With the recent updates to electrical standards in Australia, particularly AS/NZS 61439.1, the landscape of low-voltage switchgear has undergone significant changes. The transition period has ended, making compliance with the new standard imperative for all switchboard installations. In this article, we delve into the crucial aspects of compliance, the reasons behind it, and how Minetek’s Power Division ensures adherence to these standards.
Who Needs to Comply and Why?
Equipment operators are responsible for compliance, ensuring that all installed products meet the requirements outlined in AS/NZS 61439.1. But why is compliance essential? Adherence to standards ensures safety, reliability, and efficiency in electrical systems. Non-compliant switchboards risk jeopardising personnel’s safety, equipment integrity, and the smooth operation of mining operations. Compliance is not just a legal requirement; it’s a commitment to safety and responsibility.
Understanding the AS/NZS 61439.1 Standards and Verification Methods
AS/NZS 61439.1 introduces a new set of verification methods, replacing the previous TTA and PTTA classifications. These methods include verification by testing, comparison with a tested design, or assessment. Each method aims to validate the switchboard’s design and performance under various conditions, ensuring its suitability for operation in demanding mining environments. At Minetek, our client /end user would advise us of their requirements for the switchboard design, such as the KA rating and IP rating, if their requirement exceeds 125A or 10KA, then Minetek would be responsible for compliance in accordance to AS/NZS 61439.1.
The Role of Type Testing in Compliance
Type testing is pivotal to ensuring compliance with AS/NZS 61439.1. Manufacturers can ascertain their performance under simulated fault conditions by subjecting switchboards to a series of rigorous tests. This approach allows for the classification of switchboards as ‘type tested assemblies,’ providing confidence in their reliability and safety. Minetek’s Power Division is committed to conducting comprehensive type testing to guarantee the quality and performance of our switchboards as per AS/NZS 61439.1 standards.
Balancing Cost and Benefit
Although type testing increases the overall cost of switchboard construction, it provides unparalleled performance and safety assurance. The increased investment is justified as it’s a compliance requirement, both for high-power switchboards where the consequences of failure are significant and for smaller boards, where the risk of catastrophic failure is lower. Adherence to industry standard practices like AS/NZS 61439.1 and thorough testing by experienced switchboard builders are essential for industrial and mining switchboards. Minetek’s Power Division ensures that every switchboard, regardless of size, meets or exceeds industry standards for safety and reliability.
Our Commitment to Compliance
At Minetek, we stand by our commitment to excellence, integrity, and accountability. Our switchboards and switchrooms are meticulously designed, tested, and verified to comply with AS/NZS 61439.1 standards. With a focus on innovation and quality, we provide our clients with solutions that meet regulatory requirements and exceed expectations for performance and reliability.
In conclusion, compliance with AS/NZS 61439.1 is not just a regulatory obligation; it’s a fundamental principle of safety and reliability in industrial and mining operations. By adhering to these standards and investing in robust testing and verification processes, we can ensure the continued success and sustainability of the industry. Minetek’s Power Division remains at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge electrical solutions that empower mining enterprises to thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment.
For more information about our compliant switchboard solutions, contact Minetek’s Power Division today.
