This month we are covering Standards updates on a number of; different pipe materials, minor electrical appliance applications as well as a Gypsum Lining Standard.

On the 30th November 2018 the transition period for amendments to seven Acceptable Solutions and four Verification Methods started which will all become compulsory on the 31st March 2019. Although we indicated this before Christmas we can now give you more detail on the changes.

Altus NZ Ltd are currently undertaking a complete review of their existing sections. This involves the introduction of new sections, the replacement of some sections and major changes to others; all as part of a rebranding exercise of Fletcher Aluminium and NALCO to ALTUS. The changes may mean that you should look at updating any current specifications or office masters to the latest section.

Imagine the common scenario where the home owner selects and supplies the all-electric cooking appliance late in the project. However, at the finishing stages of the project the cooking appliance arrives but is found to be a much higher amperage than has been allowed for. If the appliance must be used, then what are the ramifications?

Standards have been very busy recently updating all sorts of Standards. This month we are covering updates on Polyethylene (PE) pipes and thermal insulation. Next month among other things we hope to deal with gypsum linings, a lot more pipes and floor coverings

It’s been a busy year with several changes in Engineering compliance within the industry which has affected us all. The major changes have been around structural and cold formed steel, and they have instigated many changes to the Masterspec engineering sections....

In response to some specifier requests we have added to the hot and cold water sections details on hot water temperatures and instantaneous electric water heaters (similar to gas continuous flow units).

Masterspec are pleased to announced the launch of the new Open BIM Object standard. This new standard is the result of several years’ work led by Masterspec (New Zealand) and NATSPEC (Australia). Its intent is to support the sector’s drive for a more efficient and defined way of working together.

AS/NZS 3100:2017 (plus Amend 1) - Approval and test specification - General requirements for electrical equipment, although originally published in January 2017, deliberately and officially does not supersede the old 2009 version until 13 January 2019. Find out more...

Seven new automated "schedule sections" have been added to Masterspec. These replace and expand on the schedule tabs which were located within a number of general sections. The change increases the visibility of schedules within the specification and allows them to be identified as separate packages of information. Read here for more....