Understanding AS/NZS 61439: Impact on Electrical Contractors

AS/NZS 61439, effective in Australia and New Zealand from May 2021, brings with it the required updates on the regulations pertaining to low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. The new standard is a regional adaptation of the international IEC 61439 standard, doing away with the earlier versions that had been in place for nearly two decades in the region. Here is a closer look at what this means for businesses, including potential compliance burdens, real-world benefits, and how it addresses core safety and operational concerns.

Key Updates in AS/NZS 61439

Temperature Rise Testing
The new standard ensures that the rise in temperature is strictly controlled. It stipulates limits for the temperature rise of copper busbars, terminals, and other components of switchboards. This helps to increase the service life of equipment and reduce overheating. Therefore, there will be improved safety and reduced risks of fire.
Short Circuit Testing
The new standard is placing much emphasis on short circuit faults, which might lead to serious injury and damage to equipment. Short circuit faults impose new and greater demands on the testing requirements of AS/NZS 61439. In the new standard, the assembly must undergo short circuit testing, while previous standards had allowed only individual component testing. These will go a long way in protecting people and protecting equipment substantially.

Effect on Business

Compliance and Costs
For manufacturers and assemblers, the AS/NZS 61439 standard means more rigid testing and verification processes. The costs that are incurred can be very high because of extensive testing and compliance measures. Nevertheless, these are compensated for by the better quality of switchgear and safety.
Safety and Reliability
From the end-user’s point of view, it actually means more assurance that a piece of equipment will come out reliable and performing effectively over time. Newer standards are meant to obviate previous shortcomings toward better operational efficiency and safety.
Switchboard Upgrade Replacements
New switchboards have to be compliant with a new standard, but if switchboards were compliant with the standard at the installation time, they do not need to be replaced. However, if upgrade work is being performed on a switchboard that is not considered to be a repair, then that work must comply with AS/NZS 61439. This is becoming very difficult to do for most cases and would likely necessitate a switchboard replacement in most cases. Occasionally, the existing switchboard can be verified to the new standard, but this too is very much a case-by-case basis and will not be possible in the majority of cases. Contact us if this is something you need to discuss.

The AS/NZS 61439 standard is a significant step forward in the safety and reliability of low-voltage switchgear. While it imposes a greater compliance burden on switchboard manufacturers, benefits include improved safety, lower risk of equipment failure, and longer-lasting performance. Businesses should adopt these standards as a minimum but continually work to improve to ensure long-term success and safety.

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