In Victoria, commercial electricians must adhere to strict safety and compliance standards when installing or repairing commercial switchboards. These standards are outlined in various regulations and codes of practice.
The following checklist covers some common aspects of commercial switchboard safety:
1. Licensing and Certification
- Make sure the electrician working on your site holds a valid licence or registration issued by your state or territory authority.
- Confirm their qualifications are current and they’re legally authorised to carry out electrical work.
2. Compliance with Standards
- Make sure your electrician follows the Australian Standards: AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules) AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017 (Selection of cables)
- Ask if their work complies with these standards before the job begins. This protects your safety and ensures the job meets all legal requirements..
3. Switchboard Location
- Verify that the switchboard is located in a safe, accessible, and well-ventilated area.
- Ensure that the switchboard is easily identifiable and labelled appropriately.
4. Switchboard Condition
- Regularly inspect switchboards for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.
- Make sure all doors, covers, and enclosures are secure and in good condition.
5. Electrical Circuits and Overcurrent Protection
- Ask your electrician to confirm each circuit is protected by the right overcurrent device, like a circuit breaker or fuse.
- Make sure the circuit ratings match what’s connected and meet AS/NZS 3000 standards. This prevents overloads and reduces fire risk
6. Wiring and Cable Management – Make sure your electrician checks all wiring for:
- Correct sizing
- Quality insulation
- Secure connections
There should be clear separation between different voltage systems to avoid any safety issues. Ask for cable management systems to be used. This keeps wiring neat, safe and easier to maintain.
7. Earthing and Bonding
- Ask your electrician to check that earthing and bonding systems are properly installed and up to standard.
- Make sure the earth electrodes are in good condition and show low resistance. This protects people and equipment from electrical faults.
8. Safety Switch (RCD) Installation
- Make sure residual current devices (RCDs) are installed on the right circuits to protect against electric shock.
- Test them regularly to confirm they’re working properly. This simple step can save lives.
9. Documentation
- Ensure your electrician keeps detailed records of all installations, changes, and inspections.
- You should receive clear documentation for your own records and for any regulatory checks. This helps with future maintenance and shows the work was done right.
10. Training and Safety Awareness
- Choose an electrician who stays up to date with safety standards and commits to ongoing training.
- They should promote a strong safety mindset across their team—and help you understand how to keep your space safe too.
Use this checklist as a starting point for switchboard safety and compliance in Australia. Regulations and best practices can change. Check with your local electrical authority for the latest requirements in your area. When it comes to electricity, safety should always come first.
Need help making sure your switchboard is safe and compliant?
Our licensed team can inspect, upgrade or repair your switchboard to meet current standards.
Need help making sure your switchboard is safe and compliant?
Our licensed team can inspect, upgrade or repair your switchboard to meet current standards.
