Electrical industry update. Electrical inspectors get a makeover. Unmetered supply update. In this issue

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Ophelia Bryant
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Electrical industry update November 2016 In this issue Unmetered supply update Electrical inspectors get a makeover Are you complying with the WADCM?

installations at the point of supply, either at a mini pillar, uni pillar or underground pit.

1 Electrical industry update November 2016 In this issue Unmetered supply update Electrical inspectors get a makeover Are you complying with the WADCM? Checking and testing pays off Inspection summary AS/NZS 3000:2007 defect analysis Unmetered supply update It has come to our attention some electricians have been accessing unmetered supply installations at the point of supply, either at a mini pillar, uni pillar or underground pit. These activities are not permitted and it is important to note that Contractor Connect accreditation does not give electrical contractors authority to undertake these works. Only Western Power network authorised personnel can energise unmetered supply installations. Western Power has recently updated its unmetered supply process to reflect this change. The process for installation, energisation, disconnection and reconnection of unmetered supplies is available on Western Power s website The Un metered Supply Standard is also available from the website. Electrical inspectors get a makeover In September 2016 the Electrical Systems Inspections business area of Western Power became WA Electrical Inspectors After 12 months of consultation, preparation and planning, Western Power s electrical inspectors have become the WA Electrical Inspectors (WAEI). The transition to the new brand includes a new look and a new website. The new look will help community members and electrical contractors easily identify our inspectors from other tradespeople or maintenance teams attending a property. WAEIs play an important role in keeping the community safe by visiting homes, commercial premises and construction sites to check that work carried out by electrical contractors is safe and meets regulations. Our inspectors visit around 25,000 properties each year within Western Power s South West to undertake inspections of new electrical installations. The team also carries out investigations into electrical fire and electric shock incidents. WAEI is owned and operated by Western Power. Inspectors are designated by the industry regulator, EnergySafety, under the Energy Coordination Act Check out the new WAEI website ( to see the inspector s new look. Page 1

installations within Western Power s South West Interconnected Network (SWIN), Horizon Power s North West Interconnected System (NWIS) and Non Interconnected System (NIS).

Checking and testing pays off Reverse polarity socket outlet identified during an inspection. Proper checking and testing procedures could have prevented this defect.

2 Are you complying with the WADCM? The WA Distribution Connections Manual (or WADCM) outlines the requirements that must be met to allow connection of consumer electrical installations to the distribution network The WADCM applies to installations within Western Power s South West Interconnected Network (SWIN), Horizon Power s North West Interconnected System (NWIS) and Non Interconnected System (NIS). Installations found to be non compliant with the WADCM are not able to be connected to Western Power s network. The WADCM can be downloaded from Western Power s website. Visit and search for WADCM. Checking and testing pays off Reverse polarity socket outlet identified during an inspection. Proper checking and testing procedures could have prevented this defect. Inspection summary Between April and September, WA Electrical Inspectors performed 11,565 inspections and identified 2,342 defects During the same period, 50,829 notices were received for work on consumer electrical installations undertaken by private electrical contractors and WAEI undertook 11,565 inspections, identified 2,342 defects (337 of which were serious) and issued 1,398 inspector orders. In recent times, the WAEI has noticed an increase in the number of Inspector Orders issued for non compliant work. Most of these orders were for non serious defects but could have been prevented by proper checking and testing procedures. In fact, most of the defects are identified by visual inspection. Electrical contractors are encouraged to ensure they have adequate checking, testing and auditing procedures in place. A well managed checking and testing system can help prevent unsafe situations and reduce inefficiencies as a result of having to revisit worksites to rectify defects. Chart: Inspection summary April 2016 to September 2016 Please note: Electrical contractors are required, by law, to submit a duly completed notice of completion to the relevant supply authority within 3 business days of completing notifiable electrical installing work. A sampled inspection system is used by WAEI to select work for inspection. The sampling rate is based on the electrical worker s experience (i.e. work volume) and the quality of past work. When an Inspector identifies a defect in an installation, an Inspector s Order will be issued. If the defect is considered serious, the worker s sample rate will be reset to 1. Page 2

AS/NZS 3000:2007 defect analysis Our 6 monthly inspector order

over the period April 2016 to September 2016.

Pay particular attention to the requirements of clause 4.5.2.3.1.

3 AS/NZS 3000:2007 defect analysis Our 6 monthly inspector order analysis identifies trends and emerging issues with installation practices in the electrical industry. The following charts provide a summary of our latest analysis over the period April 2016 to September Recessed luminaires continue to be an issue. Pay particular attention to the requirements of clause A common defect identified during our inspections is failure to adequately provide fire seals at switchboards. See clause Page 3

4 Missing or very poor quality underground cable location plans create the biggest problem here. Refer to clause Pay particular attention to recessed luminaire installation (clause ) and ensure warning signs are provided (clause ). Page 4

5 Earth connection labelling (clause ) and the location of the main earth at the switchboard (clause ) are two areas to watch. Ensure required clearances are provided in restricted zones in accordance with clause Page 5

6 Solar system labelling is an ongoing issue. Ensure compliance with AS/NZS 5033:2014 and :2016. Checking and testing in accordance with clauses and will assist with defect prevention. Page 6

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

3.4 UNMETERED CONNECTIONS This section pertains to the conditions of service and supply of electrical energy for unmetered connections. Unmetered connections are categorized as equal to GS < 50 kw class