Some electrical devices need to be installed and used in a certain way for them to be compliant.
Unswitched socket outlets within construction wiring: offer a convenient and secure means to connect specific electrical equipment, such as luminaires and exhaust fans, to the fixed wiring in various electrical installations.
![un-switched-socket-outlets-on-construction-wiring-web](https://workers-rights.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/un-switched-socket-outlets-on-construction-wiring-web.jpg)
Un-switched socket outlets on construction wiring.
The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) deem un-switched socket outlets on construction wiring to be compliant when installed and used according to the following conditions:
Installation:
Un-switched socket outlets on construction wiring must be installed following:
- the general requirements of AS/NZS3000 (The Wiring Rules) for socket outlets
- the specific requirements for un-switched socket outlets of Cl 4.4.4.1 of the Wiring Rules
- any additional requirements for socket outlets provided in AS/NZS3012 – Electrical installation – Construction and demolition sites.
Note: AS/NZS3012 does not prohibit the use of un-switched socket outlets.
In particular un-switched socket outlets must be:
- rated at no more than 10 amps
- installed at a height of no less than two metres from the ground, floor or platform.
Use
- Un-switched socket outlets must only be used to supply luminaires (light fittings), or fixed or stationary appliances.
- Principal contractors or persons with management or control of a construction workplace must ensure that un-switched socket outlets are not used to supply portable or hand-held appliances.
- Portable or hand-held appliances, such as portable power tools or free-standing pedestal fans, must only be supplied by switched socket outlets.
- ESO and WHSQ consider freestanding portable lighting (see images below) to be portable appliances.
![figure-1](https://workers-rights.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/figure-1.jpg)