Electrical Standards

Different countries will have different electrical standards and code of practice to ensure safety. According to wikipedia several standards exist around the world for electrical power distribution. AC electric power can be delivered at differing voltage and frequency. Canada, Mexico and the United States all use a 100–127 volt, 60 hertz electrical system while most of Africa, Asia and Europe use a 220–240 volt, 50 hertz electrical system, with a variety of differing physical connectors. [source: wikipedia]

Standards Australian released a new edition of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for Wiring Rules in November 2007. It was produce jointly by Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee. The new edition is in two part format. The part one outlines fundamental safety principles and provides an ‘outcomes oriented’ approach to allow flexibility in design and Part Two details ‘deemed to comply’ solutions to satisfy the Part One fundamental safety principles for the majority of electrical installation work. The new edition is now more flexible, user-friendly and easier to read. Containing new definitions and terminologies such as electrical installation; circuit; basic protection (protection against direct contact); fault protection (protection against indirect contact); outbuilding and others. There were other changes as well such as protection against arcing faults; requirements for selectivity (discrimination) between circuits; and others. [source: wiringrules.standards.org.au].

Electrical Safety Requirements in Australia includes a number of products, including most household appliances, are "prescribed" electrical articles in Australia and therefore must be approved to the relevant electrical safety approval and test specification before they can be sold in Australia. All Australian state and territory governments accept applications for electrical safety approvals. Further information can be obtained from state electrical safety regulators or through the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC). [source: energyrating.gov.au].

Hiring a licenced electrician comes hand and hand with electrical standards. It is very important to hire a licenced electrician as they are trained in designing and installing electrical circuits in a new home as well as maintaining and troubleshooting all kinds of electrical equipments. As there are so many hazards with working with electricity, most countries in the world regulate the trade and give licenses for electricians to practice.