Switchboards in Sydney

It is common industry practice for electrical contractors to provide temporary electrical supply installations for commercial construction sites but not for us.

However, regulation 3.65 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 places the responsibility on the builder or main contractor, and not the electrical contractor, for ensuring a temporary electricity supply is provided once work on the site has reached plate height (or equivalent). Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Sometimes, only a single temporary switchboard will be needed, such as for the construction of a single dwelling, but in other circumstances it may be necessary to have multiple switchboards, including some permanent switchboards, in more than one location on–site. This may be the case for larger construction jobs.

Who is responsible for installing the right number and type of switchboards to suit the job is not commonly understood. This has resulted in widely varied standards of switchboards in use on construction sites. Depending on the awareness and budget of the builder, unsafe switchboards can result. Such switchboards may be a contributing factor in serious injuries or even workrelated fatalities.

Switchboard standard

The Australian/New Zealand Standard for electrical installations on construction and demolition sites (AS/NZS 3012) specifies requirements for location, construction and mounting of switchboards, as well as socket outlets and protection devices. These requirements apply to all construction sites and
builders must familiarise themselves with them. Failure to comply with these standards compromises the safety of everyone on site and is a breach of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996.

Regardless of the number or type of switchboards, they must all:

• be weatherproof;
• be robust and constructed with materials able to withstand mechanical damage from environmental or other influences that may be expected
at the location, such as construction equipment;
• have a means to prevent strain/damage to cables and cords, such as the use of a tie-bar;
• have no exposed live parts;
• be clearly marked with numbers or letters to identify each one from other switchboards on the site;
• have a lid/door which:
• can be opened without removing or damaging any cables or cords;
• is lockable; and can remain open whilst an operator works on the switchboard.
• be safely and securely mounted to a permanent structure such as a wall, or secured to a temporary post or pole, be freestanding or suitably designed for the purpose;
• have each socket outlet provided on the switchboard for the connection of portable equipment individually controlled by a double pole switch or other device that provides the same level of safety as a double pole switch; and have all components legibly marked to indicate their relationship with various sections of the installation.
Also:
• switchboards must be within easy reach and located so that the maximum length of flexible cord is not exceeded (note: maximum length of flexible cord is approximately 30 metres);
• flexible cords and cables shall be supported off the floor or ground on insulated stands or hooks; and flexible cords must be confined to the level of the switchboard they originate from (except in lift shafts or stairwells).

Because of our own specialised equipment we are able to respond to your call.