Electrical Separation Trade Notification 04.03.09

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March 09 Page 1 of 2 IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION Separation Requirements between Gas and Electrical Connections APA Group (APA), who are responsible for installing gas services in South Australia, together with the Office of The Technical Regulator, has noted an increase in the incidence of insufficient separation between gas supply service risers and electrical supply cables and earth stakes in new homes. The problems have arisen due to the positioning of electrical cables and earth stakes relative to the electricity and gas meter boxes. This purpose of this notification is to reinforce correct installation requirements.

Gas Meter Location Approval for New Dwellings APA representatives review and confirm the gas meter box location on new dwelling construction plans provided by builders to ensure they comply with regulatory, safety and access requirements. This review ensures minimum clearance requirements are maintained between gas meters and building openings, sources of ignition, other services and obstructions as indicated on the builder 9s plan. Gas meter box locations as approved by APA representatives are approved on the basis that the installation of the meter box (usually installed by the builder at the time of bricklaying), will also satisfy all relevant statutory requirements including provision of adequate separation between ... more. less.

the gas installation and other services and items not indicated on the building plans, e.g. wall ventilation openings, electrical cables and earthing electrodes (earth stake). Electrical Installation It is the responsibility of the builder to ensure the electrical installation is installed in accordance with applicable Codes and Standards to allow for compliant installation of the gas connection. Residential gas installations require the gas supply service riser to be installed in a straight vertical alignment into the left hand side of the gas meter box. The positioning of the gas supply service riser is therefore determined by the builder 9s installation of the gas meter box, which occurs prior to APA arrival on site to complete the gas supply service installation. To ensure minimum separation distances are maintained, it is the responsibility of the builder to ensure the installation of the electrical cable and earth stake, relative to the gas meter box, are installed in accordance with Figure 1. March 09 Page 2 of 2 . Figure 1 Non Compliant Installations Where APA arrives on site to install the gas supply service, and appropriate clearances cannot be achieved, APA will not complete the installation until such time as the issue is resolved. In these situations APA will ensure the builder is advised. Sealing Penetrations In addition to minimum regulatory requirements, to mitigate potential risk of fire and/or explosion from gas ingress into a building via underground services and penetrations (in the event of an underground gas leak), APA strongly recommends all underground electrical and telecommunication conduits, plumbing and other penetrations entering the electrical supply box or house cavity, be sealed at their entry point to the building. Enquiries If you have any queries relating to the information contained in this notification, please contact APA Group Natural Gas Connection Line, telephone 1300 001 001, your Natural Gas representative or The Office of The Technical Regulator on telephone (08) 8226 5518. Electrical Earth Stake Natural Gas Supply Service Electrical Supply Service Min. 100mm Min. 250mm Electrical Meter Box Gas Meter Box

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