Engineering Resources

Electrical Switchboards – Overcurrent protection – overload, short circuit, discrimination and cascading Overcurrent Protection Overcurrent protection comes under two main categories, Overload protection and short circuit protection. Overload protection Overload protection aims to protect conductors from the thermal effects of passing more current than...

As more houses and buildings in Australia install solar panels, community batteries are one way that neighbourhoods can reduce overall energy usage, and households can reduce their energy bills. “Community batteries provide benefits for the energy user, the grid operator, and the energy retailer,...

As the complexity of grid and integration requirements rises, High Voltage (HV) switchboards, control panels, and switchgear need to be expertly made to meet safety and performance criteria for demanding applications. “Switchboard and switchgear requirements differ from State to State, so it’s important that...

Part 1: Standards Followed in Designing High Voltage Circuit Breakers High voltage (HV) circuit breakers are essential for ensuring the stability and safety of electrical power systems. Designing and manufacturing these devices require adherence to stringent international standards to ensure their reliability and performance...

The AS/NZS 61439 standard, which has been in effect in Australia and New Zealand since May 2021, introduces crucial revisions to the guidelines for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. This new standard, derived from the international IEC 61439 standard and tailored for the regional context,...

The MEN system is a minimum requirement of electrical safety in Australia and New Zealand. This paper shall give an overview of the MEN system, capturing all its definitions, origin, significance, and major elements. MEN System in AS/NZS 3000:2018 The MEN system is a...

In Australia, effective management of your energy is going to require an understanding of the role of Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs). Each state has its DNSPs, and there could be multiples in each state. Knowing your local DNSP will help you make informed...

Fault levels are crucial for ensuring electrical systems operate safely. The Wiring Rules mandate that protective devices must handle any overcurrent up to the prospective short circuit current at their installation point. Incorrectly rated equipment can be hazardous, and overrating can be unnecessarily costly....

Fault types, specifically open-circuit and short-circuit faults, are crucial in understanding electrical issues in power systems. An open-circuit fault occurs when there is a break or disconnection in the electrical path, making it impossible for current to flow through the intended circuit. A short-circuit...

Surge diverters protect electrical systems from transient voltage spikes, known as surges. Surges can result from lightning, power outages, or switching electrical loads. They may raise the voltage beyond what most components can handle, causing damage or failure. According to the AS/NZS3000 standard, surge...