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ACRS NEWS
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DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Peter Lamont
Director ACRS and Senior Policy Advisor peter.lamont@neca.asn.au
An important role of the Australian Cabler registration Service (ACrS) is to advocate on cablers’ behalf to government to ensure that their voice is heard. For this reason, ACrS meets regularly with the Australian Communications and media Authority (ACmA) and also participates on the Communications Advisory Group (CAG). Our participation in these meetings also enables ACrS to provide timely and relevant information to cablers through our electronic newsletter and magazine articles.
A lot of recent discussion has been about the rapid growth of Australia’s digital economy, with home and office integration, the uptake of the Internet of things (Iot) within premises and the impact of technical advances such as home automation and power over the ethernet.
In particular, new wireless technologies continue to develop and grow as they become more widespread in their use. 5G mobile and Wi-Fi6 are two of the latest developments. All of this technology requires programs with strong, consistent and stable networks, and cabling is required to support them.
With all this in mind, it is critically important that both new entrants and existing cablers keep up to date in technological developments, and how to install and maintain new systems. While training is the key, many training courses struggle to keep pace with technological change, and more needs to be done in this space.
there are currently around 70,000 registered cablers throughout Australia, and ACrS believes we need to look at the introduction of high quality continuous professional development to help them maintain current knowledge and skills.
Next year, the ACmA will commence its legislatively required ten-year review of the current legislation relating to cable work. this will provide an opportunity to ensure that the legislation and cabling rules are modern, fit-for-service and take account of the pace of technological change.
ACRS Welcomes Ben Shaw
ACrS is pleased to welcome ben Shaw as a new ACrS Director.
ben is also the State manager for Government relations and member engagement for NeCA in tasmania. ben comes to ACrS with a wealth of experience both as a director and in the electrotechnology sector. ben has experience at the top levels of local government both in tasmania and nationally, serving on the Local Government Association of tasmania (LGAt) and Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) boards in director roles. ben also has strong links and relationships with government at all three levels, which will support ACrS in its regulatory advocacy endeavours. ben has over 20 years’ experience in technical sales and marketing roles within the electrical sector, including nine years at tricab, an Australian-owned and made cable manufacturing company. With his many contacts within the sector, ben will broaden ACrS’ reach even further.
ACrS is one of only five cabler registration providers approved by the Australian Communications and media Authority (ACmA). It is a totally-owned subsidiary of NeCA. ACrS plays a vital role in assessing the training and competency of people who wish to perform cabling work.
the ACmA requires technicians to have a current cabling registration when they install any type of equipment that will be
Thinking about a move into data and communications as a way to diversify your contracting business? Here are a few critical questions to ask before you get started.
Am I registered to do the work?
In Australia, all cabling work, including telephone, data, fire and security alarm system cabling, that connects with the telecommunications network must be performed by a registered cabler, or under the direct supervision of a registered cabler.
What is required to become a registered cabler?
To become a registered cabler you must complete the appropriate training course for the work to be undertaken through a Registered Training Organisations (RTO). An Open Registration is required for commercial and domestic premises work. For work in domestic premises you only require a Restricted Registration. You must also have a minimum of 80 hours cabling experience for Restricted Registration and 360 hours for Open Registration. Holding an electrical licence, Security licence or enAbleTM NBN Card will suffice.
Do all my staff need to be registered?
COMPLIANT FOR CABLING? Thinking about a move into data and What are the consequences of doing communications as a way to diversify your cabling work without being registered? contracting business? Here are a few critical questions to ask before you get started. The ACMA has a range of options available to enforce compliance. These include: formal Am I registered to do the work? warnings; non-compliance notices to the telecommunications carrier, which may In Australia, all cabling work, including result in disconnection from the network; telephone, data, fire and security alarm telecommunications infringement notices system cabling, that connects with the (on-the-spot fine of $2,040); and if the telecommunications network must be matter is serious enough, taking court performed by a registered cabler, or under action, which may result in a conviction the direct supervision of a registered cabler. and/or a fine of up to $20,400. What is required to become a registered The biggest consequence is that, should cabler? anything go wrong or your work is found to be faulty, your business insurance is To become a registered cabler you must unlikely to cover you. This could lead to complete the appropriate training course litigation and substantial financial loss for the work to be undertaken through a for your business. Registered Training Organisations (RTO). Not being registered is not worth the risk. An Open Registration is required for commercial and domestic premises work. For work in domestic premises you only require a Restricted Registration.
Peter Lamont
Do all my staff need to be registered?
COMPLIANT FOR CABLING? connected to the telecommunications network, including monitored security alarms, access control systems, closed circuit television, extra phone lines, internet connected computers, building automation or smart home systems. Under Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) laws, ACrS has two directors to ensure the company What are the consequences of doing cabling work without being registered? complies with all rules and legislation. The ACMA has a range of options available to ben joined current Director peter Lamont enforce compliance. These include: formal as part of the ACrS team in June 2022. warnings; non-compliance notices to the telecommunications carrier, which may “It is exciting to have ben join the team result in disconnection from the network; and bring some fresh ideas to the table,” telecommunications infringement notices said peter. “ben will also be particularly (on-the-spot fine of $2,040); and if the good at promoting ACrS and raising cabler matter is serious enough, taking court requirement awareness in tasmania.” action, which may result in a conviction and/or a fine of up to $20,400. The Australian Communications and Media Authority is looking at introducing QR codes for all telecommunications equipment The biggest consequence is that, should anything go wrong or your work is found to be faulty, your business insurance is unlikely to cover you. This could lead to litigation and substantial financial loss When the Radiocommunications Act 1992 for your business. was amended last year, the definition Not being registered is not worth the risk. of label was updated to include Qr codes. this meant that suppliers could label equipment under the radiocommunications labelling arrangements, with either the regulatory Compliance mark (rCm) or a Qr code, or similar. Peter Lamont Director, ACRS www.acrs.com.au the labelling requirements in the telecommunications Labelling Notice currently require suppliers to label their equipment with the rCm, and do not have the option to label equipment with a Qr code. this means there is an inconsistency between the radiocommunications Act and the telecommunications labelling requirements. ACrS is currently proposing to amend the telecommunications Labelling Notice to include Qr codes to align the labelling requirements with those under the radiocommunications Act. this will provide consistency and flexibility for suppliers in the Australian market and enable suppliers to comply with the requirements through the use of modern technology. ACrS will keep you informed on any updates.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) initiates enhanced rules to combat scams
Online scams have become a scourge of our current times. they can have a major impact on both individuals and businesses. According to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Scamwatch data, financial losses from SmS scams from January to July 2022 increased by 188% compared to the same period in 2021 – from around $2.3 million to over $6.5 million. SmS scams account for about 32% of all scams reported to date this year. As a result, ACmA has initiated new rules that require telcos to identify, trace and block SmS scams. the new rules came into force on 30 June 2022, and require telcos to use multi-factor ID checks for customer transactions that are commonly targeted by scammers, including SIm swap requests and account changes. telcos must now also publish information to assist their customers to proactively manage and report SmS scams, share information about scam messages with other telcos and report identified scams to authorities. Let’s hope that the new rules make a difference!
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Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations. For more information visit www.acrs.com.au or call 1300 667 771. cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations. It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations. that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations. For more information visit www.acrs.com.au or call 1300 667 771. cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations. It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations. work to the customer’s expectations.work to the customer’s expectations.
SAVE YOURSELF THE TROUBLE, DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE WITH CABLING
WHILe It mIGHt Seem LIKe A mINOr ISSUe, INCOrreCtLY LAbeLLeD CAbLeS CAN be COStLY IN tHe LONG rUN, eVeN IF tHeY’re IN WOrKING OrDer.
Cabling is relatively inexpensive. Yes, there are high-end solutions that offer more benefits over their economical counterparts, but allin-all, cabling is nowhere near the most expensive part of a job.
there are standards and regulations tradies must adhere to when it comes to cabling, like most aspects of the building and construction industry. Despite being relatively cheap to install, having to remove all cabling as a result of not following these standards is extremely expensive.
the Australian Cablemakers Association (ACA) recently published a reminder to all electricians and electrical professionals to ensure all cabling installed falls within the scope of AS/NZS 4417.1 and is compliant with electrical equipment Safety Scheme (eeSS) requirements.
“When you install cables into a building, you need to check that it’s compliant with the eeSS requirements and you need to be able to identify the cable,” ACA secretary Sandy mennie says.
“If the cable isn’t marked properly, an inspector would have the right to say: ‘Well, I can’t identify this cable and therefore, can’t tell if it’s compliant or not. You have to pull it out and replace it with compliant cable.’”
part of the ACA is a non-profit organisation called the Australian Cable Initiative (ACI). It was established to promote the safety and compliance of electrical cables used in buildings and it runs a surveillance program that monitors electrical cables manufactured, sold, used or distributed in Australia.
Sandy explains that the ACI recently found some incorrectly labelled cable and had it been installed the electrician may then have had to go through the arduous process of removing and replacing it. “In this particular instance, it was that the cable didn’t have the manufacturer’s name on it,” he says.
“because it wasn’t marked correctly, an inspector wouldn’t have been able to identify it and wouldn’t have been able to look it up on the eeSS database to see if it was okay to use.”
He adds that when the cable was tested by the ACI, it did pass all relevant tests, but without the correct marking, it didn’t matter: “the cost of replacing this cable would be massive, relative to the cost of the cable itself. It’s a false economy not to put in properly approved cable in the first place and that’s the point, just to alert electricians to that issue.”
this isn’t like the Infinity Cable debacle a few years ago, those cables were outright dangerous. this is about covering sparkies so if a job happens to be inspected, everything is ready to go.
the ACI advises that all electrical professionals check that cable is properly marked before installing it and the certification status can be checked on the electrical regulatory Authorities Council (erAC) eeSS National Database. Sandy adds that if you’re buying cable from a reputable supplier and you know all their cabling is appropriately labelled, then everything should be in order. However, if you’re on the road, buying supplies from elsewhere, it’s always better to check compliance first because the price at the other end heavily outweighs the price of replacing.
Sean Carroll
Editor, Electrical Connection
