Can you believe we’re nearly halfway through 2018 already?
This month I’m giving you a heads up about some changes being introduced by the Wiring Rules Standard (AS/NZS 3000). If you’re having any new cabling fitted or switchboards installed or updated from June onwards, you’ll be affected.
Also, if you feel like you’re forever changing the batteries in your smoke detectors, I have a handy, energy-efficient solution for you to consider.
You can rely on Ku-ring-gai Electrical Services for all your home and office wiring needs. If you want an electrician who’s always on top of industry compliance issues and will never risk your family’s safety, call us on 0418 442 578 or email info@kuring.com.au.
Cheers,
Matt Cox
New Wiring Rules improve safety
How safe is the cabling in your home or workplace? In Australia, the electrical industry is highly regulated. All electrical work is done by licenced electricians like me and my team which is why you can be confident it’s safe.
In June this year, the new Wiring Rules Standard (AS/NZS 3000) comes into effect. It includes revised mandatory requirements for work involving cabling and switchboards.
Cabling refers to wiring for your lights and powerpoints. These are the cables that are hidden in wall cavities and behind plasterboard, splashbacks or tiles in your home or office.
All new cabling must have special labelling to be compliant with the Standard. But don’t worry, there’s no other change, so your existing wiring is safe.
You can trust that all work done by Ku-ring-gai Electrical Services is compliant. We always stay up-to-date with state and federal legislation – just one more reason to choose us for your electrical work.
But, if you engage another electrician, remember to ask them about using cabling that complies with the new Standard from June onwards.
Other Changes
There are other changes which relate to updating existing switchboards or installing new ones. Existing switchboards contain individual circuits for items such as the fridge, oven, air conditioner, hot water system, lights and power.
Currently, switchboards often use one safety switch to protect multiple circuits. As a result, if there is a problem with one circuit in the switchboard it will trip the safety switch and turn everything off.
Under the new Standard, each circuit in the switchboard must now be protected by a safety switch as well as a circuit breaker. So, for example, a problem detected with your oven’s circuit will only trigger its safety switch, making it easier to identify where the problem is.
Electrical fires are often caused by faulty small appliances or animals chewing through cables. One option for added protection from electrical fires is a type of circuit breaker called an ARC Fault Detection Device (AFDD).
These circuit breakers are more sensitive, so detect a problem earlier and trip the safety switch before a fire starts. They are ideal for older homes or historic buildings where old wiring can catch fire quickly.
These devices also work well for buildings fitted with sprinkler systems like offices, art galleries or museums, where water can cause as much damage as fire.
If you’d like to know more about retro-fitting circuit breakers or installing new compliant switchboards or cabling to your home or office, get in touch.
Dreaming of fuss-free smoke detectors?
Smoke detectors save lives but obviously, they have to be working to be effective. That’s why you need to change the batteries regularly and make sure the detector is functioning properly.
If you feel changing the batteries every 6-12 months is a bit tedious or even wasteful, why not switch to a photoelectric smoke detector with a rechargeable lithium ion battery. They provide a set-and-forget option that, in my opinion, is also safer.
Having rechargeable batteries means you never need to change the battery. However, by law, you must replace the whole unit (that’s smoke detector and battery) every 10 years.
For complete peace of mind, you should still check your smoke alarms every month using the fitted test button.
If this sounds like a more appealing choice of smoke detector for your home or office, you can find out more by calling 0418 442 578 or emailing info@kuring.com.au.
