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.

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.