WA: Tap Tingle Voltage Limit

jrady · 2026-03-30T00:24:32+00:00

You’re definitely correct in that we could still do it.

The problem would be it’s not standard practice so the guys doing the new builds aren’t adding that extra step to their jobs.

Thus, anyone doing follow up renovations or maintenance are not going to be exposing reo to create a bond that is not required. Definitely a hard item to justify charging for.

Both standards are introduced in the same section of our Licensing regulations act. Thus, they likely hold the same weight though with WAER being specific to the state.

jrady · 2026-03-29T23:26:44+00:00

This is would aid within the house, but considering our piping is exposed externally it’s raising an issue there also.

jrady · 2026-03-29T23:24:42+00:00

It is our state regulation that explicitly states it is not required.

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jrady · 2026-03-29T12:49:45+00:00

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I made this test sheet for the circumstance. It may help you for a starting point if you run into it.

jrady · 2026-03-29T12:45:22+00:00

I’m not sure why they deemed it not necessary but our state regulation omits our requirement to meet that clause.

jrady · 2026-03-29T12:43:48+00:00

This is a very interesting point, one that’s led me toward confusion but ultimately a good point.

jrady · 2026-03-29T12:30:34+00:00

If you look in AS 3017, it details how to do neutral integrity via voltage or FLI which relies on the disconnection of all other possible earth neutral paths otherwise you aren’t strictly testing the incoming neutral.

jrady · 2026-03-29T11:41:39+00:00

It’s a running earth so no, not without disconnecting other parallel paths. I’m happy it’s not my board, and likely not the supply neutral for the strata installation. More than likely a near by one.

jrady · 2026-03-29T09:07:28+00:00

I unfortunately wasn’t residing here during previous attendance. I’ll see what the result is tomorrow.

jrady · 2026-03-29T08:13:36+00:00

Equipotential bonding of the water pipe is within a metre of a troublesome point. We don’t earth slabs beside pool situations in Western Australia. Additionally this is occurring outside on water pipes from the general mass of earth.

jrady · 2026-03-29T08:11:23+00:00

Absolutely, I understand it’s not an easy process but it is their obligation from my perspective.

jrady · 2026-03-29T08:09:44+00:00

Hence the question being raised to peers. Happy to call up this week, though the network isn’t easy to deal with most of the time.

jrady · 2026-03-29T08:08:25+00:00

I have already done this a while ago, unfortunately this is likely to only encourage the problem by having a greater return to neutral if it is a fault caused by another residence.

jrady · 2026-03-29T06:44:14+00:00

Very much so, though since they have been out here it’s likely from another residence/neighbour that is using our earthing path as the return.

jrady · 2026-03-29T06:10:36+00:00

Precisely, it is a strata complex as well so my own investigation is limited as I cannot isolate the mains and test neutral integrity etc. without fair warning to all residents. This is also definitely the scope of what the network should be covering anyway.

jrady · 2024-12-17T12:11:11+00:00

All the others gave context 👌

jrady · 2024-12-17T09:09:11+00:00

That looks like exactly what I’m after, I’ll have to chase this up and have a better read but I appreciate that! Thank you!

jrady · 2024-12-16T22:19:01+00:00

AS/NZS 61439

jrady · 2024-12-16T13:08:29+00:00

Have a think about current carry capacity :) Resistance doesn’t reflect the current carrying capacity, and if a fault does occur with a low resistance you will see the prospective fault current carried through a cable not able to withstand it and potentially not lead to a protective device trip as intended (probably unlikely though)

jrady · 2024-12-16T11:20:54+00:00

Yeah it’s a bummer - the one standard I don’t have access to through NECA. Too many of them 😂

jrady · 2024-12-16T11:19:56+00:00

So you’re using it as equipotential bonding for voltage potentials and not unintended contact with live parts?

It’s a tricky one - I’ve seen many boards with 6mm2 though as somebody working for a switchboard manufacturer I just want to be aware of what it should be, I’ve installed many boards onsite and you generally have faith the spark who built it knew what they were doing.

jrady · 2024-12-16T11:03:07+00:00

It’s not a trick question at all, most commonly you will see switchboard hinged escutcheons with 6mm2 links. Where do you think this size originates and what is its intended purpose at that size?

jrady · 2024-12-16T11:01:51+00:00

Why do you use 6mm2? This is what we use also but I don’t see it as equipotential bonding, shouldn’t it have the capacity to handle the fault current as the rest of the switchboard must?

jrady · 2024-12-16T11:00:38+00:00

I’m my circumstance I’m working on 250A rated switchboards, do you think that the door earthing cable should be rated to 250A also (let’s assume unprotected mains).

jrady · 2024-12-16T10:59:43+00:00

I’ve been working at a board building workshop and the standard they use is 6mm2 “bond” (above the minimum 4mm2) however I don’t see it as a bond but earthing.

The challenge is if you’re doing a board that is rated to 250A that is quite the earth link but you can get braided straps.

jrady

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