EPC 10 - Safety Principles of AS/NZS 3000

Question 1

Which Clause in the Wiring Rules defines the meaning of the term ‘Basic Protection’ or ‘DIRECT CONTACT’?

Answer 1

AS/NZS 3000 Clause 1.4.38 and Figure 1.2.

Question 2

Which Clause in the Wiring Rules defines the meaning of the term ‘Fault Protection’ or ‘INDIRECT CONTACT’?

Answer 2

AS/NZS 3000 Clause 1.4.39 and Figure 1.3.

Question 3

List FOUR general methods of providing basic protection against direct contact according to the Wiring Rules.

Answer 3

AS/NZS 3000 Clause 1.5.4.2.
Insulation; 
Barriers; 
Enclosures; 
Obstacles; 
Out of reach.

Question 4

List THREE general methods of providing protection against indirect contact with exposed conductive parts which can become live under fault conditions.

Answer 4

AS/NZS 3000 Clause 1.5.5.2

a. Automatic disconnection of the supply on the occurrence of a designed fault current.
b. Preventing a fault current from passing through the body.
c. Limiting the fault current which can pass through the body to a lower value than the shock current

Question 5

What are the FIVE general factors which must be taken into account in the design of any electrical installation? (Give the Wiring Rules Clause or Table Number).

Answer 5

AS/NZS 3000 Clause 1.6.1.
Protection of persons,
Property and
Livestock from harmful effects.
Correct functioning for the use intended,
Compatibility with the electrical distribution system.

Question 6

Name THREE essential requirements when selecting electrical equipment for any installation according to the Wiring Rules. (Give the Wiring Rules Clause Number).

Answer 6

AS/NZS 3000 Clause 1.7.1

a. Operate in a safe and reliable manner.
b. Not cause a danger from electric shock, fire, high temperature or physical injury.
c. Be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Question 7

What voltage range is defined as ‘extra-low voltage’ according to the Wiring Rules? —
(Give the Wiring Rules Clause Number).

Answer 7

Not exceeding 50 V a.c. or 120 V d.c.

AS/NZS 3000 Clause 1.4.128.

Question 8

Which clause in AS/NZS 3000 lists the characteristics of the electricity supply which must be considered when designing an electrical installation? (Give the Wiring Rules Clause Number).

Answer 8

AS/NZS 3000 Clause 1.6.2.

Question 9

Which type of protective device would provide the best protection against indirect contact in a pool zone? (Give the Wiring Rules Clause Number).

Answer 9

An RCD.

See AS/NZS 3000 Clause 1.5.5.3(a) (ii).

Question 10

What general condition applies to all alterations or additions to an existing electrical installation? (Give the Wiring Rules Clause Number).

Answer 10

When It is deemed to be a new installation.

AS/NZS 3000 Clause 1.9.3.