Compliance
The new Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules), is intended to replace the old AS/NZS 3000:2007. However NZBC G9/VM1 cites AS/NZS 3000:2007, so AS/NZS 3000:2018 will be an Alternative solution until G9/VM1 is updated in the future.
Changes
This new edition, with over 600 pages, expands coverage on electrical installations, improves safeguards and brings industry requirements in line with best practice.
There are over 200 changes covering:
- Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
- Mains switches
- Kitchens
- Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs)
- Switchboards
- Electric Vehicle Charging Systems
- Lifts
- Safety Services
- Alterations and repairs
- Water heaters
- Conductors
- Outbuildings
- Recessed lighting and more.
- Revised formatting for easier understanding
The development of this new Standard was apparently based on:
- new technology, new equipment and improved installation techniques
- industry feedback regarding readability and compliance
- identification and clarification of normative (mandatory) requirements and informative guidance material
- experience gained in the application of the previous edition as expressed to Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia
Masterspec
This new Standard was published on 26 June 2018, which has left Masterspec with no time to consider the changes for our 1 July release. Masterspec will review the new Standard and decide on a course of action over the next few months. In the mean time the old Standard AS/NZS 3000:2007 is still cited by NZBC G9/VM1, and so is a legitimate compliance path.
You may be asking the question "what about NZBC G9/AS1"? Other than a few clauses on heights for persons with disabilities, NZBC G9/AS1 cites NZECP 51 (2004) Electrical code of practice for homeowner/occupier’s electrical wiring work in domestic installations as the only means of compliance. NZECP 51 is not really adequate for specifying electrical work as it is aimed at a homeowner doing their own work and is out of date with regards other key legislation.
Masterspec do not recommend using NZBC G9/AS1 with NZECP 51. However in researching this issue, in some Masterspec electrical sections we did find one isolated clause instance using NZBC G9/AS1, but in combination with AS/NZS 3000:2007. Although it is not totally wrong it was undesirable so the reference to G9/AS1 has now been deleted.
Note NZBC G9/AS1 may still be used for the few clauses on heights for persons with disabilities.
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