The 21st Annual NESMA conference had a record number of attendees, all keen to learn about the future of the switchboard industry, as a raft of opportunities arise with the continued growth of Electric Vehicles (EVs), data centres, and infrastructure.
Held on November 9 in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, the annual conference was a chance for the industry to discuss challenges and opportunities, and work together for a safer and better future for the switchboard industry.
“Over the past year, switchboard manufacturers have faced significant challenges, but through industry collaboration, smart investments, and effective government and community engagement, there are opportunities to mitigate these challenges,” says Anthony Spadavecchia, President of NESMA South Australia (this year’s conference hosts), and Managing Director of BE Switchcraft.
“The Annual Conference is an ideal opportunity for industry collaboration, and it was rewarding to see such a large turnout. This year we established a new NESMA Queensland branch, to provide leadership and a unified voice for the industry in the State,” he added.
NESMA greatly appreciates the support of its conference sponsors, who make this event possible each year, including Platinum sponsor Schneider Electric, Gold sponsors IPD and NHP, and Bronze sponsors APS, Eltech, and EMKA.
Conference attendees were given an inspirational keynote address from Derrick McManus, a former SAS operative who survived being shot 14 times, and uses his story to inspire leadership, strength, and durability.
Derrick turned adversity into opportunity by creating the “Centre for Human Durability” which has a purpose to enable people, leaders, and organisations to have the confidence, courage, and capacity to comfortably make better decisions and take more decisive action on large or small challenges, to create successful outcomes.
Switchboard Compliance and Standards Review
An informative guest presentation on switchboard compliance and Standards was given by Jeff Davis, Chair of Committee, EL-006 Industrial Controlgear and Switchgear.
Jeff covered AS61439, both present and future, as well as placing a particular focus on arc fault management.
“Arc Fault Containment testing is continually being developed and refined in IEC 61641, including companion standards. IEC research on solar gain and its effects on equipment due to additional heat loads is compelling and cannot be ignored. Arc Fault mitigation systems have increased in number and complexity and are used in combinations to achieve greater results,” said Jeff.
State of the Industry
Each State president presented on the switchboard industry in their region, looking at current challenges, and future opportunities. These included:
- South Australia: Members are keeping an eye on competition from overseas imports that are cheaper, but do not match the quality of locally manufactured product. For a small State, members operate in a huge diversity of industries, including LV, MV, HV, kiosk substations, custom built, light and power, commercial & industrial manufacturers, automation panel manufacturers, switch room manufacturers, protection panels, and modular manufacturers. All members are dedicated to Standards compliance, and the growth of the industry as a whole.
- Victoria: The industry is industry is currently navigating several significant challenges, including rising operational costs, labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and intensifying competition. By addressing labour market constraints, supply chain issues, and advocating for regulatory adjustments, the industry can continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.
- New South Wales: Limited skilled migration and the catch up after Covid has not yet filled gaps in the market, and there is a recognised need for an additional 30,000 electricians in the coming years. The industry is ever-changing, and NESMA members have an opportunity to help it in the right direction with apprentices, staff training and development, and encouraging the uptake of new and responsible technologies.
- Queensland: With more than 20 new members signed up since its inauguration in July, NESMA Queensland is going from strength to strength. NESMA members are hoping to clear up confusion in the market about different rules and regulation changes. Customers are wanting increased electrical supply, as EVs, Solar, and Battery usage increases across the State.
- Western Australia: The strength of the mining industry has made for a busy year in WA, with flow-on effects to other industries, but at the same time, this has made labour sourcing more difficult, with workers drawn to higher wages at mine sites.
Partners Program
The Partners Program was a huge success this year, with attendees experiencing the “indulgent experience” at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, including an interactive cooking demonstration, wine tasting, and a delicious, seasonal lunch at The Farm Eatery.
“The Partners Program was an ideal way to mix fun and social networking in with the business and technical elements of the conference,” said Anthony Spadavecchia.
Industry Seminar
Following the Annual Conference, NESMA hosted its Industry Seminar to educate attendees on the latest advances in the industry. Presentations were provided by David Webb, NESMA Victoria President, and active member of the standards committee for EL1-AS3000, and Jeff Davis.
The presentations focused on the potential dangers associated with old switchboards, and how the industry can enhance safety and compliance. In particular, it looked at standardisation of assemblies to ensure interoperability, safety, and ease of specification for a range of applications.
“We wanted to remove any confusion or misunderstandings around the AS/NZS 3439 and AS/NZS 61439. The AS/NZS 61439 series is mandated in AS/NZS 61439 and due consideration must be placed on the User Guide SA/SNZ TR 61439.0,” said David Webb.
After the Seminar sponsors had an opportunity to present their products at an exhibition open to all attendees.
Conclusion
The 21st Annual NESMA Conference provided the opportunity for members across Australia to come together, network, share knowledge, and drive the industry forward, in a time of rapid change and opportunity.
Across the different States, members were acutely aware of challenges such as labour shortages, supply chain difficulties, cheaper imported products, and regulatory changes. They were also optimistic about the opportunities brought about by the need for more electrical supply to power EVs, Solar, Battery Storage, Data Centres, and generally increasing needs from modern technology.
Next year’s Annual Conference will be held in Melbourne, with details to be sent to NESMA members closer to the date.
