Electrical Cupboard Building Codes & Rules
- Electric Cupboard Tools™ simplifies the National Construction Code (NCC) with interactive graphics, including deemed to comply & best practices.
Fire Protection
- ≥ 5mm openings, use Fire Retardant Sealant[1]
Fire Protection RULES
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S1, S13, C3D14, C4D15, J2D2, 13.4
[2019 Sch 5, Spec C3.15, C2.3, C3.15, J0.1, 3.12]
May 2023
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.7
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.7
- Building elements requiring energy use to be protected, secure, & energy efficient to NCC Specifications 1 & 13, Parts C3D14, C4D15, J2D2, 13.4, & AS/NZS 3000
- Wiring penetrations require tight Seals to contain fireAS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.7
- ≥ 5mm gaps & openings requires Fire Retardant Sealant
- Conduits & other Wiring Enclosures that requires sealingAS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.7
- ≥ 5mm clear space within
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.7
- ≥ 5mm openings, use Fire Retardant SealantAS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.7
Smoke Detection
- > 1m³ volume having voltages greater than extra-low voltage require smoke detection[1]
- Detector must be in a visible location[2]
Smoke Detector RULES
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S20C4 [2019 Spec E2.2a: 4]
May 2023
AS 1670.1:2018, 3.27.5
AS 1670.1:2018, 3.27.5
- Building areas requiring smoke detection to comply to NCC Specification 20 & AS 1670.1
- > 1m³ volume that contains devices with electrical levels exceeding a certain safety threshold requires a Smoke DetectorAS 1670.1:2018, 3.27.5
- If partitions create separate spaces, each area needs detection
- Partitions within ≤ 300mm of the Ceiling & underside of Joists define separate spaces requiring individual detection
- > 3m³ with any electrical equipment requires a Smoke DetectorAS 1670.1:2018, 3.27.5
- Spaces containing devices with electrical levels exceeding a certain safety threshold & divided with partitions are exempted
AS 1670.1:2018, 3.27.5
AS 1670.1:2018, 3.27.1 (c)
- > 1m³ volume having voltages greater than extra-low voltage require smoke detectionAS 1670.1:2018, 3.27.5
- Detector must be in a visible locationAS 1670.1:2018, 3.27.1 (c)
Services Located in Egress Path
- Avoid installation of utility services in fire-isolated areas[1]
Utility Installation RULES
NCC 2022 V3
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 D3D8 [2019:D2.7]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D8 (1)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D8 (4)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D8 (6)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D8 (2)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D8 (5)
- Service shaft access shall not be located in fire-isolated areasNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D8 (1)
- Conduits of Combustion byproduct must not have any openings along egress pathwaysNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D8 (4)
- Installations in exits & paths of travel
- Permitted equipment in egress pathways, but not in fire-isolated exitsNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D8 (6)
- Electricity meters, distribution boards
- Telecommunications equipment
- Electric motors
- As long as these are secured in non-combustible, fire-protected, & smoke-proof enclosuresNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D8 (2)
- Must be suitably sealed against smoke
- Permitted in fire-isolated exitsNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D8 (5)
- Security & monitoring system serving exit
- Detection, lighting, or pressurisation system serving exit
- Communication & alarm system
- Supervision of hydrant or sprinkler valves
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D8 (1)
- Avoid installation of utility services in fire-isolated areasNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D8 (1)
Tools™ Best Practice
Cupboard SizeTools™ Best Practice
- To suit board
- By electrical engineers
NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D15 (1)
Fire Safety
- FRL maintained to all penetrationsNCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D15 (1)
- Smoke detection
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.3
Corridor / Lobby
Metal
Lining
AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.3
Secure When OpenAS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.3
- ≥ 180° swing doors if in access/passageway
- Hold open device
- Arranged to prevent a worker from accidentally being pushed towards the switchboard
Electrical Switchboard
Redirecting... (5)