Mechanical Protection of Consumers Mains

While the WA Electrical Requirements (WAER) are quite clear on the mechanical protection required for consumers mains in cavity walls of both double brick and brick veneer, there is not the same clarity for walls without a cavity.

ECA WA approached WAEI for their interpretation of the requirements. The response received was as follows:

Mechanical protection of consumer mains in stud walls

The requirement for mechanical protection of consumers mains not protected by a service protective device installed within a stud wall will be achieved by installing the unprotected double insulated consumer mains in heavy duty conduit enclosed in galvanised steel pipe or a galvanised box section, where the consumer mains are installed less than 50mm from the surface. Where unprotected consumers mains are installed more than 50mm from the surface, heavy duty conduit is the requirement and no additional mechanical protection is required.

Mechanical protection of consumer mains in double brick walls without a cavity

Where there are double brick walls with no cavity in place and the consumer mains are installed on the surface or within 50mm of the surface, the protection will be by heavy duty conduit enclosed in galvanised steel pipe or suitable galvanised steel cover. Where consumers mains are install more than 50mm from the surface in heavy duty conduit, no additional mechanical protection is required.

Above: Mechanical protection of consumers mains