Guide to the Australian and New Zealand Wiring Rules Standard
The current version of the Electrical Installations Standard (AS 3000:2018) was published in 2018 and is being continuously updated as required. Compliance with the Standard is mandatory for all electricians and electrical contractors.
What is the Standard for Electrical Installations in AU and NZ?
The Standard for electrical installations in Australia and New Zealand is AS/NZS 3000:2018. The Standard is commonly known as the Wiring Rules and is an overhaul of the previous Standard, AS/NZS 3000:2007.
The Wiring Rules were developed by the EL-001 committee, which has members from all sectors of the electrical industry. Mandatory compliance applies across all Australian states and territories, and in New Zealand.
What are the latest AS3000 wiring rules?
The Wiring Rules provide technical assistance and guidance to electricians and electrical contractors with regard to the design, construction and verification of electrical installations, as well as the installation of appropriate equipment in each case.
The Rules comprise two main parts – fundamental safety principles, and practical applications of the principles in electrical installations.
The latest updates to the Wiring Rules were necessary due to ongoing changes and advances in technology. These include solar panels, LED lights and electric vehicles.
The Rules also contain new or enhanced requirements for safety switches, cable protections, earthing systems, EV charging stations, installations near water or in wet areas, and DC circuit protections.
There are eight sections within the Wiring Rules Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018. These are:
- Section 1: scope, terms, definitions and achieving compliance
- Section 2: general arrangement, control, and protection of equipment
- Section 3: installation of wiring systems and equipment
- Section 4: protection against thermal effects
- Section 5: earthing arrangements and conductors
- Section 6: installations in wet areas and damp situations
- Section 7: special electrical installations
- Section 8: visual inspections and testing and verification.
There have also been three recent amendments to the Standards, covering changes to various clauses and Appendices, as well as one rule update.
The recent amendments to this Standard are:
And the rule update, published in May 2024:
List of Electrical Standards
AS/NZS 3000:2018 explains the mandatory requirements for electrical installations. It covers design, construction and verification and includes the selection and installation of electrical equipment that are part of installations.
The Standard specifies both the minimum regulatory requirements for safe installations and compliant work methods and practices.
The Wiring Rules Bundle is a set key electrical installation Standards for installation guidance and safety. The bundle includes:
- AS/NZS 3000:2018 - Electrical installations or Wiring Rules
- NZS 3008.1.1:2017 - Electrical installations – Selection of cables for alternating voltages u to/including 0.6/1 kV, Typical Australian conditions
- AS/NZS 3012:2019 - Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
- AS/NZS 3010:2017- Electrical installations – Generating sets
- AS 1768:2021 - Lightning protection.
There are also Electrical Standards covering a vast range of other industry topics – including rotating electrical machines, household appliances, earthmoving machinery, installations in patient areas, electrical equipment for coal mines and many more.
Following the guidance provided in up-to-date Electrical Standards helps keep yourself, your workplace, and the community safe.