Electrical Wiring in Australia

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Electric power is transmitted on overhead lines like these, and also on underground high-voltage cables.

This article will discuss the 2 major electrical wiring methods used in Australia, the relevant electrical standards and information including pictures and diagrams of exclusively Australian power connections.

Early Australian Electricity History

General Post Office, Sydney 1898 (3793506599)

Australia is a young nation with European settlement beginning in 1788 where six British Crown Colonies were established, these later became the founding states and territories of Australia that we recognize today; New South Wales, Queensland, Melbourne, Western Australia, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory. On January 1st 1901 Australia was constituted as a self-governing nation with an approximate population of 3,774,000 people. Around 2 decades prior to federation, during the colonial era electricity was introduced in Australia. Electricity was used in 1879 to illuminate the Garden Palace in the Sydney Botanic Gardens so that construction could be continued through the night. One of the first buildings in Australia to be powered by electricity was the General Post Office in Sydney 1878. In Adelaide 1883 a railway station was illuminated and later in 1888 Brisbane Post Office and Perth Government House were also lit with electricity. Supplying electricity to households in Australia began as a 2 phase project towards the end of 1888. The 2 part introduction started off in the small town of Tamworth, NSW on November 9th 1888. Population in Tamworth at the time was 3000 residents and they were the first town in Australia to experience public electricity with incandescent street lights being switched on the night of November 9th. Even smaller town of Young NSW, was the next to experience the introduction of street lights, which quickly progressed to connect shops, offices and homes that were in close proximity of the electrical line.

Statistical data is lacking for the early years of the electrical trade in Australia however it is estimated that in Australia 1906 there were 46 electric light and power supply stations with an aggregate capacity of 23,000kW plus an additional 13,000kW installed solely for traction purposes. This brings Australia's total to 36,000kW in 1906 which is incredible growth considering the introduction of electricity only occurred within the last 3 decades.

Australian Electrical Codes, Regulations and Safety Standards

Standards Australia was established in 1922 and together, with Standards New Zealand, is responsible for setting nation wide standards on such things as electrical standards, plumbing and safety. Additional codes of conduct, regulations and standards are set by the Australian Government, specifically the Attorney-General and the Minister for Justice.

Softwired workstation including an umbilical (cable protection) and an in-desk power module

Regulations

In Australia the hard wired electrical safety regulations are constantly being reviewed and updated to encourage electricians to abide by these rules to avoid workplace health and safety issues that can often arise from unsafe electrical practices. The Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 replaced the previous Electrical Safety Act 2002 regulations and the clearly identifies specific practical methods that consider the regulations in regards to;

• Electrical work
• Electrical licensing
• Working near overhead and underground electric lines
• Electrical installations, in-scope electrical equipment
• Works of an electricity entity, electricity supply
• Safety management systems for prescribed electricity entities
• Cathodic protection systems
• Incident notification and reporting.

Codes of Practice

Commonwealth of Australia
Flag Coat of arms
Capital	Canberra 35°18′29″S 149°07′28″E Fatal error: The format of the coordinate could not be determined. Parsing failed.
Largest city	Sydney
National language	English
ISO 3166 code	AU

}} There are four main electrical codes of practice in Australia which provide effective ways to identify and manage risk and to achieve the standards required under the act. A code of practice applies to anyone who has a duty of care in the circumstances described in the code. By following the codes of practice, individuals and business's will comply with all the health and safety duties in the Act.

• Electrical code of practice 2010 - Electrical equipment rural industry
• Electrical safety code of practice 2013 - Managing electrical risks in the workplace
• Electrical safety code of practice 2010 - Working near overhead and underground electrical lines
• Electrical safety code of practice 2010 - Works

Standards

The following are Australian standards that assist with the compliance of electrical obligations

• AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical installations (the Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 3012:2010 Electrical Installations - Construction and demolition sites
• AS/NZS 3017:2007 Electrical installation - Verification guidelines
• AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-Service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 4836:2011 Safe working low-voltage electrical installations and equipment

Soft wired standards/endurance testing

In 2006 safety standards in Australia for soft wired products was updated to code AS/NZS 61535.1:2003. The new standard requires products to perform at a rate 25% above its recommended rating. Soft wired systems are generally rated at 20amps (amperes) meaning during the testing stage they will be run up to 25amps. The reason soft wired systems are tested in excess is to determine their ability to perform under immense stress as this is often the environments such systems would be placed under, especially in an office setting. Complying with the AS/NZS61535.1:2003 standard, soft wired systems must also undergo an endurance test which has advanced drastically from the previous 1995 standard requirements. Whilst the old standard still considered temperature and amps comparatively, ensuring temperature fluctuations were within suitable range, the improved endurance test is much more thorough. Now a system must be put through a cycle of 30mins on 125% of rated current followed by 30 mins off, repeated consecutively for a 13 day period. This ensures any problems of overheating may be identified and solved before sale. It is for this reason that soft wiring is the future of electrical wiring with higher quality products, reduced faulty returns on products that allow total owner flexibility.

Wiring Methods

Hardwired power sockets can overheat and cause electrical fires

Hard wiring is a fixed circuit installation, wired on site by an electrician who connects the power outlet directly to an appliance. Soft wiring (also known as modular wiring) is an innovative plug-and-play solution to some of the problems associated with hard wiring such as clustering and overheating. Due to its malleable design soft wiring is suitable for multiple purposes with the ability of rewiring which hard wiring does not allow. Soft wiring is a long-term solution that can save businesses and individuals many costs associated with improving or re-configuring hardwired workstations. Soft wiring is flexible and allows for reconfiguration to be made quite easily without the need for any major upheavals or damage to the property. Soft wired products aim to reduce the clutter and mess of cables and provide a more organised, safe and calming work space through cable management; a modern feng shui for the office.

Electrical wiring manufacturers have been developing sleek, modern and practical designs as an innovative solution to protect and conceal any wires from sight leaving the work space clutter free. Soft wiring is the future of electrical wiring and will eventually phase out hard wiring which has been made obsolete. Soft wiring is a modern solution that addresses the main problems that the electrical industry currently faces; time and efficiency, cost and standards (quality control).

A softwired 'pop-up' in-desk power module. Lid pops up to expose GPO and USB ports and is pushed down to lock shut. Module can be installed to sit raised or flush in the desk

Hard Wiring	Soft Wiring
Lower upfront cost, higher reconfiguration costs	Higher upfront cost, lower reconfiguration costs
Onsite circuit wiring to socket	Wiring done off site, then on site installation
Overheating due to over run circuit. Overheating can cause electrical fires	No overheating issues due to thorough endurance testing
Reconfiguration not possible without re-wiring and sometimes additional costs can be incurred with upheavals of existing circuit	Circuit easily reconfigured with a clip in connection no damages to the property are necessary
Standardized layout	Fully customized and designed for a particular room
No frills designs	Ergonomic, sleek, stylish designs
Installation timely, expensive in labor and uses tools	Quick, tool-less, inexpensive installation (up to 70% quicker installation time)
Produces more waste	More environmentally friendly producing less waste, carbon emissions and energy consumption
More issues and returns of faulty products	Close to zero faulty products sold due to intense endurance testing
Potential of being electrocuted	No exposed live power so no risk of electrocution

Beneficiaries

2017 AFL Grand Final panorama during national anthem at Melbourne Cricket Ground

The places where we live, work and study are slowly transitioning to soft wiring; a more manageable, modern and technologically advanced system that was well overdue. The major industries that can benefit from this universal switch are

• Education; Universities and schools (Macquarie University Top Ryde Campus/University of Melbourne)

• Hospitals and other health services (Orange Hospital/Palmerston Gp Super Clinic)

• Offices and corporate buildings (Myer Headquarters Melbourne/Network 10 Perth)

• Entertainment industry (Melbourne Cricket ground/National Arts Centre Darlinghurst)

• Retail (ANZ Centre Auckland NZ/Deluxe Paints across Australia)

• Tourism; Airports (Specfern Brisbane Airport/Air NZ Koru Lounge, Christchurch)

• Hospitality; (Adina Apartment Hotels)

Australian Outlets

Connection	Description/Use	Socket	Cable
General Power Outlet (GPO)	The standard Australian GPO consists of a 3 point plug in. To the right is a power-point with two Australian GPO connections to which almost all devices and appliances can be plugged into to then receive power. Washing machine, fridge, hair dryer, phone charger, television, lights etc can be plugged into the GPO		Australian 2005 standard power plug with insulated pins
Phono/RCA connector	The RCA is used for transferring visual and audio to a display monitor and are often used to connect a play station or Xbox to a television. These connections ports are usually coloured white and red and are slightly larger in size than your standard headphone socket. The yellow chord is responsible for picture whilst the red and white are responsible for sound
Universal Serial Bus	The USB is the most common computer port used today. USB ports uses a digital connection to charge phones, connect keyboards, printers, gaming consoles, cameras and many other devices. The USB itself is a data storage device that can be plugged directly into a computer, TV or other USB compatible device
Auxiliary	Auxiliary (AUX) uses an analogue connection to transfer audio and sound from any device that has a normal headphone socket. The 3.5mm AUX-input is the most common and simple audio connection, built into all modern cars. Aux chords are a convenient tool for playing music through the car or speakers.
Ethernet	Falls under the data category and is used to connect landline telephones and internet. The ethernet port is found on a modem and is used to connect the landline phone and internet. Also known as LAN (local area network) port		Error creating thumbnail:
XLR	XLR which stands for External Line Return is primarily used for professional audio, visual and stage lighting. XLR connectors can come in 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 pins. - Three pin; most common style, used for balanced audio signals - Four pin; the standard used for intercom headsets - Five pin; standard for digital lighting control - Six pin; used for dual channel intercom systems and stage lighting - Seven pin; used to connect valve condenser microphones to their power supplies	Male and female XLR4 panel connectors	XLR3 cable connectors, female on left and male on right
Visual Graphics Array	Video graphics array or VGA, consists of a 3 row, 15 pin DE-15. VGA's are found on laptops, computers, high definition TV's and projectors. A VGA is the connecting cable that connects your computer to the screen monitor. In the picture to the right we see the 15 pin holes with an additional larger hole to either side. These two holes are specifically for the VGA cable which has two inbuilt screws to fasten the chord to the unit.	SVGA port.jpg
Digital Visual Interface	Digital visual interface, or DVI, was developed in 1999 by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG). DVI is used to connect two devices; a video source and a display device. The data is transmitted from the visual data to the display monitor identically
High Definition Multimedia Interface	HDMI for short, the high-definition multimedia is an audio/video transmission interface that transferred either non-compressed or compressed sound and video data to a display device such as a monitor	HDMI type A receptacle (female) connector HDMI type A receptacle (female) connector	A close up image of the end three HDMI plugs: Type D, Type C and Type A.

Soft wired products

• 
  Single 20amp univeral starter socket
• 
  Single side entry 20amp starter socket
• 
  Rewireable male tag plug 20amp
• 
  Rewireable female tag socket 20amp

File:CMS Electracom floor box.jpg

The floorbox lid opens to show a range of outlets to cater for all AV, data and power needs. From the top of the image this floorbox is complete with; 1 starter socket, 6 data provisions, 2 VGA connections, 2 sets of AV outlets and 2 GPOs

The soft wiring of products virtually eliminates the risk of electrocution during installation and daily use with its safe and simple clip in connection. The starter socket can be mounted to the floor, ceiling or wall and only one starter is needed to power an entire room. The starter socket has internal wiring with a universal clip on the exterior meaning any devise may simply be clipped into the circuit to receive power without the need to rewire the socket for a new device. Adapters can be connected to a circuit via their single input and can split power off into two or three outputs, multiplying the power connections. There is no limit to how many adapters can be used in a single circuit and new adapters may be added at any time to create new branches of power or to redirect it to a new location. The ‘T’ shaped adapter is connected to a circuit to split power and direct the branches to different locations.

Power in the floor Shape and size and the components within may be chosen dependent on the intended use. Installing a floor box is a great way of getting power, audio, visual, telecommunications and data to a space that is used for a variety of purposes as the box may be closed after use and is safe to walk on. A school auditorium would find good use of the floor box as the space may be used for an assembly which requires microphones, speakers etc and then the box can be closed and the space can be used for sports or games without being a hazard or in the way. The soft wiring to the box means panels within the box can be removed and replaced with more useful/appropriate panels later at a relatively low cost.

File:CMS Electracom in desk module.png

This in-desk box brings 4 general power outlets and 5 data provisions to the desk without the mess of cables of cords.

Cable management/Cable droppers are a plastic shell-like product used to protect the power cord and can conceal multiple cords within them contributing to the overall appearance of the work space. Umbilical's can bend and stretch around corner, down to the floor or all the way up to the ceiling where the power supply is. The umbilical is made of a light plastic and designed to allow air flow to help reduce any overheating. All pieces of the umbilical clip together very easily meaning on-site adjustments can be undertaken very quickly by the addition or removal of extra pieces. This makes the umbilical universal and able to fit into every and all work spaces. The cable dropper is an efficient tool for segregating power and data to various points in the room.

Freestanding Power Poles provide a selection of outputs such as GPO, audio, visual and telecommunication to a freestanding and easily removable pole. Generally the pole will be positioned on top of a small cut out in the floor where the power supply is connected. Ranging from about a foot in height to over a meter the power pole is a great source of power that is a lot more organised than a power board especially if a USB port is required as this eliminates the need for to plus the bulky adapter into the power pole.

On-desk power A soft wired version of the power board, providing a discrete solution for GPO’s and other connections on a portable rail that faces no serious overheating issues due to thorough endurance testing. Stylish rails can be found to suit the work space with a huge range of designs to choose from, some hook over the top of the desk others are free standing, all using soft wired technology and designed to increase overall work space appearance. The power cord runs underneath the desk and may be stored inside a cable way basket, attached to the underside of the desk. The baskets have brackets which are secured to the underside of the desk to help improve work space appearance by removing the messy tangle of cords from the floor and hiding them from view.

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Dishwashers are hard wired, the cables are connected (wired) directly from the appliance to the circuit

In-desk power, like the floor box, are a clever way of building a power supply into the desk (as opposed to into the floor). Various in-desk modules cater to all needs and preferences whilst going one step further than the power rail by further eliminating on the desk clutter. Push-up modules are convenient and stylish, when not in use the outlets are concealed within the desk, then exposed with a firm push of the module top which releases the flip lid. In-desk modules can be customized to meet individual requirements and usually feature some combination of GPO and USB charging ports. There are also a range of tiny modules build in for convenience consisting of USB ports and sometimes a GPO. These atom modules are about the size of a coaster for a mug so you can imagine the space saving potential these allow.

Hard wired products

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Wireless charging pad, an exclusively hard-wired product

File:Microwave oven, rear.JPG

Microwave's have internal hard wiring to the power cord which is then plugged into a wall socket

The majority of all home power outlets and appliances use hard wiring. A hard-wired product simply means that the electrical cable comes furnished with the product and is physically connected or wired into the household wiring. Despite its prevalence, hard wiring faces many issues such as overheating which can cause electrical fires and clustering of chords. Dishwashers, ovens and disposers are all hard wired appliances meaning they have a power chord connected to the appliance which then needs to be plugged into a power source but the cord cannot be removed and the product cannot be used without it. Many soft wired products are simply replications of hard wired products with different internal wiring systems so products like the soft wired power rail (on desk power) is simply a safer version of the well known power board, a hard wired product found in many Australian homes. Below is an exclusively hard-wired product; the wireless charging pad All Australian homes will have a fuse box, similar to the one to the right. The fuse box or consumer unit contains the main switch, residual current devices and circuit breakers and is usually found on an exterior wall of the house, responsible for controlling and distributing electricity. See below for more information on fuseboxes.

Wireless/Inductive charging uses cutting edge technology which allows the transfer of energy via inductive coupling from one device to another. Electromagnetic induction allows energy to be transferred via the electromagnetic field. Wireless charging pads can charge two phones simultaneously by simply placing the compatible phone on top of the pad. Some are designed with USB ports as well, so for these up to four phones can be charged at once; two wirelessly and two plugged into the USB ports. The wireless pads are also present on some designs of power rails alongside the GPO’s and USB ports.

Fuseboxes

File:Linnamäe 37 - fuse box is wired.JPG

Hard wired fusebox

The three main components of the fusebox are; the main switch, residual current device and circuit breakers.

Main Switch Allows you to switch off electrical supply to a house

Residual Current Device RCD's help prevent electrical fires and personal safety by reducing the risk of electrocution. The automatic monitoring system will detect when electricity is flowing down an unintended path such as through a person who has touched a live part or if an appliance overheats causing the electrical current to flow down to earth. There are three types of RCD's

• Fixed Installed in the fuse box, the fixed RCD is the highest level of protection, as it protects the entire circuit including the socket and any appliances that are plugged in. Fixed RCD's are 97% reliable
• Socket-outlet Socket-Outlet RCD's can be used instead of standard socket outlets which do not have inbuilt RCD's. Provides protection when using an appliance that has been plugged into the specific socket
• Portable The portable RCD plugs into the socket outlet and then appliances may be plugged into it the portable device to receive power. Like the socket-outlet RCD it only protects you whilst using the specific outlet with the portable RCD connected

Circuit Breakers The circuit breakers are switches that automatically trip a circuit (stops electrical supply) when dangerous conditions are present. Dangerous conditions include; thermal overload, short circuit or ground fault. A broken or open circuit cannot conduct electricity as air or some other insulator has stopped the flow of current in the circuit. There are two types of RCD's

• Electromechanical Has moving parts, a current-sensitive electromechanical device and a thermal-sensitive device which work together to determine when to mechanically open the circuit
• Electronic Electronic device that measures and times current flowing through the circuit breaker, and initiates a trip signal when necessary.

If a circuit trips, you can simply reset the switch to receive power again

Ergonomic products

File:My keyboard.jpg

An ergonomic keyboard is shaped like a V to allow a more natural posture.

Monitor Arms are used to maximize desk space by lifting the monitor/s about a foot above the top of the desk, secured to a plate at the end of the arm. Arms can be purchased as single or dual depending on monitor quantity and the ergonomical design allows total flexibility. On the monitor arm the screen may be turned and tilted to fit the needs/preferences of the individual and adds to overall work space appearance.

Computer Holder To remove the computer from the ground and conceal it neatly and securely under the desk a computer (CPU) holder is used. The computer holder is a simple bracket attached to the underside of a desk which houses the computer unit. Some designs have a base for the computer to sit in, others have a roof which the computer fits snugly into and is then fastened with straps to hold it above the ground, some designs have a rack which allows the individual to slide the computer out from under the desk whilst still attached to the bracket.

Desk An ergonomic desk is simply a desk that can be mechanically adjusted in order to maximize comfort and work efficiency. Ergonomic desks can adjusted for seated or standing use and can help increase productivity and reduce stress and health issues related to office work such as arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome and back problems.

Chair An ergonomic chair is one that supports the back and neck, has arm rests and can be adjusted in height. The weight of the individual should be distributed evenly to various parts of the body.

Keyboard the ergonomic keyboard was designed to tackle carpel tunnel syndrome and other muscular issues and spasms. The shape of the keyboard is a V which allows both hands to type at a slight angle which is more natural to human posture.

See Also

• Electric energy consumption
• Electric power system
• Power engineering
• Rural electrification
• Electrical wiring in Hong Kong
• Electrical wiring in the United Kingdom
• Electrical wiring in North America
• Electrical wiring interconnection system
• Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) lighting

References

This article "Electrical Wiring in Australia" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Electrical Wiring in Australia. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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