Month: September 2020

Are RCDs Mandatory?

Posted on by Prolux

RCDs are a mandatory safety device designed to minimise the risk of an electric shock from electrical circuits and equipment, therefore it is the responsibility of building owners or managing agents to ensure that RCDs are tested.

Tenants must be informed of the requirements, and document that they’ve done so, to protect themselves from liability. If a tenant will not permit RCD testing at the required testing interval, the managing agent or building owner could become liable.

When an inspection or test identifies that an RCD fails to comply with the standards, the RCD should be removed from service and replaced immediately. The decision to take remedial action, disposal or other corrective action is determined by the owner or the person responsible for the safety of the site. The electrician or agent can’t force a building owner or tenant to replace an RCD, but the electrician testing must not keep the RCD in service. Circuits can be doubled up in switchboards to temporarily bypass the RCD, but retain power to all circuits.

‘For an RCD not to be installed on a new circuit there needs to be a very valid justification.’

 

How do you read an RCD?

RCDs have codes and symbols like other electrical components and equipment. The information shown on the commercial RCD below represents the following:

  • CLIPSAL – Manufacturer
  • Part number of RCD
  • C32 is the rating of the RCD in AMPS. This one is 32 Amps
  • 240V is the operating voltage of RCD
  • 6000 is the kA Rating of the RCD
  • 30ma is the milli amp rating of RCD. This RCD when it detects a fault, will trip off at 30 milli amp of fault current.
  • Hz – Hertz, this relates to the 240V component and is the standard frequency in 240v electrical supply in Australia
  • Symbol (circled red) – Suitable for alternating and residual pulsating direct current (mandatory in Australia)

                 8.3.3.1 Low voltage (f) Operation of RCDs, in accordance with Clause 8.3.10

 

For a Preventative Maintenance Plan for the commercial buildings you manage call Prolux today on 1800 800 880.

Victorian Energy Upgrades Program achieving great results for Property Owners

Posted on by Prolux

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program, implemented by the Victorian Government continues to achieve great results for Property Owners.

The program was implemented by the Victorian Government in order to:

  • contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases
  • make energy efficiency improvements more affordable
  • encourage investment, employment and innovation in industries that supply energy efficiency goods and services

Under the program, Facility Managers have had access to applying for and achieving sustainable solutions for the commercial and industrial buildings they manage, with the installation or ‘change-over’ of new LED lighting. These upgrades have provided huge energy-savings, whilst greatly improving energy efficiency.

 

What’s ahead for Property Owners under the VEU Program?

Recent framework suggests that the building sector could potentially deliver a 23% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, with projected reductions reaching up to 55% by 2050.

Property Owners and Facility Managers are key to unlocking energy efficiency potential in the mid-tier sector. Being responsible for leases and capital expenditure, it’s important for both to be well-informed in all main aspects of energy efficiency and to understand how energy efficiency affects tenant satisfaction and retention, asset value and rental returns.

‘Long term asset planning, that incorporates comprehensive energy performance, can contribute to significant operational savings over the lifetime of the system.’

Whilst Facility Managers and Building Owners work at the core of energy efficiency in buildings, it’s important to incorporate tenant’s needs, whilst integrating with new technology. Facility Managers need to understand and drive building performance in terms of energy efficiency, both during general operation and during maintenance works.

Proactive asset management in energy efficiency, along with a strong capacity of building knowledge is highly influential in achieving performance goals in the mid-tier sector. Facility Managers and service providers need to understand building performance whilst advocating on energy efficiency to owners, contractors and other service providers.

Feedback received from Facility Managers following LED lighting upgrades has reported their jobs to have been made easier, due to:

  • Reduced energy bills
  • Reduced tenant complaints
  • Reduced maintenance costs, including fewer site visits to rectify problems
  • A reduction in response times for detecting and fixing issues
  • Reduced manual interventions; within the control process and system
  • An increased understanding of ways to both manage and improve energy performance across building systems

 

Looking to achieve sustainable solutions? Prolux provide accredited LED lighting upgrades and power solutions for all commercial and industrial buildings. Call Prolux today for a building appraisal 1800 800 880.