Distribution Boards

Inspection on Distribution Switch boards and Motor control panels is an essential and important part of Electrical safety and Compliance.

The AS/NZS 3000, covers many of the Regulations about electrical installations state that “Licensed electricians must test all new electrical installations and any modifications to existing installations, including repairs, before putting them into service or use”. This is to verify that the installations comply with the requirements of the Australian Standard where applicable.

Infrared Thermography

Infrared Thermography is a method of using an Infrared Camera for inspecting. The Infrared Thermal camera records the intensity of radiation emitted from objects in the infrared part of the electromagnetic Spectrum. This radiation is not visible to the naked eye. The camera converts it to a visible image which we can use as a predictive/preventative maintenance tool. It helps a Trained Thermographer identify and prevent faults prematurely before catastrophic failure. Regular thermography inspections prevent unwanted costly breakdowns and repairs.

Thermography is an extremely effective and very unique inspection method as its non-destructive and non-intrusive, meaning inspections can be conducted while plant and equipment is fully operational.Thermographic inspections are essential for preventative maintenance programs.

Power Factor Correction Testing

Power factor is the ratio between the kW and the kVA drawn by an electrical load where the kW is the actual load power and the kVA is the apparent load power

The power factor in an electrical system is reduced as more inductive load is applied into that system. The PFC unit automatically connects suitably sized switched capacitors into the power distribution circuit and the Power Factor is improved (closer to unity PF= 1)

Test and Tag

The AS/NZS 3760 is the Australian Standard that provides guidelines and regulations for the Test and Tag with regards to electrical safety of appliances. It sets our recommendations to issues such as test and tag intervals, defines who can test and tag and general recommendations. The Test involves inspecting the appliance for any damage, followed by electrically testing it with a Portable Appliance Tester. A Tag is placed on the appliance to confirm that it has in fact been tested, along with showing who tested it, the test date and when the next test is due. All employers have a duty of care to ensure the safety of its employees, meaning that if someone was hurt from an appliance that wasn’t tested and unsafe, they could be found liable.

Residual Current Device (RCD)- Safety Switches

Residual Current Device (RCD) testing requirement for electrical equipment are covered under AS/NZS 3760:2010 & AS/NZS 3012:2010 standards. An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a safety device that disconnects an electrical circuit when it detects an imbalance of the electric current. RCD’s provide a means of early fault detection. The RCD turns the power off almost immediately to prevent electrocution and reducing the risk of serious injury. RCDs also protect against fire caused by faults in appliance, tools and wiring. If these devices are faulty and not tested they could cause a fire, or personal injury. By law most work places have a Residual Current Device (RCD) testing requirement for electrical equipment under AS/NZS 3760:2010 & AS/NSZ3012:2010 standards.

Emergency Exits and Smoke Detectors

Australian Standard AS/NZS 2293.2 1995 relates to inspection and maintenance of Emergency & Evacuation lighting for buildings. Emergency lighting is an essential service that is quite often forgotten, until an accident or catastrophe happens in the event the power fails in your building, your emergency and exit lights must remain lit for at least 90 minutes, to allow people safe passage out of the building. It is imperative to maintain all emergency and exit lighting in commercial buildings, to comply with relevant building codes in accordance with Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2293.2).

Not only will you comply with exit testing regulations, but you will have greater peace of mind in knowing that your emergency exit lighting and smoke detectors is fully operative.

Microwave Oven Leakage Testing

This is a very simple and relatively cheap inspection service which is becoming very popular to prevent any injuries caused by microwave radiation leakage. AS/NZS 60335.2.25 is the Electrical Regulations which cover Microwave Oven Leakage Testing.

Industry employers have a “Duty of Care”, to ensure their workplace is safe, and we suggest the testing of microwave ovens in the workplace annually as a minimum standard. This standard states that the microwave leakage power flux density of microwave radiation from any microwave oven shall not exceed 50W/m2 (5mW/cm2) or more from the external surface of the oven .The Microwave Oven is inspected for any physical damage to ensure safety and compliance.