Below is a canned response in relation to cable size and AS3000
AS/NZS 3000 clause 1.7.1 (c) states the installations should be installed in accordance with manufacturers specifications.
One example below:
Attached for your information is the outdoor installation manual for the XXXXXX Outdoor unit models. This is the manual that specifies the installation requirements specifically related to the outdoor unit.
Clause XX on PageX states the following:
This statement is specifying that a circuit breaker must be used to power the air conditioner on a dedicated line. I have also included the section that specifies the circuit breaker size for each of the capacity classes.
AS/NZS3000:2012 – Australian Wiring Rules
There are two clauses that specifically must be adhered to when wiring up an air conditioner to the mains power, the two clauses are as follows:
- Clause 4.19 – This is a new clause that was introduced as part of the 2012 review of the standard. This clause specifically relates to air conditioners in that it states: Air-conditioning and heat pump systems incorporating a compressor shall be provided with a lockable isolating switch installed adjacent to the unit. Where the manufacturer requires the air-conditioner to be connected to the electricity supply by means of a plug and socket at the internal unit, the isolating switch installed at the external unit shall control the socket-outlet located at the internal unit.”
This means that all air conditioners must have a isolator installed and it must be installed adjacent to the product and not on the outdoor unit itself. This has been enforced in the Victorian legislation since 2011 but introduced nationally since December 2012.
- Clause 1.7.1 - Selection and Installation of electrical equipment - In this section, clause 1.7.1 Essential Requirement states :
Electrical equipment, forming part of an electrical installation, shall be selected and installed to -
- Operate in a safe and reliable manner in the course of normal operating conditions; and
- Not cause a danger from electric shock, fire, high temperature or physical injury in the event of reasonably expected conditions of abnormal operation, overload, fault or external influences that may apply in the electrical installation; and
- Be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
I have highlighted the last point in red as this is the clause that requires all electrical installations to meet the requirements of the manufacturers instructions – In our case, the requirements of our installation manual.
Air conditioning systems are currently not required to be on RCD circuits and this will also enhance the limitation of leakage current tripping the circuit.
From the warranty side of the equation should any appliance also be installed on an air conditioning circuit there may be a likelihood of spurious surges or spikes from other equipment.
If a manufacturer instructs the air conditioning system to be installed on a separate circuit and this is not followed it is in contravention to the instruction for the product.
Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000:2007 covers this requirement in a number of clauses:
1.6 DESIGN OF AN ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
1.6.1 General
An electrical installation shall be designed to—
(a) protect persons, livestock and property from harmful effects;
(b) function correctly as intended;
(c) connect, operate safely and be compatible with the electricity distribution system, or other source of supply, to which the electrical installation is to be connected;
(d) minimize inconvenience in the event of a fault; and
(e) facilitate safe operation, inspection, testing and maintenance.
(This clause identifies the need to limit the disruption of a faulty piece of equipment to a minimum)
1.7 SELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
1.7.1 Essential requirement
Electrical equipment, forming part of an electrical installation, shall be selected and installed to—
(a) operate in a safe and reliable manner in the course of normal operating conditions; and
(b) not cause a danger from electric shock, fire, high temperature or physical injury in the event of reasonably expected conditions of abnormal operation, overload, fault or external influences that may apply in the electrical installation; and
(c) be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
1.7.2 Installation work practice
In order to address the essential requirement of Clause 1.7.1, electrical equipment shall be installed in accordance with safe and sound work practices including the following considerations:
(a) Appropriate construction and operating characteristics of the equipment to protect against the mechanical, environmental or other external influences to which it is likely to be exposed at the intended point of installation. The means of protection, which shall not be impaired in the process of installation, may be integral to the equipment or an additional enclosure provided as part of the electrical installation.
(b) Installation instructions provided by the equipment supplier.