Questions on Australian wiring/panels/cbs

[Evan(CA)]

I'm in the middle of an Airstream RV project that will end up in Australia. This is the first non US destined one we have done and I'm trying to gather as much info as possible.

The electrical panels we use here in the states are a 120/12v combo load center so we dot have to mount transformers everywhere but I can't find anything similar with australian specs which are 50hz 240v single phase. The wiring colors used are red/brwn for the phases and black or blue as the neutral with a yellow striped green ground correct? Anyone have any idea how strict customs is going to be? Obviously the outlets and appliances will be spec'd accordingly but will I have any issues using a panel and wiring from the states? The only issue I can think of is years down the road if a breaker had to be replaced it would have to be ordered from the states but as long as the panel is rated properly will I have issues down the road?

Any good website recommendations I should check out for info and or purchasing the proper wiring and equipment?

Thanks for any and all input.

 

[tool-guy]

Customs won't be strict on that but you may find that they may require documentation stating that the brake pads don't contain asbestos. Send 1/2 cup a PM I'm sure he'll be more than willing to help you out.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I would look into using Aussie electrical components if possible.

Charles

 

[HOTFR8]

+ One on sending 1/2 Cup a PM. It sounds like something he would know all about.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Mrs 1/2 Cup has forwarded this from home.
I am still at work for the next few hours and can respond shortly after if thats ok.
The colour codes are covered under Australian Standards AS/NZS 3000:2007 if that helps for a start.

Cheers

 

[HOTFR8]

1/2 Cup, you got a message ?

Evan(CA) you are in good hands now as 1/2 Cup knows his stuff.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Now where do I start, in terms of the customs clearance I believe they will not consider the electrical installation an issue.

The issue will be compliance with the Australian Standards which will be mandatory I you are selling it and intend to use the RV out here, caravans an rvs are required to display a compliance plate to indicate they meet the required standards.
As you said our supply out here is 240 vac at 50 hz and the switchgear and cables you use will have to be suitably rated to suit.

First port of call would be the S.A.I. web site and this is like a mine field to negotiate I might add and can be a matter of interpretation in most cases. The standards are costly to access I might add.

The standards you would need for starters are ;

AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules
AS/NZS 3001 Electrical Installations Relocatable premises inc caravans
AS/NZS 3008 Cable selection.

http://www.standards.org.au/Pages/default.aspx


Just to name a few, let alone make sense of them all for your particular installation.

A few pointers for the 240 volt stuff;

.All light switches and socket outlets will need to be double pole switching both the active and neutral conductors.
.Cables will need to be rated at .6kv insulation.
.Earthing all exposed metal.
. Fit shrouds behind all outlets and flight switches to prevent single insulation coming into contact with exposed metal frame work.
. The load centre should include a double pole main switch and feed double pole Residual Current device circuit breakers for each subcircuit.
. Segregate the 240 volt and 12 volt stuff totally and do not use the frame as an earth return for the 12 vdc.

I would look to use Clipsal brand products as they market a vast range of switch gear and electrical hard ware

https://www.clipsal.com/

Cable wise

http://www.olex.com.au/Australasia/2012/OLC12641_Handbook_FA.pdf

Our basic colours for the single insulated internal conductors of a double insulated cable are

Red for the active or hot wire
Black for the neutral wire.
Green with yellow stripe for the earth.

Flexible cables suitable for 240 volt to connect appliances are ( not to be used for fixed wiring)

Brown - active
Blue - neutral
Green / yellow stripe - earth

The DC is double insulated automotive cable using red for the positive and black for the negative.

I sincerely hoped this has helped and if you have any further questions don't hesitate to ask as I really haven't touched the sides.

The installation will require a certificate of electrical safety when it arrives in Aus, this can be done through a registered electrical contractor.

Cheers

 

[Evan(CA)]

Thank you very much 1/2 Cup for the detailed response. I will do some reading today and give you a call or shoot you a pm if I have more questions. Thanks again

 

[1/2 Cup]

Thank you very much 1/2 Cup for the detailed response. I will do some reading today and give you a call or shoot you a pm if I have more questions. Thanks again

Anytime