INSTALLING A COMPLIANT SUPPLY GENERATOR
TECH TALK
IN ACCORDANCE WITH AS/NZS 3010:2017 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS GENERATING SETS
AS AUSTRALIAN WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE CONSTANTLY FLUCTUATING, AND EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS ARE BECOMING MORE COMMON, POWER OUTAGES ARE INCREASINGLY BECOMING A FACT OF LIFE. WHENEVER A NATURAL DISASTER IS FORECAST, MANY PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES PREPARE THEMSELVES BY PURCHASING PORTABLE GENERATORS AS A BACKUP FOR WHEN THE POWER GOES DOWN. Suppose you are changing and/or installing a generator for your client. In that case, you need to ensure that the changeover switch is installed correctly to safely connect the portable generator(s) to the building’s electrical systems. What is required to install a compliant, detachable alternative supply generator and comply with the generator clauses in standards AS/NZS 3010, AS/NZS 4777 and AS/NZS 3000?
Here are the top 10 key takeaways for installing a compliant supply generator 1. Conduct an initial consultation to confirm that the design scope meets the client’s requirements. 2. Do not install an earth stake on a portable generator. 3. Do not switch the main neutral/multiple earthed neutral (MEN) and the earth. 4. Always label the generator inlet socket advising that a centre tapped generator and Residual Current Device (RCD) protected generator is not to be used. 5. Advise the client that only certain types of generators are to be used, and if the generator is modified that it cannot be used elsewhere. 6. Check with the electricity distributor for any applications and approvals that must be obtained. 7. If this is the case, provide as many details as possible. For example, single line diagram, load details, generator size and changeover switch details. 8. Review any requirements of the statespecific service rules for generators. 9. Ensure that any secondary type of generation, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) inverter, battery energy storage system (BESS) and uninterruptible power systems (UPS), is not running in conjunction with the generator. 10. Ensure clear, permanent and legible labelling is provided, and supply the client with instructions for the correct operation of the changeover switch.
NECA members requiring advice on this subject or other technical assistance should contact NECA’s Technical team in their state branch.
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April 2022
