used for residential building insulation in relation to proximity to recessed lights. The issue is a complex one involving the NZBC and numerous Standards.
For residential applications NZBC C/AS1 and C/AS2 cites AS/NZS 60598.2.2:2001 for recessed lights (types CA 80, CA 135, IC and IC - F), which in turn cites AS/NZS 60695.11.5:2005 for the needle flame test for insulation. Insulation is required to pass the needle flame test if it is abutting or covering the recessed fittings. Most major insulation products meet this requirement.
So, as AS/NZS 60598.2.2:2001 is cited in NZBC C/AS1 and C/AS2, then AS/NZS 60695.11.5:2005 forms part of the Acceptable Solution.
Similarly AS/NZS 60598.2.2:2001 is cited in AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations, so AS/NZS 60695.11.5:2005 forms part of the compliance with the Electrical Regulations.
Further to that AS/NZS 60695.11.5:2005 is directly cited in NZS 4246:2016 Energy Efficiency - Installing Bulk Thermal Insulation In Residential Buildings, which is a very important guide to insulation separation gaps.
Interestingly the new 2016 version of AS/NZS 60598.2.2 (which is not cited in NZBC C/AS1 and C/AS2) does not cite AS/NZS 60695.11.5 (or Euro equivalent) for building insulation purposes. In fact it is quite light on requirements for the insulation. It is difficult to say what will happen in the future if the Code updates to the new Standard.
Masterspec will continue on the basis of the Acceptable Solutions, with the related sections remaining as they are until such time as the NZBC C/AS1 and C/AS2 change.