the master electrician magazine

themaster

Keeping your business in the family pool safetyWhat are your requirements?

interviewBrooke Hanson

inside

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Waiting for tHe Waves

RENEWABLE ENERGY SPOTLIGHT

test driveBattle of the Utes

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the master electrician : SPRING 09 3

After just six short weeks working at Master Electricians Australia, I have learnt a lot about the electrotechnology industry – where it’s been, where it’s going and how Master Electricians Australia is committed to raising

the quality of the industry.

This month we celebrate the first anniversary of the Master Electricians program and proudly recognise some of the feats that have already been accomplished.

This edition we bring you a story about the power of our Australian coastline, as we speak with the wave power experts who believe they can convert our iconic waves into clean energy.

We feature an impressive project that has recently been awarded best media room at the prestigious CEDIA awards, turn to page 14 to see the detail of this amazing automation.

Keeping your business in the family is often a huge decision for businesses who wish to compete at the next level. Managing Director of B&R Enclosures, Ken Bridges bestows his wisdom about the lessons he has learnt, and his advice to businesses in similar situations.

Turn to page 32 for an inspiring tell-all interview with former Olympic swimmer, Brooke Hanson as she shares the devastation behind her electrocution at a pool and spa exhibition, and what she is doing to spread her message to all electricians.

Until next time...

Kylie RobertsAssOCIATE EDITOR

Editor’snotEWelcome to the Spring 2009 issue of The Master Electrician.

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are offered solely in pursuance of the objects of the electrical and communications association and master electricians australia to provide an informative service to contractors in the electrical industry on legal, commercial and other issues and problems related to the industry. The electrical and communications association and master electricians australia are not aware that any person intends to act or rely upon such statements and opinions contained in this publication or the manner in which it might be possible to do so. The electrical and communications association and master electricians australia issues no invitation to any member or other persons to act or rely upon such statements or opinions or any of them and it accepts no responsibility for any of them. it intends by this provision to exclude, to the extent permitted by law, all liability for any such statements and opinions. The master electrician magazine can be viewed online at www.masterelectricians.com.au

Editorial Contacts & Contributors

General EnquiriesmASTER ELEcTRIcIANS AuSTRALIA

57 berwick street, fortitude valley

po box 2438, fortitude valley bC

Queensland 4006

PHONE 1300 889 198

fAx 07 3251 2400

EmAIL [email protected]

WEB www.masterelectricians.com.au

ABN 97 131 416 183

EdITOR malcolm richards

ASSOcIATE EdITOR Kylie roberts

AdvERTISING ENquIRIES glenn stevens

PHONE 07 3252 4860

EmAIL [email protected]

dESIGN ANd PRINT pomo 07 3844 3873

kEEpup-to-datE

yEarly subscriptions

(4 issuEs) just $38.50

09SP

RIN

G

reneWaBLe energY

sPotLigHtwaiting for

the waves read more Page 8

KeePing YoUr BUsiness in tHe faMiLY

read more Page 12

PooL safetYwhat are your reQuirements?

read more Page 20

www.masterelectricians.com.auor call 1300 889 198

contents04 up front with the regulators

14 Asia Pacific’s best media room

16 annual conference roundup

19 watts new

23 meet a master electrician

24 letter of the law

26 news from distributors

30 the buzz

32 interview with Brooke Hanson

36 technical talk

38 workplace relations

42 news from head office

44 techno biz

45 gadget guide

46 test drive

48 events calendar

49 your best (or worst) funny story

50 last word

the master eleCtriCian magazine Can be viewed online at

www.masterelectricians.com.au


NEW south WalEs

Office of Fair TradingCeiling insulation and down lights

in recent years there have been a number of fires

in NSW caused by thermal ceiling insulation

being located too close to down lights.

Incorrectly located insulation can cause

the lights or transformers to reach high

temperatures of up to 370 degrees Celsius.

These temperatures can cause the insulation or

other building material to ignite.

Safety precautions

Ensure the lights are not installed near structural

timber such as roof, ceiling or floor beams, or near

ceiling insulation. Ensure that down lights and any

transformers are not covered by ceiling insulation.

When making renovations or having other

work done, ensure that any existing ceiling

insulation has not come into contact with down

lights or transformers.

The wiring Rules specify a 200mm clearance

distance for halogen type down lights and in

general a 100mm clearance for other types

of lamps. However, these clearances need not

regulatorsup front with the

INcORRecTly lOcATed INSulATION cAN cAuSe

THe lIGHTS OR TRANSFORmeRS TO ReAcH HIGH TemPeRATuReS OF uP TO 370 deGReeS celSIuS.

up front w

ith the regulators : state

ne

ws

5the master electrician : SPRING 09

apply if specific precautions have already been

taken in regard to the construction of the

down light or its enclosure, or in the nature

of the insulation as per the manufacturers’

instructions.

Other precautions

There are several other precautions you can take

to prevent fires:n If you are having insulation installed under the

Federal Government stimulus package you

should ensure that the installers are aware of

the air gap requirements in relation to down

lightsn Regularly check your down lights to prevent

any build-up of windblown debris such a

leaves in the roof cavity and eaves or for

vermin damage near the down lightsn Install smoke alarms in the roof area.

victoria

energy Safesafety issues for renewable energy technologies

with the prevalence of solar, wind and

other “green” power generation, it is vital

that users, electricians and emergency services

are aware of the potential additional sources

of supply.

Several electrical safety risks have been

identified including the risk of fire caused by

arcing of the solar panels and related electrical

equipment, the risk of electric shock from

contact with ‘live’ solar panels and other

equipment and the risk of electric shock

to line workers if power is fed back into the

supply grid. Other potential safety issues are

summarised below:

Live work issues – photovoltaic solar panel

arrays cannot be ‘switched off’ – if the sun is on

them, they generate electricity. Suitable methods

to ensure the isolation of parts need to be

implemented to ensure live work does not need

to be performed.

Protection of electricity distribution

workers – safety issues in relation to the

feeding back of electricity from a renewable

installation into a de-energised supply grid and

the possible risks for electrical workers working

on the network.

Fire hazards – the particular fire risks

presented by photovoltaic solar panel arrays and

related electrical equipment need to be further

researched and controls developed accordingly.

Installer qualifications and competence –

correct knowledge and competency of installers

of such equipment must be ensured to enable

safety standards to be met.


Remote work area – much of the renewable

energy technology will be installed in remote

areas where qualified electrical workers may

not be readily available. This means there is

a possibility that unlicensed and unsafe work

may occur.

Operating voltages – photovoltaic solar

panel arrays are being manufactured that

operate at voltages above extra low voltage.

Voltages in excess of 400Vdc and possibly up

to 1000Vdc, may emerge in the near future

potentially increasing the severity and likelihood

of electrical shock or injury.

WEstErN australia

energySafetyPower pole audit reveals problems

an EnergySafety audit review in 2008 found

serious deficiencies in Western Power’s

management of its 620,000 wood poles.

EnergySafety had launched an earlier 2006

audit because of concerns about the unacceptably

high number of un-assisted pole failures in

Western Power’s electricity distribution network.

The 2008 audit review was conducted to

assess corrective actions taken by Western

Power during the subsequent two years. Some

improvements that had been made include:n Un-assisted pole failures had dropped from

350 in 1999/2000 to 134 in 2007/2008,

but this number remained far too high and

compared poorly with Australian best practicen Encouraging improvements had been made

in pole structural design standards and

extension of service life by installing steel

reinforcing stakes – however, the audit

identified a need for further improvement in

these areas.

The 2008 audit revealed gaps in design,

procurement and pole replacement

management. It also demonstrated the accuracy

and relevance of Western Power’s pole data was

not sufficient to support proper management of

the wood pole network.

In particular, EnergySafety was not satisfied

with Western Power’s progress in addressing

three critical safety issues identified in the

2006 audit:

1. There were serious deficiencies in pole

inspection practices and the ability to

compare pole strength with actual loads

2. Many installed poles are far too old and

no longer have the necessary strength,

particularly in rural areas. Old, high-risk,

unsupported jarrah poles in rural areas need

to be identified and replaced urgently

3. Western Power should be replacing some

15,000 poles a year. It was not clear how

many replacements were occurring at the

time of the audit due to lack of reliable data,

however, the figure has been as low as 2,000-

3,000 per year.

EnergySafety will take immediate enforcement

action to require Western Power to remedy the

three critical safety issues, which will include

regular reviews of actual progress made

with each.

The audit report can be viewed and

downloaded at www.energysafety.wa.gov.au.

THe 2008 AudIT RevIew wAS cONducTed TO ASSeSS

cORRecTIve AcTIONS TAkeN By weSTeRN POweR duRING THe SuBSequeNT

TwO yeARS


up front w

ith the regulators : state

ne

ws

quEENslaND

electrical Safety OfficeNew electrical safety codes of practice

the electrical Safety Office will soon release five new codes of practice for the

electricity industry. This follows a comprehensive review of the four current

codes which have been unchanged since their introduction in 2002, and the

introduction of a new code dealing with risk management.

codes of Practice are made under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 to provide

practical advice on ways to meet electrical safety obligations.

codes include ways to identify and manage exposure to risks of injury and

property damage caused, directly or indirectly, by electricity.

The existing codes covering electrical work, electrical equipment – rural

industry; working near exposed live parts and entity works have been revised

for changes to industry practice and updated to reflect legislation changes, but

retain the same essential content and titles with the year changed to 2009 to

reflect their updated status.

A new code Electrical Safety Risk Management 2009 has been developed

to provide specific advice and assistance to employers and electrical workers

to meet their individual obligations both in the workplace generally, and in the

conduct of live electrical work. This code provides guidance on ways to identify

and assess risks, and to develop and implement controls to manage them.

The document addresses these stages in a four step approach which is

dealt with in four separate parts to ensure consistency with the workplace

health and safety risk management model. The new code however includes

an additional part five which deals exclusively with the practical requirements

for risk assessment by electrical workers before undertaking live electrical work.

The risk matrix provided in this part gives a clear indication of the level of risk

in given circumstances and includes examples to assist the decision making

process required when working live is proposed.

The new and revised codes of practice were developed in consultation

with electrical industry stakeholders and incorporate best industry practice to

safeguard the electrical safety of all employers, workers and the community.

longer term effects of electric shock

electric shock can result in immediate injuries that are often obvious – like

burns. However, those receiving an electric shock can also experience

other symptoms, many of which can be vague and hard to describe.

Some symptoms may not occur at the time, but can begin months to a year

later. The symptoms and signs of an electrical injury depend on the pathway of

the electrical current within the body.

Serious disability such as stroke, quadriplegia or heart rhythm disturbance

can come on within hours or days.

However, other longer term health problems can be harder to diagnose as

being related to the electrical shock, may be slow in onset and last longer eg,

poor concentration, memory problems, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia and

depression, chronic pain in an affected limb, and cataract with loss of vision.

It is important therefore to practice active risk management techniques

by assessing and prioritising the electrical safety risk, and adopting suitable

control measures.

In particular, avoid working live or near exposed live parts. In the event

of an electric shock seek first aid. If you have received a severe shock, or

have been resuscitated from electric shock, you will require an immediate

medical assessment.

8

Waiting for the waves

RENEWABLE ENERGY

SPOTLIGHT

www.masterelectricians.com.au 8


renewab

le energy spotlight : w

aitin

g fo

r th

e w

av

es

Australia is surrounded by 24,000

kilometres of ocean coastline. With

this natural feature comes beaches and

surf conditions that attract millions of

international tourists each year. However, as well as

being the idyllic holiday destination, the Australian

coastline is now attracting international attention

from power companies with the technology to

convert our waves into clean energy.

According to wave power specialists, Tasmania,

South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales

are home to the best wave conditions in the

world. And even if a small percentage of the

energy stored in those waves is converted to

electricity, Australia will significantly reduce the

need for fossil fuel power generation.

In Tasmania, one linear metre of wave delivers

50-70kW. Tasmania has the potential to become

the first 100 per cent clean energy island in the

world in the next 10 years purely by converting

to wave power.

Ivan Voropaev, Director of Advanced Wave

Power has developed the technology behind

his company’s floating power stations that are

ready to be deployed in Queensland’s Moreton

Bay area.

He said the next step for Advanced Wave

Power is to test and prove the viability of

his technology.

“In Moreton Bay we can generate only 1.2kW

of energy with 1.2 metre waves.

“Our major goal is to prove our technology

works where its power output correlates with the

power input from the waves,” Mr Voropaev said.

As with most large-scale energy projects,

Advanced Wave Power requires significant capital

investment to commercialise its technology.

“Our current test in Moreton Bay shows our

technology is most efficient in transforming the

energy from waves into pneumatic energy.

“It also shows stable and reliable power

generation within a wide range of wave

conditions,” Mr Voropaev said.

However, the wave power industry is still

emerging in Australia and faces many similar

problems to other renewable energies.

Companies such as Advanced Wave Power

have to first prove their technology is scientifically

and commercially sound. Government investment

is often then required to develop transmission

infrastructure to move the electricity to the major

power grids. Mr Voropaev said the location and

potential power output of the power stations –

whether floating or in the middle of the Cooper

Basin – will also drive up expenses.

“Power output defines expenses on materials

and labour and the location of the project

defines how expensive it will be to establish a

grid connection.

“Our model shows expense figures close to

the construction of regular coal power stations,”

Mr Voropaev said.

Advanced Wave Power is not alone in its

quest to harness the power of Australia’s waves.

Companies such as Oceanlinx and Carnegie

Corporation have projects, or are investigating

potential projects, in New South Wales and

South Australia respectively.

Oceanlinx has recently decommissioned its

Mk1 full-scale wave power prototype at Port

Kembla in New South Wales. This prototype has

provided Oceanlinx with valuable data that has

lead to the development of the company’s latest

wave power device. Port Kembla will play host to

the demonstration-sized wave energy converter

Mk3 in early 2010.

With significant private and government

investment required to launch wave energy,

how viable is wave power energy in Australia

and globally?

Renewable energy technologies are often

criticised for their lack of reliability through

differing seasons and changing weather patterns.

But unlike solar and hydro energy, wave energy

is suitable for base-load power supply as wave

activity is predictable and reliable. If wave activity

patterns are upset there is significant warning of

the imminent change.

Oceanlinx Chief Executive Officer Ali Baghaei

reinforces the viability of wave power.

“The Southern Ocean has one of the largest

wave resources in the world, with relatively low

seasonal variability.

“The wave resource potential in Australia has

been estimated at 17,000MW, which represents

a third of the power generation capacity installed

in the country,” he said.

According to the United Nations, 60 per cent of

the global population live within 100 kilometres

of a coastline. Technologies that generate energy

from waves and tidal movement therefore have

the potential to play an important role in power

generation in coastal communities globally.

Ivan Voropaev also believes there are more

applications for his technology.

“I believe wave power stations can significantly

reduce fossil fuel burning in Australia and in other

countries that have appropriate wave conditions.

“But our technology can be applied in areas

other than power generation as our tests show

the best wave energy attenuation.

“This means that with our technology we

can create floating real estate in areas with high

density population,” he said.

9

Standing on an Australian beach looking out to the swelling surf you can tell there is great power behind each breaking wave. But just how much energy do those waves contain and can Australia rest its renewable energy hopes on harnessing it? emily clark talks to some pioneers of the wave energy industry who believe we can.


thE tEchNology

According to Oceanlinx, its recently retired Mk1

prototype is a 500 tonne device that uses a

parabolic wall to concentrate the wave energy

into its 100 square metre Oscillating Water

Chamber (OWC). A rise of the wave within the

OWC drives a column of air past a Denniss-Auld

turbine and induction generator. As the wave

recedes, the column of air is drawn back into the

OWC after passing the Denniss-Auld turbine. This

turbine is revolutionary as it spins in the same

direction regardless of the direction of the airflow.

Oceanlinx uses a commonly available

regenerative drive induction generator and

variable speed drive to convert the mechanical

energy of the turbine into exportable electricity.

Modern electronics are used to create electricity

of the correct voltage, frequency and power

factor irrespective of the oscillating nature of the

input wave energy.

A traditional Programmable Logic Control

(PLC) system is employed to control the

generator speed and blade pitch to optimise

energy extraction for various wave conditions.

These control and instrumentation systems

enable Oceanlinx to remotely control and

operate the wave energy converter devices.

As with Oceanlinx, Advanced Wave Power’s

floating power station uses OWCs where wave

energy forces air through a turbine to generate

electricity. As research and technology in this area

develops, many companies are finding different

applications for the OWCs.

Advanced Wave Power’s floating power

stations are comprised of a series of inter-linked

OWCs in a single mooring which is connected to

a single air turbine. Each OWC unit contains a

high pressure outflow valve and a low pressure

inflow valve which open and close separately,

depending on the position of that unit within the

wave cycle.

The result is the generation of constant uni-

directional air flow which eliminates the need

for expensive and complex air turbine systems.

The uni-directional air flow improves the overall

efficiency of the system.

Oceanlinx and Advanced Wave Power are two

companies in Australia that are demonstrating

their technology and proving the benefits of

wave power at a commercial level. More than 90

companies are exploring wave power technology

worldwide with many recognising Australia as a

prime location for their power stations.

Ali Baghaei foresees this commercial

demonstration phase as the platform for growth

of the industry.

“Once experience is gained at this stage,

projects will increase and accommodate multiple

units, limited only by the capacity of the network

to accept the generated electricity.

“It is expected that projects with 100MW

capacity or more will be installed by the end of

the next decade,” Mr Baghaei said.

According to Mr Baghaei, the development of

wave power is likely to resemble the development

of wind energy where the capacity of the turbines

evolved from less than 10MW worldwide in

1979, to almost 2,000MW by 1990.

“Uptake and expansion will be faster for wave

energy in a business environment supportive and

well educated in renewable energy deployment.

“By replicating the wind energy analogy,

combined with the huge wave resource available

in the southern region of Australia, it is estimated

that several hundreds of MW from Oceanlinx

wave energy converters could be accommodated

off the Australian coast by 2020, supplying more

than 1,000 GWh per year,” Mr Baghaei said.

Some Australian wave Power sites:Oceanlinx: Port kembla, New South wales

Oceanlinx is interested in sites in victoria and off king Island, Tasmania

carnegie corporation:carnegie corporation has secured offshore licence agreements to investigate sites in South

Australia, victoria and western Australia

Advanced wave Power:moreton Bay, queensland

push it harder thanyour apprentice

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Owning and operating any business can be risky but, as B&R enclosures managing director ken Bridges explains, adding your family to the equation suddenly makes the stakes so much higher.

keeping your business

in the family

Ken Bridges’ family history is nothing

short of extraordinary. Speckled with

memorable characters and stories

of knighthood, the First Fleet and

convicts, B&R Enclosures’ humble beginning

highlights the work of not only a very strong

man, but a strong family.

B&R Enclosures has grown from working out

of a converted fowl shed to one of Australia’s

largest independently owned and operated

manufacturing firms.

“The fact we operate a family owned and

managed business means the business is a direct

reflection of the culture, values and beliefs of our

family,” Mr Bridges said.

The company’s 2010 turnover forecast is

$50-$200 million demonstrating just how far

B&R Enclosures has come since its inception in

1955. It now owns and operates manufacturing

plants in Brisbane and Adelaide.

However, Mr Bridges remains clear –

“getting B&R Enclosures to this position

was hard work and times were not always

so enjoyable.

“We went through a very difficult period.

“My brother Bob and I were reporting to

my father and Bob wanted the core business

to continue funding the new business and my

father and I did not,” Mr Bridges said.

“The deadlock was ultimately resolved with

the departure of my brother from the group.

“This was a very difficult period of time as we

were fighting for the survival of the company

while at the same time dealing with the

potential breakdown of the family.”

Mr Bridges said he learnt a lot from this

experience and after remortgaging his

home to secure the business once again,

he vowed things would be different.

Today B&R Enclosures enjoys

strong employee engagement and

participation from family members.

“While we may not be the largest

manufacturer in Australia today, we are still here

and under the control of the original founder.

“Two important elements in our success have

been finding a clear direction and, once all your

people are engaged, ensure the decisions you

make focus on supporting that direction,”

Mr Bridges said.

Family Business Australia is an organisation

dedicated to the promotion of family businesses.

It provides support to those working with

their families and is an advocate of issues

affecting them. According to Family Business

Australia, a family business should be prepared

for the family’s next generation. Building and

maintaining strong relationships is also critical,

as is ensuring the business is professionally

managed, and finally, get the best help

you can from advisers.

Family busiNEss bEst practicE

Mr Bridges said separating the ownership,

management, and family vcomponents of the

business will make life easier.

“All will inevitably overlap partially but it’s

important to treat your family like family and

your business like a business.

“And in both areas there has to be a respect for

the ownership structure of the business,” he said.

According to Family Business Australia there

are conditions that are favourable for family

business success and therefore well worth

considering for your own business.

Family coNDitioNs:

n The family shares

common views

concerning equity and

common goals ahead of

their own


feature : Ke

ep

ing

yo

ur

bu

sin

es

s in

the

fam

ily

n The family has developed mechanisms to

resolve conflictn The family has planned for emergencies and

their contingenciesn A high level of trust exists among

family members.

busiNEss coNDitioNs:

n The generational transitions occur when the

organisation is relatively healthyn The founder gradually moves away from

active involvement in the business operationsn There is a well-developed training program

for the successorn There is an independent relationship between

founders and their successors.

A fearless leader is important, however a line of

ready and willing successors is crucial to maintain

not only the trade of the business, but the

integrity of it.

Family Business Australia said for business

owners who want their businesses to continue

in family hands, succession

is a main concern and

challenge. It has been

described as their final

test of greatness.

B&R Enclosures has strong family roots, and by

focusing on people Mr Bridges can feel confident

his company and family are in safe hands.

“Our company will remain independent and

family owned.

“But to do this, we have to continue to

concentrate on all people within the business –

not just those in our family,” he said.

“Our employees – family or not – have to

understand and value our company culture, core

values and beliefs and work to translate them

into acceptable behaviours.”

Acknowledging the differences that family

relationships can bring to a business and developing

strategies to accommodate them, will lower the

risk of both a business and family breakdown.

Being prepared for the future is the best way

to maintain the working and family relationships

crucial for the business’ success.

Passing your business onto the next generation

should be a process, not an event.

“All will inevitably overlap partially but it’s important to treat your family like family and your business like

a business.”

FAmILY BuSINESS STRucTuRES:

• Generation one: sole owner operator

• Generation two: sibling partnership

• Generation three: cousin coalition

FAmILY BuSINESS AuSTRALIA’S 10 TIPS

TO SuRvIvING IN A FAmILY BuSINESS

1 Leave work at work and home at home

2 Decide whether the family or the business

takes precedence in the family’s value system

– this rule must be crystal clear

3 Have clearly assigned roles for each family

member to avoid feelings of being taken for

granted, over-worked or under-utilised

4 Pay the market rate – remunerate the job and

not the person

5 Employ a strong, capable management

structure – don’t confuse ownership or

inheritance with management – one does not

give a right to the other

6 clear, consistent communication – both

good and bad news must be dispensed, as

secrets are invariably discovered

7 manage transitions proactively – entry and

exit criteria for family members must be clear

8 A succession plan must be developed and

ratified by interested parties

9 use outside advisers who can provide

unbiased, objective advice

10 Hold regular communication sessions and

family retreats.

cALLING ALL cEOS

with so much riding on your family business’ success, even the best leaders may need

advice. But if you are sitting at the top who do you look to?

ceO Forum Groups provide ceOs with advice and support from other family businesses

owners who face similar challenges. Attendees are encouraged to objectively share their

experiences and knowledge to solve common problems. For more information visit Family

Business Australia at www.fambiz.org.au


The cedIA awards have again drawn our attention to the best electronic lifestyle projects in the Asia Pacific region. western Australian company Surround Sounds took out the best media room category and brought attention to some innovative design and installation practices.

Asia Pacific’s best media

room

When their client asked for a room

where they could disco-dance,

Mark Jeisman’s team knew they

had to deliver.

The media room was for a house that was

still being built and Surround Sound had to

work with the client and the builder to meet the

requirements.

The room was designed in three distinct areas.

The first two made up the main part of the

project, the dance floor and theatre. The third

space extended out towards the home’s pool and

outdoor entertaining area.

“The client wanted a truly multi-faceted

entertaining space.

“We had to create an area where people could

watch movies with surround sound but also a

space for karaoke, gaming and dancing,” Mr

Jeisman said.

Surround Sounds effectively had to produce

three different rooms. The designs had to

consider throw distances for the front projection

systems, sightlines, system control, acoustics,

lighting control and the comfort of each room.

The theatre was custom-designed. The design

included a front projection system incorporating

a projection lift system and fixed 110” screen.

Domestic speakers would not carry the

demand of the karaoke and nightclub systems so

Surround Sound used a Turbosound alternative.

“Rather than install separate audio systems for

the theatre and the nightclub mode, we chose

Turbosound professional venue speakers.

“These speakers delivered the professional

sound of a nightclub.

“An Earthquake Subwoofer handled the high

SPL bass,” Mr Jeisman said.

According to Surround Sounds’ CEDIA award

application, Primare amplification and processing

drive the speakers. Primare is also hosting the

DVD recording, dedicated karaoke DVD, CD and

digital television.

The dance floor area was fitted with a

lighting system and smoke machine. The lighting

system was part of the Clipsal C-Bus system that

automated lighting throughout the whole house.

“This system enabled many aspects of our

project.

“The owner can be upstairs and use the

touchpad to transform the entertainment area

below into a night club,” Mr Jeisman said.

The dance floor area did present some

challenges for Surround Sounds.

“The area was very live.

“The sound was very bright and bounced

around a lot.”

Surround Sounds designed an acoustic wall

panel that was installed into the room.

“The large open spaces and the hard surfaces

made it difficult to reach that deep and clear

sound but with the wall panel as a backdrop, we

were able to adjust the acoustics in the room.

“How good a room sounds relies on acoustics

– not the systems it has in it,” Mr Jeisman said.

Another challenge was working around the

glass door dividing the dance floor and theatre.

“The door weighs three quarters of a tonne

so we couldn’t move it and had to alter how we

installed the systems.

“We always work with the architect and

interior designers to overcome things like this

to get a really balanced sound for the client,”

Mr Jeisman said.

The prize winning media room received the

most important tick of satisfaction, exceeding the

client’s expectations.

“The ambience of the room can be altered

radically at the touch of a button.

“The room can shift from a low-light movie

mode to have the lights and sounds of a

nightclub at the touch of a button.

Mr Jeisman said what impressed him most

about this project was the client’s willingness to

take his company’s recommendations.

“The client was excited and accommodated

our suggestions.

“The needs they set for the project were bold

and enjoyable – and I think we delivered on

them,” he said.

West coast team deliver


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WiNNiNg mEDia room EquipmENt...

Surround Sounds’ award winning media room featured the

following equipment.

AUDIO VISUAL

Projection Design Action one Mk3

LP Morgan 110” Fixed Screen

Ultralift Minilift

Primare SPA 20 Surround Amplifier

Turbosound TCS 35 Main Speakers

Turbosound TCS30 Centre Channel

Earthquake Mk V 12” Subwoofer

Flatline Acoustic IC850 Flush Rear Speakers

Nextwave THD 6290 HD Set top box

Toshiba DVD Recorder (by client)

Sony Karaoke DVD Player

Onkyo DXC 390 Multi CD Player

Beringher FX 1202 Mixer

Mipro Dual Diversity Twin Tuner Radio Microphone system

Australian Monitor Power Amplifier

Turbosound TXD 081 Speakers (Dance floor – Zone 2)

KV2 Audio Dual 12” Subwoofer (Dance floor)

RTI T2c / RP-1 remote control system

Liberty Speaker cable

Canare balanced audio cable.

LIGHTING

Clipsal C-Bus Lighting Control System

CONTROL SYSTEMS

RTI T2c/RP-1 to control Theatre / Dance floor

SECURITY

Honeywell

Another nomination...

Surround Custom fitted the audio visual system in this home. The project

was nominated for Best Integrated Home Installation under $150,000 in

the CEDIA awards.

The automation and audio visual fit out included:

HOME THEATRE SYSTEM

SPEAKERS

Left Speaker: B&W 705 Book Shelf Speaker

Right Speaker: B&W 705 Book Shelf Speaker

Centre Speaker: B&W HTM7

Rear Speakers: Sonance 622T Ceiling Speakers

Subwoofer: B&W ASW Active Subwoofer

ELECTRONICS

Surround Receiver: Yamaha RXV 3800 HDMI Receiver

HD Digital TV: Nextwave Digital TV Recorder (HDMI)

Blu-Ray DVD: Panasonic BDP – 30 (HDMI)

Apple TV: Apple

VISUAL DISPLAY

Screen: Panasonic Commercial 65” Plasma (1080P)

Bracket: Sanus Wall Mounting Bracket

Video Board: Panasonic HDMI Video Board

Cables & Interconnects: Liberty THX/Canare/Gefen

Power Protection: THOR Surge Protection

MASTER BEDROOM (1080P DEFINITION VIDEO AND STEREO SOUND)

SPEAKERS

Ceiling Speakers: Flatline 6” 2 way round flush

ELECTRONICS

HD Digital TV: Nextwave Digital TV Recorder (HDMI)

Blu-Ray: Panasonic BDP – 30 (HDMI)

Amplifier: Sonos ZP-100

VISUAL DISPLAY

Screen: Sharp 46” HD LCD TV

Bracket: Sanus Wall Mounting Bracket

MULTI ROOM AUDIO

MASTER BED, WALK IN ROBE AND ENSUITE, KITCHEN, POOL, PLAYROOM AND STUDY

1pr Niles OS 6.5 Outdoor rated speakers

3 pairs Flatline Acoustics 6” round flush mount 2 way speakers

2 pairs Flatline Acoustics 8” round flush mount 2 way speakers

Imerge S 3000 Audio Server

6 x ZP-100 Sonos Zone Amplifiers

2 x ZP-80 Sonos Non Powered Zone Players

3 x cR-100 Sonos controllers


The ecA and master electricians 2009 Annual conference in darwin was a huge success. The weekend offered an action-packed schedule of business, technical, trade and leisure activities that kept everyone entertained.

ANNuAL cONFERENcE ROuNDuP

When the conference was opened

by V8 Supercar driver, Steven

Richards at the Darwin Sailing

Club, attendees were welcomed

with a picturesque sunset and treated to a

barbeque buffet of typical Darwin food.

The weekend saw the start of the business

activities. They included an inspirational discussion

from Managing Director of B&R Products, Ken

Bridges about the lessons he learnt, his plans for

the future and the action he is taking to prepare

his business for change.

Jack Camp, Commissioner of the Electrical

Safety Office in Queensland bestowed some

industry wisdom on his experiences with

electrical safety.

The inspirational Anthony Davis discussed his

journey from growing up in a small business, to

developing his business Brightwater Partnership,

an organisation dedicated to assisting small to

medium companies be profitable, stable and

plan for growth.

Other memorable speakers included Chris

Caton, Chief Economist at BT Financial Group

with his presentation about the global economic

situation and McKays Solicitors who took

members through the steps of how to maximise

business profits and plan for the future.

The leisure activities were thoroughly enjoyed

and included some great Northern Territory

specific entertainment including the Jumping

Croc Cruise, Darwin Harbour Fishing Charter,

Go-Karting and a Paspaley Pearling Exhibition for

the ladies.

Sunday night’s dinner was held at the iconic

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, which boasts a

regular turnout of 15,000 people each night.

Delegates were given Mindil Money and were

able to choose from 1,200 different menu items.

The night was then finished off at the newly

opened Sand Bar in the Skycity Casino.

After an exhilarating four days, everyone was

excited to celebrate the end of the conference

at the ‘Dynamic Duo’ themed dinner. We were

pleased to be in the company of some of the

world’s greatest duos including Hugh Hefner and

his bunnies, the Blues Brothers as well as our very

own Steve and Terri Irwin.

The conference received rave reviews from

everyone who attended, cementing the way for an

even bigger 2010 Annual Conference in Vietnam.

Keep an eye out more for more details.


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For more information please contact the events team on 1300 889 198 or email [email protected]

Friday 20 – Wednesday 25 August 2010, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Annual Conference 2010 Vietnam

Interested in exploring the hidden charm and culture that lies among the tropical rivers and bustling streetscapes of downtown Vietnam?

Come and join us for this once in a lifetime journey to Ho Chi Minh City.

Master Electricians Australia and ECA are proud to present 2010 Electrotechnology Annual Conference Friday 20 – Wednesday 25 August 2010

Interested? Pre-registrations are now open.

Simply visit www.masterelectricians.com.au to download your pre-registration form today.

08496 ECA 2010 Conference Ad Spring09 v3.indd 1 6/10/09 3:59 PM

the master electrician : SPRING 09 19

Geoff Baldwin’s decision to step

down from President of the ECA

after being at the helm for five years

truly marks the end of an era.

Geoff joined the ECA as a member in

1974 with a successful contracting business

in regional Queensland, Tamborine Mountain

Electrical. At the time, Geoff was unaware

that he was destined to change the face of

the industry.

After 23 years as a member, Geoff was

elected to sit on the ECA council in 1997 and

served commendably for seven years. He was

then elected as President of the ECA in 2004.

ECA CEO, Malcolm Richards commented “Over

the past five years Geoff has made a substantial

impact to the growth and quality of the ECA, and

the industry.

“His greatest feats have included a significant

37 per cent growth in ECA membership and the

acquisition of additional assets which doubled

the ECA asset base – both contributing to an

annual business turnover that has tripled in the

past five years,” Mr Richards said.

Geoff’s vision saw the transition of a new

management team at the ECA, as well as a

growth in staff members of over 100 percent.

Among other achievements, Geoff’s creation

and implementation of the ‘Connect’ programs,

along with the Master Electrician accreditation,

have and will continue to, raise the bar of quality

within our industry.

After just three years of operation,

ApprenticeConnect now boasts over 200

working apprentices across Queensland

– cementing the future for contractors in

our industry.

SafetyConnect has seen unparalleled success and

is now the chosen safety management program for

over 300 businesses across the country.

BusinessConnect and SkillsConnect

are continuing to make strides providing

qualifications and training that strengthen and

diversify the skills of the people in our industry.

The Master Electricians accreditation has

grown rapidly across the nation since launching

in 2008, and is setting the standard for electrical

contractors across Australia.

Each of these accomplishments are a credit to

Geoff Baldwin’s passion and vision for a stronger

future for the industry.

Among his tremendous commitment to the

ECA professionally, Geoff has provided some

memorable personal moments. His impersonation

of The Incredible Hulk at an L&H Conference

where he attempted to hit on Batwoman will

never be forgotten. Not to mention, his urge to

use a screwdriver as a pointer on his touch screen

mobile phone – needless to say this ‘delicate’

method saw the demise of several phones.

Geoff knows the decision to step down as

President of the ECA will provide an opportunity

for fresh inspiration and new initiatives, and

believes these elements are paramount to the

growth of any organisation.

Geoff will continue to be an advocate for the

industry and will retain his position on the boards

of Electrogroup and SPEC Super to lobby for ECA

member benefits.

Geoff’s accomplishments, passion and

dedication to the industry will always remain his

legacy at ECA.

newwattswith a successful career spanning decades, the contribution Geoff Baldwin has made to the electrotechnology industry is unprecedented.

watts new

: ge

off b

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win

The technical team is fielding many

reports from contractors in regards to

the requirements around earthing the

different surroundings of a pool. Some

contractors are also concerned pool owners are

unaware of the wiring rules and subsequent

activities an electrician must perform before the

pool area is safe from electrical dangers.

Electrical contractors need to be asking those

managing the pool construction site, either

home owners or construction managers, to think

about how the electrician will access the site.

The electrician will need to bond the conductive

components of the pool fence, ladder, pool

frame and other conductive surroundings to

the earthing system for the pool area to remain

electrically sound.

Often the electrician is brought onto site to

complete the electrical safety requirements after

the tiles and cement have been laid. This hampers

the bonding process considerably.

Electrical contractors need to be asking

swimming pool owners to plan for the earthing

process and think about how it will be logistically

feasible prior to installing aesthetic elements to

the site.

To bond the conductive elements to the

earthing system, electrical contractors need to

access the ground around the swimming pool

and underneath structures such as pool fences.

Modern pool fences are especially problematic

as the glass varieties often have several metal

fittings that require individual earthing. The older-

style wooden fences did not require earthing

and therefore electrical contractors encountered

fewer problems onsite.

State regulators are being asked to look at

their existing pool safety legislation and consider

including requirements on when an electrician

should connect the pool and other conductive

parts to the earthing system. Swimming pool

legislation varies from state to state but all

should make reference to the level of access an

electrician should receive to the site.

Local councils are being asked to make

reference to the bonding and wiring rules for

swimming pools in their local legislation. Often

those planning to install a swimming pool are

not aware of the electrical requirements of

installing it and therefore wait until the end of

the project. Local councils are often the first

contact point for those looking to renovate

their homes or backyards and should therefore

remind swimming pool development applicants

of the wiring rules, or direct them to their state

electrical regulator.

Gold coast public pools not earthed correctly Seven Gold coast public pools were closed temporarily last year after the council obtained

a report which found a voltage potential difference between the pool water and earthing

system. The Gold coast city council identified deterioration of equipotential bonding within

the shells of a council pool as the most likely cause of the higher than acceptable electrical

resistance readings. A team of electricians was employed at each pool to reconnect shells to

the bonding grid at each of the pools.


contractors concerned over pool earthing requirements

when should an electrical contractor come on site to complete the earthing?


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For more details visit www.masterelectricians.com.au quality safety reliability

Call 1300 889 198 to find out how Fleet Services will put you in the driver’s seat of the right car!

Fleet Servicesis looking after everyone in your business!

Fleet Services are proud to announce they will be offering their services to all members apprentices and staff.With pre-approved finance at competitive rates, your staff can be assured the Fleet Services Team will give them the right advice about the vehicles that suit their budget. Don’t get caught out with high finance rates. Call Fleet Services today to see how much they can save you.

CONTRACTOR ELECTROCUTED IN SHOWER IN IRAQan american state department contractor was electrocuted in september while showering in baghdad. electrical wiring has been an ongoing problem in iraq, at least three troops have been electrocuted in the shower since the start of the iraq war.

www.cbsnews.com

elecTRIcAl cONTRAcTORS Need TO Be ASkING

SwImmING POOl OwNeRS TO PlAN FOR THe eARTHING PROceSS ANd THINk ABOuT HOw IT wIll lOGISTIcAlly

Be FeASIBle PRIOR TO INSTAllING AeSTHeTIc elemeNTS TO THe SITe.

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• Personal Protective Equipment

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• Safety & Rescue Kits

• Insulating Mats and Gloves

• Insulated Tools 1000V

• Voltage Testers and Instruments

•• Lightning & Surge Protection

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www.extremesafety.com.auYOUR SAFETY IS OUR BUSINESS


c2 electrical Introducing Joseph czeschka – chief executive Officer of c2 electrical in Perth and Accredited master electrician. we talk to Joe about his businesses and why being a master of his trade makes all the difference.

electrician

meet a

masterm

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name: Joseph czeschka

Company:c2 Electrical

Newtagsadvert180x81.pdf 16/04/2009 2:04:04 PM

Joe Czeschka set up C2 Electrical in

2007 to assist its parent company in

refitting Australian Navy ships. Two

years on and C2 Electrical is standing

its ground, landing new contracts, expanding

its areas of expertise and gaining Master

Electrician accreditation.

For Joe the decision was easy. The Master

Electrician model is used in Europe and requires

companies to adopt best practice policies and

consistently educate themselves on the industry.

In Australia, Master Electricians also adhere

to high safety, quality, and energy efficiency

standards. Joe knows the benefits being a Master

Electrician give his business.

“We believe a safe working environment and

the respective accreditation will set us apart from

many other electrical contractors.

“Such a master electrical scheme has been

operating in Europe for many decades and it

gives clients the feeling they are dealing with a

professional electrical contractor,” Joe said.

C2 Electrical projects employ up to 25 people,

who each pride themselves on good service

and their ability to build relationships with C2

Electrical’s customers.

Joe believes professionalism is the key to

success, and feels it’s an area in which the

industry needs to achieve greater consistency.

“The lack of professionalism [in some areas

of the industry] has removed the confidence

from clients that they can trust a tradesperson to

perform a good and safe job.

“I recommend adopting a professional attitude

because your clients will be proud of it,” Joe said.

Delivering a professional service for clients

is a priority for C2 Electrical but Joe also

understands how important it is to expand

that service as the electrotechnology industry

grows.

“Standards and technology are fast changing

and for a contractor to stay in touch we need to

be aware of those changes.

“Being up-to-date also will give C2 Electrical

a competitive advantage,” Joe said.

That competitive advantage helped C2

complete some of its major projects including

installing harpoon weapon systems on HMAS

Toowoomba, and installing the signalling and

communications infrastructure for Fortescue

Mineral Group’s latest railway project.

Master Electrician accreditation is the highest

level of qualification for electricians in Australia,

and something Joe believes all contractors should

strive for.

“I believe every electrical tradesperson who

intends to conduct business should have to

become a Master Electrician.

“It should be considered the next level of

education, like in Europe,” Joe said. n


letterAre you putting enough details in your payment claims?

paymENt claims must iDENtiFy thE Work to Which thEy rElatE

As any of you who have attended seminars conducted by McKays on the Building and

Construction Industry Payments Act (“the BCIPA”) will know in the years since the BCIPA

was passed, the courts have adopted an increasingly relaxed attitude to what has to be in

a payment claim. However, a case late last year reinforced that there are limits. That case

involved an invoice which is detailed below:

Contract sum: $6,295,000.00

Variations (see attached schedule 1): $232,772.45

Prolongation claim (see attached schedule 2): $129,058.00

Adjusted contract sum: $6,656,380.05

Retentions: $78,750.00

Payments received: $6,000,400.00

Subtotal: $6,079,150.00

Claimed amount: $577,680.05

GST: $57,768.01

Claimed amount including GST: $635,448.06

Attached to the invoice was a variations register containing a short description for each item of the work

amount claimed. A second schedule set out a claim for delay and/or disruption costs – those items were

held to be fine.

However, there was nothing on the invoice which identified what work had been completed before

it, paid for, and the work (apart from the variations) which was the subject of the invoice. For this reason

the payment claim was held to be invalid.

The payment claim would have been valid had the claimant attached a breakdown of its price in the

usual fashion, for example:

1. Design work

$500,000.00 80% $400,000.00

2. Site preparation

$500,000.00 70% $350,000.00,etc

The lesson is clear: you must put sufficient information on your claim to let the payee know

what it is for.

Should you require assistance preparing your payment claim, please contact Michael Cope on

07 3223 5939 or email [email protected].

BIRD BEATS BROADBANDsouth africa’s broadband has got to be feeling pretty ill-equipped considering a real, wing-flapping pigeon beat its transfer speeds. seriously, a company found out that sending a bird with a 4gb usb drive was faster than uploading. after two hours of flying, the pigeon reached the company’s second office – the broadband data was only at 4 per cent received.

http://gizmodo.com/

of the law

This article is only applicable in the states of QLD, NSW, VIC and NT. Contractors in other states should obtain local information about legislation in their state.

For more details visit www.masterelectricians.com.au

Reap the benefits.

Private Health Cover.Join MBF Health and receive all the benefits of private health insurance through a specially negotiated MBF corporate plan. With MBF you gain access to a range of products and services provided by Australia’s largest, privately managed health insurer.

EFTPOS Facilities.Now Accredited Master Electricians can enjoy special discounted rates on merchant services from the Commonwealth Bank*. You’ll also benefit from a dedicated technical support team, plus a 24-hour priority support line. Call 1800 730 554 and ask how we can help you save!*Eligibility and ongoing conditions apply to being an Alliance Partner.

Salary Packaging/Novated Leasing.A novated lease is the simplest way to save tax, maximise an employee’s wage, budget car costs and simplify car ownership. Master Electricians will receive significant discounts on salary packaging fees.

Fuel Scheme.Our fuel plan is a convenient way for you to manage and reduce your bills. Use your BP or Caltex fuel card to receive discounted rates and receive a simple monthly fuel bill for all your vehicles. All your business and private vehicles are eligible to participate in the fuel scheme. You can even extend the privilege to staff as an extra benefit of employment.

quality safety reliability

To find out how you can become a Master Electrician call 1300 889 198

When you become an Accredited Master Electrician you gain access to a wide variety of exclusive benefits and discounts.

08495 ECA Members Benefits Full Page Ad Spring09 v3.indd 1 6/10/09 9:56 AM


newsfrom distributors

phone 1300 EGROUP | www.electrogroup.com.au

We take the stress out of employing ApprenticesAll of the Benefits of Apprenticeswithout the usual concerns

• No recruitment concerns

• Flexible placement options (3mths to 4 yrs)

• Provision of uniforms, tools, PPE & regulatory training

• Job ready, skilled Apprentices

electrogroupapprenticeships and training

Etsa utilitiEs

eleCtriCity networK tariffs’ small rise

electricity network charges will rise from

1 July by less than $20 a year for the average

residential customer.

For the average business customer, the

new charges will mean an increase of between

zero and three per cent on their overall bill in

2009-2010.

The revised network charges – which relate to

distribution and transmission costs – have been

approved by the essential Services commission

of South Australia (eScOSA), which regulates

electricity prices.

eScOSA has approved the introduction

of a revised scale of tariff charges that give

clearer pricing signals for those who use the

most electricity.

“The new scale of tariffs provides benefits in

particular for business customers who use less

energy or better-manage their energy demand,”

eTSA utilities ceO lew Owens said.

“many businesses also will be able to switch

to the demand tariff regime, which gives them

opportunities to manage load and power

factor costs.”

Specific details of the new tariff structures are

available on the eTSA utilities website.


WEstErN poWEr

western power to lead $73.5m perth solar City projeCt

On September 7 2009, western Power signed

a $13.9 million agreement with the Australian

Government to help deliver Australia’s seventh

demonstration Solar city in Perth.

western Power has been selected to lead

the program which involves the installation of

smart meters, solar hot water systems and

photovoltaics (Pvs). One of the key objectives

of the program is to engage the community

and encourage behaviour change in energy

consumption through energy assessments

and education.

western Power’s managing director, mr doug

Aberle said the overall program, worth $73.5

million would bring together industry, business,

governments and communities to rethink the

way they produce, use and save energy.

“western Power will establish Australia’s

newest, and largest, Solar city program,

delivering a range of discounted energy efficient

products and services to over 106,000 homes

within the six member councils of the eastern

metropolitan Regional council,” mr Aberle said.

This includes the Town of Bassendean, city of

Bayswater, city of Belmont, Shire of kalamunda,

Shire of mundaring and city of Swan.

“The Australian Government’s Solar city

program is trialling practical and creative ways to

be smarter about how we use energy.

“The information we collect will help Australia

develop more sustainable energy solutions both

now and in the future.”

western Power is recruiting a range of product

and service providers to help in the delivery of the

Perth Solar city program.

more details on the program will be announced

at the official launch in Perth later this year.

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ENErgy NEtWorks australia

smart networKs

The electricity industry is poised to make the transformation from a centralised, producer controlled

network to one that is less centralised and more consumer-interactive. The move to a smarter

network promises to change the industry’s business model and its relationship with all stakeholders,

involving and affecting utilities, regulators, energy service providers, technology and automation

vendors and all consumers of electric power.

The key drivers for this change are evident—the need to respond to climate change through

the reduction of carbon emissions, and the need to maintain and enhance energy security. The

involvement of energy users—consumers—is critical in responding to both drivers.

delivery of a smart network involves a merging of the existing electricity network infrastructure—

upgraded with sensing, monitoring and advanced management devices—with a secure, robust and

reliable communications infrastructure, supported by relevant information technologies, resulting in

two-way exchanges of energy and communication.

In its efforts to ensure this transformation and the continued delivery of reliable, affordable and

clean energy, industry has developed the following vision for the sector—the smart network: An

energy network that promotes diversity, efficiency and flexibility in the transportation of energy

which will underpin the secure, affordable, and environmentally friendly supply and use of

energy in a carbon constrained world.

Numerous definitions exist as to what constitutes a smart network. However, at the highest level

there is a stark comparison between:

1. The electricity networks of today—transporting energy from major generation sources using mostly

non-renewable fuels, to consumers who have limited knowledge of their consumption, where

outages affecting customers are largely unknown until the customer alerts the network operator.

2. A future smart network—serving as a dynamic network for two-way energy flows; linking widely

dispersed micro level renewable energy sources at the customer level and large-scale energy

sources; providing more dynamic information to customers; facilitating greater customer choice

about energy source and level of consumption; and providing real-time information on the

performance of the network and optimising the network operations.

The smart network has five key objectives:

1. change the relationship with customers, transforming their role from un-informed and non

participative to informed, active and involved, stimulating demand-side response

2. Accommodate connection of widely distributed, renewable energy sources across the network

and in particular at customer premises, providing an ‘energy clearing house’ function

3. Facilitate market interactions, providing customers access to products and services with choice,

based on price and environmental concerns

4. Accommodate new energy storage technologies, enabling customers to choose the source of

their energy and optimise the efficiency of their use of energy

5. continue to improve the performance of the network by:n using greatly enhanced data gathering capabilitiesn detecting and responding to problems automaticallyn strengthening interconnectionsn optimising replacement investment.

delivery of these objectives will contribute significantly to the Australian Government’s objectives of

reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy security.

more information about eNA’s smart network policy can be downloaded from www.ena.asn.au.

uNitED ENErgy vic

metering priCe review

The essential Services commission (eSc)

is currently reviewing the price controls

applying to the electricity distributors’ tariffs

for the provision of metering and metering

data services to small business and domestic

customers taking supply of less than 160 mwh

per annum. The eSc is guided in this review

by an order in council (the order) made by

the governor in council under sections 15A

and 46d of the Electricity Industry Act 2000.

The order requires the eSc to determine the

prices distributors can charge for metering and

metering data services and sets out the factors

it can consider in determining the charges for

metering services.

united energy distribution (ued) submitted its

pricing proposal to the eSc which explains ued’s

planning processes, its planning assumptions,

its cost estimates for the implementation of AmI,

and its proposed prices for the recovery of these

costs. The proposal also details ued’s proposed

exit and restoration charges and the basis for the

level of these charges.


SMOKING CAUSES TRAFFIC FINEafter witnessing the disposal of a cigarette butt out of a company vehicle window, a council officer reported the offence. subsequently, the company owner was issued with a $1200 penalty infringement notice for committing an offence against the Environmental Protection Act.

this incident evokes a very important message to all businesses who offer company vehicles to their employees. make sure you know what your employees are doing in the vehicles, as the repercussion could cost you.

Detect potentially serious faultsin electrical and mechanical equipment before they develop

Thermal Imaging Surveys conducted on your equipment Australia wide

REGISTERED MEMBER OF

THE ECA

ContactMike Henneker - Director1300 551 041e: [email protected]: www.thermelecqld.com.au

ENErgEX

energeX Continues $18 million a weeK summer preparedness program

On the back of last year’s severe storms, eNeRGeX has continued record investment preparing the

network for the 2009/2010 summer season.

The $474 million, or $18 million a week, program has seen eNeRGeX crews out there busily

upgrading substations, powerlines and underground cables in readiness for what South east

queensland’s subtropical summer may throw at them.

The work will also assist eNeRGeX’s network meet a 4.5 per cent surge in energy usage experienced

in South east queensland over the past 12 months due to an increasing population and a rapid uptake

of power intensive lifestyle products such as air-conditioners and large screen televisions.

By June 31 this year, eNeRGeX had already added an additional 725mvA of electricity capacity to

its zone and bulk substations increasing total network substation capability by nearly eight per cent.

And for the first time in eNeRGeX’s history more than 30 per cent of the South east’s 52,000kilometre-

plus network is now made up of underground cables.

The summer season will also see an increased number of eNeRGeX field and technical staff on

standby ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

eNeRGeX’s near half billion dollar preparedness plan for 2009/2010’s summer primarily focuses on

four major areas of service delivery:

1. Prepare the supply network for the upcoming summer to minimise outages of customers’

electricity supply

2. manage and minimise the impact of extreme weather events on customers’ electricity supply

3. Identify and respond to emergencies that have the potential to impact on customers’

electricity supply

4. keep customers informed of electricity supply issues during summer.

eNeRGeX has also just finished a 15,000 kilometre aerial inspection of the network using helicopters

and high-tech visual equipment to check powerlines and poles for damage in hard to access areas.

The aerial inspections help technicians identify damaged network components allowing eNeRGeX

crews to rectify them before the summer season hits. The inspections also assist in identifying any

overgrown vegetation that may need trimming back from power infrastructure.

E L E C T R I C A L C O N T R A C T I N G E N G I N E E R I N G

Superannuation for the electrical contracting and communications industries based in Victoria, SA, WA and Tasmania

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buzzthe

cLIPSAL BEGINS NEW ERA AT GEPPS cROSS fAcILITY

clipsal Australia has embarked on a new era of success with the relocation of its head

office and manufacturing facility to a new $35 million, 30,000 square metre state-of-the-

art facility at Gepps cross, South Australia.

The new home of clipsal is located on Port wakefield Road and employs over 800

staff who have vacated over 20 different sites at Bowden and Nuriootpa in the last year.

The building includes a 20,000 square metre factory, office complex, training centre,

research and development laboratory, display centre and staff gym.

Further areas of development at Gepps cross include a new Gallery area that will

celebrate clipsal’s 90 year history, clipsal 500 naming rights sponsorship and current

product innovations.

NEW ExPANdEd NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET ScHEmE

maNDatory rENEWablE targEt schEmE

(mrEt)

New national renewable energy targets will

come into effect from next year, with the

2010 target set to 12,500Gwh, climbing to

45,850Gwh in 2020. The renewable energy

target will ensure that 20 per cent of Australia’s

electricity will come from renewable sources

by 2020.

The mReT Scheme is designed to

encourage investment in renewable energy

technologies, thereby reducing greenhouse

gas emissions from the electricity sector. It

does this by providing for the creation of one

renewable energy certificate (Rec) for each

mwh of electricity that is generated from an

eligible source such as wind, solar, hydro, wave

or geothermal. The Recs, can be registered,

traded, and sold.

wholesale purchasers of electricity are

required to surrender a certain number of Recs

for each calendar year as their contribution to

meeting that year’s renewable energy target.

A failure to surrender the requisite number of

Recs will attract a shortfall charge.

The scheme implements the ‘solar credits’

mechanism, under which the number of Recs

able to be created may be multiplied by a factor

that varies over time. The solar credits will now

replace government rebates. The multiplier

applies to eligible small generation units

installed on or after 9 June 2009, as follows:

June 2009 to 30 June 2012 5

July 2012 to 30 June 2013 4

July 2013 to 30 June 2014 3

July 2014 to 30 June 2015 2

Further information on this subject can be

found at www.climatechange.gov.au.

Here’s the latest news and information from the electrotechnology industry across Australia.

the buzz : is

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west Australian

electricians are being

urged to speak with

their customers about

the importance of

having a working safety

switch installed. master

electricians Australia

are finding that many

home owners are not

informed about the life

threatening dangers

that can arise from not

having this effective safety measurement in

place. Promoting this safety warning to your

customers will ensure you are protecting the

livelihood of their families and improving the

integrity of the industry.

master electricians Australia chief executive

Officer malcolm Richards said a safety switch

was a relatively cheap and highly effective

way of protecting a family from electrical

accidents.

“when current leaks

from a circuit it will find

the fastest path to earth.

during an electrical

shock, electricity leaves

a secure circuit and flows

through the body to earth.

“A safety switch

detects the difference or

loss in current from the

circuit and disconnects

the power. This trip occurs

in under 300 milliseconds,

minimising the risk of electrocution or fire.”

mr Richards cautioned contractors to ensure

that your customers do not confuse safety

switches with circuit breakers. “Safety switches

save lives, whereas circuit breakers are only

designed to protect electrical equipment.

“Once your customers have a safety switch

installed, you should demonstrate how to test it to

check whether it is working properly and reinforce

that the test should be done every six months.

Safety Switch Best Protection as Electrical Dangers Heat Up

If you have something to submit, please email [email protected]

$1.9m funding injection for fantastic plastic solar research

A $1.9 million grant has been awarded to university of queensland (uq) researchers who are

leading an international team developing a cheap solar cell made out of plastic.

The team – involving researchers from Brisbane, Townsville, cairns, canberra, melbourne and the

united States – are working on a special type of plastic that is capable of capturing the sun’s energy.

Treasurer and minister for employment and economic development Andrew Fraser said, “the

international research team is exploring the potential for extremely thin layers of plastic – less than

the width of a human hair – to be used as solar cells.”

“currently, solar cell technology relies on the use of crystalline silicon which is expensive and

results in cells that are heavy and rigid.

“Internationally, the focus is now on developing new and cheaper solar cells using organic or

plastic materials which are light and flexible.

“Organic solar cells have a lot of potential for use over large areas and could form the basis of

new products such as roof sheeting and window panels, opening up markets and applications

that traditional solar cell technologies are not

suited to.

“This is a bold and ambitious project

concerning plastic electronics, one of the

fastest-growing high-tech materials fields,

with solar cells, the fastest growing energy

technology in the world,” he said.

“The pay off will be well worth it. The

organic solar cells market is estimated to be

worth $300 million internationally by 2012 and

queensland will be in the driver’s seat.”

Ampere Electrical Manufacturing Co. Pty. Ltd.168-176 High St, Prahran, Vic. 3181. Tel (03) 9510 4333, 9510 2428 Fax (03) 9510 5940Toll Free 1800 AMPERE (1800 267 373)www.ampere.com.au

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interviewwith Brooke Hanson Retired Olympic swimmer Brooke Hanson received an electric shock during a pool trade show in 2007. energy Safe victoria (eSv) found a fault in a temporary electrical installation had resulted in 15 volts of Ac electricity passing into the water. eSv has since enlisted Brooke as its safety ambassador and, drawing on her personal experience, she warns audiences to take care when dealing with electricity.


the interview : w

ith b

ro

oK

e h

an

so

n

interview caN you DEscribE thE momENt you WErE shockED iN 2007?

I suffered an electric shock in June 2007 while demonstrating my

swimming at a spa and pool show. The electric shock and injuries

I received were very painful and were something I shall never forget.

It was determined that my electric shock was probably caused by

a temporary electrical lead that wasn’t earthed properly.

hoW DiD that momENt impact Not oNly oN your boDy,

but your liFE?

The shock had a huge affect on my body and even more importantly,

on my life goals. It changed my life priorities and made me realise

that if it was my last day I had so much more I wanted to achieve.

The 2008 Olympics weren’t as important anymore so I retired from

swimming, continued working in the media and for my sponsors and

now my husband and I are expecting our first baby.

What rEhabilitativE Work DiD you havE to Do to rEcovEr From

thE shock?

I was taken to hospital and then spent the next month at home in bed.

I started massage and physiotherapy treatment to help my muscles

recover and also help the injuries my shoulder sustained from when I

fell. It was a long path back to full recovery and I worked with my sports

doctor and a pain specialist to help me get over the nerve damage.

hoW DiD your ambassaDorship With ENErgy saFE victoria

comE about?

Energy Safe Victoria wanted to launch their electrical safety commercials

and they asked me if I would like to be the face of their campaign. They

thought I would be a great person to warn others about electrical safety

after experiencing a shock myself.

hoW has your EXpEriENcE iN 2007 assistED you to promotE

ElEctrical saFEty mEssagEs?

I’m very pleased to be able to promote electrical safety as I don’t want

anybody else to suffer the pain and after effects that I went through. I’m

glad that I can get the message across about the importance of being

safe around electricity.

What havE you lEarNt From your Work With ENErgy

saFE victoria?

I have learnt the great importance of electrical safety and how quickly

accidents can occur. It is always important to use an accredited electrician

for any electrical work around the house. It’s also a good idea to have all

electrical equipment tested and tagged on a yearly basis both at home,

and the office.

What ElEctrical saFEty mEssagEs Do you bEliEvE arE

most importaNt?

Be careful with electrical appliances around water, don’t use ageing

appliances or damaged electrical equipment and never overuse power

boards and extension cords – as all of these can be faulty and may cause

fires or electric shocks.

n Personalised manual

n Online database reminder and tracking system

n Induction and safety meetings delivered onsite

n Audit and investigation assistance

n Organised tool box meetings

n Insurance cover against legal costs and fines

n Constant updates

n A network of trained Safety Facilitators

Meet your safety and audit obligations with this comprehensive system including:

visit www.masterelectricians.com.auAn initiative of the Electrical and Communications Association

Your safety management solution.

Supported by

you WErE iN somE tElEvisioN commErcials

For ENErgy saFE victoria that airED DuriNg

thE olympic gamEs last yEar. What projEcts

arE you WorkiNg oN NoW?

I’m continuing my work with Energy Safe Victoria

who is committed to making more people

aware of electrical safety. I recently recorded

some radio commercials to get their important

messages across to all Victorians. I have also

recently become the ambassador for Jim’s Test

and Tag. I use this as another opportunity to gain

more public awareness and promote electrical

safety for a safer environment at home and

the workplace. If the electrical cord [that was

probably the cause of my shock] had been tested

and tagged by Jim’s, the accident may have never

happened. That’s why I want to bring as much

awareness to this important issue to save more

people from being victims of electric shock.

Editorial note: Brooke Hanson was about to give

birth to her first child as this edition of the Master

Electrician went to print. Master Electricians

Australia would like to congratulate Brooke and

her husband Jared on becoming parents.


the interview : with brooKe hanson

I’m veRy PleASed TO Be ABle TO PROmOTe elecTRIcAl SAFeTy AS I dON’T wANT

ANyBOdy elSe TO SuFFeR THe PAIN ANd AFTeR eFFecTS

THAT I weNT THROuGH.

Legal solutions for ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORSAdvice on contractsContractual and payment disputesBusiness structuresAsset protectionBuying and selling businessesWills and EstatesLeasing and commercial contractsDebt collection servicesConveyancingWorkplace Health & Safety

MackayMcKays Law Centre34 Wood St4963 0888

BrisbaneLevel 26239 George St 3223 5900www.mckayslaw.com

Call Michael Cope today on (07) 3223 5939 or Ian Heathwood on (07) 3223 5942 or 0418 199 416

AUSSIE SUCCESS AT TRADE OLYMPICSgavin press from Kelso received a medallion of excellence at the recent trade worldskills olympics in Canada in the category of electrical installation. the medallion is only awarded to select elite competitors and is a fitting reward for his exceptional performance.

www.che.com.au

Excerpts from Brooke’s book when silver is gold:

“The pain was excruciating. I felt this electric current zapping my whole body; the vibrations and pain running through my muscles and nerves

was so intense I thought it would never end. I couldn't stop shaking and was aware of only one thing—I had to get away from the spa as quickly

as I could; but I couldn't move.”

“When I came to, I couldn't open my eyes and I had people rushing over to me, asking if I'd tripped over as I was getting out of the spa. I

could hardly get the words out ... `No ... electric shock'. I just wanted to let go; I thought I was going to die as I was so tired and started to fade.”

“my whole body felt like every ounce of energy had been sucked from it, but I was still aware of people about and what was going on around me. I had cramps in my legs, I was getting cold and I'd gone into shock

so my body was shaking uncontrollably.”

35

workplace relations : c

lImATe

cH

AN

Ge

Why become a Master Electrician?

Consumers trust the ‘Masters’ brand, and are more likely to choose a Master Electrician over the competition. Buyers equate Master Electricians with experience, quality, reliability and integrity.

Through our extensive advertising to public and industry on the benefits of using a Master Electrician, you will be in demand from the public, builders, principal contractors and government.

When you become a Master Electrician, you get the following benefits:n Use of the Master Electrician brandingn A strong point of difference over your competitorsn Increased recognition by public and industry

Master Electricians Accreditation also provides you with unlimited access to:n A wiring rules hotlinen A large technical and standards advice teamn Industry training and educationn Employment and workplace relations advicen Expert advice on commercial and business mattersn Regular up-to-date news and informationn Networking opportunities with industry supporters, suppliers, other allied trades and associated organisations.

Master Electricians deliver the highest levels of quality, electrical safety, integrity and energy advice.

To find out how you can become a Master Electrician call 1300 889 198 or visit www.masterelectricians.com.au

quality safety reliability

Are you a Master Electrician?


While the home insulation industry

is enjoying the surge of work

created by the $1,600 energy

efficient home insulation rebate,

some rogue operators are ignoring standards

and creating life threatening problems for

homeowners and contractors.

As detailed earlier in this issue, the NSW

regulator has complained about the poor

clearances provided to recessed light fittings. Not

so obvious, but every bit as serious, is the lack of

clearance to oil, gas and chip heater chimneys.

Fires from these causes have been reported

across Australia and are causing great alarm.

New evidence is now indicating an even

more dangerous insulation installation problem,

which if allowed to run unchecked, could kill

homeowners. A fact that is even more worrying

than a house fire.

With some forms of insulation hard to acquire,

insulation installers are turning to the various

forms of reflective aluminium foil insulation

(often used for sarking external walls and roofs)

and laying this across the ceiling joists to form an

insulation blanket. To ensure effective operation,

the installers have to

seal the joins, or fix the

insulation to the joists,

which they are doing

with staple guns.

This is a fair and cost

effective way to install

this type of insulation,

however, insulation

installers are failing to

move the wiring out of

the way of the staples.

A staple through

the aluminium surface

into a wire ‘livens’ the conductive insulation

across the entire ceiling space, forming a lethal

opportunity for the next person who touches

anything which is earthed while making contact

with the aluminium side of insulation. This is an

extremely dangerous mistake for anyone who

may climb into a roof to work on water pipes or

light fittings.

Could it get any worse? When the insulation

installers get to the outer extremities of the

ceiling space, they cannot always reach to ensure

a tidy edge, so in some cases the insulation has

the aluminium edges sitting upright touching the

underside of the iron roof – potentially making

the roof, gutters and downpipes live.

So what are the authorities doing about it?

Well the energy efficient homes package does

dictate that installers, companies, or persons must

be registered, and must possess the requisite

qualifications – however, there is no apparent

process regarding these quality checks. We

recognise that most installers will carry out their

work in a suitable manner, but with the risks

outlined above being so obvious, more is required.

Master Electricians Australia works closely

with governments

in all states and is

pursuing this problem.

Please contact our

technical department

if you encounter any

inadequate installation

work. This information

will help us to continue

the case to ensure

greater safety is

applied in your day-to-

day work.

technicaltalkGovernment Initiative causes Serious dangers

A STAPle THROuGH

THe AlumINIum SuRFAce INTO

A wIRe ‘lIveNS’ THe cONducTIve

INSulATION AcROSS THe eNTIRe

ceIlING SPAce, FORmING

A leTHAl OPPORTuNITy FOR THe

NeXT PeRSON wHO TOucHeS

ANyTHING wHIcH IS eARTHed

wHIle mAkING cONTAcT

wITH THe AlumINIum SIde

OF INSulATION


technical talk : natio

na

l br

oa

db

an

d n

etw

or

KNational Broadband

Network O

n 7 April 2009, the Federal

Government announced plans to

establish a $43 billion National

Broadband Network (NBN) over the

next eight years.

The NBN will connect 90 per cent of all

Australian homes, schools and workplaces

with broadband speeds of up to 100 megabits

per second – 100 times faster than the current

regular user.

The initiative is expected to directly support

up to 25,000 local jobs every year, over the eight

year life span of the project.

The government initially embarked on a

Request for Proposals (RFP) process, however,

on the basis of advice from an independent

panel of experts that none of the national

proposals offered value for money, the RFP

process was closed.

during this period, a detailed analysis was

undertaken to ascertain areas that required

infrastructure in order to implement the new

initiative, subsequently, a range of ‘blackspots’

were identified including:n darwinn Geraldtonn Broken Hilln South west Gippslandn emerald to longreach n victor Harbor.

These ‘blackspots’ have seen an initial

investment of $250 million as a commitment to

develop backbone links to facilitate the NBN.

This will include a fast-tracked rollout of fibre optic

transmission links which will connect cities, major

regional centres and rural towns – ultimately

delivering improvements to telecommunications

across the nation.

Further to this, preliminary issues have been

identified by key project groups including:n NBN reference modeln wholesale servicesn early stage deploymentsn end user premisesn Technicaln Operationaln end user migration.

A key finding is that regulatory reform is a

prominent issue, with current shortfalls identified

in regulation for the existing telecommunications

environment. If this issue isn’t resolved it could

hinder the roll-out, as well as future regulation

reforms beyond the network boundary.

moving forward, the government will need

to secure a company to provide the initial

investment of $4.7 million to build and operate

the network. From here, they will commence

an implementation study to determine the

company’s operating arrangements, detailed

network design and the methods they will use to

attract private sector investment.

The government will need to progress legislative

changes that will manage the chosen national

broadband network company and facilitate

the rollout of the networks, including the use of

fibre optic technology in future developments.

They will also need to commence a consultative

process on necessary changes to the existing

telecommunications regulatory regime.

Stay tuned for more information about the

progress of this important project. n

[email protected]

Ph 07 5445 2910

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workplacerelations

Australia Fair Pay Commission – 2009 Wage Setting Decisionand Other State Wage Decisions


workp

lace relations : au

str

alia

fair

pay C

om

mis

sio

n – 2009 w

ag

e s

ettin

g d

eC

isio

n

workplace On Friday 12 June 2009, the Australian

Fair Pay Commission handed down

its 2009 federal wage decision.

For the first time in 17 years, the

Australian Fair Pay Commission decided to freeze

the minimum wage at the current rate of $14.31

per hour.

The Australian Fair Pay Commission stated the

decision was based on ‘the current environment,

ability of employer to offer sufficient work has

been curtailed and there is a heightened risk that

an increase in the minimum wage would reduce

employment and working hours’.

This decision will impact all junior employees,

apprentices, trainees, employees with a disability,

casual employees and employees receiving basic

piece rates of pay.

Who does this decision apply to?

This decision applies to companies in the

Federal Workplace Relations System. This means

the decision is applicable to all constitutional

corporations (eg Pty Ltd Companies).

This decision does not apply to sole traders,

partnerships and trusts that are unincorporated.

statE WagE DEcisioNs

The following increases apply to employees

covered by the State Industrial Relations System.

The state wage case increases which are

outlined above apply to all adult workers on

the state minimum wage as well as workers

who are paid state award wages. Apprentices,

trainees and junior’s wages will also increase

proportionately.

ECA members and Master Electricians can

contact the Workplace Relations Department for

the current wage rates.

queenslandqueensland Industrial Relations commission increased the minimum wage by $16.20 per week. commencing 1 September 2009.

New South walesIndustrial Relations commission of NSw increased the minimum wage by $15.50 per week. commencing 14 August 2009.

western AustraliaThe western Australia Industrial Relations commission increased the minimum wage by $12.30 per week. commencing 1 October 2009.

TasmaniaThe Tasmania Industrial Relations commission increased the minimum wage by $12.00 per week. commencing 1 August 2009.

South AustraliaThe South Australian Industrial Relations commission increased the minimum wage by $14.00 per week. commencing 1 October 2009.

When you run your own business, a lot rests on your shoulders.

Business debts, running costs, employee wages – they all depend on your ability to keep working. Then there’s your household expenses. And, most importantly, your family.

By combining Business Expenses and Income Protection insurance you can cover your fixed business costs, and up to 80% of your personal income, if you can’t go to work because of sickness or injury.

And in most cases the premiums are tax-deductible.

To make sure your family, and your business, has the cover they need, call Josh Wilson or Hamish Rankin on 07 3262 3422 or 1800 630 322.

Protect your growing business

This information has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision based on this material, you should consider its appropriateness in regards to your objectives, financial situation and needs. A financial adviser can help you determine what’s appropriate before you make a decision, and provide you with a Product Disclosure Statement.

Embrun Pty Ltd trading as Concept Benefit Planning AFSL No. 247 319 ABN 82 956 837 528

FAITHFUL ELEPHANT GUARDS ELECTROCUTED MAHOUT IN INDIAN VILLAGEan elephant stood guard near the body of its electrocuted mahout for hours in vankal village in gujarat, india. the elephant was entering the village when its mahout died of electric shock from a cable while on the elephants back.

www.newkerala.com


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AdelaideTel 08 8363 5733Fax 08 8363 5799

PerthTel 08 9361 4200Fax 08 9361 4300

email [email protected] web www.emona.com.au

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The National code of Practice for the

construction Industry establishes

minimum standards which businesses

must meet to be eligible for building and

construction projects funded by the Australian

Federal Government.

On Thursday 9 July 2009, the Hon. Julia

Gillard mP, released an updated version of the

Implementation Guidelines for the National code of

Practice for the construction Industry (Guidelines).

The guidelines have been amended to

incorporate the Fair Work Act 2009 (cth) and take

into consideration:• The findings of the Hon. murray Wilcox Qc

report ‘Transition to Fair Work Australia for the

Building and construction Industry’• The government’s consultations with state and

territory governments, employee and employer

associations and major contractors.

WHEN DO THE GuIDELINES cOmmENcE?

The guidelines commenced on Saturday

1 August 2009. The guidelines are applicable to

projects that were subject to an expression of

interest or tender let for the first time on, or after,

1 August 2009. The guidelines do not apply

to expressions of interests or tenders prior to

1 August 2009.

GuIDELINES mAJOR AmENDmENTS

The major amendments under the 2009 guidelines

detail that the following practices will no longer be

breaches of the code: • Employers encouraging or discouraging

employees to join a union (this amendment

may open the possibility for a number of state

awards to be compliant with the code)• Notices that imply union membership eg

stickers on helmets• using site delegates to undertake site

inductions • Requiring employers to apply union logos

or other such items to company supplied

property or equipment• Requiring an employee to be exclusively

represented by a union in a dispute.

The following practices will now be inconsistent

with the amended code:

• Discriminating against or disadvantaging

elected employee representatives• Refusing to employ or dismissing an employee

because of union status• Refusing a reasonable request from a

workplace delegate to represent employees

in relation to grievances and disputes or

discussions with members.

EcA members and master Electricians can

contact the Workplace Relations Department

for further information or to obtain a copy of

the guidelines.

National code of Practice Implementation Guidelines Amended

dId yOu kNOw?under the ATOs new superannuation ruling payments in lieu of notice now attract a superannuation guarantee charge. This means that payments

made in lieu of notice are now considered Ordinary Times earnings (OTe) for superannuation purposes.

KEEP YOUR POWER ON!KEEP YOUR POWER ON!CALL US FOR ALL YOUR GENERATOR NEEDS!

RENTALS - NEW & USED SALES

WE SPECIALISE IN PROVIDING PETROL AND DIESEL GENERATOR SETS.FROM 500 WATTS TO 3,000 KVA

As the manufacturer, we are easily able to modify standard specifications

and produce a tailor-made unit if necessary.

www.genelite.com.au

And our keen prices are well-renowned.

• QLD 07-3277 8626 •• WA 08-9300 6168 •


rEaDErship survEy rEsults

congratulations to Phill Blake from PSE Wagga Electricians in Wagga

Wagga NSW who won the plasma television.

we had an overwhelming response to the latest readership survey and

would like to thank all of the 490 people who took their time to participate.

Some preliminary findings are listed below:n The highest percentage of readers are aged between 40-49 n 82.5 per cent of all readers are electrical contractorsn The ‘Gadget Guide’ and ‘watts New’ sections are the most read articlesn Over 60 per cent of respondents rated the magazine’s content,

accuracy and readability above 8 out of 10n 86 per cent of readers say the articles would influence their technical

procedures at workn 60 per cent of readers agree that The Master Electrician magazine

would influence a purchasing decision n 67 per cent of readers rated the entire magazine over 8 out of 10n 82 per cent of readers pass the magazine on to at least one person.

we have reviewed each of the participant’s comments and will work to

implement the suggestions over the coming editions.

newsfrom head office

harcourts is coNFirmED as prEFErrED busiNEss brokEr

Our partnership with Harcourts Ashmore was announced just a month

ago and is already proving to be a valued service with 12 members

already taking advantage of the opportunity.

It was recognised that many business owners are looking to expand,

franchise, sell or retire from their businesses but aren’t quite sure about

the best way forward.

Brian clisby who is heading the Harcourts business team, can

guarantee master electricians and ecA members will receive genuine

advice from a man who understands their business. Brian holds a long

history in the electrical contracting field and spent many years running his

own electrical business.

The appointment of Brian will enable master electricians and ecA

members Australia-wide to obtain the most up-to-date information

and working strategies to ensure they finish on top when selling

their businesses.

“All discussions are completely confidential. we can tailor a plan that

will suit every individual to ensure their business sells at premium price,”

mr clisby said.

If you are interested in more information, please contact Brian on

07 5571 7919 or via his mobile on 0438 940738.


news : fr

om

he

ad

offiC

e

importaNt amENDmENts to thE WiriNg rulEs

The effect of the new amendments to the wiring

rules will be felt across the industry and will affect

electricians in many ways. Amendment No.1 was

released on 1 July 2009 with over 130 changes,

varying from the correction of spelling, the

replacement, addition and deletion of words,

complete replacement and/or rewording of

clauses as well as the inclusion of revised tables,

diagrams and figures.

These changes improve the clarity of the

document, and while many changes merely

correct minor errors and omissions, many

respond to problems created by the application

of the various changes out in the field.

A summary of the changes have been

provided at the member’s websites under

‘Technical & Safety’.

As with all standards, master electricians

and ecA members can request assistance and

clarification by calling our technical team.

The amendment is free and available for

download from www.wiringrules.standards.org.au.

PASTOR ELECTROCUTED DURING BAPTISMA pastor performing a baptism was electrocuted inside his church after grabbing a microphone while partially submerged. The pastor was stepping into the baptismal when he reached out to adjust a nearby microphone, which produced an electric shock, he was later pronounced dead.

www.cbsnews.com

Digital tv traiNiNg joiNt vENturE

meA and ecA are working with matchmaster

to provide the government required training

in digital reception technology for all digital

antenna installers.

The government has announced that all free-

to-air television broadcasting in Australia will

complete the switch from analogue, to digital-

only transmission by the end of 2013. For

viewers, this will require a number of changes

to the way in which television broadcasts are

received, including obtaining new equipment to

receive digital signals.

The government has created an endorsement

scheme for installers of digital reception systems.

To take part in the scheme, installers will need to

show they have the skills required to provide a

digital Tv antenna solution to a customer. eligible

installers will receive an identification badge

displaying the government logo, their name and

photograph, Id number and the expiration date

of their approval. This assures each customer

knows the person they are dealing with has the

necessary knowledge to provide this service.

meA, ecA and matchmaster will offer

the nationally recognised training for these

competencies from January 2010.

mastEr ElEctriciaNs australia

cElEbratE First aNNivErsary

master electricians will celebrate their first

anniversary this month by recognising

their outstanding progress which is

already resulting in a brighter future for the

electrical industry.

Achievements have been steady, but

impressive. The initial goal to generate

consumer recognition to influence in the

market has exceeded all expectations.

Through a series of successful marketing

campaigns, including radio, press

and electronic media, master

electricians Australia

(meA) have passed on over 1,400 free job

leads to Accredited master electricians

– just through the online ‘find a master

electrician’ search.

Through this awareness, meA have

brought on master electricians across the

nation, from Perth to Sydney and melbourne

to darwin who are all experiencing the

effects of obtaining the status of the master

electrician accreditation.

meA are committed to setting the

standard for electrical contractors across

Australia and are excited to see what the

next 12 months will bring.


www.specsuper.com 1300 366 648

If you’ve always wanted to join an industry superfund but haven’t been eligible, SPEC Super now makes it easy for you with SPEC Personal. We are the only Industry Superfund for the electro-technology and allied industries which can offer membership to self employed contractors. Even your family and friends are eligible to join. We also make it easy to roll any other funds you may have into one, so why not switch today and start generating wealth.

This information is of a general nature and does not take into account your individual financial situation, objectives or needs. Because of this you should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and consider the PDS before making any decision. If you require such specific advice, you should contact a licenced financial adviser. SPEC(QLD) PTY. LTD. (ABN 60 010 743 405, AFSL 325 122), the Trustee of SPEC Super (ABN 45 404 406 059), is authorised to provide general financial product advice in relation to superannuation. For a copy of our PDS please call 1300 366 648.

lED by mEgamaN®

meGAmAN® new range of mains voltage

integral led reflectors look set to become

the new

benchmark for

the industry

offering a

s i g n i f i c a n t

leap forward

in light output

and thermal

management.

They have overcome the temperature issues

of other leds by incorporating an innovative

vertical array of leds mounted back to back to

generate as much of a point source as possible,

thus increasing efficiency and light output. These

ground-breaking lamps offer a direct one-for-

one replacement for halogen lamps in terms of

colour temperature and intensity, with energy

savings of up to 80%.

For more information visit www.au.megaman.cc.

hagErblu visagE sEriEs

The Hagerblu visage range has been awarded

an Australian International design mark in the

prestigious 2009 competition, changing the

face of wiring accessory design. The Hagerblu

system is unique whereby the switch base

houses the technology and the ‘face’ is created

as an interchangeable cover.

The clever technology used by hagerblu

includes Hager’s unique Rotoloc® switch

mechanism, child safety shutter, in-built arc

shields and the chemically resistant pivot

mechanism – all Hagerblu innovations that

together deliver a safe, technologically advanced

product. The result is a fashion ‘visage’ with a

slimline profile that can be updated as often as

you change your furnishings.

For more information visit www.hagerbr.com.au.

hpm aquascaN

HPm legrand has launched the Aquascan, a

new weatherproof movement sensor which

automatically triggers lights when movement is

detected – improving safety and convenience.

Home owners can program the Aquascan to

ensure lights stay on from anywhere between

15 seconds and 7 minutes ensuring peace of

mind. The dual ball joint allows the head to swivel

180 degrees to a sensitivity adjustment of up to

18 metres.

For more information visit www.hpm.com.au.

Techno bizmaster Electricians staff sampled some of the latest gadgets and are giving you the good-oil on the best stuff!


gadget guide

gadgetguide

EvokE FlowThe first truly ‘connected’ portable radio, the

award winning evOke Flow integrates dAB and

Fm radio, internet content and music streamed

from your computer.

The Flow works with any wi-Fi network, at

home or out and about. Just switch your Flow

on – it’ll find all available wi-Fi networks and

you’ll be ready to access the vast range of

internet radio stations, listen again programs and

podcasts available on the web. And don’t forget

that if you’ve got a computer or network storage

device connected to your wi-Fi network, you

can stream from it direct to your Flow and enjoy

listening to your music away from the computer.

logitEch harmony 1100The logitech Harmony 1100 is the perfect

complement to a sophisticated living room. with

a brilliant, 3.5-inch, full-colour touch screen, you

will be able to turn on everything you need with

just one touch. you can customise the controls

to get the commands you want, when you want.

It’s like no remote you’ve ever used before.

This ceS Best of Innovations 2009 award winning device will replace up to 15 remotes to support

225,000 devices from 5,000 brands – a number sure to satisfy your requirements.

Sanyo Xacti vPc ca9 rEviEwSanyo has just released the world’s first ever

high-definition camcorder. The Xacti cA9

is receiving rave reviews for its advanced

technology and multitude of features

including its ability to shoot underwater (up

to 1.5 metres).

The Xacti cA9 offers two modes for

shooting – simple and normal, an electronic

face stabiliser, 3d digital noise reduction,

face detection for up to 12 people, a 2.5

inch wide screen lcd that can

rotate 285

degrees,

a 1.6

s e c o n d

quick start,

mPeG – 4 Avc/H. 264 video

compression technology as

well as easy editing options.

The camera offers 5x optical

zoom and up to 60x digital zoom with a

picture quality of 9 megapixels. It boasts a

huge internal memory of 43mB – all this in a

compact and lightweight 230g unit.

This stylish camcorder is available in

black red green. For more information visit

www.sanyo.com.au.

If you have something to submit, please email [email protected]

Hazardous area and

HigH Voltageinstallation

audits

3 ESO Compliance Audits3Area Classifications3Risk Assessments3Pre-installation/design review

Call Steve Downey on

1300 724 744to arrange an inspection

www.jantec.com.au

Keeping you in the know

LIGHTNING STRIKES SAME MAN TWICE

A man celebrated the 27th anniversary of being struck by lightning with a second

electrocution from above — and once again lived to tell the tale.

The 68 year old was hiding from a Pennsylvania storm in a shed when

he and four others were shocked by lightning. The two-time victim survived the latest electrocution

with only a burned zipper and a hole in his jeans.

www.newser.com


test driveT

he 4x4 ute is the perfect choice of dual-

purpose vehicle for most sparkys – it

does what you need during the week

and is capable of having some fun on

weekend. we decided to evaluate some of the

Asian invasion this issue, putting three of the

most popular imported 4x4 utes head-to-head.

The vehicles of choice were the well known and

ultra-popular Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, and

the comparatively new mazda BT-50.

Taking a glance at the spec sheets on these

three work horses, you could be excused for

thinking there would be little-to-no noticeable

difference in the performance of these vehicles

– but you would be wrong. while all three claim

the similar power and torque figures, the Navara

and Hilux seemed to be a little better than the BT-

50. The Hilux and Navara suffered less turbo lag

than the BT-50, meaning a more responsive and

quicker acceleration. The torque also felt stronger

and wider spread across the rev range, which is

particularly important when taking this type of

vehicle out for a play on the dirt or sand. The

Navara in particular performed extremely well on

sand, and even handled driving over 15 kilometre

on soft-sand with ease (out of necessity due to

high-tide). driving past bogged Hilux’s and BT-

50’s was quite amusing considering that I was

driving the vehicle for this article.

looking to the interior, the Navara takes the

back seat this time in terms of styling and visual

appeal. let’s face it, most of us spend a lot of

time each day in the driver’s seat – so looks

and comfort are important. The instrument

panel, dash board and radio are all more

modern and exciting on the Hilux and BT-50,

where the Navara is very basic in comparison.

Having said this, if you like simplicity and an

easy-to-clean, low maintenance interior, then

perhaps the Navara’s interior design is perfect

for you. exterior styling is a similar story with

the BT-50 and the Hilux being somewhat more

adventurous and appealing. They both feature

more curvaceous lines and flared guards to

make them appear stylish and ‘tuff’ – they both

look equally at home in the bush or on site. The

Navara again sticks to basics with a cleaner and

more standard design.

The intention was to write this last paragraph

on value for money, or bang for your buck – and

give a recommendation on what was found to be

the best of the three utes. unfortunately I can’t.

All three are very similarly priced when looking

at comparable models (the Hilux range is huge,

and took some time to understand). All three are

up to the job performance wise, with the BT-50

perhaps lacking a little bit and being slightly less

comfortable to drive. The Navara perhaps lacks

slightly in the style department, and the Hilux

is behind the eight ball on economy. All have

their strengths and weaknesses – and picking a

standout is impossible. For my money, I would

probably go for the Hilux purely because it is

such a well-tested, well-established and a well-

known brand in the market. Having said that, if a

dealer offered me a great deal on one of the other

two, it wouldn’t take much to sway me – they are

all very good vehicles.

master electricians Racing driver Andre Borell sets up

THe BATTle OF THe uTeS


test drive : b

attle o

f the

ute

s

piCtured below: FORmulA FORd cHAmPION ANdRe BORellBt-50 navara Hilux

engine turbo-diesel dohC 4-cylinder (16 valve)

turbo diesel dohC four-cylinder (24 valve)

turbo diesel 1Kd-ftC four-cylinder (16 valve)

Power 115kw @ 3200 rpm

126kw @ 4000rpm

126kw @ 3600rpm

torque 380 nm @ 1800 rpm

403nm @ 2000rpm

343nm @ 1400rpm

Capacity 2.5l 2.5l 3.0l

economy* 9.2l/100km 9.8l/100km 12.4l/100km

emissions* not available 264g/km 296g/km

Price $43,590 $42,660 $42,490

*As claimed by manufacturer

OcT096 – 8 October nHP rsteched 2009 melbourne www.nhp.com.au

8 – 11 October supercheap auto Bathurst 1000Bathurstwww.v8supercarevents.com.au

16 – 18 October nitro supergPGold coastwww.supergp.com

24 – 31 October the global green Challenge (inc World solar Challenge) Adelaide www.globalgreenchallenge.com.au

31 October Wallabies v all BlacksTokyo www.rugby.com.au

NOv093 November Melbourne Cupmelbournewww.melbournecuptour.com.au

6 November 2009 eCa annual excellence awardsBrisbane www.ecaq.asn.au

7 November Wallabies v englandlondonwww.rugby.com.au

20 – 22 November BigPond 300Perth www.v8supercarevents.com.au

DEc094 – 6 december sydney telstra 500Sydney www.v8supercarevents.com.au

25 december Christmas day

26 december 3 MoBiLe Boxing day testmelbourne www.cricketvictoria.com.au

31 december new Years eve


eventswhat’s on spring2009

New ProTag Optima SystemAustralia’s Most Compact Appliance

Testing and Tag Printing System.

Call EMONA Instruments on tel: 1 800 632 953 email: [email protected] or www.protag.com.au

The new ProTag Optima System tests portable appliances and RCDs,

and prints test tags in a compact system weighing only around 2kg.

No interface cables between the tester, printer and scanner provide

maximum mobility on construction sites, factories and workshops.

Light weight, wireless, battery powered and with logging of visual

inspections and risk assessments, the Optima System guarantees

greater efficiency, huge time savings and a lower cost per tag.


best funny story : 1953 te

stin

g p

ro

Ce

du

re

s

1953 TESTING PROcEDuRESyour best (or worst) funny story

AmERIcAN ELEcTRIcIANS’ HANdBOOK

7’” Edition 1953 mcGraw-Hill

mEASuRING, TESTING, ANd INSTRumENTS

154. ElEctriciaNs oFtEN tEst circuits For

thE prEsENcE oF voltagE by touchiNg thE

coNDuctors With thE FiNgErs.

This method is safe where the voltage does

not exceed 250 and is often very convenient

for locating a blown-out fuse or for

ascertaining whether or not a circuit is

alive. Some men can endure the electric

shock that results without discomfort,

whereas others cannot. Therefore,

the method is not feasible in some

cases. which are the outside wires

and which is the neutral wire

of a 1151230-volt, three-wire

system can be determined in

this way by noting the intensity

of the shock that results by

touching different pairs of

wires with fingers. use

the method with caution

and be certain that the

voltage of the circuit

does not exceed

250 before touching

the conductors.

155. thE prEsENcE oF loW voltagEs caN bE

DEtErmiNED by tastiNg.

The method is feasible only where the pressure

is but a few volts and hence is used only in

bell and signal work. where the voltage is

very low, the bared ends of the conductors

constituting the two sides of the circuit are

held a short distance apart on the tongue. If

voltage is present, a peculiar mildly burning

sensation results, which will never be forgotten

after one has experienced it. The taste is due

to the electrolytic decomposition of the liquids

on the tongue which produces a salt having a

taste. with voltages of 4 or 5 volts, due to as

many cells of a battery, it is best to test for the

presence of voltage by holding one of the bared

conductors in the hand and touching the other

to the tongue. where a terminal of the battery

is grounded, often a taste can be detected

by standing on moist ground and touching a

conductor from the other battery terminal to the

tongue. care should be exercised to prevent the

two conductor ends from touching each other

at the tongue, for if they do a spark can result

that may burn.

If you have a funny story – good or bad – that you would like to share, email it to [email protected] for your chance to win $50.


On 4 April 2008, the Minister for

Employment and Workplace

Relations, the Hon Julia Gillard

MP, announced a national review

into model Occupational Health and Safety

(OHS) Laws.

The review will report to the Workplace

Relations Ministers’ Council on the optimal

structure and content of a model OHS act that

is capable of being adopted in all jurisdictions.

The current process of prosecuting a

company for breaching OHS legislation places

the onus of proof on the company. This means

that it is up to the company (or individual if the

entity being prosecuted is not a company) to

prove they took all reasonable steps to ensure

the safety of others. This style of prosecution is

also known as “reverse onus”.

Essentially you are guilty until proven

innocent, and proving innocence can be very

difficult once an incident has occurred. Unless

you have a complete and accurate audit trail,

you will be found guilty to some degree.

The new proposed national model OHS

laws will place the onus of proof back with the

prosecutor. That is, the government will need to

prove a person has failed in their duty to ensure

safety. This change brings workplace laws into

line with criminal laws which require a case to

be proven beyond reasonable doubt. One could

question why they were ever formed in reverse

in the first place. Why should workplace safety

be more important or easier to convict than

assault or theft?

To offset the change the new laws will

include higher penalties and possible jail terms

for executives and directors. Whatever the

means of prosecution, as an employer you need

to ask yourself if your current system will hold

up to the ultimate scrutiny. If not then it’s time

to do something about it.

Onus of Proof

last word : malColm riChards

Administered byMalcolm V. Leeke & Co. Chartered Accountants

8 McIlwraith Street PO Box 42 Everton Park Brisbane QLD 4053

Phone 07 3506 7788 Fax 07 3506 7700 Toll Free 1300 200 123

Email [email protected] Website www.cirt.com.au

CIRT HELPS YOU TO REDUCE THE DRAIN ON YOUR COMPANY’S CASH FLOWCIRT was established in 1990 to provide redundancy benefits to the electrical industry.

CIRT allows employers to contribute money each month on behalf of their employees. That way if a redundancy occurs, the CIRT contributions form either part or all of any redundancy payment and the employer can include the money already contributed as part of the redundancy payment. CIRT provides benefits for the following situations: redundancy, retirement, leaving the industry, severe financial hardship, total and permanent disability, death. Contact CIRT now for all your industry redundancy needs.

Supported by

last word

malColm riChardschief Executive Officer

Hager B&R provides the world with the latestdesigner light switches as well as the sophisticated electrical components behindthe wall that you don’t see!

From safety switches, circuit breakers and metering enclosures, to sophisticated home automation programs, Hager B&R delivers atotal global installation system.

The advantage is clear.

With greater integration and more precise controls, the ability to optimise thesafe delivery of electricity leads to more intuitive user outcomes and an importantreduction in vital energy consumption.

Hager B&R 14-17 Riverside Centre, 148 James Ruse Drive, Parramatta NSW 2150 Tel: 612 9762 0200 www.hagerbr.com.au

make the switch in your beautiful home

BRUIZE.HB088.OCT09

European technology for contemporary Australian style.

the master electrician magazine

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