Bulletins

Energy Efficient Timers

Plant Room Lighting

Many CBD office towers have in excess of 70 combined lights installed across all Plant, Switch, Generator, Mechanical and Riser Rooms.


Due to the location and restricted access to these rooms, the control of the lighting is generally overlooked, with most lights operating 24/7. As these rooms are generally occupied less than 10% of the time, there is at least a 90% waste in electricity usage.


Timers and sensors controlling the lighting is generally non-compliant to AS/NZS 1680.2.4:1997 as the lighting can automatically switch off while the equipment in the rooms is being used or working.


To overcome this issue, Prolux recommended the installation of key operated light switches. The keys for the switches were retained by building security and signed out to contractors with keys to the plant room doors. The plant room keys could not be returned to building security unless they were removed from the lock on the light switch. The keys can only be removed with the light switch in the off position.



(AS/NZS 1690.2.4:2997 interior lighting industrial tasks and processes).



January 2024

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Property Fire Risk

Electric Bikes and Scooters


When charging lithium batteries there is always a potential risk in which they could undergo thermal runaway and in a worst case scenario combust into a self-sustaining fire, which is often difficult to extinguish. 


With the growing popularity of electric scooters and electric bikes there has been a wave of reports identifying chargers overheating and causing fires. In Queensland, fire fighters are called to almost one fire event each week caused by lithium-ion battery faults.*


If nobody is present to remove the object and/or extinguish the fire, then there is an increased risk of damage to a building, especially when charging outlets are located indoors.


To mitigate this risk, Prolux put forward recommendations to install 4-hour push button timers on all e-bike and e-scooter charging outlets at a client's indoor EOT Facility.


Prevention is always priority.

Estimated costs at $500.00 per outlet.

ABC News 2022.



December 2023

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Switchboard Thermal Scanning

Safety Inspections and Compliance

Annual switchboard inspections and thermal scanning is a vital part of ensuring electrical safety and compliance. Many insurance agencies now have mandatory annual thermal scanning requirements as part of their insurance policies.


Prolux have trained and certified in-house thermal scanning technicians. As part of the inspection they check for thermal anomalies, faults and ensure switchboard safety and compliance is adhered to in line with the Australian Standard AS3000. 


Upon completion of a commercial office building's switchboard audit, it was found that there was significant degradation of cable in just a seven month period. A shutdown was scheduled and the cable was changed over. This saved the client unplanned downtime and potential injury or harm to personnel.



November 2023

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EV Chargers

Essential Electrical Testing and Inspections

Publicly available EV Chargers need to be visually inspected by a trained technician every 12 months. This is to verify correct installation and running efficiency, identify any damage or wear and tear and if any electrical faults are present.


Annual EV Charger Tests (as a minimum), should cover the following:


  • Proximity Pilot State (Current Simulation)
  • Control Pilot (Vehicle Load Simulation)
  • RCD Trip (Safety Switch Operation)


Prolux are equipped with the most advanced measuring instruments designed specifically for testing EV Charging Stations. Their tests will ensure the safety of your property and that all is adhered to and compliant.



(AS/NZS 3000:2018 Appendix P: Page 568)

(AS/NZS 3760:2010 In Service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment)



October 2023

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