The latest NESMA NSW breakfast seminar has opened up vital discussions on switchboard compliance, new updates, and how the industry can work together to achieve better outcomes.
With the latest updates to AS/NZS 61439, solar radiation testing of switchboards was a hot topic. Solar radiation exposure was not addressed in the old AS/NZS 3439 Standard, but AS/NZS 61439 includes a national variation for testing and comparison.
Solar radiation testing for outdoor switchboards evaluates how direct sunlight and heat buildup (solar gain) affect internal components. This testing measures internal temperature rise and material degradation to ensure compliance with AS/NZS 61439 standards and prevent overheating or component failure.
Guest speakers from the NSW Building Commission, NHP, and NECA all gave insightful presentations on topics related to Standards, compliance, and safety.
NESMA NSW President and Director of Controlling Power, Scott Emerson, says these seminars are a fantastic way to network, learn from one another, and raise the bar for the industry as a whole.
“At the end of the day, Standards are there for a reason – to make sure workers and the public are protected from hazards and dangerous incidents. Keeping updated with the latest Standards, and actually understanding them, is a key part of NESMA’s role in the industry,” he adds.
NSW Building Commission updates
Bruce Blacker, Manager, Compliance, Electrical Installations for the NSW Building Commission, gave a presentation on the Commission’s role and what they are doing in the safety and compliance space.
Referring to the Commission’s purpose “to regulate the NSW construction industry, protecting consumers and supporting housing supply targets,” Bruce spoke about the most common non-compliances, and how we can address them.
Common non-compliances included:
- Inadequate or incorrect signage and labelling, noting how proper labelling can save lives
- Overseas equipment being used, even though it does not comply to Australian Standards
- Second-hand switchboards being used in new installations
Bruce also reinforced the importance of ensuring apprentices are supervised in accordance with Supervision Practice Standard for Apprentices.
He identified key challenges facing the industry, including:
- Shortage of licensed electricians
- Uptake of household solar and battery installations
- Ensuring adequate training to meet future needs
- Increased complexity of electrical installations
Switchboard compliance and standards review
Jeff Davis, NHP Channel Manager – Regulatory and Standardisation, presented on switchboard compliance and gave a review on Australian Standards, IEC Standards, and the future of Standards, including those under review.
Jeff particularly focused on switchboard alterations, and how to ensure the switchboard remains compliant, including air circuit breaker (ACB) retrofits and avoiding a “carriage in carriage” non-compliant installation.
He also went into detail about solar radiation testing, including material colour, irradiance, and how to provide verification by test, noting that 125 mm diameter, 235/245 V tungsten filament heat lamps with a hard glass infrared reflector and a clear finish are deemed to provide a suitable source of heat for testing purposes.
NECA supports switchboard compliance
Mark Henson, Technical Advisor, National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) addressed some of the most common questions regarding switchboard compliance. NECA’s in-house technical experts provide support on all Australian standards, including wiring rules, service and installation rules, and state electricity regulations.
Mark covered site audits and face-to-face support, which can improve real-time compliance and quality assurance outcomes. He also went through the evolution of the first rules, through to 3439, and now into 61439.
Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) had a five-year period to transition to the new Standard, but NECA could see that progress was slow, so they worked with industry professionals and organisations like NESMA to understand the reasons behind the slow transition.
Mark and NECA’s findings showed that “the DNSPs identified that there were a lot of switchboards still being built that could not demonstrate compliance to AS/NZS 61439 but more so it was identified they could not show compliance to AS/NZS 3439 either.”
Mark’s proposed solution – which started with his time at Ausgrid and continues today with NECA – included:
- Step 1: Work with industry professionals like NESMA to ensure there is a solid understanding of what compliance looks like
- Step 2: Create the compliance statement for switchboards over 100 A
- The compliance statement is a document filled out by industry professionals when it comes to switchboard compliance. It also helps the DNSP’s quickly navigate switchboard reviews for larger projects that require the attendance of an inspector.
NESMA regularly hosts seminars, conferences, training, demonstrations, and events across Australia, designed to increase the knowledge of member companies, and allow the industry to work together to achieve higher standards.
