Wiring protection

The 2007 edition of the Wiring Rules has changed the requirements for wiring installed near building surfaces.

Under the revised standard, the ‘no protection zone’ which existed in the 2000 edition in a straight line above and below electrical accessories such as power points in walls no longer applies.

This means that with the exception of narrow areas close to the corners of adjoining walls, and those along the top of walls, wiring near a building surface will require suitable protection from mechanical damage.

Where the arrangement of wiring within a building exposes it to risk of damage from nails or screws it must be protected by measures such as an earthed covering, enclosure, or through the use of a safety switch with an operating maximum of 30 mA.

As a result of this change, wiring near building surfaces in the prescribed zone will require suitable protection from mechanical damage.

Safety switch protection may be the most practicable way of complying and should be considered for circuits supplying electrical equipment such as stoves and hot water systems. Refer to figure 3.3 of the new Wiring Rules and clauses 3.9.4.1 and 3.9.4.2 for more detail.

The presentation that was delivered at a number of the earlier joint Electrical Safety Office and Electrical and Communications Association Wiring Rules seminars contained the correct diagram related to this matter; however the wording may have been unclear. The Electrical Safety Office has reviewed and updated this presentation which is available online.

Download the Wiring Rules information seminar presentation. (PPT 920, KB)