Switchroom (Electrical) Building Codes & Rules

Length

Main

Switchboard

Main Switchboard

Rack

Open

Secondary Exit

• ≥ 900 x 2200^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.2 (b)}
• Not required if Switchboard^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.2}
• < 800A per phase
• < 3m length
• > 3m front clearance measured with Doors open

Door Hardware

• Lock for security
• Lever handle
• To allow escape without a key

Front Clearance

Signage (Main Switchboard)^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.4}

• On entry Door
• Legible size & font, contrasting colours
• Additional Signage may be needed to help locate in an emergency

Location

• Situated conveniently close to the building entry for accessibility^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.3 (a)}
• Not within a private dwelling^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.3 (b)}

Doors open / racks extended

Doors closed

Primary Exit

• ≥ 900 x 2200^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.2}
• Outward opening Emergency Door^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.2 (b)}

≥ 600^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.1 (b) (ii)}

≥ 600^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.1 (b) (ii)}

≥ 1m^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.1 (b) (i)}

≥ 1m^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.1 (b) (i)}

≥ 600^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.1 (b) (ii)}

≥ 600^{AS/NZS 3000:2018, 2.10.2.2.1 (b) (ii)}

Fire Compartmentation & Separation

• ≥ 120/120/120 FRL separation^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C3D14 (2)}
• - /120/30 FRL Self closing Doors^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C3D14 (5)}
• FRL not required to MSB if not maintaining Emergency Equipment^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C3D14 (2) (a)}
• Emergency supply switchgear to be separated from non-emergency parts by metal partitions designed to minimise spread of a fault^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C3D14 (2) (b)}