The Communication Alliance (CA) has proposed new internet cabling Sunshine Coast QLD Australia rules and regulations for consultation by the public. The purpose of the new rules is to provide additional safeguards with communication cabling that now carry electrical power.
The explosion of connective devices across Australia has led to the creation of smart homes, where appliances, air conditioning, heating, and other systems are all connected to a single device or unit. The new Internet of Things has resulted in more people wanting the devices in their homes to be connected to each other.
This has meant new AS/CS S008 Requirements for Customer Cabling Products, which includes AS/CA S009 Installation Requirements all for cabling residential areas. The new wiring rules are in response to the greater demand and potential dangers of new communication wiring that carries electrical power.
Cabling Standards
For several decades there have been standards used by the cabling industry in Australia to ensure that minimum requirements are met.
- Safety and integrity of installation in residential homes
- Safety and integrity of telecommunications network
- Proper cabling products
The CA and Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) have set the standards that are used by over 70,000 cablers in Australia. In 2017, representatives were invited by the CA from the cabling industry along with the ACMA to review the standards and whether they are still relevant in today’s regulatory world.
The review process sought to understand whether additional rules and regulations were needed and those that were outdated to be removed. The process was aided by input from experts that represented more than twenty stakeholder individuals and organisations from across the industry. From the meetings, new standards have been written up by the Working Committee which is responsible for setting new rules and regulations for the cabling industry.
Draft Standards
One of the goals from the new standards is to protect employees, providers, and customers from potential dangers of hazardous voltage that may result from exposure to the installation of new data cabling. The new standards that are being proposed are as follows;
Three Stage Classification System: Otherwise known as “hazards-based standard engineering”, this addressing rising risks of higher energy levels used in cables. Plus, it helps safeguard those who may be exposed to the sources of energy.
Voltage & Amperage Limits: A limitation on how much voltage may be present in customer cabling
Communication Cable Requirements: All communication cables that also carry electrical power, such as those which power devices remotely like surveillance cameras, smart lighting, building management controllers, wireless access points, sensors, and more must meet new requirements.
In addition, there are new rules to assist cablers, using the proper cabling products, protection against laser hazards from optical-fibre systems, and more. The National Construction Code offers new elements about the flammability of cable and its fire-stopping abilities. Plus, new rules for NBN, pit and access-hole devices and products to improve overall safety.
The new standards proposed for internet cabling Sunshine Coast QLD Australia businesses must follow will be up for public review and comment.
