Building Inspector quoting from AS/NZS 3000:2018

[PeteRig]

Hi All
Had an issue today on a new construction site of a large Retirement Village where the Building Inspector was quoting to our guys on site, the earthing requirements of AS/NZS 3000:2018 in regard to framing, in particular section 5.4.6, and what we should be earthing etc.

His comment was that he needs to check the earthing otherwise the building will not be given compliance, he was told 3000:2018 is not cited but he was not interested in that as it was the latest standard as far as he was concerned.

What power/right does he have to do this (even if quoting from 3000:2007), I believe none and especially when he starts quoting standards to us.
As far as I know we have to only issue an ESC to them to get compliance sign off.

Feed back welcomed

[AlecK]

other than work on "specified system' of buildings; electrical work is exempt from building consent.
However some councils sneak it in, by various means, so it may actually be included in the consent in this case.

However even where it is included in the consent; it still isn't something a 'building inspector' can have any say on.
That's because an ESC has to be accepted by any Consent Authority as proving compliance with Clause G9 "Electricity" of the Building Code.
Refer ESR 74(5). That's not something any council officer can over-ride.



WRT which edition applies; the Building Code (ie Building Regulations) doesn't require the latest edition.
The "acceptable solution" may do that, but while it used to specify a particular edition of '3000"; latest version no longer does; it simply refers to ESRs.
That means that the edition that applies is the one cited by ESRs


Not that there's much difference between '2007+A1+A2" and '2018 +A1" WRT earthing framing.`
Re-written, but only real change is the treatment of "combined outbuildings"

Much of a retirement village will be 'residential" and that may bring up the issue of what is or isn't part of the 'frame" of a dwelling.

But regardless, the ESC should end all arguments WRT issuing the Code Compliance Cerificate; and if this jobsworth wants to take it further his only option is to lodge a complaint that the ESC is invalid / incorrect.

[PeteRig]

Thank you Alec, useful comments

[PeteRig]

What Alec has said pretty much sums it up. Personally I would have told the building inspector that he is required by law to accept the ESC/CoC, if he wants to start telling the electrician how they should be doing their work he better ensure he has the qualification and practicing license to back it up.

[PeteRig]

Yeah Greg, we have explained all that to him etc etc but as this is a 4 year contract we have substantial commercial interests in this project, not saying we would do anything from what we are required to do but the last thing the Head Contractor wants is a sub contractor upsetting the local council, who could then make things difficult in other areas, so it is a careful approach to be taken, rightly or wrongly.
Unfortunately as discuss in another topic on this forum, give someone authority and some people go beyond their powers, just like some of the local power authority electrical inspectors in the past.

[gregmcc]

Time for a sit down with the head contractor to nut out where everyone's responsibilities lie. If the building inspector is making things difficult, it is the head contractors problem to sort, you just need to make it clear to the head contractor (in a friendly way) that your CoC/ESC is what the building inspector is required by law to accept, Maybe have on hand the relevant section of the building act to back up your position.

also check your plan details/contract to see what standards for the electrical work is specified (most standard electrical designs usually quote as/nzs2007 and other relevant standards for the installation) and bring that to the head contractors attention, but add you will be more than happy to check the requirements of AS/NZS3000:2018 and make changes as needed if they would like to issue a variation for it.

You may not even have to make any changes, but there should be chargeable time to look in to the requirements.

[PeteRig]

Thanks Greg, have gone done that avenue, so hoping its now a closed case and we don't waste any more time, the joys of contracting!

[PawPatrol]

Hi All
Had an issue today on a new construction site of a large Retirement Village where the Building Inspector was quoting to our guys on site, the earthing requirements of AS/NZS 3000:2018 in regard to framing, in particular section 5.4.6, and what we should be earthing etc.

His comment was that he needs to check the earthing otherwise the building will not be given compliance, he was told 3000:2018 is not cited but he was not interested in that as it was the latest standard as far as he was concerned.

What power/right does he have to do this (even if quoting from 3000:2007), I believe none and especially when he starts quoting standards to us.
As far as I know we have to only issue an ESC to them to get compliance sign off.

Feed back welcomed

If it happens again tell Energy Safety what territorial authority it is and they will likely go and give them a talk on Electrical and gas work.