3.3 Definitions
The terms used in this section are in addition to those defined in the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (PDF, 788 KB) or the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF, 1 MB).
CMEN Common Multiple Earthed Neutral.
distribution system a system operating at a nominal voltage not exceeding 33kV.
earth connection a connection to the general mass of earth by means of an earthing electrode or earthing electrodes electrically connected at a given location.
earth resistance in relation to an earth connection, this means the resistance to the general mass of earth measured in ohms.
earthing conductor a conductor connecting any portion of the earthing system to works required to be earthed, or to any other portion of the earthing system.
earthing electrode a metal rod, tube, pipe, plate or other conductor buried in or driven into the ground and used for making a connection to the general mass of earth.
earthing values values measured with an earth resistance tester.
earthing system all conductors, piping, electrodes, clamps and other connections whereby conductors or other works are earthed.
fault duration the time during which a fault current may flow before being cleared by the primary protection of a distribution or transmission system.
frequented location any urban area associated with a city or town other than special locations.
HV distribution centre any substation or generating station other than a low voltage distribution centre including high voltage switching stations;
Insulated separated from adjoining conducting material by a non-conducting substance which provides resistance to the passage of current, or to disruptive discharges through or over the surface of the substance at the operating voltage, and to obviate danger of shock or injurious leakage of current;
LV distribution centre any substation or generating station from which electricity is or can be supplied directly at low voltage to a distribution system or to a consumers electrical installation. A Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) isolating transformer substation and compact standalone distribution switchgear shall be classed as LV distribution centres for the purposes of this Code. An LV distribution centre may consist of one or more transformers on a pole, on or under the ground or in a building, or it may consist of one or more low voltage generating sets. A low voltage distribution centre may be located in a generating station or in a zone substation.
MEN Multiple Earthed Neutral.
exposed conductive parts includes electrical equipment that can be touched by the standard test finger as specified in AS/NZS 3100 Approval and test specifications-General requirements for electrical equipment (non-Queensland Government link) and is not live, but can become live if basic insulation fails. The term includes reinforced concrete work or reinforced concrete parts but excludes minor fastenings, wood pole identification discs and street lights.
prospective step voltage the voltage that may appear between any two points on the surface of the ground one metre apart. This voltage is defined as an open circuit voltage measured using a high impedance voltmeter.
prospective touch voltage the voltage that may appear between any point of contact with exposed conductive parts within 2.4 metres of the ground, and within a radius of 1.0m at ground level. This voltage, too, is defined as an open circuit voltage measured using a high impedance voltmeter.
remote location an area not defined as either special or frequented.
special locations a location within a schools grounds or within a childrens playground, or within a public swimming pool area, or at popular beach or water recreation area, or in a public thoroughfare within 100 metres of any of the above locations.
step voltage the voltage drop caused by a current flowing through the body between both feet, in contact with the ground one metre apart.
SWER Single Wire Earth Return.
touch voltage the voltage drop caused by a current flowing through the body between both hands and both feet. In this instance, the hands are in contact with an earthed conductive part within 2.4 metres of the ground. The feet are within a radius of 1.0m at ground level.
transmission system a system operating at a nominal voltage above 33kV and includes a sub transmission system.
Last updated June 30, 2005
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