Electrical practices — construction and demolition sites fact sheet
This fact sheet explains how to apply the requirements shown in AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – construction and demolition sites (AS/NZS 3012), which is called up as a mandatory standard by clause 163 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (WHS Regulation).
The standard sets out minimum requirements for the design, construction and testing of electrical installations that supply electricity to appliances and equipment on construction and demolition sites, and for the in-service testing of portable, transportable and fixed electrical equipment.
Work carried out on electrical installations used on construction and demolition sites must also be carried out in accordance with AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules), except as varied by AS/NZS 3012 where applicable additional controls apply.
Supply
(Refer to section two of AS/NZS 3012)
Construction wiring must be supplied from:
- electricity distributor's main
- existing switchboard in the permanent installation of the premises
- low voltage generator complying with AS2790 installed in accordance with AS 3010, or
- inverter complying with the requirements of AS/NZS 4763.
Construction wiring (Construction and demolition wiring) means wiring systems installed to provide electrical supply for construction and demolition work, and is not intended to form part of the permanent electrical installation. The term includes:
- consumer mains and sub-mains supplying site switchboards
- sub-mains to site facilities in which electricity is used, such as sheds, amenities or transportable structures
- final sub-circuits connected at circuit-breakers on a site switchboard, supplying plant, construction equipment such as temporary construction lighting, auxiliary socket-outlet panels, hoists, cranes, and personnel lifts.
Construction wiring does not include flexible extension cords or flexible cables used to connect portable plug-in electrical equipment or luminaries to a socket outlet.
Construction wiring must:
- not be tied, bundled, or grouped with permanent wiring
- not be fixed to free standing fences that have no fixed posts (or equivalent means of support)
- be protected against risk of damage using medium or heavy duty rigid or corrugated conduit of insulating material, armoured cable, or flexible electrical hose, or other equivalent protection unless the risk assessment shows such protection is not necessary to maintain electrical safety. The following situations are examples where the installation of construction wiring would require mechanical protection:
- on any surface within 2.5 m of the floor or ground level
- on any surface and within 150 mm of, or attached to, scaffolding
- on formwork decks
- under a concrete ceiling slab more than 150 mm away from the juncture of the ceiling slab and a wall or beam that would otherwise provide protection
- within 150 mm of unearthed metal structures being installed as part of the construction process (eg sheet metal ducts and hydraulic piping)
- across the top of transportable structures, storage containers, shipping containers or the like
- across or over metallic roofs or edges
- in adverse environments.
- be marked with iridescent yellow tape with the words 'construction wiring' spaced at intervals not exceeding five metres to be readily distinguishable from permanent wiring
- be positioned to avoid crossing roadways or access ways where cranes, high loads or heavy machinery may travel. If this is not possible, an effective means to minimize the risk of vehicular contact with the overhead wiring system must be provided (such as insulated flagged catenary wires six metres on either side of the overhead wiring and 0.6 m below the lowest point of the overhead electrical cable). All construction wiring, including overhead type, must be insulated.
Switchboards installed on construction and demolition sites
(Refer to section 2.3 of AS/NZS 3012)
Switchboard installation and location:
- be installed in accordance with AS/NZS 3000 Wiring rules
- be readily accessible and must be protected from damage during the course of the construction or demolition work
- be mounted on a pole, post, wall, floor or other structure of stable and free standing design that takes into account any external forces that may be exerted on the switchboard
- be marked with the source of the supply and where it originates from
- multi-level buildings, be positioned in a manner that eliminates the need for flexible cords or cables to be run between floor levels.
Switchboard construction
- Switchboards must be constructed of robust material capable of withstanding damage from influences that may be expected at the location.
- The enclosure of the switchboard must have a minimum degree of protection of IP23a.
- Energised (live) parts must be effectively protected at all times against contact by workers.
- An insulated or covered tie bar must be provided for anchorage of flexible cords to prevent strain on the plugs and socket outlets.
- Switchboard doors must not be of the removable type (unless with a tool) and be fitted with a locking facility (for locking overnight or when not in use). They must also be fitted with means for retaining the door in the open position.
- Switchboards must have a cut out (not sharp to prevent cables being cut, ie by providing brushing or plastic hose around it) in the bottom plate to allow safe entry of electrical leads with the door closed. A label must be fixed to the switchboard stating 'KEEP CLOSED – RUN ALL LEADS THROUGH BOTTOM'.
- If more than one switchboard is located on a site, markings must be provided to distinguish one switchboard from another.
- Switchboards must be marked with an electric shock symbol and a danger sign (as per below) warning workers of the presence of energised or live parts within the switchboard.
Isolating switches, RCDs, socket outlets, auxiliary socket outlet panels, portable socket outlet panels, generators and inverters
(Refer to section 2.4 – 2.6.12 of AS/NZS 3012)
Isolating switches/main switches
- Each switchboard must be provided with one marked isolating switch which, if switched off, will interrupt supply to all final sub-circuits and sub-mains originating from the switchboard, including socket outlets mounted on the switchboard.
- The switchboard must be provided with a means to prevent electrical equipment from being inadvertently energised while undertaking work on electrical installations (provision for fitting a padlock or located within a lockable space or enclosure).
- Main switchboard isolating switches must be marked 'MAIN SWITCH' and the distribution board isolating switches must be marked 'DISTRIBUTION BOARD ISOLATING SWITCH'.
RCDsb
- All final sub-circuits of construction wiring must be protected at the switchboard where the sub-circuits originate by a residual current device (RCD), with a maximum rated residual current of 30mA, that operates in all live (active and neutral) conductors.
- All appliances, luminaries and other electrical equipment must be supplied from an RCD protected circuit that is fixed at the switchboard or incorporated into the socket-outlet or incorporated into a portable socket-outlet assembly.
Socket outlets
- Socket outlets must be rated at not less than 10A.
- Single-phase socket outlets must be individually controlled by a double-pole switch (active and neutral conductors are switched).
Portable socket outlet assemblies (PSOA)
- must comply with AS/NZS 3190 and be of class H (should be marked with these requirements)
- must have an overload protective device, RCD and plugs intended for connection of low-voltage socket-outlet
- flexible cable feeding the PSOA must be the heavy duty sheathed type not longer than two metres.
Auxiliary socket outlet
Assemblies must be:
- or robust construction to withstand mechanical damage and have a minimum IP23 rating
- located at a height of 1.2 to two metres above the floor level and be securely mounted to a fixed structure or a structure designed for that purpose
- supplied by an RCD protected circuit at the switchboard it originates from
- provided by a clearly marked 'isolating switch' that controls the incoming supply. Incoming supply cable must have a minimum cross sectional area of 4mm2
- provided by means to relieve strain on plug and socket outlets of flexible cables.
Example of an Auxiliary socket outlet
Cord extension sets (commonly known as extension leads)
- A flexible cord must be the heavy duty sheathed type (not green in colour) and each conductor in the flexible cord must be no less than 1mm2 in cross-sectional area.
- The plug and socket on either side of a cord extension set must be compliant with the relevant standard for their construction.
- The maximum length of a flexible cord, for a given conductor cross-sectional area, must comply with table one below.
- A cord extension set must not to be joined so that the total length of any combination exceeds the relevant maximum value specified in table one.
Note: Electrical portable outlets devices (EPODS), for example domestic type power boards, double adaptors and three pin plug adaptors (piggyback), are not allowed on construction and demolition sites.
Table one: (Maximum lengths of flexible cords and flexible cables) as per AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – construction and demolition sites.
Current rating (A) | Conductor size (mm2) | Maximum length (metres) |
---|---|---|
10 | 1.0 | 25 |
1.5 | 35 | |
15/16 | 1.5 | 25 |
2.5 | 40 | |
20 | 2.5 | 30 |
4.0 | 50 | |
Note: Lengths quoted for flexible cords are taken from AS/NZS 3199 and are based on a voltage drop of 5% of 230V at rated current for the conductor size. |
Generators and inverters
- Low voltage generators (complying with AS 2790) must be connected in accordance with AS/NZS 3010.
- All sub-mains, sub-circuits and switchboards supplied by a generator must be protected as per requirements outlined in this summary.
- Generators and inverters providing electrical supply via permanently connected RCDs must have a maximum tripping current of 30mA
- Isolated winding generators and isolated inverters must only be used to supply a separated circuit for electrical equipment installed in accordance with AS/NZS 3000 Wiring rules, and each winding must supply not more than one item of Class I (earthed conductive parts) electrical equipment.
Lighting, lift shafts, transportable structures
(Refer section 2.7 – 2.9 of AS/NZS 3012)
Lighting
- Where more than one lighting circuit is installed, the lighting circuits must be distributed between RCDs.
- The recommended minimum lighting level for walkways is 40 lx, and 160 lxc for general areas.
- Lamps in luminaires must be protected against mechanical damage.
- Sufficient lighting must be provided in locations including stairways, passageways and next to switchboards to allow safe access and exit.
- Edison screw type lamp holders must be connected to the supply with the neutral conductor connected to the outer contact.
- Festoon lighting must be connected to an Extra low Voltage power source (<50 V a.c). It must be suspended at a minimum height of 2.5m or above or directly below the ceiling.
- Portable luminaries (eg flood light tripods) must have a minimum degree of protection (refer to AS 60529), a mechanical guard on the lamp and adequate stability.
Lift shafts
- Construction wiring dedicated to the installation of lift shaft equipment must be fed from a separate final sub-circuit at the switchboard and protected by 30mA RCD.
- Circuit breakers must be locked and tagged to prevent the inadvertent isolation of supply to the lift shaft by others onsite.
- False cars (guided work platforms) must be supplied from a minimum 230V, 20A socket outlet on a final sub-circuit protected by a 30mA RCD. Supply cable must be of the heavy duty type, minimum conductor size 4mm2. The supply cable must be installed in a way to minimize mechanical damage and of sufficient length to cover the full length of the lift shaft.
Transportable structures
Electrical installations of transportable structures must comply with AS/NZS 3001 and the following:
- The installations must be supplied from a sub-main or final sub-circuit originating at a circuit breaker on a switchboard and installed as construction wiring.
- The installations must be supplied from a flexible cord and plug with a specific socket outlet with a degree of protection not less than IPX4. They must also be individually protected by a circuit breaker of a rating not greater than the socket outlet and be RCD protected. The supply cord must have a minimum cross sectional area of 2.5mm2 and be no longer than 15 metres.
- All socket outlets (inside/outside) must be RCD protected and only be used for equipment and lighting within the transportable structure or immediately adjacent the exterior. (Note: double pole switches must be used for socket outlets.)
Inspection, testing, record keeping
(Refer to section 3.1 – 3.10 of AS/NZS 3012)
Inspection and testing
- All construction wiring (both on construction and demolition sites), switchboards and transportable structures must be inspected and tested in accordance with AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules (safety and compliance test) by a licensed electrical worker (electrician) prior to energisation and re-inspected (visual inspection) in a period not exceeding six months (refer to table 2).
- For new equipment, prior to the initial introduction it must be inspected for obvious damage before being placed into service.
- All other electrical equipment including power tools, flexible cords, cord extension sets (extension leads) and portable socket outlet assemblies and portable RCDsb must be tested and inspected according to the methods in AS/NZS 3760 and in a period not exceeding three months. Inspection and testing can be carried out by a competent person (trained in use of RCD testers and Portable Appliance Testers PAT) or a licensed electrician.
- bThe RCD tests referred to above, test the tripping time which should be less than 300ms. A push button test is required every time a portable RCD unit is used, and monthly on fixed RCDs. This could be carried out by the user (worker) after being instructed on how to do it.
- For hire equipment, inspection prior to each hire and testing at not greater than monthly intervals. If hire equipment remains on site, then table two applies.
- Compliant equipment and equipment new to service must be fitted with a durable non-metallic tag that clearly states the date it was inspected and the next date of inspection. It should also include the name of the person that performed the verification and the standard it was tested to (AS/NZS 3760). Colour coded tags for each period are optional.
- Non-compliant equipment must be withdrawn from service immediately and labelled with suitable warning against further use. If sent for repairs, it must be re-tested once returned to site.
Record keeping and notification
Records of inspection and tests must be kept for the duration of the construction/demolition job. The following should be recorded and be available for inspection at all times.
- Register of all equipment.
- Record of formal inspections and tests.
- Repairs register and record of faulty equipment, where applicable.
Safety and compliance testing for construction wiring should be recorded on the Certificate of Compliance – Electrical Work (CCEW) form. The form must include:
- visual inspection date, checklist as per AS 3000,
- continuity of earthing system – values obtained for mains earth, bonding earth and protective earth,
- insulation resistance value,
- polarity - checklist, and
- RCD trip time values.
The CCEW should be sent, as soon as practicable but not later than 7 days, by the electrician to:
- The customer for whom the works is undertaken (i.e. principal contractor),
- The network owner for the new or upgraded connections to the electricity network or work on switchboards where circuits are being added or upgraded
- Fair trading
Note: When the electrical installation is a stand-alone system, i.e. from a generator and not connected to the grid, a copy of the CCEW form is not required to be supplied to the network owner.
Note: Electronic records (ie computer databases, excel spread sheets etc) are acceptable.
Table two: Periodic verification intervals (AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – construction and demolition sites)
Equipment class | Testing intervals |
---|---|
Construction wiring, including switchboards | Inspected and tested at prior to energisation, then re-inspected (visually) every 6 months |
Re-locatable structures, fixed and transportable equipment | 6 months |
Portable equipment and flexible electrical cords (extension leads) | 3 months |
Equipment in amenities and site offices | 3 months |
Portable RCDs – push button test | Before each use of equipment |
Portable RCDs – operating time | 3 months |
Fixed RCDs – push button test | 1 month |
Fixed RCDs – operating time | 12 months |
Hire equipment | Upon introduction to service, then in accordance with the testing intervals appropriate to the equipment class. |
Appendix one – Guide to arrangement of switchboards, construction wiring and equipment
Refer to Appendix J of AS/NZS 3012
Appendix two – AS/NZS 3012 – Electrical installations: construction and demolition sites checklist
Inspection checklist
Inspected by | Compliance date (DD/MM/YYYY) | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
/ | / |
Clause | AS/NZS 3012 requirements | Checked |
---|---|---|
1.2 | All wiring installed according to AS3000 Wiring rules in addition to AS3012 requirements. | |
2.1.2 | All electrical equipment and lighting supplied from a 30mA RCD protected circuit breaker(s). | |
2.1.3 | Source of supply identified. | |
2.3.1.1 | Switchboard readily accessible. | |
2.3.2.1 (ab) | Switchboard of robust construction with a minimum IP23 rating. | |
2.3.2.1 (c) | Live parts effectively protected and a warning sign attached along an electric shock symbol. | |
2.3.2.1 (d) | Insulated tie bar for extension leads to prevent strain on socket/outlet. | |
2.3.2.1 (e) | Switchboard door is lockable, non-removable without a tool and fitted with a retention device to stay in open position. | |
2.3.2.1 (e) | Switchboard has means of safe entry of leads and a label: KEEP CLOSED – RUN LEADS THROUGH BOTTOM. | |
2.3.3 | Switchboard mounted on a pole, structure, wall or suitably designed free standing design. | |
2.4.1 | Switchboard has a main isolation switch capable of isolating all downstream circuits. | |
2.4.2 | Main switch capable of being locked or within a lockable space. | |
2.4.3 | Main switch labelled appropriately: MAIN SWITCH or DISTRIBUTION BOARD ISOLATION SWITCH or similar. | |
2.5.3 | Construction wiring installed in appropriate conduit to protect against mechanical damage. | |
2.5.4 | Construction wiring labelled with yellow tape with words 'construction wiring' at distances not longer than five metres. | |
2.6.9 | Extension leads supported by stands or insulated hooks. | |
2.7.1 | Adequate lighting provided for safe work. | |
2.7.2 | Lighting is mechanically protected. | |
2.7.3 | Emergency lighting adequate for safe exit of workers (if applicable). | |
2.8.1 | If a lift shaft is present, the final sub-circuit feeding it is locked and tagged to prevent inadvertent isolation of supply. | |
2.9 | Socket outlets in site sheds and other transportable structures are RCD protected. | |
3.8.3 | Portable equipment including power leads are inspected at three-monthly intervals. | |
3.8.3 | Portable RCD's trip time is tested every 3 months. | |
3.8.3 | Switchboards, wiring and site sheds are inspected at six-monthly intervals. | |
3.10 | Register available for equipment and includes records of testing and tagging, RCD trip time results and list of repaired equipment. |
Action required |
---|
Re-inspected by | Compliance date (DD/MM/YYYY) | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
/ | / |
For more information and guidance material on construction work carried out in the vicinity of overhead wiring that is not classified as construction wiring, see the SafeWork Australia guidance material on working in the vicinity of overhead and underground electric lines.
The SafeWork NSW guide on work near underground assets provides more information for work carried out near underground assets (eg power lines, telecommunications, gas, water) and our page on power lines has useful information including a video on working near underground assets.
a Note: IP23 refers to the degree of protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment. According to AS60529 Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code), IP23 refers to an enclosure (in this case an electrical switchboard) that is protected against access to hazardous parts with a finger and also protected against water spraying.
b Note: Testing and inspection requirements are discussed further in this fact sheet.
c Note: lx: 'lux' which is a measure of light illuminance and could be measured using a special hand held device.