News & Views
5th February 2019
Wiring Rules changes to a Lampholder incorporated in a Luminaire
The change to Clause 4.5.1 of AS/NZS 3000:2018 is only slight; however, it may have a significant impact on how Contractors install light fittings.
The Clause now reads: “Lampholders, including lamp-holders incorporated in a luminaire.”
What is the difference?
The old Clause referred to just lampholders, and most Contractors did not apply the Rule to their light fittings. Most light fittings are luminaires, and the definition can be found in Clause 1.4.80 of the new Wiring Rules.
The light fitting on the left below does not meet the new requirements. However, the one on the right below does:
What are the Rules?
Clause 4.5.1.1 – Location, states that “Alllampholders shall be located to be adequately protected against damage that might reasonably be expected.”
It goes on to say that to protect against inadvertent contact with live parts, and low voltage lampholders shall be located to minimise the risk of:
(a) Direct contact with live parts of a lampholder when the lamp is removed; and
(b) Mechanical damage to the lamp or lampholder.
These requirements may be satisfied by:
(i) installation not less than 1.8 m above the ground, floor or platform; or
(ii) provision of a suitable guard for the lamp and its lampholder.
A pendant lampholder shall not be exposed to the effects of significant movement of air, e.g. outdoors or where exposed to the operation of fans, etc.
Back to our two examples:
The light fittings shown above on the left-hand side are below 1.8 m, the lamps could easily be smashed which would expose live wires, and the lamp could be removed with the possibility of a person putting a finger or metal object into the terminals, receiving an electric shock.
The light fitting shown above on the right-hand side has the lampholder and lamp covered for protection, and the lamp cannot be removed for replacement unless the guards/covers are removed first.
The situation shown below is typical of bathrooms in Australia today and does not meet the new Standards if they are low voltage.
Leon Dickson
Technical Advisor
