Electrical Regulation Reform
In 2022, the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly passed the Electrical Safety Act 2022, which will come into effect 1 Jul 2024.
Supported by the Electrical Safety Regulations 2024, this legislation aims to modernise and consolidate NT’s electrical safety laws to enhance public safety and address technological advancements such as renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure.
NT WorkSafe will be the sole regulator for safety and licensing administration.
The legislation, comprising over 260 provisions across 160 pages, is available for review.
NT Worksafe provides information about the proposed regulations at its website.
The regulations apply to the general public (tenants), electrical contractors, workers, residential property owners (including landlords and property managers), PCBUs in various industries, community groups, not-for-profit organizations, registered training organizations, and distribution entities.
Public feedback can be submitted until Sun, 2 Jun 2024 at:
https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/modernisation-of-the-electrical-safety-laws
Some of the proposed regulations:
- Homeowners are responsible for maintaining vegetation to prevent electrical risks. Electricity entities can clear vegetation near powerlines, with costs recoverable from landowners.
- Residential Property Owners – safety switches must be installed on all circuits by July 1, 2028, with phased requirements for socket outlets starting in 2026. Sellers must inform buyers of potential electrical risks, and buyers must rectify these within 90 days of possession.
- Landlords must test safety switches 30 days before a new tenancy and replace faulty ones. Tenants must test switches annually and report issues to landlords.
- Solar PV System Designers and Installers – prohibits roof-mounted isolators and mandates fencing around free-standing solar installations. Requires non-combustible barriers between inverters and combustible walls, with specific fire protection measures.
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure – requires warning signage for emergency services and smoke alarms above indoor electric vehicle connection points.
- Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must ensure regular testing and inspection of electrical equipment, install safety switches, and manage energy storage systems and electric vehicle infrastructure.
- Community Groups and Not-for-Profit Organizations must manage electrical risks by identifying hazards, implementing control measures, and maintaining safety standards.
Certain requirements, including the installation of safety switches and provisions for energy storage systems and electric vehicle infrastructure, will be phased in by 2026 and 2028.
The above is a general summary of some proposed reforms. You can inform yourself further, including in relation to proposed dates for implementation of the various proposed regulations, by visiting the link above.