Electrical Distribution System Installation Connection and

Electrical Distribution System Installation Connection and Inspection

T HR EL 17001 ST

Standard

Version 1.0

Issued Date: 12 February 2015

Important Warning This document is one of a set of standards developed solely and specifically for use on public transport assets which are vested in or owned, managed, controlled, commissioned or funded by the NSW Government, a NSW Government agency or a Transport Agency (as defined in the Asset Standards Authority Charter). It is not suitable for any other purpose. You must not use or adapt it or rely upon it in any way unless you are authorised in writing to do so by a relevant NSW Government agency. If this document forms part of a contract with, or is a condition of approval by a NSW Government agency, use of the document is subject to the terms of the contract or approval. This document may not be current. Current standards are available for download from the Asset Standards Authority website at www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au.

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW

T HR EL 17001 ST Electrical Distribution System Installation Connection and Inspection

Version 1.0 Issued Date: 12 February 2015

Standard governance

Owner: Lead Electrical Engineer, Asset Standards Authority

Authoriser: Chief Engineer Rail, Asset Standards Authority

Approver: Director, Asset Standards Authority on behalf of ASA Configuration Control Board

Document history

Version Summary of change

1.0 First issue as T HR EL 17001 ST superseding TS: 11000 Updated details of forms in Section 13.

For queries regarding this document, please email the ASA at [email protected] or visit www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW

http://www.asa.transport.nsw.gov.au/



Preface The Asset Standards Authority (ASA) is an independent unit within Transport for NSW (TfNSW)

and is the network design and standards authority for defined NSW transport assets.

The ASA is responsible for developing engineering governance frameworks to support industry

delivery in the assurance of design, safety, integrity, construction, and commissioning of

transport assets for the whole asset life cycle. In order to achieve this, the ASA effectively

discharges obligations as the authority for various technical, process, and planning matters

across the asset life cycle.

The ASA collaborates with industry using stakeholder engagement activities to assist in

achieving its mission. These activities help align the ASA to broader government expectations of

making it clearer, simpler, and more attractive to do business within the NSW transport industry,

allowing the supply chain to deliver safe, efficient, and competent transport services.

The ASA develops, maintains, controls, and publishes a suite of standards and other

documentation for transport assets of TfNSW. Further, the ASA ensures that these standards

are performance based to create opportunities for innovation and improve access to a broader

competitive supply chain.

This document has been developed by the Chief Engineer Rail section of the Asset Standards

Authority, reviewed by a committee of TfNSW cluster representatives, and approved by the

Asset Standards Authority Configuration Control Board.

This document details the requirements for connection of installations, or installations proposed

to be connected to the RailCorp distribution system.

The document complies with the requirements of the Electricity Supply (Safety and Network

Management) Regulation 2008 and the Service and Installation Rules for NSW August 2012.

This document replaces TS 11000 Electrical Distribution System Installation Connection and

Inspection that superseded RailCorp standard EP 17 00 00 06 SP Installation Inspections.

This document is to be read in conjunction with chapter 2, Customer Installation Safety of

EP 95 00 30 03 SP RailCorp Network Management Plan and T HR EL 17000 ST Demarcation

of RailCorp Low Voltage Distribution System Version 1.0.

The significant changes to TS 11000 include update to forms referenced in Section 13.

© State of NSW through Transport for NSW Page 3 of 29



Foreword Sections relating to internal procedures and forms associated with the distribution network

service provider (DNSP) have been carried forward from the previous RailCorp standard, while

developing this standard.

The document includes those internal procedures and forms and is published on behalf of the

DNSP on the ASA website. This has been done to ensure that relevant requirements are not

lost. In future editions it is envisaged that some or all of these will be incorporated into internal

DNSP documents.




Table of contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 6 2. Purpose ................................................................................................................................................... 6 2.1. Scope ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6 2.2. Application ............................................................................................................................................................. 6 3. Reference documents ........................................................................................................................... 7 4. Terms and definitions ........................................................................................................................... 8 5. Organisational responsibilities .......................................................................................................... 10 6. Electricity supplies .............................................................................................................................. 10 6.1. Relationship of this document to legislation and the customer installation safety plan .............................. 11 6.2. Accredited service providers ............................................................................................................................. 11 7. Installation owner or custodian responsibilities .............................................................................. 11 7.1. Safety of installation ........................................................................................................................................... 11 7.2. Qualified electricians .......................................................................................................................................... 11 8. Distribution network service provider responsibilities ................................................................... 12 9. Applying for connection of a new installation or an alteration to an existing installation .......... 12 9.1. Process ................................................................................................................................................................ 12 9.2. Small scale renewable energy micro generation systems .............................................................................. 13 10. Notification of electrical works ........................................................................................................... 13 10.1. Local DNSP connection ...................................................................................................................................... 14 10.2. Tests required...................................................................................................................................................... 14 10.3. Installations not to be connected ...................................................................................................................... 15 11. Inspections ........................................................................................................................................... 15 11.1. Work requiring inspection .................................................................................................................................. 15 11.2. Electrical testing methodology .......................................................................................................................... 17 11.3. Defects ................................................................................................................................................................. 17 11.4. Inspection reports ............................................................................................................................................... 18 11.5. Disciplinary action .............................................................................................................................................. 18 11.6. Qualifications of installation inspectors ........................................................................................................... 19 12. Audit inspections ................................................................................................................................. 20 13. Forms .................................................................................................................................................... 20 Appendix A - Discretionary inspections flowchart ..................................................................................... 21 A.1 Preliminary assessment stage ........................................................................................................... 21 A.2 Assessed contractor stage ................................................................................................................. 21 A.3 Defects .................................................................................................................................................. 22 Appendix B - Installation inspection flowchart ........................................................................................... 23 Appendix C - Visual inspection checklist .................................................................................................... 24 Appendix D - Guidelines for completing defect forms ............................................................................... 27




1. Introduction Each distribution network service provider (DNSP) has a legislative responsibility to ensure that

installations connected to its distribution system are safe and do not pose a risk to life, health, or

property. This is to protect the consumer and also to protect the DNSP so that its system

reliability is not jeopardised by unauthorised or faulty installations.

2. Purpose This document details the requirements for connection of installations, or installations proposed

to be connected to the RailCorp distribution system.

2.1. Scope This standard provides the requirements for the following aspects of installations and

inspections:

• the application process for connection of a new installation or alteration to an existing

installation; commonly called the 'Application for Connection'

• the notification process for the self test regime of electrical works; commonly called the

'Certificate of Compliance - Electrical Works'

• the distribution network service provider inspection and testing regime

2.2. Application This document applies to the following:

• all installations connected or proposed to be connected to the RailCorp distribution system

• all installations connected or proposed to be connected to the local distribution network

service provider system via an isolating transformer

This document does not apply to high voltage installations, the 1500 V dc railway traction

system or the railway signalling system.

This document applies to all installation owners or custodians and their electrical contractors, all

Transport for NSW, Sydney Trains, NSW Trains or other rail transport entity employees.




3. Reference documents Australian standards

AS/NZS 2381 Electrical equipment for explosive gas atmospheres - Selection, installation and

maintenance Set

AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules

AS/NZS 3017 Electrical Installations – Testing and Inspection Guidelines

AS/NZS 4777 Grid connection of energy systems via inverters

Transport for NSW standards

EP 12 00 00 02 SP Low Voltage Distribution and Installations Earthing References and

Definitions

EP 12 10 00 10 SP System Substation Earthing

EP 12 10 00 11 SP Distribution Substation Earthing

EP 12 10 00 20 SP Low Voltage Distribution Earthing

EP 12 10 00 21 SP Low Voltage Installations Earthing

T HR EL 17000 ST Demarcation of RailCorp Low Voltage Distribution System

EP 95 00 30 03 SP RailCorp Network Management Plan Chapter 2 - Customer Installation

Safety

ESB E001 Low Voltage Electrical Standards

T HR EL 17001 F1 Information regarding applications for connection

T HR EL 17001 F2 Application for Connection

T HR EL 17001 F3 Application for Temporary Connection

Legislation

NSW Electricity Supply Act 1995

Electricity Supply (General) Regulation 2001

Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2008

Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004

Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2006

Home Building Act, 1989




Other references

Service and Installation Rules of New South Wales 2012

Code of Practice (Electricity) - Service and Installation Rules of New South Wales 2007

Code of Practice – Distribution Risk Management 1998

NSW Department of Energy and Water Code of Practice – Installation Safety Management

1997, Appendix 2

Electricity Association of NSW Guide to the Training of Personnel Working on or Near Electricity

Works 1999

Certificate of compliance – Electrical Work (Office of Fair Trading)

4. Terms and definitions The following terms and definitions apply in this document:

application for connection a document submitted to the DNSP requesting approval to connect

a new installation or change the loading of an existing installation

authorised electrician a person who is authorised under the Home Building Act 1989 to do

electrical wiring work

CCEW Certificate of Compliance - Electrical Work

custodian the person that has responsibility for an installation

DNSP distribution network service provider a person who owns or controls a distribution

system

distribution system the electricity power lines and associated equipment and electricity

structures that are used to convey and control the conveyance of electricity:

(a) to the premises of wholesale and retail customers, up to the point of supply in relation to the

premises (which may or may not be situated on the building or land comprising the premises),

or

(a1) from the premises of regulated offer customers that have a complying generator installed

and connected from the point of supply to the premises, or

(b) to, from and along the rail network electricity system,

but does not include a transmission system or any lines, equipment and structures prescribed

by the regulations.

EDU electrical distribution unit the name of the business unit accountable for the rail

transport DNSP responsibilities. The EDU currently resides in Sydney Trains.




electrical installation as defined by the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004: any fixed

appliances, wires, fittings, apparatus or other electrical equipment used for (or purposes

incidental to) the conveyance, control and use of electricity in a particular place, but does not

include any of the following:

(a) Any electrical equipment used, or intended for use, in the generation, transmission or

distribution of electricity that is:

(i) Owned or used by an electricity supply authority, or

(ii) Located in a place that is owned or occupied by such an authority.

(b) Any electrical article connected to, and extending or situated beyond, any electrical outlet

socket.

(c) Any electrical equipment in or about a mine.

(d) Any electrical equipment operating at not more than 50 volts alternating current or 120 volts

ripple-free direct current.

(e) Any other electrical equipment, or class of electrical equipment, prescribed by the

regulations.

electrical installation work means the work of installing, adding to, altering, disconnecting,

reconnecting or replacing an electrical installation

LDNSP local distribution network service provider an organisation which owns and controls

the principal distribution system in the geographical distribution area in which the installation is

located

The geographical areas of the LDNSP's are defined in the Service and Installation Rules of

NSW.

LV low voltage exceeding 50 V ac or 120 V ripple-free dc but not exceeding 1000 V ac or

1500 V dc

HV high voltage a voltage exceeding 1000 V ac or 1500 V dc

isolating transformer a transformer with protective separation between the input and output

windings. It is used to separate the earthing systems between the RailCorp distribution system

and the LDNSP.

qualified electrician see authorised electrician

switchboard an assembly of circuit protective devices, with or without switchgear, instruments

or connecting devices, suitably arranged and mounted for distribution to, and protection of, one

or more submains or final subcircuits or a combination of both.

switchboard, main a switchboard from which the supply to the whole electrical installation can

be controlled




Sydney Metropolitan Rail Area area bounded by Newcastle (in the north), Richmond (in the

northwest), Bowenfels (in the west), Macarthur (in the southwest) and Bomaderry (in the south),

and all connection lines and sidings within these areas, but excluding private sidings

5. Organisational responsibilities Rail Corporation New South Wales (RailCorp) is the holding and property management

company for major rail and rail property assets in the Sydney Metropolitan Rail Area. The

railway electrical distribution system is the 'RailCorp Distribution System'.

The RailCorp distribution system is generally located within the Sydney Metropolitan Rail Area,

bounded by the geographical extremities as follows:

• Hamilton in the North

• Kiama in the South

• Wallerawang in the West (Bowenfels is the extent of the 1500 V dc system)

• Glenlee (Campbelltown) in the South West

Electrical distribution unit (EDU) within Sydney Trains is the distribution network service provider

(DNSP) for all installations covered by the application of this standard within the Sydney

Metropolitan Rail Area.

The Service and Installation Rules of NSW nominate RailCorp as the DNSP and will

be updated to Sydney Trains with the next edition.

The Asset Standards Authority (ASA) publishes the standards applicable to the RailCorp

distribution system including installations.

The local distribution network service providers (LDNSPs) are Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and

Essential Energy.

6. Electricity supplies Electricity supplies to installations within the Sydney Metropolitan Rail Area are either derived

directly from the RailCorp high voltage (HV) distribution network or from the local distribution

network service provider via an isolating transformer. This isolating transformer forms part of the

RailCorp low voltage (LV) distribution network. In these situations the EDU becomes the DNSP

from the secondary terminals of the isolating transformer.

The demarcation of supplies is documented in T HR EL 17000 ST Demarcation of RailCorp Low

Voltage Distribution System.




6.1. Relationship of this document to legislation and the customer installation safety plan The Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation requires DNSPs to have

plans in place to manage specific aspects of their distribution systems. One of the requirements

is the management of customer installation safety.

The customer installation safety plan is provided in chapter 2 of EP 95 00 30 03 SP RailCorp

Network Management Plan and governs all installations within the electrified rail corridor. This

plan addresses the specific rail requirements associated with installations, including

requirements detailed in the Service and Installation Rules of NSW.

6.2. Accredited service providers The customer installation safety plan does not include an accreditation system for contestable

works on the RailCorp distribution system.

Connections to the network can only be carried out either by or under the direction of

DNSP-authorised staff.

7. Installation owner or custodian responsibilities Installation owners or custodians are responsible for the following:

• safety of installations

• ensuring that electrical works are performed by qualified electricians

7.1. Safety of installation Installation owners or custodians are responsible for the maintenance of their installations to

ensure the safety of persons and property and the prevention of bushfires.

7.2. Qualified electricians To carry out electrical works on installations, electrical contractors shall be fully licensed in

accordance with the Home Building Act, 1989.

The licenses are administered by the Office of Fair Trading NSW.

Installation owners or custodians are responsible for ensuring that any contractor or trades

person they engage to carry out electrical works are appropriately licensed. In the case of

project works the custodian is deemed to be the project manager.




8. Distribution network service provider responsibilities The DNSP is responsible for the following:

• managing applications for connections and associated network loadings

• monitoring the standard of electrical work

• confirming that appropriate testing procedures have been implemented by the installing

electrical contractor

To achieve its responsibilities, the DNSP has an inspection program to monitor the performance

of electrical contractors.

9. Applying for connection of a new installation or an alteration to an existing installation Submitting a completed Application for Connection form is a mandatory requirement for all new

connections or connection alterations. The electrical contractors or installers acting on behalf of

the installation owner or custodian behalf shall complete the standard Application for

Connection form. For project work this may be done by the AEO designer as part of the design

deliverables.

Where a temporary connection is required for a short time and at the conclusion of that time no

connection will be needed. For example, for construction of a bridge, then the Application for a

Temporary Connection form shall be used.

Refer to Section 13 for the list of forms available.

9.1. Process Applications are to be submitted in accordance with the details embedded on the Application for

Connection form.

The relevant installation inspector, or their representative, will determine if the associated

substation and the supply main switchboard have the capacity to supply any additional load

required.

For alterations to existing installations, the installing electrical contractor or AEO designer is

responsible to determine if the installation has the capacity to accept additional load and to

design the installation accordingly. The installation owner or custodian shall be consulted to

approve any increased electrical load.

For services originating from a LDNSP, the Application for Connection form shall be submitted

to the LDNSP with a copy to the DNSP.




9.2. Small scale renewable energy micro generation systems Small scale renewable energy micro generation systems include solar, wind and biomass.

These systems shall only be connected to the network via an inverter that complies with

AS4777 and has a capacity no more than 10 kW for single phase connections or 30 kW for

three phase connections.

The installing electrical contractor or AEO designer shall demonstrate that the design satisfies

the criteria as specified in Clause 8.6.3 of Service and Installation Rules of NSW prior to

approval.

10. Notification of electrical works All electrical installation work shall be tested to verify compliance with AS/NZS 3000, the

Service and Installation Rules of NSW, and relevant standards, before being permanently

connected to the supply.

Compliance is the responsibility of the installing electrical contractor.

The current Office of Fair Trading NSW Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) form

shall be used by electrical contractors for notifying the DNSP of electrical installation work as

required by the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2006. Supplies of compliance

certificates can be obtained from electrical wholesalers.

The NSW Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation obligates electrical contractors to provide a

completed CCEW form to installation owners or custodians and the DNSP covering the details

of their electrical installation work, the required test results, and who carried out the work.

The CCEW is to be submitted to the DNSP for all electrical work carried out on an

installation contrary to note 1 in the Guide to the Testing, Connection and Notification

Requirements for different types of electrical installation work section of Certificate of

Compliance Electrical Work.

A CCEW form shall be submitted to the DNSP within 14 days after the completion of any safety

and compliance tests.

A separate CCEW is required to be submitted to the DNSP after correcting any notified defect in

an installation.

All CCEW forms shall be completed in full, with particular attention to the following details:

• clear identification of the customer’s address and contact number

• clear identification of the repairs carried out or load to be connected




• actual test values for the earthing system integrity and insulation resistance for the 'Test

Report' section

• legible signature and license details entered by the electrical contractor for the certification

section

If the CCEW form has not been clearly or correctly completed then the installation inspector will

return the form to the person submitting it, advising that a new or suitably corrected CCEW form

shall be resubmitted within five working days. Failure to comply with these requirements shall

initiate disciplinary action.

In the case of work that is discovered other than by way of a CCEW form, the installation

inspector shall inform the installation owner or custodian that the work has not been notified and

that a CCEW shall be submitted.

In the event of the installation being a RailCorp asset then the installation inspector is to report

to the line manager responsible for the premises or their representatives, in accordance with the

DNSP safety management process.

10.1. Local DNSP connection For new connections to a LDNSP a Certificate of Compliance - Electrical Work (CCEW) shall be

submitted to the LDNSP concerning the connection to their network at the completion of the

works. Simultaneously, the CCEW concerning the installation connected to the isolating

transformer shall be submitted to the DNSP.

For alterations or additions to existing connections the CCEW shall be submitted to the DNSP.

10.2. Tests required All electrical installation work shall be tested to verify compliance with AS/NZS 3000, the

Service and Installation Rules of NSW and relevant standards, before permanently connected to

the supply.

The minimum inspection shall include testing the work in accordance with the requirements of

the NSW Department of Energy and Water Code of Practice – Installation Safety Management,

Appendix 2.

The test methods shall adhere to the Electrical Installation Testing Guidelines offered in

AS/NZS 3017, and use calibrated instruments which are periodically checked to ensure they

remain operational and safe.

Test results shall ensure all the outcomes specified in Clause 1.8 of AS/NZS 3000 are

established.




10.3. Installations not to be connected Installation work can only be connected to the electricity supply once testing and inspection

activities prove compliance with the following standards and codes of practice:

• AS/NZS 3000 and supporting standards

• Service and Installation Rules of NSW

• Transport for NSW Standards

For the following installation work, connection to the electricity supply can only be carried out by

an individual who has been, or is supervised by a person, appropriately authorised by the DNSP

and possesses formal training with respect to the task undertaken:

• consumers mains and main switchboard

• installations in environments classified as hazardous areas by relevant Australian

Standards including AS/NZS 2381 Section 1

11. Inspections The Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) shall carry out inspections of selected new

installations, additions and alterations to existing installations for compliance with the relevant

codes, regulations and standards.

The inspection shall consist of a visual examination to check compliance with the rules, the level

of technical expertise for finish of the work, and includes sufficient testing to verify that the

electrical contractor has performed the appropriate tests.

The inspection shall include a thorough visual check of the earthing system to ensure that it

meets dc traction system special requirements.

All inspections will be carried out within three months of receipt of notification of electrical works.

11.1. Work requiring inspection New installations, additions and alterations to installations shall be subject to mandatory and

discretionary inspections.

The inspection of additions and alterations is limited to that portion of the installation set out in

the Certificate of Compliance Electrical - Work, unless during the installation it is obvious that

portions of the existing installation are defective and immediately dangerous.

Installations requiring a mandatory inspection shall not be placed in service until a complete

installation inspection has been performed.




Where an installation is found to have been energised by an unauthorised contractor prior to

inspection, it shall be inspected and the matter referred to the Manager, EDU.

If the installation is found to be immediately dangerous, the defective portion is to be

disconnected from the supply and danger tagged out of service. A defect notice is then to be

issued.

All work that has been found to be defective shall be reinspected.

Installation inspections are separate to the 'self test' which are to be carried out after

every job in accordance with Clause 33 of the Electricity (Consumer Safety)

Regulation 2006.

11.1.1. Mandatory inspections

Clause 3.8 of the NSW Department of Water & Energy Code of Practice – Installation Safety

Management states the following installation work, as applicable to this standard, shall be

inspected:

• consumers mains and main switchboards

• installations in environments classified as hazardous areas by AS/NZS 2381 Section 1

All other installation work shall be inspected on a discretionary basis.

11.1.2. Discretionary inspections The DNSP will carry out discretionary inspections of selected installations based upon the

following broad criteria:

• the type of installation work involved

• whether the work is major or minor job

• location whether the works are accessible to the public

• risk profile

• the electrician’s previous performance in that particular type of work

Inspection requirements, in terms of percentage of work to be inspected, will be periodically

reviewed as the familiarity of installing contractors in the market changes, in particular with

demonstrated knowledge of Transport for NSW standards.

11.1.3. Progress inspections Where any part of the electrical installation will be concealed such as underground or behind a

lined wall, then it may be appropriate for progress inspections to be carried out during the




installation. Such inspections may be initiated locally and without receipt of formal notification

from the electrical contractor.

11.2. Electrical testing methodology AS/NZS 3017:2007 and AS/NZS 3000:2007 section 6, provides guidelines for testing of

electrical installations.

The procedures for carrying out the electrical tests that form part of an installation inspection are

set out in the DNSP procedures.

11.3. Defects Work that does not comply with AS/NZS 3000, Service and Installation Rules of NSW and

Transport for NSW Standards shall be considered to be defective.

All defective work shall be notified to the customer and to the installing contractor. Three copies

of any notification shall be produced:

• customer's copy

• installing contractor's copy

• DNSP copy, which is held by the DNSP installation inspector

Each notification is to be uniquely numbered.

All defect correction work is required to be reinspected.

11.3.1. Major defects Major defects are those considered to present a high risk safety hazard to life, health or

property. Electrical installation work containing major defects shall not be connected to the

network. Major defects are listed in the NSW Department of Water and Energy Code of Practice

- Installation Safety Management, Appendix 3.

If major defects are encountered during an inspection, the installation inspector shall isolate the

section of the installation containing the major defect if possible. If this is not possible the entire

electricity supply to the installation may need to be disconnected.

If any part of the electrical installation is disconnected it shall be suitably tagged with a warning

not to connect and the nature of the defect.

If the disconnection of a defective installation results in subsequent hazards or the installation is

considered system critical then the defect shall be rectified immediately. For example, station

lighting defects or the Rail Management Centre. The installation owner or custodian is also to be

notified immediately.




11.3.2. Minor defects Minor defects are defects that are not considered to be major defects.

For minor defects, a period of 21 days grace is allowed for the defects to be rectified. If it is not

rectified within this period a 'final notice' is to be forwarded to the installation owner or custodian.

If it is still not rectified within 14 days of the date of the final notice then the matter is to be

discussed with the installation owner or custodian before disconnecting supply.

11.3.3. Reinspection Work will not to be reinspected until a notification that the work is ready for reinspection has

been received by the DNSP. Notification is via a new CCEW form.

The DNSP will have a follow up system to ensure CCEW forms for reinspection are received.

Costs associated with reinspection will be charged to the installing electrical contractor.

11.3.4. Defects in other parts of the installation If during an inspection of a consumers’ installation other parts of the installation not indicated on

the CCEW form is found to be dangerous, or is likely to become dangerous, then the installation

inspector is to report the defect in accordance with the DNSP procedures.

The inspector shall list the identified defects and address a hazard report to the installation

owner or custodian responsible for the premises, or their representative, in accordance with the

DNSP safety action management process.

If the supply to the installation is not disconnected at the time of inspection, then the hazard

report shall include the period within which the installation is to be made safe or otherwise

supply will be disconnected.

The installation shall be reinspected after that period has expired to ensure that the installation

has been made safe.

11.4. Inspection reports Results of inspections shall be recorded.

Inspections records shall be maintained for a minimum of seven years.

11.5. Disciplinary action If a person breaches any law applicable to the provision of electricity supply, electrical safety or

electrical installation work, the DNSP may report that person to the appropriate authority or take

legal action itself. The action taken will depend on the seriousness of the breach, or the

frequency of breaches. The DNSP may also disconnect the installation from the network.




Breaches occur where a person or contractor undertakes one of the following activities:

• carries out installation work that is defective or unsafe

• fails to carry out the required tests

• fails to notify the DNSP after carrying out electrical installation work

• deceives or attempts to deceive any of the DNSP employees as to any fact, matter or thing

relating to an electrical installation

• makes a representation in any document in relation to any electrical installation, which they

have supplied, that is false or misleading

• connects an electrical installation to the RailCorp network without the DNSP approval

• fails to rectify defects when notified

Disciplinary action may include the following:

• issuing a verbal or written warning

• issuing a formal interview or counselling

• referring an electrical contractor to the Office of Fair Trading

• referring to the Commercial Tribunal

11.6. Qualifications of installation inspectors DNSP personnel that assume an installation inspector role as part of their daily activities shall

be qualified according to the type of installation. Types of installations include the following:

• low voltage installations

• consumers' aerial lines

11.6.1. Low voltage installations Inspectors of low voltage installations shall meet the following requirements:

• hold a supervisor certificate (electrician) or a contractor licence (electrical) issued by the

Office of Fair Trading or approved equivalent which entitles them to work without

supervision

• have demonstrated the necessary knowledge of TfNSW Standards and testing

requirements

• hold a current Rail Industry Safety Induction card

• have a minimum of five years experience working as a qualified electrician




11.6.2. Consumer aerial line Inspectors of consumer aerial line installations shall meet the following requirements:

• be qualified and have met the requirements of the Electricity Association of NSW Guide to

The Training of Personnel Working on or Near Electricity Works to inspect and test

overhead lines

• have the necessary knowledge and experience, in particular to TfNSW Standards, to

undertake the inspection of the particular type of work to be inspected

11.6.3. Installations located within hazardous areas inspector qualifications For installations located within hazardous areas installation inspectors shall be appropriately

trained and qualified to carry out hazardous area inspections.

12. Audit inspections Audit inspections will be carried out to observe that legislative requirements have been met with

regard to electrical installations, installing contractors and the inspection and testing function to

measure the effectiveness of the installation inspection program.

The frequency of the audits will be at a level which contributes to maintaining or exceeding

existing minimum safety outcomes.

Audit inspections will be coordinated by the Manager EDU, Sydney Trains.

13. Forms The following forms are available on the ASA website and are used when implementing this

standard:

• T HR EL 17001 F1 Information regarding applications for connection

• T HR EL 17001 F2 Application for Connection

• T HR EL 17001 F3 Application for Temporary Connection




Appendix A - Discretionary inspections flowchart Discretionary inspections follow a process that includes the following stages:

• preliminary assessment stage

• assessed contractor stage

• defect identification

Figure 1 shows the discretionary inspections process.

Figure 1 Discretionary inspections

A.1 Preliminary assessment stage The first three Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) jobs received from each

electrical contractor are to be assigned for an inspection.

If there are no major defects in three consecutive jobs, then the contractor's jobs move to the

'Assessed Contractor' stage.

A.2 Assessed contractor stage Additional jobs received from an electrical contractor will be inspected depending on the risk

profile.

If access is not available, another job may be assigned for inspection or access to the job

arranged for a later date at the discretion of the inspector.

If no major defects are detected during the inspection, the 'Assessed Contractor' stage

continued as more jobs are notified.




A.3 Defects If a major defect is detected during an inspection, the contractor is moved back to the

'Preliminary inspection' stage.

Major defect details for the jobs are to be recorded in the inspector's database for each

contractor.




Appendix B - Installation inspection flowchart Figure 2 shows the installation inspection process.

Figure 2 Installation inspection flowchart




Appendix C - Visual inspection checklist The visual inspection checklists for the following categories are provided in Table 1 through

Table 6:

• general

• consumer mains

• switchboards

• wiring systems

• electrical equipment

• earthing

Table 1 - Visual inspection checklist for general category

Inspection aspect Comments / Example Protection against direct contact with live parts

Insulation, enclosure

Protection against indirect contact with exposed conductive parts

Double insulation or isolating transformers

Protection against hazardous parts Enclosure, guarding or screening of flammable materials, hot surfaces and parts that may cause physical injury

Protection against spread of fire Penetration of fire barriers General condition of the electrical equipment

Signs of damage that could impair safe operation, disconnection of unused electrical equipment

All wiring and equipment which could be susceptible to mechanical damage is adequately protected

-

Insulated joints in any continuous earthed metallic structure

Fencing, water pipes

Table 2 – Visual inspection checklist for consumer mains

Inspection aspect Comments / Example Sufficient current carrying capacity - Voltage drop with allowable limits - Installation conditions Enclosure, depth of burial, mechanical protection

and other conditions affecting the de-rating of any cabling

Aerial installation conditions - Connection of wiring - Protection against external influences -




Table 3 – Visual inspection checklist for switchboards

Inspection aspect Comments / Example Location Suitable access and egress Protective devices Overload

rating and residual current rating, fault current

Isolating devices Main switches, isolating transformers

Connection devices Neutral and earth bars, and active links

Connection and switchgear

fixing of wiring and -

Correct identification electrical equipment

and labelling of Neutral/active labelling

Protection against external influences -

Table 4 – Visual inspection checklist for wiring systems

Inspection aspect Comments / Example Conductor size Current-carrying capacity and voltage drop

Identification of cable cores -

Adequate support and fixing -

Connections and enclosures -

Particular installation conditions Underground, aerial, emergency systems

Segregation from other services and electrical installations

-

Protection against external influences Enclosure

Table 5 – Visual inspection checklist for electrical equipment

Inspection aspect

Comments / Example Isolation and switching devices for protection against injury from mechanical

-

Isolation and switching devices for protection against thermal effects

Motors, room heaters, water heaters

Switching devices for particular electrical equipment

Socket outlets, cooking appliances

Particular installation conditions and the suitability for connection of the equipment

Locations affected by water, explosive atmospheres, extra- low voltage, high voltage

Compliance with required Standard -

Connection, support and fixing -





Table 6 – Visual inspection checklist for earthing

Inspection aspect Comments / Example Earth/Neutral connection at transformer/switchboard (where applicable)

-

Earth grid - Earthing conductors Size, identification

Equipotential bonding conductors Size, identification

Connections, joints and terminations -


Correct connection to earthing ements farrang e or other systems (Not

Signalling, communications, traction

Creation of ear thed situation that mayrequire earthing of additional electrical

-




Appendix D - Guidelines for completing defect forms Following is an extract of section 9 & 10 of the Energy Authority of NSW publication -

“Recommend Standard Inspection Procedure for Existing Electrical Installations” (June 1981). It

is included as guidance to inspectors in completing defect forms.

9. REPORTS TO CONSUMERS

9.1 Reports of defects or unsatisfactory conditions found in installations should be set

out in such a manner that they will be clearly understood by the consumer or his contractor and

so as to assist the contractor as much as possible in locating and identifying the faulty portion

and in determining what action he must take to remedy the fault.

9.2 Each item of the report should consist of a clear statement describing the defective

condition. Attempts to set out the method of rectifying the fault should be avoided. For

example, if it is found that trees and vines have grown up and fouled aerial conductors, the

report should read somewhat as follows:

“The aerial conductors to the garage were fouled by trees and vines”.

and NOT

“Trees and vines, fouling aerial conductors to the garage, to be cut back”.

(The consumer may prefer to rectify the defect by raising or re-routing the aerial

conductor instead of by cutting his trees.)

9.3 It is, of course, important to identify the particular portion of the installation to which

the report refers in order that the contractor will not be in doubt as to the portion requiring

attention.

9.4 In setting out the results of their inspection, Inspectors should appreciate the

importance of always using correct terms, and should remember that the use of “trade jargon”

frequently leads to serious misunderstandings. Experience has shown that if the correct terms

are consistently used by the inspection officers, they will always be understood by Electrical

Contractors and will be rapidly adopted by them.

9.5 The words “not satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” should not be used to avoid

specifying defects. Such an expression, however, may be used to describe a condition

provided it us qualified by stating the reason or reasons why it is not satisfactory. It may also be

used in the case where the whole of an installation is found to be in such bad condition that

there would be little point in specifying particular defects. Such a report would read:

“The whole of the installation was in such an unsatisfactory condition that it requires a complete

overhaul”.

10. SAMPLE DEFECT STATEMENTS




10.1 The following sample statements indicate the proper method of reporting defects

that will commonly be found by Inspectors. These sample statements need not, of course, be

followed exactly if an alternative statement is either more concise or more definite and conforms

to the principles set out in these guidelines.

10.1.1 The rigid pendant in the kitchen was insecure.

10.1.2 The ceiling switch in the bathroom was insecure, thus placing strain on the

conductors.

10.1.3 The conduits on the back verandah were not securely fixed in position where they

passed along the back wall.

10.1.4 The conduits on the back verandah were not mechanically and electrically

continuous as they had pulled apart at the fittings.

10.1.5 The flexible cord for the radiator was frayed and damaged.

10.1.6 The flexible cord, from the plug socket in the second bedroom to the standard lamp

in the hall, was damaged where it passed through the doorway.

10.1.7 The insulation on the flexible pendant in the kitchen was perished, thus exposing

live conductors (temporarily made safe by taping).

10.1.8 The use of lampholder and adaptor to join the flexible cord for the radio was not

satisfactory.

10.1.9 The improvised hand-lamp consisting of a lampholder mounted on a wooden block

and having an unguarded lamp was not satisfactory. (Situated in the garage.) DISCONNECTED

-LABELLED

10.1.10 The frame of the motor in the garage was not earthed.

10.1.11 The frame of the washing machine was earthed by means of a conductor not

forming part of the flexible cord supplying the machine.

10.1.12 The earthing conductor above the bench in the garage was broken.

10.1.13 The earthing conductor adjacent to the laundry door was not securely fixed.

10.1.14 Some of the joints in the earthing conductor near the switchboard were not soldered

or suitably clamped.

10.1.15 The metallic conduits in the garage were not earthed.

10.1.16 The connection of the earthing conductor to conduits at the main switchboard was

not electrically effective.

10.1.17 The main earthing conductor on the southern side of the house was not connected

to the water service (no earth clip fitted.)




10.1.18 The resistance between earth and metallic conduits at the switchboard was

high (measured 200 ohms).

10.1.19 The metallic conduits in the following locations were not earthed:

(a) Kitchen,

(b) Back verandah,

(c) Main switchboard.

10.1.20 The metallic conduits in the garage were not earthed in a satisfactory manner.

(Earthed to a separate electrode instead of to the main earth.)

10.1.21 The sheathing of an isolated length of lead covered cable in the garage was not

earthed and was not protected against mechanical damage.

10.1.22 The switch for the plug socket in the dining room did not control the active

conductor.

10.1.23 The main switch was broken and inoperative in the “ON” position and

thereby the installation was not longer under the control of a main switch.

10.1.24 The metal cover of the switch in the bathroom was alive, (temporarily made safe by

lining the switch cover with an insulating material.)

10.1.25 The plug socket in the dining room was not controlled by a switch.

10.1.26 The switch controlling the plug socket in the dining room was inoperative in the “ON”

position.

10.1.27 The cover of the light switch in the bathroom was broken thus exposing live metal

(temporarily made safe by taping).

10.1.28 The porcelain base of the power circuit fuse on the main switchboard was broken

thus exposing live contacts (temporarily made safe by taping).

10.1.29 The heating element of the toaster was broken and likely to made contact with the

frame., (toaster and the permanently attached flexible cord DISCONNECTED - LABELLED).

10.1.30 The electric jug was not provided with a lid and thus exposed live conductor.

DISCONNECTED - LABELLED.

10.1.31 The aerial conductors to the garage were fouled by trees and vines.

10.1.32 The insulation resistance between earth and the neutral conductor of the power

circuit was extremely low. (measured.__ ohms).

10.1.33 The insulation resistance between the frame and the elements of the radiator was

very low. (measured ohms).


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Electrical Distribution System Installation Connection and