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LLMagazine_25092020_Draft.indd 14-15 2020/12/11 12:57 PM CONTENTS

COVER STORY

10 LEADING THE CHARGE An ambitious new factory in Tomago, NSW aims to put Australia on the map for manufacturing hot weather optimised batteries. Anna Hayes found out more. 10

FEATURES

16 A WINNING FORMULA FOR 30 SWITCHING IT UP REMOTE COMMUNITIES ‘Going green’ is a big priority Aurecon’s breakthrough water for companies and Schneider security innovation for remote Electric has taken a big step communities wins global towards reducing greenhouse engineering award. gases with its new digital 16 switchgear. 20 GET YOUR HANDS ON THE VPP Sunbank Solar and Members REGULARS Energy has built the largest virtual power plant (VPP), giving 06 Editorial users the cheapest and greenest 08 Industry news form of energy. Sean Carroll 42 Solar smarts writes. 46 Estimating AVOIDING FUTURE DEATH TRAPS 24 50 Apprentice corner Peter Vandenheuvel recounts a 52 NECA news 28 tragic story where not one, but two fatal deaths occurred by 81 Trade stuff electrocution, and explores ways to ensure minimal chances of similar occurring in the future.

28 I’LL FOLLOW THE SUN A Queensland solar farm has installed a Nextracker solution which, just like the Beatles song 66 HEALTH title implies, follows the sun. Sean 30 Carroll fi nds out more. 70 BUSINESS 74 TRANSPORT

4 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021

EDITORIAL

HEAR, HEAR TO A

NEW YEAR www.electricalconnection.com.au

hings are really beginning to sources. While some may feel a sense GENERAL MANAGER look up as I sit to write this and of uneasiness because of the fear of Jeremy Sweet [email protected] take a moment to refl ect on the the unknown, I think it’s important T EDITOR year that was 2020. to understand that a lot of these Justin Felix At the time of writing I have just developments and mindset shifts are 03 9542 9024 returned from a weekend away in actually cause for celebration. [email protected] Victoria’s Apollo Bay. While that in New government targets and EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Jeff Patchell itself is fairly insignifi cant, it’s the objectives into the renewable sector jeff [email protected] fi rst time I’d been able to escape will create many jobs for electrical STAFF WRITERS Melbourne and the big smoke, in contractors, and whether you are Anna Hayes, Sean Carroll search of ocean breezes and a change currently working in the space or not, GRAPHIC DESIGNER of scenery. your skill sets will be critical to ensure Sam Elliott Upon approaching the picturesque the adoption and implementation of ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER coastal town, we were greeted by a such initiatives become a reality. Tracey Glanville sign emblazoned with the following As you’ll see in this issue, we’ve SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER words: ‘Welcome back Melbourne. covered a number of exciting Brigitta Novosell Good job, well done’. And we couldn’t renewable projects on the 03 9542 9005 all help but turn to one another and horizon, around the country, and CONTRIBUTORS Phil Kreveld, James Tinslay, Brian Seymour, feel a touch emotional, and of course in each instance highlighted the Peter Vandenheuvel, Dr Kieran Kennedy thankful that – fi ngers crossed – the opportunities that abound for ADVERTISING worst of it is behind us now. contractors and small businesses. Jeremy Sweet 0408 525 675 With that in mind, I think we can [email protected] all breathe a collective sigh of relief NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS TO SUBSCRIBE 1800 623 214 that the building and construction If 2020 taught me anything, it was Australia 03 9542 9000 New Zealand +61 3 9542 9000 industry is, and always will be, the importance of spending more Fax (with credit card details) 03 9542 9090 considered an essential service. time outdoors and enjoying Mother While many unfortunately lost their Nature and as a result, I’m leaving jobs and the likes of apprenticeship my post as editor at Lanella Media numbers dropped, we’re looking on and jumping back into the fi shing and www.facebook.com/tradieconnection course to bounce back rather quickly outdoor industry.

when compared to other industries. With that being said, I’d like to www.linkedin.com/in/electrical-connection/ To those small businesses that introduce your new editor, Sean weathered the storm of uncertainty Carroll. Sean’s been with us for a www.twitter.com/ElectricCXNMag and adapted on the go, we salute your couple of years now and has proven tenacity and resilience and think it’s to be abit of a young gun, so the By mail, please write to the address below something to be extremely proud of. publication will be left in good hands PUBLISHED BY: And to those who didn’t fare as well, and a fresh perspective. Lanella Media Pty Ltd or lost their jobs and businesses, our If you’d like to get in touch 2/18-22 Lexia Place, Mulgrave, VIC 3170 hearts go out to you and we wish you with Sean, he can be reached at AUSTRALIA the very best this year and into the [email protected]. ISSN 1839-2288 future. Stay brave, remain focussed Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this magazine do and don’t be afraid to reach out and not necessarily refl ect those of the publisher. Although ask for help! all materials are checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any losses due to the use From our industry’s perspective, Enjoy the read of material in this magazine. Copyright 2021 by Lanella Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication one can’t help but be bombarded may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or by terms such as renewable, transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) sustainability and alternative energy Justin Felix without the prior permission of Lanella Media.

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HOW TO ‘SCAVENGE’ POWER FROM H2U EYRE PENINSULA GATEWAY region to power the electrolyser which OUR SURROUNDINGS HYDROGEN PROJECT: THE WORLD’S splits water into hydrogen and oxygen Researchers at Flinders University, LARGEST GREEN AMMONIA PLANT gas. A further process using nitrogen South Australia are looking at ways The H2U Eyre Peninsula Gateway is used to make green ammonia. to scavenge invisible power from Hydrogen Project has received a It will also boast two 16MW open low-frequency vibrations in the boost from the South Australian cycle gas turbines operating 100% surrounding environments, including government, helping it become the on hydrogen at the site to provide wind, air or static electricity. world’s largest green ammonia plant. electricity generation to the grid It aims to create an energy It will include the installation of a during periods of low wind or solar source that doesn’t need a wireless 75MW electrolyser near the regional output. or mains power source with city of Whyalla which is capable of “[The project] offers the opportunity applications like a pacemaker that can producing enough hydrogen to create to export South Australia’s abundant work with inbuilt organic sources in 40,000 tonnes of ammonia yearly. solar and wind resources to support the human body. With the recent round of funding deep decarbonisation in the global “These so-called triboelectric collecting $37 million, the project will energy, industrial and shipping nanogenerators (or ‘TENGs’) can upgrade the nearby Port Bonython sectors,” H2U chief executive Dr Attilio be made at low cost in different jetty as part of the plan to become Pigneri says. configurations, making them suitable and exporter of green energy to world “In the energy sector, Japan is for driving small electronics such markets. It comes just a week after leading the way with their plan to as personal electronics like mobile the state launched the SA Hydrogen introduce green ammonia as a phones, biomechanics devices in Action Plan, which identified Port substitute fuel, to help meet its pacemakers, sensors (temperature/ Bonython as a key hub. decarbonisation targets.” pressure/chemical) and more,” The H2U plant will use 100% wind The project is targeting completion Flinders University college of science and solar power generated in the by late 2022. and engineering professor Youhong Tang says. Further research aims to further ACMA OFFERS UPSKILLING FOR If you are working with structured develop this renewable form of CABLERS cabling, coaxial cable or fibre energy harvesting by designing Following an update to the cabling optics, these specialised cabling simple fabrication from cheap and requirements and requests from the competencies will need to be sustainable materials, with high industry, cablers who hold an open completed to upskill your registration. efficiency. registration now have the optional to These competencies form the basis “They can use non-invasive extend their skills and knowledge with for training programs developed by materials, so could one day be used educational courses. industry skills councils and delivered for implantable and wearable energy The Australian and Communications by recognised training organisations. harvesting aims,” Nano Energy and Media Authority implemented a If you wish to complete any relevant co-lead author and PhD candidate number of changes to the competency competencies, please contact your Mohammad Khorsand says. requirements for registered cabling NECA training centre who will offer you The latest paper uses AI-enhanced providers in 2012, addressing expert advice in selecting the relevant mathematical modelling to compare concerns within the cabling industry course that suits your needs or visit the function of the number of that some may not have the the ACMA website for a full list of RTO’s segments, rotational speed and tribo- appropriate skills required to perform Australia wide. surface spacing of an advanced TENG specialised cabling work for the Once a cabler completes prototype to optimise the storage and current and emerging environment. competency training, they can performance. Much of these changes were driven upgrade their registration simply by the introduction of the NBN, by completing an ‘Upgrade of where customer telecommunications Registration’ form. Complete the systems are increasingly becoming IP/ form and submit it along with a new Ethernet-based and therefore must Statement of Results to ACRS via function over higher data rate capable email or post. A new updated card and customer cabling. a certificate will then be posted. Following a two-year transitional The cost for a new card is $25, period, the ACRS has been receiving unless upgrading registration at the many enquiries regarding the changes same time as renewing, when there is and possibility of upskilling. no additional fee for the upgrade.

8 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 INDUSTRY NEWS

AGL UNVEILS PLANS FOR GRID-SCALE when our customers and communities BATTERY IN SA need it.” AGL has announced it will develop a He adds that the announcement grid-scale battery in South Australia is another example of AGL delivering as part of its plans to roll-out 850MW against its own climate statement of energy storage across the NEM by commitments, aiming to achieve net 2024. zero emissions by 2050. Built in stages, the battery will be “We know in order to achieve located on the site of the Torrens this target, investment in large Island Power Station, with a capacity scale energy storage like grid-scale up to 250MW and a duration of up to batteries is critical,” he says. four hours. South Australian energy minister AGL chief executive officer and Dan van Holst Pellekaan welcomes managing director Brett Redman says “Wind generation is a major source the announcement and said the state AGL was getting on with the business of energy in South Australia and to is fast-tracking this huge battery by of energy transition and this new ensure its reliability AGL is committed granting a planning exemption to AGL battery, to be located at Torrens Island to delivering more firming capacity, at the existing Torrens Island site: Power Station will play a leading role last year opening the AGL Barker Inlet “The battery will help in our efforts in South Australia’s energy generation: Power Station.” to restore the South Australian grid “With more renewable generation “This battery is another step in the to strength as it is located at a key than any other state, South Australia state’s energy transition while at the location in our grid and will help SA has been a leading contributor to same time allowing a rapid response meet our aspiration of net-100% Australia’s low-emissions future. to changes in renewable generation renewable energy.

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LEADING THE CHARGE AN AMBITIOUS NEW FACTORY IN TOMAGO, NSW AIMS TO PUT AUSTRALIA ON THE MAP FOR MANUFACTURING HOT WEATHER OPTIMISED BATTERIES. ANNA HAYES FOUND OUT MORE.

ustainability is the ‘mot du jour’ aff ordable batteries that are, crucially, Brian explains that lithium ion batteries these days, with renewable optimised to perform in hot climates are optimised for temperatures up to 25 S energy technologies becoming and will kick-start a new export market degrees and that, for most of the world, more and more prevalent in a landscape for the country. this isn’t an issue. However, in countries of ever-diminishing reliance on fossil Brian Craighead is a director at like Australia, India, and most of Asia, 25 fuels. Energy Renaissance and he explains degrees is almost considered chilly by We are starting to see, if you will, a that the aim is to open Australia’s fi rst comparison to the usual temperatures. rebirth of how we consume energy and, lithium ion battery manufacturing “The problem with that,” Brian says, more importantly, where it’s coming facility by next September. “is that you have to add extra cooling, from. “It’s an advanced manufacturing both when you buy it and to operate The Hunter region of NSW is one facility so it will be heavily automated it in hotter climates. That’s a price location to benefi t directly from and these facilities, they start small and penalty you cannot avoid so it becomes this, with a $28 million battery grow big quickly. I think we will be the expensive to deploy batteries in these manufacturing facility set to be built in fi rst battery manufacturing initiative places. Lithium ion batteries have a Tomago in early 2021. in Australia but we hope there will be tendency to catch fi re and it’s not just a Renaissance One is the brainchild of others.” normal fi re – the battery creates oxygen Energy Renaissance, Australia’s fi rst The challenge facing Energy as it burns so it basically keeps going.” lithium-ion battery manufacturer. Renaissance was that of making lithium He points out that in Australia where With an initial production capacity of ion batteries safe for use in hotter bigger batteries could often go to very 66MWh per annum, the 4,000 sqm climates, without diminishing on cost remote places, constant maintenance purpose-built factory will produce safe, eff ectiveness. would be a challenge.

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Electrical_Co_Jan21_Ad.indd 2 24-Nov-20 10:18:43 AM COVER STORY BATTERY POWER

Energy Renaissance aims to open Australia’s fi rst lithium ion battery manufacturing facility by September 2021 The initial production capacity is anticipated to be 66MWh per annum.

“So we had to completely remove the it is clearly outstripping our capable “There’s a bit of a cultural scar in fi re risk because when you put these supply.” Australia, from failed attempts to closer to where people live, it becomes That element of home-grown manufacture cars and things in the an issue more than when they’re in the manufacturing is very important to the 1980s. Many are convinced we can’t middle of nowhere where folks are used team at Energy Renaissance, not just manufacture here because it’s cheaper to managing the risk.” because of the availability of all source in other parts of the world. It’s often It’s expected that more than half of materials locally but also as a sign viewed as something we don’t do very the factory’s output will be exported of belief in Australian manufacturing well and that is incorrect. The whole through the Port of Newcastle and Brian which, Brian says, suff ers something of world of manufacturing has moved is adamant that this industry is one that a sceptical view. on and it’s all very automated and can create jobs and a niche market for “A big part of it was not to get computer driven now.” Australia, pointing out that it is, in fact, distracted by the temptation to build So what does this new development the only country in the world that and manufacture overseas mean for the average sparkie going has all the materials required and it probably added about their day-to-day work? to build the batteries. a bit of time Brian believes there are opportunities “Australia has to the project galore stating that, even though a trust mark of because it’s not there may be an element of mystery quality when it easy, it requires a surrounding batteries and what is comes to products lot more planning. required for installation, the Energy that do come out It’s much easier to Renaissance batteries will be simple of here and our say ‘let’s just do it jobs for qualifi ed sparkies. view is that we will somewhere else’. “We design our batteries so the export more than standard electrician can maintain them. we sell domestically. I think the opportunity for electricians Although, we are really The Renaissance One is enormous because they’re suddenly surprised by the demand, Super Cube. going to be unlocked to do these things.

12 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 COVER STORY BATTERY POWER

And it’ll be both design and installation, Brian points to electric cars as which is going to get a lot simpler, and an example, pointing out that many also the preparation. I think there’s countries have moved to ban petrol and probably 20 years of work for sparkies diesel cars by a certain year. He says in fi tting in charging stations for EVs in such announcements tend to accelerate every apartment and place, there’s so movement, with people turning to much infrastructure to build.” electric vehicles quicker than they might From an environmentalism point have in the past. of view, Brian points out that these “Every EV needs a lot of batteries. So technologies are becoming cheaper they’re chewing up all the capacity and and easier to deploy to the extent that Charging stations will provide plenty of more. You can’t build enough factories sustainability doesn’t have to be the work for sparkies now and in the future. quick enough just to feed this emerging main selling point anymore. EV market. So demand is outstripping “We don’t really talk about the whole supply and will for a long time. And I mission that we’re on to take big chunks The Federal Government provided a don’t know many markets in Australia out of the carbon footprint. The reality co-funded grant of $246,625 through where demand is going to outstrip is that if we build batteries that are the Advanced Manufacturing Growth supply for a long time.” safer and cheaper and work better, then Centre to Energy Renaissance for He adds that the COVID-19 crisis everyone’s happy. We get jobs, we make the project. It was used to accelerate helped to focus many minds when it things and it just so happens that we’re research and development. came to sustainable employment. doing good things at the same time. The Brian hopes that this support “You’re looking for jobs, you’re looking market has moved our way.” continues, stressing that theirs was one for growth, you’re looking to export, What is vital now, Brian believes is of the few industries where Australia and you’re looking for new money in the that Australian governments get behind could have a massive export impact, economy. Sometimes, you don’t have to emerging new businesses. particularly as the demand is so great. over think these things.”

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McCain’s Foods has installed a renewable energy system at its Ballarat, Victoria site but it’s a bit diff erent to the status quo. Sean Carroll fi nds out more.

cCain’s Foods has installed the largest power-behind- M the-meter solar system in Australia at its Ballarat factory and when combined with a 1.2MW biomass project, is a huge step in the renewable direction for renewable energy at the factory. The entire system has 8.6MW of power generation with around ten hectares of solar panels which also use a solar tracking system and a panel that uses refl ected light off the ground around it, increasing yields by around 7%. This is the largest power-behind-the-meter solar system in Australia and boasts It’s the largest of its kind for a reason 17,000 solar panels. and boasts 17,000 solar panels, a 100kW architecturally-designed truck fl y over and much more. “There has never been a behind-the- around capital and performance and “It is really a culmination of years meter system this dynamic in Australia, lowers the cost of energy to the business of experience in both the physical and and we believe it will set a precedent during the day. At the end of the project fi nancial services that we have been for large-scale projects for other major we give the system to the client.” developing to help our clients. But processing businesses,” he says. Huon adds that when it comes to really, it wouldn’t matter if this was just What’s diff erent about is its power- the solar industry for electricians, it’s a small project, we take pride in them behind-the-meter system. Huon changing very fast and it’s no longer all,” Smart Commercial Solar managing explains that while it’s not a particularly about hardware. It’s more of a fi nancial director Huon Hoogester says. new concept, it’ll be the answer to product than the physical one. The installation is one of many people’s power problems in the future “And so, electricians, what they knew initiatives from McCain’s Foods’ mission and PPA’s or pay-as-you-go solar. last year about solar or in former years to reduce its emissions and become “It’s the best way for commercial and about solar is basically out of date. We’re a more eco-friendly business. McCain industrial clients, for sure, to get their a specialist in the fi eld and what we’re Foods regional president Australia, New energy bills lowered,” Huon says. hoping is that when they come into a Zealand, South Africa, India and China “And with the solar farm industry commercial industrial situation, or a, Louis Wolthers says the project makes a pretty much over, at least for the time or an unusual application for solar, that signifi cant contribution towards its goal being, it’s the biggest way for people to they would reach out to us,” Huon says. of being 100% powered by renewables save the most money and be insulated He adds that this power-behind-the- in 2030. from the energy market is to be putting meter model is only going to increase power-behind-the-meter.” in the next few years even with the cost How it works is that Huon and of wholesale energy coming down; the his company will pay for the solar model will still be cheaper. installation, he owns and operates it, “Liddell Power Station is going to shut generating power for the customer down some time in 2021, which will then which is then fed into the building and force the price back up,” he adds. he sells it to the customer. “All the while, solar is improving in “Our product simplifi es the decision value, it’s already cheaper and getting making for the customer. Do they want cheaper. And once we can use batteries to pay less for their energy? Of course. more eff ectively on the market, not Do they want to pay more for solar? No simply as ‘behind-the-meter’ supplies, Smart Commercial Solar managing they don’t,” he says. we can provide storage as a fi nancial director Huon Hoogester. “Our program removes all the risks product as well.”

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ADC9_A4 ad_Electrical Connections.indd 1 26/11/2020 2:00:51 PM INNOVATION A WINNING FORMULA FOR REMOTE COMMUNITIES

Aurecon’s breakthrough water security innovation for remote communities wins global engineering award.

n Indigenous community in the Northern Territory now A has access to affordable and continuous potable water thanks to an innovative off-grid, modular water treatment plant that has won the 2020 Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Chris Binnie Award for Sustainable Water Management. Project Gilghi was developed by international engineering, design and advisory company Aurecon and Hunter based electrical engineering company Ampcontrol. It is a breakthrough solar powered water treatment plant that aims to provide safe drinking water to Indigenous and remote communities across Australia. The Chris Binnie Award recognises and celebrates outstanding civil engineering achievement in the field of sustainable water management and how it has benefited society. Aurecon Chief Design Officer John McGuire says he was thrilled to see the project receiving this prestigious international recognition. “Project Gilghi addresses a national priority – water security for remote Indigenous communities. The solution not only meets the challenge by utilising innovative technology, it also provides Since the installation of Gilghi, the Gillen Bore community has had access to affordable potable water to a remote permanent, safe and clean drinking water. community in an environmentally sustainable way,” John says. “It’s a highly innovative evolution a novel technological approach; the and low pH levels found in existing bore of technologies that can significantly integration of the work of water process water. contribute to reaching the United engineering and electrical engineering The project was enabled by the Nations Sustainable Development and solar panels was particularly Northern Territory Department of Local Goal number six, which aims to ensure pleasing. The solution provides a Government, Housing and Community access to clean water and sanitation for reliable and potable supply of water in Development with a $70,000 Municipal all by 2030.” a sustainable manner that does not and Essential Services Special Purposes ICE Water Panel member and Exeter increase CO2 emission,” Chris says. Grant and supported by the client University visiting Professor Chris Gilghi was deployed in the community Ingkerreke Outstations Resource Binnie was highly impressed by Gilghi’s of Gillen Bore, which until 2019 relied Services. value creation and its applicability to a on the continued transport (150km Gilghi can take feed water from bigger sustainability picture. round trip from Alice Springs) of potable a variety of sources, including “Gilghi is a genuinely new project with water due to the high salinity, hardness groundwater, rivers, lakes and

16 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 oceans and turns it into drinkable or modifi ed to meet larger supply water, compliant with Australian requirements in the future with the Drinking Water Guidelines. For remote same effi ciency and cost eff ectiveness. communities such as Gillen Bore, Gilghi “With the success of Gilghi, there is designed to off er a complete solution are opportunities to support other that is operated and maintained by the remote communities in Australia and a community. range of developing nations around the Ordinarily, water treatment systems globe where access to the grid or water run continuously, but Gilghi makes smart sanitation is limited or non-existent,” use of available solar power to run the Julian says. plant and charge the batteries during “As we observe impacts of climate the day. This includes the development change around the world, Gilghi of a specialist electrical control off ers communities a transition to an system using multiple power sources alternative water source where local to reliably purify the water in batches, dams or water tanks have been or are at before feeding the clean water into the risk of being exhausted.” community’s reticulation system. Gilghi’s electrical control system. Gilghi recently won a Good Design Aurecon design director for water Australia Award for Social Impact and and wastewater treatment Julian the Infrastructure Project Innovation Briggs says,“We wanted to challenge sustainable power source to challenge category at the 2020 Australian Water traditional engineering design. Typically, the concept of needing to go to the grid Association NSW Awards. The project we design the treatment process or rely on diesel-generated power.” is also a 2020 Australian Engineering fi rst and then think about the energy Given the modular design and rapid Excellence Awards (AEEA) Newcastle design, but for Gilghi, we came at it plug-and-play capability of the Gilghi Division winner and will compete for the from both angles so that we could use a solution, the unit can be extended national Sir William Hudson Award.

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Enclosure by and featuring www.electricalconnection.com.au 17 TENDERS - JASON COONEY WINNING TENDERS

Energy Industry Tender Competitiveness is heating up and Tsaks Consulting founder Jason Cooney explains how businesses can improve their bids and proposals to match.

he energy market in Australia is to help you secure the tender. One becoming increasingly complex, example is Victoria. Victoria has a T with renewable energy emerging strong buy local policy and generally as a political issue, and the challenge a preference for Victorian-based of addressing each state’s individual companies. Developing a JV with energy needs becoming increasingly a Victorian-based company can apparent. increase your prospects of success The market is heating up with multiple and help you put forward a bid that competitive contracts being released better conforms to the Victorian buy- in the renewable energy market as well local criteria. as the traditional energy markets and ∫ Engage an Australian (or state-based) a number of multinational companies major sub-contractor. Let’s take the vying for a piece of the pie. example of a major solar photovoltaic As usual, price is a key factor for project. You may be committed to take securing major contracts and industry the project on as a whole and should contacts and reputation are always explore engaging a qualified sub- helpful. But with all government contractor. Throughout the tender contracts going out to tender, what preparation period, leverage on the about the other key factors? Let’s look experience of your sub-contractor at how companies are introducing these and include this experience in the bid. into their tender responses in order to Be sure to talk about the systems Renewable energy initiatives present a write more winning bids, tenders and and processes you have in place to great opportunity to win tenders. proposals to secure more government ensure you project manage your own and private contracts. performance and that of the sub- contractor effectively. When you regulatory framework to Australia. A TRACK RECORD OPERATING WITHIN are preparing the tender response, If the contract terms of the project THE AUSTRALIAN REGULATORY work closely with your proposed were governed under international ENVIRONMENT sub-contractor (for example a law, it’s also a good idea to reference Demonstrating a solid, comprehensive photovoltaic installation provider) to this in your response. track record in Australia is generally introduce their skills and experience critical to secure a major Australian throughout the tender response. WHOLE OF LIFE COST OF PROJECT government contract or operational ∫ Talk about the similarities of Innovation and a long-term approach licence. However, sometimes your previous projects. If your are key to securing contracts in the international companies have a track previous projects were based energy industry. record of delivering similar projects in in the Australia-Pacific region, Government and the private sector the Asia Pacific Region (such as New it’s important to talk about the want to be certain they are being Zealand). Strategies that can help you similarities of your previous projects provided with a long-term solution that overcome this issue include: to the project you are bidding for. will stand the test of time. It is critical ∫ Develop a joint venture with a local This shouldn’t be restricted to the that you educate the reader and the Australian-based company or technical side of the project, but also buyer when writing your bid or tender even a company in the state you the way it was managed. For example, about the whole of life cost of the are tendering for. This should be a if the project was completed under project including future maintenance company with the right track record incentives from the New Zealand costs. For example: for similar projects, but one that Government and you were required to ∫ Does your photovoltaic project use an may not have the size or capacity to provide progress reports and updates inverter with an expected life span of complete the project on their own. It for the appropriate NZ funding 12 rather than 10 years? generally provides the opportunity to requirements, be sure to reference ∫ Does your proposed solution require bid for the project and present your this so that you can demonstrate your less maintenance over the longer experience and expertise combined track record in completing projects term of say 70 years, but a higher up- with those of the local JV partner in countries that have a similar front cost?

18 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 Where you are proposing a solution They want to know that the project ∫ Provide an orgnisational chart and that has a lower whole of life cost, but will be managed by the very best and show where your proposed team a higher initial cost, it’s important to the installation and other contractor fit into the organisational chart. explain this in detail and incorporate personnel are experts in their fields. Demonstrate that they are getting the advantages of a lower whole of So what can you do to convince them your A-team by talking about the team life cost throughout the tender. That of this, aside from providing their CV? members and where they sit. For means having them as a key win theme example, has one of your best project and incorporating the benefits of your SOME OPTIONS ARE TO: managers and site managers recently solution across the technical response, ∫ Include CVs that are detailed and completed a major project, and if so, program, previous experience sections talk about the previous projects the are they going to be available if you and executive summary. personnel have delivered and the are successful with the bid? Present This is often best presented similarities between those projects it as though the timing is right and you graphically or as an infographic. What is and the project or contract you are have a team that has worked together critical here is that you don’t shy away looking to secure. in the past on a number of successful from putting forward a higher price, ∫ In all areas of the response, projects ready to go. but rather justify the reasons for that include quotes from different team higher price and clearly articulate the members that are personalised and Lastly, good luck. advantages of your project and solution, demonstrate their commitment to particularly over the long-term. the project. For example, include

safety as part of your response. This Jason Cooney is the founder YOUR PROPOSED TEAM can be in the form of a quote from of Tsaks Consulting (www. tsaks.com) – a global tender In order to secure a contract and write your safety officer identifying the and bid writing consultancy a winning bid, tender or proposal, it’s different areas of concern and what with offices in Australia, Athens, England and New important to convince the reader that safety management system will be Zealand. you are putting forward your A-team. implemented as part of the project.

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www.haneco.com.au www.electricalconnection.com.au 19 SOLAR GET YOUR HANDS ON THE VPP

Sunbank Solar and Members Energy has built the largest virtual power plant (VPP), giving users the cheapest and greenest form of energy. Sean Carroll writes.

unbank Solar has announced the Solar + Battery Members Plan MEMBERS PLAN MODELLING S through Members Energy which gives Australians the ability to access their own trading platform for solar energy, selling their surplus energy while also powering their own households. Solar Service Group chairman Rod Woolley says the new platform is a game changer for the solar battery market and it addresses the key issue of return of investment (ROI). “Our modelling indicated that electricians will see, as a result, many more solar homeowners opting to have a solar battery system installed over the coming years,” he says. The new plan will give users 100% of the profi ts. Evergen, in conjunction with the CSIRO, has built software that observes the energy market in real time, letting users pick the optimal time to sell any access energy they may have generated with their solar system. Or on the other side of the coin, they can also pick the best time to draw energy from the market, when it’s at its cheapest. On days when it’s exceptionally hot, a lot of people will be using electricity to power their air conditioning which would in turn drive up the price of electricity. When these peak events happen, the battery system will sell any additional power your battery may have at a premium (not cutting into the amount that your customers will need) and make money. Sunbank Solar likens it to the stock “It needs to be appreciated that the like Queensland and Victoria, the FiT market, except your client is always various feed-in tariff s (FiT) introduced incentive was comparatively generous. winning: “In summary, it’s like playing in various jurisdictions around Australia But over time, the incentive was going the stock market with your energy, but were eff ectively fi rst-mover incentives to disappear as more sustainable always winning as we trade when the that were always intended to be technology applications, like the market price is higher, and you have a removed, either in whole or in part, once Members Energy Solar + Battery Plan, minimum feed-in tariff guarantee,” they this nascent industry began to mature entered the market.” write on their website. commercially,” Rod explains. All this can be activated through the Also, in light of the Victorian rebate, “At inception around 10-15 years ago, Members Energy app, available on iOS home owners can get a rebate of up some energy regulators, like the one in or Android. The list of eligible batteries to $1,888 when purchasing the new NSW, were vigorously opposed to the includes Eveready, Tesla, Hive and Alpha system. concept; in some other jurisdictions, among others.

20 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 In recent years, the electrical industry, strong off the push from solar energy has seen another revenue stream open with the need for batteries. The Solar + Battery Members Plan only serves to bolster this side of the industry. Widespread energy storage will also benefi t far-sighted electricity companies by reducing demand during peak power usage periods and giving them the potential to buy home-stored energy as a ‘virtual’ on-demand power source rather than relying on fossil fuel- Solar energy and the installation of batteries will only serve to bolster the driven peaking gas generators. renewable side of the electrical industry. Nationally, widespread energy storage, both at the consumer level and the grid scale, will help Australia achieve about the returned value of solar batteries It’s getting to a point where its international carbon reduction that connect to the NEM: “We wanted to homeowners would not only be daft commitments by time-shifting build a new system where Australians for not up taking solar power, they renewable energy so it can be used were the winners when it comes to the might even be making a mistake by 24/7, not just when the wind is blowing use of the solar they generate. not. As people see the attraction in or when the sun is shining. “For too long, the big energy this Solar + Battery Members Plan Rod explains that customers can see companies have reaped the benefi ts solution and want to install batteries in prices drop from as high as $0.60 per kWh of the investment of everyday their residence, they’ll be right on their to $0.06, helping remove the scepticism homeowners.” phones to the local sparkie for the job.

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www.electricalconnection.com.au 21 HIGH VOLTAGE IF THE GLOVE FITS…

Safety measures and personal protective equipment exists for a reason. Dale West shares John’s story to further emphasise the point and encourage .

he last time I cleaned the shed out was over fi ve years ago. It’s T incredible how fast gear seems to pile up. Rummaging through one box, I found something I had not seen for a long time. It was surprising how it aff ected me. I felt I had to take a seat on an old 20L drum just behind me before I would end up on the fl oor. It was an old, dried up, blackened pair of leather gloves. As I sat there, alone in the shed, everything seemed to go quiet and the walls felt like they were opening up and left me sitting in a huge open space. As I cradled the gloves in my hand, they softened, the colours opened up, the crusty blackness faded as my mind went back to the time I fi rst pulled them on. I was very unpopular that day. All my working life I had worked on high Regardless of the task at hand, it always pays to equip yourself with the correct voltage equipment, and this day was no PPE, especially HV gloves, as highlighted by John’s story. diff erent. In fact, it was exceptionally easy; all I had to do for my fi rst job of the day was a single point isolation to allow The trainer however, seemed to know to cause a delay, that was the wrong contractors to access a HV motor. his stuff so, I asked Tony if he would time to do it. All the usual steps were followed; grab the gauntlets out of the bag for My job and the working relationships the switching program was written; me. He had a quick dig around in the bag I had on site were important to me and the permit was prepared, and everyone and came back and said there weren’t it was true, I had done this a thousand was notifi ed. Yours truly drew the short any. This was not surprising as we never times and nothing has ever happened straw on a 43 degree day to climb into worried much about them before. but, the gloves are there for a reason. the 40 Cal suit. “Don’t ever get dragged into Much to everyone’s relief, but with Tony, my switching assistant for the wearing HV Gloves without the leather palatable annoyance, I found a pair of day, made sure everything was ship- gauntlets!” kept coming back to me. leather outers and informed them the shape and all the gear was checked. I To meet the deadline for the start up job would go ahead. climbed into the arc fl ash suit and pulled at the beginning of the next shift, the Julie, my wife, answered a call from my HV gloves on. For some reason, I job had to go ahead as planned. You my mobile, thinking it was me calling her; recalled what the HV trainer said in my can imagine the kickback I received it was Tony. He told her I had an accident latest HV course I did just the week when I got out of the suit and started at work and was taken to the hospital before. looking for a HV kit with a complete set with burns to most of my body. On her “Don’t ever get dragged into wearing of gloves and told them I would not be way to the hospital, Julie picked up HV gloves without the leather gauntlets!” switching the motor until I found some. Sarah, our daughter, from high school. None of us had ever been too The project manager was doing his Two hours later, they were still waiting at concerned with the leather gloves that nut, the contractors were threatening the hospital reception trying to fi nd out go over the top of the HV rubber gloves; to call the job off , even my senior what happened and how I was. it was not as if they are written into the electrical supervisor tore shreds off me I was conscious, in pain, some kind of site HV procedures so, they can’t be too because I had never been too concerned mask over my mouth and nose, a neck important. about the gloves before and of all times brace preventing me from moving and

22 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 seeing what was going on around me. head collapsed into the pillow as I felt I only received second degree burns Voices echoing everywhere, buzzing that everything would be okay. thanks to the arc fl ash suit. noises and beeping and warning signal I assured them I was fi ne. I told them If I lost the use of my hands, I would sounds fl ooded the air. I lay there, how I saw an incredibly bright fl ash of have lost my job, lost the house, and just staring at the ceiling. For some light and came to moments later unable made life exceedingly diffi cult for my reason focusing on the prism design to hear anything, feel anything or even family. My hands are fi ne because on the fl uorescent light diff user above see. My eyes were open, but I could not I heeded the words, ‘Don’t ever get me made me feel calmer and slightly see anything. This incredible fear came dragged into wearing HV gloves without detached to the situation I was in. over me as I knew something was wrong, the leather gauntlets!”. Out of all the chaos and monsoon of I could feel being jostled and pushed sounds abusing me, a voice, one word around by Tony and others at the scene, broke through and drew my focus away and then the pain started to creep in. I ABOUT DALE WEST from the light: “Dad? Dad?” It was very started to hear what was going on and my Dale West is a pioneer in shaky and was clearly an upset person eyes fi rst stated to see huge bright spots electrical training since looking for someone, but that was and then settle down to normal vision. working in the HV fi eld since unmistakably my daughter Sarah. While talking to Julie and Sarah, I the mid-eighties and opening a training school in 2013 I struggled to look down toward the suddenly brought my hands up so I that also trained electrical end of the cubicle I was in to see if she could see them. I started laughing. They apprentices. The level of success was walked past. I tried to call out, but no thought I was plain stupid and broke into nothing short of extraordinary, prompting the expansion from local training of only matter how hard I tried, I could not say a a nervous laugh; at least they stopped 135 apprentices to nation-wide training and word. And then, the most beautiful sight crying; they fi gured I can’t be too injured coaching for everyone from the largest city, of my life; I saw Sarah emerge from the if I’m laughing. to the farthest remote location via Zoom side of the curtain and Julie following A week later I walked out of the video sessions. He is a High Voltage Access Auditor and Trainer with customers in right behind her, she spotted me, and hospital and three weeks later I was Australia and halfway around the world. she looked straight into my eyes. My back at work.

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Wavecom Instruments SEP20 Electrical Connection Advertisement.indd 1 02/09/2020 12:15:58 PM WIRING RULES- PETER VANDENHEUVEL AVOIDING FUTURE ELECTROCUTION DEATH TRAPS

Peter Vandenheuvel recounts a tragic story where not one, but two fatal deaths occurred by electrocution, and explores ways to ensure minimal chances of similar occurring in the future.

as it an epiphany? Well not quite. But it was W defi nitely a light-bulb moment on how unexpected consequences from minor incidents can have a most- profound eff ect some time ‘down the track’. It came across my desk as an article entitled “Dead but still alive” from the September 2020 Australian Police Journal, written by New South Wales Police Detective Superintendent Paul Devaney. It is a most detailed and very well written account of how a number of totally unexpected and seemingly unrelated minor failures can have a consequence far greater than normally foreseen. Electrocution and the electrical industry inadvertantly go hand in hand; however, THE INCIDENT there are things you can do to ensure you avoid it. Detective Inspector Devaney was called in during a routine ‘house call’ by police patrol to check on an elderly lady for bathroom. Both were fi rst fl oor units on it created un-fortuitous paths to earth her ‘out of character’ failure to attend a a common fl oor slab. through the respective conductive function. She was consequently found shower hoses. deceased in her shower still holding a THE FINDINGS In conclusion, it was deemed as an fl exible shower hose. From a detailed and in-depth extremely unlucky set of circumstances. On attempting to move her body, it investigation, it was found: The Deputy State Coroner determined was realised she was electrically ‘live’. An ∫ A nail (then rusty and possibly from a both were accidentally electrocuted with electricity distributor technician called powder-actuated tool) unknowingly a number of recommendations, one of to make safe confi rmed their suspicions. driven into the fl oor slab penetrated which included the installing of ‘safety He also found the general area live, so a plastic conduit and its wiring, likely switches’ on lighting circuits. instructed all to leave the apartment. during construction. It contacted a It goes without saying my most sincere Coincidentally, while waiting outside conductor that was live, but only with a condolences go out to the families of the for the technician, they became aware two-way switch in a certain position. lost loved ones whose active lives were of loud music from an adjoining unit, ∫ A leaky inlet water hose-connection so tragically cut short in these heart unusual given it was late. So, the at the back of a washing machine wrenching circumstances. In addition, technician was asked to also conduct wetting the fl oor. It made the fl oor I feel sure that most (if not all) tradies some testing on the area surrounding highly conductive under the two would feel and do likewise; horrifi ed their the adjoining parts of that unit. adjacent bathrooms and live via the innocent involvement in such a situation It was also found to be live and nail touching the conductor when it led to a dual and catastrophic conclusion. as the resident (another lady) had was live. In addition, it should be clearly not responded to earlier contact understood there is no suggestion the attempts. This adjoining was then also The above combination caused both installation was in any way at fault. But investigated. On entry, the resident lady deaths from electrocution. By standing it illustrates where and how wiring is was found similarly deceased in her on their respective ‘live’ shower fl oors installed can have a major impact on the

24 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 potential of lethal shock incidents at means of basic protection they may well become 6000 pages instead of the any time. be used as one means to augment the now 600 and still not identify all hazards. The above was a unique situation, but methods of protection in 1.4.5 ‘Basic even in my (quite small) family in the Protection’. So what else can you do? last ten years, and in diff erent states, ∫ Clause 1.5.14 ‘Protection against Things that can help prevent more of there were two quite similar potentially external infl uences’ and its these situations arising: lethal electrical shock instances: associated Part 2 references; 1. Recognising any electricity source ∫ A low level roof gutter touched by hand requiring all parts of an electrical can potentially energise conductive with bare feet on the ground after a installation be designed to be materials, even those only conductive rainstorm; put down to stray ground adequately protected against damage through moisture or other conductive currents from an adjacent premise. reasonable expected from such contamination at any time an ∫ A back door lock touched near a infl uences during normal operation. abnormal situation arises. switch on a damp wall wearing wet 2. Understanding when such situations shoes, again after a rainstorm; due Both are important in setting the arise, your customer, their family, co- to the point of supply lead-in neutral minimum standards aimed to avoid workers or anyone else in the area may conductor becoming disconnected. negative outcomes. But it must be suff er a serious or catastrophic injury. understood the Standard only deals 3. Identifying what particular hazards Looking at the Wiring Rules. with the normal operation of the or risks you are trying to eliminate or There are two main areas in AS/ installation in conditions that might be mitigate by doing what you are doing. NZS3000 most closely involved in dual- reasonably expected. 4. Deciding what additional measures fatality incident above: The Standard tries to anticipate you can take to further reduce ∫ Clause 1.5.6 ‘Additional protection by previously identifi ed as well as your identifi ed potential hazards, the use of RCDs’ and its associated foreseeable future potentially harmful remembering you can and should Part 2 references; noting whilst situations but cannot identify or deal with exceed the standard where you can these are NOT recognised as a sole every possible hazard as it could then increase the installation user’s safety.

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5. Creating a win-win situation by reconfi guring current RCD installs or corners or trapped and to have free reducing your installation users’ risk, upgrading the level of protection to that movement if disturbed or impacted. eliminating potential injury to those now required for new installations. Then A checklist for avoiding future death they the customer has a responsibility everyone at the installation will have the traps. to keep safe, whileyou winning their safety and protection they have a right All wiring systems must be installed confi dence and selling any additional to expect, regardless of what that it was as detailed in AS/NZS3000 all of Clause services that may arise. originally built to. 3.9 as a minimum requirement, for Remember; there are clearly defi ned installations “under ordinary use, wear MORE RCDS? RCD installation requirements to comply and tear and any abnormal conditions This is only speculation; however, with, but nothing to stop you installing that may reasonably be anticipated”. as also alluded to in the coroner’s extra RCDs or connecting more circuits In addition, if you become aware (the recommendation, if there had been an to existing RCDs if they further enhance semi-legal term being ‘that you knew RCD on the lighting circuit, it is almost safety. So – providing you don’t create or should have known’) there may be certain this most regretful outcome a situation where an unexpected conditions in excess of those that may could have been averted. disconnection of supply must not occur be ‘normally reasonably anticipated’; And the good news; this has been – the more RCDs the better! it would be prudent to provide suitable further addressed since the original Also, with manufacturers having additional protection. requirement for RCDs back in 1991 by eliminated nuisance-tripping by ongoing Although not fully comprehensive, further amendments in AS/NZS3000 – product development, the (now lame) here is a list of some of those issues in 2000 for lighting and since for most excuse of certain types of equipment that can help prevent parts or areas other circuits – so the installation of tripping will no longer wash. of an installation environment RCDs to all except few special circuits is unexpectedly becoming live; now mandated. MORE PROTECTION FROM EXTERNAL ∫ Propose and install extra RCDs if it However, there is still much catching INFLUENCES makes the installation safer. up to do as many of the millions of There was another infl uence in ∫ Keep all fi xed concealed cables 50mm houses and other residential as well as the above sad incident, protection from any accessible surface. commercial and industrial installations against external infl uences; the wiring ∫ Earth-bond any conductive materials built before 1991 or 2000, may still not enclosure penetrated by the nail. and frames supporting, near or have any RCDs whatsoever or only on This relates to placement of wiring, touching cables. certain since-mandated circuits. its protection and the earthing of ∫ Protect cabling from sharp edges, So this leaves a huge number of any part of any conductive material, conductive surfaces, foot traffi c and installations with zero, or only partial, including materials that may become pinch points. RCD protection. Consequently, there are conductive from moisture, other ∫ Fit non-deteriorating bushing to all countless situations where responsible liquids or conductive contamination. All conductor openings in conductive owners or occupiers of homes, offi ces critical as they contribute to increasing materials. and factories are not meeting their catastrophic shock risk. ∫ Ensure cables “not likely to be lawful – or present-day expected – duty So, where and how the conductors disturbed” are restrained out of of care for their families, employees and are installed is vitally important; hence harm’s way. the public at large. minimising the potential of accidental ∫ Protect cables at the rear of This presents an opportunity for cable insulation, sheathing or protection switchboards with earthed ‘shields’. enterprising contractors to provide penetration or breakdown is paramount. ∫ Earth or earth-bond all conductive additional safety to their customers Following on, it is equally important cable protection. and add to their sales, just by for earthing and bonding to be able ∫ Rewire any part of an installation recommending additional RCDs or to play its role. This will ensure the wired in old VIR or TRS insulation. immediate disconnection of supply through operation of RCDs, fast All will help minimise future accidental response short-circuit protection CBs electrocution, give greater peace of or fuses via a direct earth-return path. mind and generate extra sales. All will assist the fastest practical operation of the RCDs and other circuit protection.

So it is imperative to earth or Peter Vandenheuvel is earth-bond all conductive structural principal of Vandenheuvel Consulting and is a NECA parts in contact with, near or used for nominated member of the passing the cables through; and for committee overseeing the Wiring Rules and associated Contractors should recommend cables passing-through to not be under standards. customers install more RCDs. pressure, against any sharp edges or

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A Queensland solar farm has installed a Nextracker solution which, just like the Beatles song title implies, follows the sun. Sean Carroll finds out more.

ustralia’s largest solar farm (for now) in Queensland’s Western Downs, contracted to CleanCo in conjunction A with Neoen and Sterling & Wilson, will utilise the Nextracker NX Horizon solution which follows the sun throughout the day, maximising the PV yield. Western Downs is a 460MW-peak solar farm which is set to be completed by the first quarter of 2022 with the Nextracker smart solar trackers installed in 2021. Boasting 150MW of battery storage potential, it will give Queensland a substantial amount of clean power and create 400 jobs. In this particular farm, a 1.5% gain as a result of the Nextracker technology would give operators over 15GWh per annum or enough to power an additional 3,000 homes according to independent testing in Nextracker’s Center for Solar Excellence in the United States. Using solar trackers, compared to fixed PV systems can provide up to 30% additional yield with a relatively minor cost increase Nextracker senior engineer James Butcher says. “Within Australia, we see almost all utility power projects selecting tracking technology unless there’s a project-specific reason why tracker isn’t feasible at that site, and this would Western Downs is a 460MW-peak solar farm which will be apply only to extremely corrosive or high-wind sites where the completed at the start of 2022. tracker isn’t possible,” he says. The tracker rotates ±60° to follow the sun, the highest tracking range available. It’s quite a simple operation when thinking about “We provide wind sensors for our sites, so they’ll it: follow the sun, get more sunlight, get more power. automatically measure the wind speed and direction and then “It’s able to do that because of its design as a balanced we have a safety wind stowing position where the trackers tracker, meaning the point of rotation is in the middle of the will move into the safest possible position in the event of high tracker row and it’s elevated up above where the modules sit,” winds to mitigate these effects,” James says. James explains. “We also have a software offering which is more for asset “That means that it doesn’t require much power to track owners called NX Navigator and that’s a tool which can be from ±60° and it’s also a self-powered tracker, so it has its used to also stow the site into defensive positions in the event own smart PV module next to the motor in the middle of the of thunderstorms and hail.” row to power the controller and the motor.” The NX Navigator software would’ve been very useful Nextracker technology also comes with forms of weather following strong storms in North Queensland not long before resistance which are particularly useful where it’s located in speaking with Electrical Connection. No other tracker system Queensland with its potential for harsh weather. provides plant operators with so much actionable, granular “Large scale, ground mounted solar systems are essentially information about plant status, with 13 data points collected 2m sails that are installed about 3m off the ground and up to every five minutes for every network- connected tracker row. about 100m in length. It’s a structure which can be extremely In terms of what’s next, the Nextracker technology will susceptible to the wind dynamic effects because it’s continue to grow with the booming solar industry. essentially a long sail that tracks throughout the day and so, James adds that while the company’s trackers were initially this makes factors such as system intelligence and defensive for 300W modules, they’re now up to 600W and it’s about control capabilities critical in the mitigation of severe weather adapting to the changing power, size and efficiency: “For damage,” James explains. mounting suppliers, that has certainly kept us on our toes Nextracker has worked with wind engineering consultants in terms of keeping up with those changes in the PV module CPV and completed a number of wind tunnel studies, looking market, and I think that’s one area where our product is at how weather affects the panels. Following the findings and continuing to change quickly to be able to cater to the very modelling studies, the company has designed their tracker to large modules which are on the horizon, taking us closer to respond accordingly. 800-1000W per module.”

28 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 www.electricalconnection.com.au 29 SUSTAINABILITY SWITCHING IT UP

‘Going green’ is a big priority for companies and Schneider Electric has taken a big step towards reducing greenhouse gases with its new digital switchgear. Anna Hayes found out more.

great revolution is currently taking place in the area of energy provision, as renewable energy projects become A more prevalent and efficient. As fossil fuels take a back seat, the focus will turn to how our electricity is brought to the grid and, equally important, how it is distributed from there. To that end, Schneider Electric is holding up its reputation as a global leader in sustainability with the introduction of the SM AirSeT, a medium-voltage switchgear which uses pure air and vacuum interruption instead of SF6, sulphur hexafluoride, which is a potent greenhouse gas. The new solution has already won the Industrial Energy Efficiency Award from Hannover Messe, as well as an iF Design Award, and was among three nominees for the prestigious Hermes Award. James Hunt is vice president of power systems at Schneider Electric and he explains that they see the future as being ‘E&3D’ – electric, decarbonised, digitalised and decentralised. A coal-fired power station in Australia, he says, is

typically 1,000 MW or even 2,000 MW. By contrast, solar MESSE DEUTSCHE CREDIT: plants produce 50, 100 or 200MW but are more distributed Schneider Electric’s innovative new solution has already won throughout the state or country. With growing trends in the Industrial Energy Efficiency Award from Hannover Messe rooftop solar and batteries, James expects that between now as well as an iF Design Award. and 2040, rooftop solar will grow from 10 to 20GW. “What that means is that the energy system shifts from being one-way flow to being two-way flow, which is a very between connectors. SF6 quenches that arc so you don’t get different prospect in terms of managing that grid. The other combustion.” side of that is digitalisation – having control of the grid However, SF6 also has a global warming potential of and flexibility, so you’ll see a lot more metering, a lot more 23,900, meaning that if you released one ton of SF6, it is the automation and a lot more control.” equivalent of releasing 23,000/24,000 tons of CO2. So what does the SM AirSeT bring to the table? James points out: “There is an obvious potential impact One of the main components of and, clearly, we can’t keep using it in the a distribution network is the kiosk future. At some stage, we have to make substation that we pass by every day, a switch and find something else. So probably hardly noticing them unless what we’ve developed with our AirSet they’re in our way on a busy pavement. is a switchgear that fits in the same These units contain a transformer, a structure but doesn’t contain SF6.” switchgear and low voltage. What the AirSet does use is the “It’s basically the connection in the company’s innovative Shunt Vacuum circuit to the distribution grid, and Interruption (SVI) technology which is, then it drops the voltage so that you basically, vacuum breakers and pure air can put into a building or industrial insulation. estate, etc. The switchgear contains Other companies are also moving SF6 which is very effective at quenching away from using SF6 but, unlike arcs, which is the electricity flowing Schneider, are substituting SF6 for other gasses which could have their own potential environmental impacts in SM AirSeT, a medium-voltage the future. switchgear which uses pure air and “Whereas with vacuum interruption vacuum interruption instead of SF6. and air, it’s as pure as it gets.”

30 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 Schneider has reported successful pilot projects of the new switchgear at numerous electric utilities including E.ON in Sweden, GreenAlp in France, and EEC Engie in New Caledonia, with more being energised on a regular basis including in private power networks for commercial and industrial applications. The other central component to these new switchgears is digitalisation and the potential that brings for automation and monitoring. “If you open one of these assemblies, you’ll see big bus bars that are obviously carrying a lot of electricity. What we’re starting to do now is deploying them with temperature and humidity sensors, and you can take a data stream from them. So you can measure, in real time, the temperature and then you can run analytics based on what the temperature logs and humidity logs have been within the unit and on each bar to determine what maintenance is required.” This aspect of the assembly, the ability to monitor the efficiency of the unit, James says is a major selling point with many end users who want the convenience of having all of their systems connected. The challenge is promoting the value proposition of connected, smart technology with clients who may be pushing for what’s cheapest. “There’s a piece that sometimes gets lost there on the contractors that are competing for these projects, being able to pitch the greater value and greater functionality for the customer. If you think about the asset, it’s going to be there for 20 or 30 years. If you watch the trends that are happening, of course you should put monitoring on it.” He adds: “Everything is digitised, everything’s connected, and everything’s smarter. So why would you put in something that’s not connected, when it’s easy to put in something that is connected? It just requires a conversation with the person, who’s actually going to own it and use it, to remind them that they’re going to need it.” And future trends dictate that digitalisation and monitoring will have a big role to play in energy consumption and control. “Over the next few years, we’re shifting towards what’s going to be a two-way energy system, but also a two-energy market. That means customers, in future, will be able to reduce their load, or dispatch and put power back into the network and be able to sell that to the retailer, aggregator, or network itself. The capability is going to be that understanding of control and automation and flexibility in energy loads.” All of this, as James says, ties into a much broader worldwide push towards clean energy and lower emissions targets. He explained that a climate coalition of Australia’s biggest companies has come together to focus on driving emission reductions in line with the Paris Agreement. “In the absence of the Federal government committing to something beyond a 28% reduction, you’ve got New South Wales government committed to becoming carbon zero by 2050, you’ve got similar claims of similar ambition for Queensland and Victoria and, globally, you’re seeing this push. Things have really shifted and now you’ve got very large businesses saying ‘well, we’re the ones that can actually drive this forward’.”

www.electricalconnection.com.au 31 ELECTRIC BIKES THE THINKING MAN’S MOTORBIKE

As Australian interest in electric bikes grows, more and more companies are venturing into this side of the market. Sean Carroll speaks with one manufacturer to fi nd out more about the electrical side of things.

e are seeing rapid growth in the electric bike industry,” Bicycle Industries Australia general “W manager Peter Bourke says. “For the last four years or thereabouts, we have basically seen a doubling of sales. We haven’t got the numbers yet, but we expect it’ll be about a 50,000 unit market for eBikes last year.” We are aware that there was a 200% increase in ebike sales for the Jan to June period 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Peter points to a 2012 legislative change by the federal government which fi nally made its way to all states and territory’s at the end of 2016,that allowed and enabled the importation of and more importantly use of 250W electric bikes. One of the more recent entrants into this market is Blade Bikes, Australia’s only 20”, high performance, long range- electric fat bike manufacturer. Blade Bikes is Australia’s only 20”, high performance, long Designed for the roughest of terrains, including gravel, range electric fat bike manufacturer. snow and sand, the Blade Bikes suit both rural and urban environments. “We recently added three new products to the Blade Bikes provide battery charging power for any eBike or eScooter on business with bike infrastructure, eBike transport systems the market currently. There are two styles of charge point: and bike charging points,” Blade Bikes director Brian Sinclair solar and 240VAC.” explains. It can charge up to eight bikes at the one time, a decision Brian designs each of the units with the bikes and other Brian says was infl uenced by research into trails and bike components all manufactured locally. tracks around the country. Depending on the make of the bike, Given the nature of these bikes, they need to be charged. it can take around four to fi ve hours to fully charge. Brian approached Australian-owned electrical manufacturer The charger is also sturdy and rugged enough to survive in ECD to create the charging stations for his bikes: the CP2020. any environment, whether that is in the middle of an urban “When approached by Blade Bikes, the team at ECD set city, along the coast or near a local bush bike track. On top of about developing a solution that would not only meet the that, it comes with a lifetime structural warranty. level of functionality required but be readily identifi able as a Bicycle Industries Australia general manager Peter says Blade Bikes charging point, while remaining sympathetic to that Australia isn’t referred to as a bike-friendly country. its environment regardless of location,” ECD product manager “In The Netherlands, electric bikes are nearly 50% of the William Pearce says. market, but as the Australian market continues to double “We source materials from Australian suppliers so we can year-on-year and grow, it’s going to become a much larger be sure of our products’ long-term performance in the fi eld. proportion,” he says. With skilled tradespeople, our manufacturing processes With Blade Bikes investing in electric bike infrastructure are such to ensure long-term durability. We choose locally and plans to continue doing so in the future, there’s progress manufactured and applied fi nishes, used by registered being made towards a bike-friendly Australia. applicators to ensure we meet or exceed the required “Our business goal at the moment is to create the largest Australian standards.” eBike hub in Australia as well as making bikes easily accessible The CP2020 is designed to work with any electric bike, to everyone who wants to use or rent electric bikes in tourist- regardless of brand, style or location and can be privately or heavy areas,” Brian says. publicly owned. Australia has a long way to go before we use these bikes as “I developed it to meet the demands of the tourism markets much as the Dutch, but investment in infrastructure across to provide battery charge for electric bikes in city and remote the country for recreational and everyday use is a huge step locations,” Brian outlines. in the positive direction and on top of that, it’s adding jobs and “Simply, they are installed remotely or into the grid and opportunities to Australian manufacturing.

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AU-graphic-PVKIT-2.0_resizedNEW.indd 1 9/30/20 10:46 PM RENEWABLES - PHIL KREVELD AN EYE ON SOLAR INVERTERS

Phil Kreveld discusses the implications of the fast-growing population of solar inverters and their eff ect on national distribution grids.

nce a rare sight, now there seems hardly a roof without solar panels FIG 1: Growth in distributed energy O converting our plentiful sunlight resources under various scenarios into AC power via inverters. The basic technology of inverters 24,000 is well-developed and fundamental 22,000 principles of operation are not 20,000 discussed. The new standard AS/NZS 4777.2 and draft standard AS4755, 18,000 and the latter insofar as it impacts 16,000 inverters, is also highlighted as they are 14,000 very much about their connection to distribution networks without causing 12,000 voltage and other problems. 10,000

THE GROWTH OF ‘BEHIND THE METER’ 8,000 SOLAR IN AUSTRALIA 6,000 The body in charge of the overall reliable 4,000

operation of the electricity grids, the DER Installed capacity (PV and Battery storage) MW Australian Energy market Operator 2,000 (AEMO), in its latest report on the 0 growth of renewables has a graph (Fig 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 1) of the growth in distribution network solar output power which tells a story. SLOW MODERATE FAST There is strong growth in 5 kilowatt systems and this is behind the increasing incidence of reverse power fl ow in distribution networks. This may hour old data, it has no visibility of real- is a level of annoyance amongst not sound alarming but it actually is as time fl uctuation of substation power solar owners who fi nd their inverters local distribution transformer ratings due to the variability of solar generation switching off many times a day and are at times, being exceeded. Other therefore making its task of guarding then switching on again when voltage eff ects are voltage rise problems and the stability of the national networks drops. As to the question posed, there unpredictability of substation power increasingly diffi cult. is an obvious link between reverse when weather conditions cause solar power fl ow caused by solar systems and output to fl uctuate, sometimes quire DO SOLAR INVERTERS CAUSE VOLTAGE voltage rise, but this has as yet not been rapidly. RISE? identifi ed as the main reason. Yet, there This is an increasingly serious There is much being said about voltage is a link and this because of reduced problem for AEMO as other than for 24- rise problems in the media and there power required during daylight hours. Distribution companies have to set voltages to please everyone and AS 4755-DEMAND RESPONSE within an extensive grid with lots of DEMAND RESPONSE MODE (DRM) DESCRIPTION consumers without solar, given solar’s intermittency, voltage level is set to DRM 5 Do not export energy through the grid interactive port cater for these electricity users as well. DRM 6 When exporting energy through the grid interactive port, limit the rate to ≤50% of the export reference value Therefore, in bright sunlight net power required from a substation is reduced, DRM 7 When exporting energy through the grid interactive port, limit the rate to ≤75% of the export reference value. Provide power causing voltage to rise. One way of quality support if capable voltage regulation is by means of the DRM 8 Increase the export of energy through the grid interactive port substation transformer with on load tap subject to other active DRMs changer (OLTC).

34 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 As voltage rises, the OLTC can select as well as other large generators such enforced as to allocation to phases, and a higher tap on the primary winding, as wind and solar farms, increases, even if there were, then the differences reducing the secondary voltage but that frequency tends to drop, in the same in power production ratings would cause can imply many tap changer operations way that a vehicle encountering a rise imbalance. as solar power fluctuates and thus in the road slows down unless the The increasing use of non-metallic causing wear and tear. Consequently, accelerator is depressed a bit more. water pipes makes the earth resistance the operations of OLTCs are ‘restrained’. Note, however, that ‘behind the meter’ higher than decades ago, and there The increasing popularity of batteries solar grid support via extra real power can be appreciable neutral voltage for solar systems alleviates voltage injection is quite limited. build-up. Some distribution companies rise to an extent but once these are Grid voltage support is another are experimenting with switchable fully charged, feed-in power rises, and application of inverters. Feeding in phase allocations at transformers so with it, voltage. Inverters that comply reactive power as well as real power as to obtain better current and voltage with AS4755 can respond to so called can provide a measure of voltage balance. demand response signals, for example control. For example, voltage rise can via powerline communication (PLC) to be countered by feeding in lagging INVERTER TYPES AND MORE ON switch off, or reduce power output (see reactive power, and vice-versa, for VOLTAGE SUPPORT inset). raising voltage. In distribution networks, All grid-tie inverters require the which are mainly resistive, the ability AC voltage at their terminals to GRID SUPPORT to influence voltage is limited but synchronise their current output to ‘Behind the meter’ solar inverters can nevertheless of use. the grid. Synchronisation is achieved provide grid support by providing feed- via a phase-locked-loop (PLL) circuit. in power. The idea behind the function IMBALANCE Basically, the internal voltage oscillator is this: as power demand in the overall Solar installations are causing current phase angle is compared with that network, including therefore the system and voltage imbalance in networks. This of the grid voltage and any phase of transmission lines and base load is unsurprising as there is no restriction difference that arises, corrected. ProTag PrimeTest Elite Australia’s Most Advanced Test & Tag System The ProTag Elite System tests portable appliances and RCDs, takes asset photos, prints Elite UV resistant test tags and downloads results to PC. Mains & battery powered. Faster testing & asset management for mining, construction, factories & workshops.

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www.electricalconnection.com.au 35 RENEWABLES - PHIL KREVELD

*IMAGES EXAMPLE ONLY

ABB PVI-6000-TL- FRONIUS PRIMO GINLONG SOLIS GINLONG SOLIS MAKE OUTD 3.6-1 PRIMO 4.0-1 PRIMO 4.6-1 3000-4G 3600-4G GROWATT 2000 S MAX DC POWER 5.5 kW 6 kW 6.9 kW 3.5 kW 4 kW 2.6 kW RATED DC POWER INPUT 6.2 kW MAX DC INPUT VOLTAGE 600 V 1000 V 1000 V 1000 V 600 V 600 V 450 V RATED DC INPUT VOLTAGE 360 V 330 V 330 V OPERATING DC VOLTS RANGE 80-1000 V 80-1000 V 80-1000 V MPP DC VOLTAGE RANGE 180-530 V 80-800 V 80-800 V 80-800 V 80-500 V 80-500 V 70-450 V MAX DC MPPT INPUT CURRENT 18 amps 12 amps 12 amps 12 amps 11 amps 19 amps 11 amps MIN/START DC INPUT VOLTAGE 200 V 80 V 80 V 80 V 90 V 90 V 80 V NUMBER OF MPPTS 2x 2x 2x 2x 1x 1x 1x DISTRIBUTED MPPT AC VOLTAGE RANGE 180-264 V 180 - 270 V 180 - 270 V 180 - 270 V 220/230 V 220/230 V MAX AC OUTPUT CURRENT 30 amp 16 amp 17.4 amp 20 amp 15.7 amp 16 amp 9.5 amps AC POWER RATING 6 kW 3.68 kW 4 kW 4.6 kW 3 kW 3.6 kW 2 kW AC POWER RATING KVA 3.3 kVA 3.6 kVA FREQUENCY RANGE 47-53 Hz 45-65 Hz 45-65 Hz 45-65 Hz 50 Hz 50 Hz 45 - 55 Hz POWER FACTOR 0.8 lead -0.8 lag 0.85 lead-0.85 lag 0.85 lead-0.85 lag 0.85 lead-0.85 lag 0.8 lead-0.8 lag 0.8 lead-0.8 lag 0.8 lead-0.8 lag DISTORTION <5 % <5% <5 % <3 % <3 % MAX EFFICIENCY 97.00% 98.00% 98.10% 98.10% 97.50% 97.50% 97.40% EU EFFICIENCY 96% 96.80% 97.00% 97.00% 96.80% 96.80% 97.00% COMMUNICATION RS485/ 422/ RS485/422/ RS485/ 422/ RS232/opt RF/ PS-485/Wifi WLAN/USB WLAN/USB WLAN/USB wifi/LAN/GPRS

All grid-tie inverters are classified and the grid voltage is developed. the inverter voltage and the grid as voltage-sourced, current- The technology was in earlier days voltage. controlled, the voltage source being available on three-phase inverters. More on voltage support: the ability the DC link voltage, supplied by the Single phase inverters can be made to of varying the current phase angle solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The do the same tricks by phase shifting the with respect to grid voltage increases current control ensures that the DC grid voltage as measured on line, by 90° the scope for voltage support. Many link capacitor (part of the inverter) is and using the latter as the reference for inverters are able to support volt-var not drained other than a small amount creating the phase difference between and volt-watt operation. (consequently, the voltage on the capacitor fluctuates at 100 Hz). All commercially available FIG 2: Adjustment of reactive power (IX) in inverters. Voltage vector E is grid-tie inverters are able to supply the voltage at the inverter terminals, and V, at the grid. A CT measures lagging or leading current. This is current, and phase angle with respect to E achieved by monitoring the current output of current transformers and adjusting the voltage output of the inverter to provide the required phase X E difference. ɷ EV A power factor of r0.9 requires a IX phase difference of r25.8°, (see fig 2). I As is evident, there has to be a small impedance across which the phase difference between the inverter voltage

36 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 SOLAREDGE GROWATT 2500 S GROWATT 3000 S SMA SUNNY BOY 3 SUNNY BOY 4 SUNNY BOY 5 SE3000H SE4000H SE5000H 3.25 kW 3.9 kW 5.5 kW 7.5 kW 5.25 kW 4.65 kW 6.2 kW 7.75 kW

550 V 550 V 600 V 600 V 600 V

365 V 365 V 365 V 480 V 480 V 480 V

70-500 V 70-550 V 110 - 500 V 140-500 V 175 - 500 V

12 amps 13 amps 15 amps 15 amps 15 amps 9 amps 11.5 amps 13.5 amps

80 V 80 V 100 V 100 V 100 V

1x 1x 2x 2x 2x

yes yes yes

180 - 280 V 180 - 280 V 180 - 280 V 184 - 268.5 V 184 - 268.5 V 184 - 268.5 V

11.9 amps 14.3 amps 16 amp 22 amp 22 amp 14 amp 18.5 amp 23 amp

2.5 kW 3.0 kW 3 kW 4 kW 5 kW 3 kW 4 kW 5 kW

45 - 55 Hz 45 - 55 Hz 45 - 55 Hz 45 - 55 Hz 45 - 55 Hz 45 - 55 Hz 45 - 55 Hz 45 - 55 Hz 0.8 lead-0.8 lag 0.8 lead-0.8 lag 0.8 lead-0.8 lag 0.8 lead-0.8 lag 0.8 lead-0.8 lag 0.8 lead-0.8 lag 0.8 lead-0.8 lag 0.8 lead-0.8 lagg <3 % <3 % <3 % <3 % <3 % 97.60% 97.60% 97% 97% 97% 97.60% 97.60% 97.60% 97.30% 97.30% 96% 96.40% 96.50% 98.00% 99.00% 99.00% RS232/opt RF/ RS232/opt RF/ RS485/Ethernet/ RS485/Ethernet/ RS485/Ethernet/ RS485, Ethernet, RS485, Ethernet, RS485, Ethernet, wifi/LAN/GPRS wifi/LAN/GPRS WLAN WLAN WLAN ZigBee /wifi opt ZigBee /wifi opt ZigBee /wifi opt

The two modes function sequentially, GRID-FORMING INVERTERS AND connected to a source of energy such initially in volt-var mode whereby as SYNCHRONICITY as a battery, they are similar in many grid voltage increases, inverters supply Grid-forming inverters are voltage- ways to a synchronous generator. They lagging current (vars) and if unable to sourced, voltage-controlled inverters, can have identical types of control such bring voltage downward sufficiently, suitable for microgrids and also for as droop control (frequency-power; the volt-watt mode reduces in-phase inclusion in large grids, although voltage-vars) with ‘synthetic’ inertia, current (i.e.: real power) to further the latter requires acceptance for through various forms of feed-back reduce voltage. connection by network providers. When control. Grid-tie inverters rely on the grid for synchronisation as already explained, and because of this require steady FIG 3: Representation of power transfer on a transmission link, assumed conditions; not only reasonable to be mainly inductive for simplicity’s sake. Delta (ɷ) is the phase angle by constant voltage but also constant which V , the receiving voltage lags the sending voltage, V 2 1 voltage angle. The latter is not self- evident so a brief explanation is in order. In electrical power transmission on the V V 1 2 high voltage grid with a generator at one V V 1 2 end, and a substation at the other end, P= sin ɷ X there is a voltage phase angle difference bus 1 bus 2 between the two ends (see fig 3). When the amount of power transmitted changes, so does the phase difference. Sometimes there

www.electricalconnection.com.au 37 RENEWABLES - PHIL KREVELD

FIG 4: This illustrates the effect of voltage phase jump on an inverter under test, ceasing to inject power

1 0.5 Vga 0 -0.5 Iga -1 30° phase jump on grid 6.46 6.476 6.492 6.508 6.524 6.54 6.556 6.572 6.588 6.604 6.62 voltage 1.5 1 Vpu 0.5 Ipu 0 0.5 6.46 6.476 6.492 6.508 6.524 6.54 6.556 6.572 6.588 6.604 6.62

1.5 1 Inverter stops injecting power to the AC grid (over-frequency fault) Pg 0.5 Qg 0 0.5 6.46 6.476 6.492 6.508 6.524 6.54 6.556 6.572 6.588 6.604 6.62 Time (s)

is an abrupt change due to a change in Micro inverters are suitable for can maximise power when there are load, a fault, a sudden change in power commercial installations where many groups of panels in two different roof required by the substation, etc, and that panels are installed. Distributed MPPT locations. The MPPTs are paralleled causes the phase difference (voltage employs individual MPPTs per panel to the DC link of the inverter, and the angle) to ‘jump’ to a new value. or small groups of panels in panel groups of panels must have the same When this happens, the inverters strings. The technology has a big open circuit voltage. in the distribution grid have to energy conversion efficiency advantage Distributed MPPT provides maximum resynchronise—remember, the phase compared to single or dual MPPTs. Dual power for individual panels or small locked loop voltage phase angles MPPTs have the advantage that they panel groups in a string, allowing for between the inverter’s internal oscillator and grid have to be in step (see fig 4). The time to resynchronise FIG 5: illustrating two ways of maximising PV panel power output (a) will vary between inverters, causing using micro inverters and (b) panel DC-DC converters to maximise them to exchange power between panel efficiency themselves, resulting in voltage oscillation. The same voltage oscillation can occur after faults in the network, PV micro - ac PV DC-DC I string when previously disconnected module inverter grid module converter inverters are reconnected as reclosers operate. + PV micro - ac PV DC-DC MAXIMISING POWER inverter module inverter grid module converter V The maximum power point tracker, a string feature of all solar inverters is being replaced by two main versions of newer - ac inverters, micro inverters and inverters grid with distributed maximum power point PV micro - ac PV DC-DC trackers (MPPT). The former employs module inverter grid module converter a multiplicity of inverters by allocating a lower rating power inverter to a small (a) (b) number of panels, and paralleling the AC outputs of the inverters.

38 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 small variations in power production to DC boosting by a typical factor of ten relays and islanding of the State. As and overshadowing which reduces with attendant significant energy loss. things stand there is no provision for string current and output power. In guarding stability. Were inverters able fig 5, the use of module integrated THE FUTURE FOR SOLAR INVERTERS to provide ride-through, then that could converters (MIC) is shown in a simplified The growth in installations of ‘behind help in guarding against instability schematic. Note, that unlike the case the meter’ solar seems unstoppable. scenarios. with paralleled MPPT, the MICs are in In many quarters, and certainly in But there’s more; in our great series, conducting the string current. ‘consumer land’ this burgeoning in enthusiasm for green power, there is A way of viewing the operation of ‘home grown’ electricity is seen as highly the tacit assumption that somehow the distributed power tracker is to desirable. However, for distribution everything will work just as in days of see the function of the individual MICs networks there are big problems, e.g. yore. But frequency stability provided as DC-DC voltage converters so that voltage rise but beyond the distributors, by very heavy, large rotational inertia for the one string current maximum there is a looming grid stability issue. For generators is not replaceable other than power is obtained. For maximum power example, in the case of South Australia, in theory. Inverters can mimic inertia— harvesting, the MICs must be wired in minimum power flow due to domestic, but that’s the stuff of lots of academic parallel with all bypass diodes, so that industrial and commercial solar during papers—not actual experiment. per panel, typically there would be four large parts of the day, puts the State’s Interesting times are ahead. or more MICs. Of course, there is no such electrical stability at risk if there are thing as a free lunch, any more than that network faults which cause the solar all those MICs do nothing else except community to drop out through anti- Phil Kreveld is an energy boost energy harvesting, because DC to islanding protection in the inverters. writer. He is an electrical DC conversions also cost in energy loss. In the case described, there would engineer. He has worked in electrical, electronic and In the case of micro inverters, the be power rush on the interconnector scientific instrumentation in voltage available from one or two panels to Victoria very likely resulting in the Australia and the US. is too low, thus requiring significant DC operation of under frequency protection

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Learn more at simprogroup.com/au/electrical-connection www.electricalconnection.com.au 39 SAFETY - PETER VANDENHEUVEL WORKING LIVE OR YOUR LIFE... PART 2

In the summer edition Peter Vandenheuvel focussed on the issues around working live. Here he continues by looking at arc flash incidents, risk analysis and the importance of implementing safe isolation and avoiding working live altogether.

njuries caused by arc flash and electric shock incidents can both I be inflicted almost instantaneously, and by the same source, while both types of injury can be much more severe after prolonged exposure. In both situations though, the physical injuries are usually different. External electric shock injuries can be almost invisible except at points of contact whereas arc flash injuries will affect at least the parts of the body close to the area of the arc, if not over most of the body in a very unmistakable and much more graphic way. According to web research, the temperatures encountered in a typical arc flash plasma can be 35,000oC. This is four times the temperature of the surface of the sun. Not only that, but the shock wave created by the instant vaporisation of all the solid material involved will also obliterate everything in its path. So the Arc flash will obliterate anythig in its path and has the potential to pulverise or blast injuries are three-fold, especially liquefy internal organs. when there is a modest or higher energy level involved: ∫ The high temperatures involved will So not even the most benign-looking considerably by doing certain things but cause instant blistering of any exposed task with only miniscule possibility of no matter what is done in this regard, skin and the setting alight of any an arc flash being created must ever be the consequences ultimately likely flammable clothing so third degree considered, let alone be undertaken. outcome always remains the same; burns and worse – burning though the catastrophic! skin – are almost inescapable. THE RISKS ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN A Regardless of what you do, you ∫ When the arc flash is anywhere near TYPICAL RISK ANALYSIS. cannot reduce the potentially lethal the face, the natural human defence Most risk-analyses include an outcome. The worst-case outcome ‘flight or fight’ reaction – taking in a big outcomes matrix determining the will always be someone very seriously gulp of air – can draw this superheated probability of an identified risk incident injured or worse, dead. air into the lungs, rendering them occurring measured against the And even if this of itself may not totally ineffectual and cause the injured possible consequence. In many routine compel some employers to implement a person to literally drown no matter how instances, by proactively reducing fool-proof ‘no live work’ prohibition, the fast the medical attendance. the probability of it occurring the consequence of the employer or some ∫ In higher fault situations, the shock consequential outcome can also be staff going to prison for their inaction wave can be so severe it hits the body reduced to an acceptable low level. should be sufficient additional reason with a force that totally pulverises or Unfortunately, not so when it comes to ensure that every person in the liquefies the internal organs, making to both live work and arc flash! organisation understands and rigidly survival impossible. Yes, the probability can be reduced follows your policy and SOP.

40 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SAFE potential deaths would have been totally Bury that old myth of everyone only ISOLATION AND NOT WORKING LIVE preventable, as a coroner will point out wanting the cheapest price; it is not POLICY. quite strongly to the business owners true. Be honest, do you really want There is no safe answer to doing live after the event. to work for a customer that wants to work. The sooner those who are not A company CEO, should never be too squeeze the last dollar out of every deal already convinced begin to realise how busy to drop everything to investigate and continually plays you off against serious the consequences can be, the any incident where the consequence your competitors? No! So forget them sooner the industry will be free of this could be catastrophic, including as anything else than a lifeboat to extreme hazard. every near-miss. Only by responding be used only in case of an economic This doesn’t just involve having a immediately and following through on shipwreck. policy on the wall or an information all disciplinary actions will you get the What most worthy customers want session and the odd toolbox meeting message through that their lives matter. is a reliable, safe, no-hassle, innovative topic. Yes, these are all critical in Ask yourself this question; “If you had company. Most know who they would the war against these horrendous an only daughter or son with a new-born prefer to deal with and a fair price to injuries, but in addition, it needs baby working with pay. Now, that doesn’t company top and middle management or for you, would you mean you can expect to visibly show they mean what they ask them to work live to just walk in and say. How? By getting personally work?” if the answer Regardless of what get the order at any involved and following through with is ‘no’ then why price. But what it disciplinary consequences that reflect should you expect you do, you cannot does mean is if you the seriousness of the potential anyone else to do so? reduce the potentially present as a reliable consequences. Now, you may think lethal outcome. The and professional I can remember many examples of that it’s impossible to worst-case outcome organisation, you will company CEOs serious about these and implement and have will always be someone get the opportunity other types of incidents, including: a ‘Zero Harm’ policy very seriously injured to get that fair price. ∫ A worker involved in a shock incident in place. But I can or worse, dead. So use your efforts but able to walk away with no physical assure you there are instead to become injury working for a company serious now many Australian preferred. about eliminating live work having its electrotechnology Use your ‘no live CEO, OH&S manager and construction contractors and work’ and ‘do it once managers all on site within two hours others completing mega-projects or – do it right’ policies to your advantage for a high level investigation, with work as an entire entity for one or more to create a new standout quality and a serious ‘last chance’ disciplinary years without an LTI and even some safety image for your company, both reprimand as a result. that also have no MTIs during that same internally and externally. Also, refine ∫ A contractor employee involved in period. your preferred customer list and add a low-energy arc injury, sustaining And believe it or not; they are actually more of the ‘willing to pay a fair price’ a very minor first-degree burn saving money because their real customers while aiming for that ‘zero (classed as a ‘superficial burn’) to total cost is lower and their quality of harm’ target. the hand, doing work for a customer workmanship considerably higher as an With the right positive approach it will serious about ‘no live work’ having outcome. be closer than you think. the customer’s state construction Finally a warning: any reader asked manager attend that same day and SO WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? or required to do any work with an arc immediately dismiss the contractor Well, for a start, something you can’t flash risk or shock risk whatsoever; no and its employees from all their sites put a price on; your life! matter how small the chance of either after this second incident. A ban that Then there are the savings made occurring – for your own wellbeing you remains in place to this day. by not having lost time, reducing or must politely refuse – as it is totally eliminating having to deal with electrical unacceptable for anyone to ask you to If you think these are unusual or ‘over incidents, the automatic flow-on of put your life at risk. the top’ reactions, think again. higher quality work and the minimising While both instances resulted in or eliminating of rework either no or only very mild injuries, Also direct opportunities, not the they, like all other ‘walk away’ electrical least that your WHS reputation can lead Peter Vandenheuvel is incidents, could just as easily have to more work as a preferred supplier. principal of Vandenheuvel Consulting and is a NECA resulted in deaths at work. Doing live Yes, never underestimate the potential nominated member of the work is like flipping a coin or being asked created by your reputation as a committee overseeing the Wiring Rules and associated by Clint Eastwood when staring down leading reliable, safe and quality driven standards. his Magnum 45 if you “feel lucky”. Those organisation.

www.electricalconnection.com.au 41 SOLAR SMARTS - PHIL KREVELD

SOLAR BATTERIES

Phil Kreveld explores the world of solar batteries and what the technology means for us and our renewable future.

e are living in parallel FIG 1: Hybrid solar inverter schematic. The maximum power point tracker universes when it comes to (MPPT) is matched to the charging requirements of the solar battery. W electrical energy. Gazing out of our windows, at work or at home, we see the trappings of yesteryear’s electrical distribution—poles, wires DC and transformers, while overhead our DC rooves are festooned with solar panels.

And, now we are adding batteries to inverter our basements and garages to store all that sunshine for use after dark—and to charge our still nascent fl eet of electric V array MPPT DC Link vehicles. So, who needs the legacy of Nicola Tesla, the old-fashioned alternating FIG 2: A general arrangement of a solar system with batteries, typical of a current network that generations have commercial installation. Note the use of DC to DC converters in place of MPPTs. ‘plugged into’? Well, right now, we do—and will continue to do so until one of several Single-Phase CHB PV1 Inverter scenarios has played out, which H-Bridge-1 could be the disappearance of much Ph of the distribution networks in DC Battery (DC-DC) favour of microgrids shared by small Bank - 1 1 communities—and the re-emergence AC

of direct current as primary source of PCC PV4 energy. But until then we’ll concentrate on making use of batteries to the VCB I-C-L FILTERI-C-L maximum extent—and extracting DC Battery (DC-DC) benefi t from two parallel universes. Bank - 4 4 AC THE ELECTRICAL ENERGY CONUNDRUM N H-Bridge-4 Grid-tie inverters require an AC grid PV Power to Grid: 250 kWp in order to function, with or without Local Critical Load: 100 KW Battery Backup Power: 100 kW Local-Load batteries as their primary or secondary Battery Backup Time: 8 Hour 1.25kv, 100kW source of energy. When the grid, for whatever reason goes ‘dark’, so too do the inverters as a safety precaution against accidental injury to a safety measure, in the absence of a suffi ciently large storage batteries maintenance personnel. transfer relay, prevents the use of a to cope with a continued bout of Some inverters can continue to storage battery as an alternate source bad weather. Which brings us to the function when physically disconnected during grid failure. By using a transfer redundancy issue and a solution to from the grid by means of a transfer relay in the inverter assembly, power the conundrum. An N+1 redundancy relay—since internal to all inverters is can continue to be supplied while the provides one alternative path to an AC voltage source with a frequency sun is shining, or the battery has charge assured supply of electricity and that of 50Hz, more or less, responsible left in it. requires the connection to the grid. for supplying AC power by means of The conundrum is therefore whether The latter is not 100% reliable, pulse-width modulation. The so-called the grid is needed at all since it might although reliability as expressed by anti-islanding feature of inverters as be avoided by individual inverters with SAIDI (System Average Interruption

42 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 SUPPORTED BY:

Duration Index) for urban networks is voltage must exceed that peak value essentially they all work in the basis of very low, but likely to be higher in rural and hence the minimum battery voltage pulse width modulation. In the scheme areas. However, redundancy comes at is also determined. Hybrid systems shown in fi g 2 the operating voltage a price because as things stand, the require the solar panel maximum power of the battery does not have to be cost of battery energy can exceed $1/ point trackers (MPPT) to operate matched to that of the MPPT. kilowatt-hour! correctly with the battery connected to For example, a traditional 48-volt its output terminals although it is not lead-acid battery bank can be employed HYBRID AND AC SYSTEMS a given that all maximum power point with MPPTs operating at 400 volts or Hybrid systems, as far as Australian trackers will operate correctly with a higher. Charging takes place via the domestic installations are concerned, battery of nominally suitable voltage. buck mode, reducing the MPPT voltage, interpose the battery between the solar Ideally such a hybrid system should be and through pulse width modulation, panels and the inverter (see fi g 1) so available as a package. the charging current can be precisely that the solar panels are continuously In general, hybrid systems do not controlled. trickle-charging the battery while it is require the interposing of the battery The reverse takes place in the boost discharging to power the inverter’s DC between the solar panel MPPT and mode to provide the required voltage link. As such the battery must, out of inverter as shown in fi g 2. Although to the DC link of the inverter. The DC necessity, be a high voltage type for the connected in the DC path, the battery voltage conversion process impacts the transformer-less grid tie inverter as can be charged and discharged via overall effi ciency and this is unavoidable typical panel open circuit voltages are of boost/buck DC to DC converters (see because of switching losses and heat the order of 400 to 600 volts. fi g 3) which illustrates a non-inverting losses in the fi nite resistance of the A single-phase inverter has to be type. Although there are diff erences inductor. The basic step-up/step-down suitable for 230 volts, or a peak voltage in various charge controllers and relationship is shown below, where D is of 325 volts and therefore the DC link maximum power point trackers, the fraction of the switching period

+

+ +

+

5YRS 50,000 HRS IK 09 65 SOLAR SMARTS - PHIL KREVELD

voltage (boost mode) for the inverter. FIG 3: Schematic of a non-inverting buck/boost DC to DC converter. With Essentially both AC and DC systems as Q2 open and Q1 pulsed, the output, V2 can be lower than V1. With Q1 described, are essentially uninterruptible closed and Q2 pulsed, v2 can be higher than V1. power supplies (UPS), operating

Q1 L D2 independently of the rooftop solar panels. However, as is the case for the hybrid, in-line system, the cheapest way of charging the batteries is via the solar PV system, which needs to have a suffi cient rating for the consumer load plus battery. V1 D1 Q2 CV2 The AC battery is wired in parallel with the consumer load and is therefore available to power load even if there is a line failure provided there is transfer switch wired in. The battery can also, in eff ect, take the place of a hot water system, utilising cheaper night rates to FIG 4: Bi-directional chopper for battery charging, suitable for batteries whose replenish charge. voltages are higher or lower than the open circuit voltage of the solar panels. BATTERY TYPES The lithium-ion battery is probably L the most frequently encountered type. It is characterised by a very high S1 S2 energy density and requires a battery

C2 C1 management system to equalise cell Input Output voltages. Zinc-bromine fl ow batteries are intrinsically safe devices. These temperature-tolerant zinc-bromine fl ow batteries contain an inherently non- fl ammable electrolyte solution, with a design limiting ‘thermal runaway’. These of either transistor Q1 (bucking) or Q2 OFF-LINE OR DC AND AC SYSTEMS batteries are manufactured by RedFlow, (boosting). The terminology can be confusing, in an Australian company. Note: during boosting, Q1 is closed that even when described as off -line, the Sodium nickel chloride technology and pulse width modulation is applied to battery system in question might still be is a competitor to lithium-ion storage Q2. In the bucking mode, modulation is for use with a grid-tie inverter. The most technology. applied to Q1 and Q2 is open. straightforward type is an AC battery, A newer technology is the saltwater which is charged via a converter and battery. The main diff erence between V D 2 = discharged via the converter’s inverter this and other energy storage options V 1 - D 1 mode when supplying consumer’s load. (for example, lithium-ion and lead- Basically all inverters can be run as acid batteries) is their chemistry. The With D bigger than 0.5, the circuit AC to DC converters but in practice electrolyte is a liquid solution of salt, is in boost mode, at 0.5, the voltage the appropriate equipment must be which captures, stores, and eventually ratio is 1.0, and with D less than 0.5, selected. So as to avoid the cost of a discharges energy. Whereas a the circuit is in buck mode. The method transformer, the battery voltage needs traditional lithium-ion battery uses the described here, is one of many but is to be high enough when fully charged element metal as its primary ingredient worthy of attention because it provides to service the AC main peak voltage as for conducting electricity, a saltwater for fl exibility in the choice of battery previously mentioned. battery uses sodium, the same element and solar panel open circuit voltage. Prior to the commercial introduction found in table salt. The saltwater in the However, it is uni-directional, whereas of AC systems, the DC-DC conversion system means that there is essentially the bi-directional chopper-based circuit types were in use. These require buck- no fi re risk with this technology. is suitable for battery voltages that boost voltage converters to reduce Additionally, toxic metals and other exceed the DC link voltage as well those charging voltage to match that of the materials that mostly occur in lead-acid that are lower (fi g 4). battery (buck mode) and to build up the or lithium-ion batteries, are avoided.

44 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 SUPPORTED BY:

VIRTUAL POWER GENERATORS ARE SOLAR STORAGE BATTERIES AN relying on the solar PV installation by The technology was fi rst used by ECONOMICAL SOLUTION? day and attractive night rates is still AGL in 2016, in Adelaide and maybe This is a vexed question and best not the way to go. However, as night rates gaining some traction. Although the asked of those who already own a solar become higher—and that may well be batteries are available for domestic/ battery system. a realistic expectation, the use of a commercial and industrial energy There is no doubt that for the moment battery, based on current pricing, might supply, they are primarily intended for the choice of a battery is not so much provide payback periods of six to seven network support, principally providing driven by economics as it is for the years. system strength by feeding in power sake of independence from the grid. The long-term outlook is less certain during times of required frequency Admittedly this can be an important because of the grid transformations support. consideration, for example, for country- taking place and which may well see The initial installations in Adelaide based bread and breakfast, where restrictions being placed on ‘behind the by AGL use cloud-based software power interruptions are frequent. meter’ installations (with or without to control the battery charge and Those installations are much like batteries) as safeguard for system discharge modes. The use of solar PV uninterruptible power supplies, installed strength. systems for voltage regulation is well- to provide assurance of business established by way of reactive leading continuity. or lagging power injection. Although It is estimated that battery prices Phil Kreveld is an energy this diminishes useful available power, would have to be of the order of $300 writer. He is an electrical reductions are comparatively small but to $500 per kilowatt-hour of storage engineer. He has worked in electrical, electronic and this is not the case for system strength capacity, to provide an appropriate scientifi c instrumentation in power injection which can substantially fi nancial return. If money saving is the Australia and the US. discharge batteries. main objective of the exercise, then

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www.electricalconnection.com.au 45 ESTIMATING - BRIAN SEYMOUR IGNORANCE AIN’T AN EXCUSE

Brian Seymour explores the notion of decisions and actions being made based on opinions rather than facts.

“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets electrical plans. For these other items, you into trouble. It’s what you know for you need to know exactly what you are sure that just ain’t so. “– Mark Twain. installing, providing, or just connecting. Is your responsibility just to run the feeder ark Twain’s quote is suggesting to the indicated location or do you have a penchant to believe that to provide some termination isolator, or M what we think is fact when, in connect this equipment? many cases it is just opinion, and as an Take care with any existing opinion it may not be correct. How many installation wiring and electrical people in this industry have a belief that equipment that it complies with the something is fact which is only based applicable standards and adequately on an opinion? Often these opinions controls risks to health and safety. Is have been handed down from boss to any of this noted on the drawings? apprentice as authentic, and this belief becomes a financial disaster. THE PLANS As a result, there have been Every project is unique, therefore how innumerable jobs in which there have you interpret the information is critical. been substantial losses and companies You need to understand everything liquidated. In many instances this on the plans to complete the project has come about through lack of within the estimate and ahead of ∫ Are the Liquidation Damages clauses diligence when reading the plans and schedule. These plans are required to acceptable? specifications. In the legal world, Due estimate your costs for materials and ∫ Is there a Schedule of Rates? Diligence means “A complete and labour, obtain your permits, establish ∫ Do we need to qualify our tender? appropriate review of documentation a construction schedule, and complete ∫ Tendering to government. and facts by a party, before engaging in the project in a timely manner. business with another party”. With the continued advancement of Just to pick up the documents and technology throughout the construction start the take-off without assessing THE SPECIFICATION industry, digital plans are becoming these questions, may incur many For the novice estimator, the most increasingly popular due to ease of unproductive hours. If you say NO to overlooked part of the specification is making edits and sharing plans among any of these questions, it will be a good usually the beginning. These are the on-site team members. Be careful with indication to not submit a tender. General Conditions, written in legal notes on the drawings, they can often Do we want this job? How often, when jargon. This is where the sh*t interfaces be conflicting. Such as “any work shown work is short, do we believe we want with the fan. It becomes apparent in one location on the plans will be every job. However, if the answer to any very quickly how important it is to considered to be shown in all locations.” of these questions is in the negative, understand this jargon, as a few words how much is the risk? Is it worth the could represent a major cost. Before THE CONTRACT gamble or will there be less distress in starting any take-off, one of the first After reading all the documents, declining to tender? details to check is the construction the estimator needs to consider the Who is the contract with? Are timeline. If you are not capable of following questions: we prepared to work with this meeting these timelines, do not even ∫ Do we want this job? organisation? Do we know their consider producing an estimate. ∫ Who is the contract with? payment record? Have we checked their Failed timelines can invoke liquidated ∫ Is the location within our travel financial background? damages, which can be enormous, and award? Is the location within our travel award? many contractors have bankrupted just ∫ Can we complete within the time Will we be competing with companies on this clause alone. schedule? which do not have the same travel It is important to read the “Scope” ∫ Do we have the human resources? expense to access the site? Will there first to ensure you are fully aware of what ∫ Do we have the expertise for this job? be airfares and accommodation involved your estimate must cover. Systems and ∫ Can we finance it? for all, or only a few tenderers? If it is a equipment provided by others could be ∫ Is the payment schedule to our remote site do our competitors already involved and may not be shown on the satisfaction? have an established site set-up?

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Can we complete within the time a major expense setting up the site? a proposal then you must include schedule? A construction project’s Can we apply for a site set-up payment? qualifi cations. You can protect yourself schedule outlines each step that Is the Payment Schedule to our from poor and incomplete engineering should be completed by a specifi c date. satisfaction? Does the frequency of by writing a thorough proposal. Exclude A successful schedule ensures that progress payments suit our fi nancial work that is not shown on the electrical project steps are completed in a timely program? Are they regular monthly plans and exclude dangerous phrases in manner and without delays or penalties payments or paid by stages? the specifi cations. will be imposed. Are the Liquidated Damages clauses Do we have the human resources? acceptable? Liquidated damages are TENDERING TO GOVERNMENT By studying the time schedule and the mechanism through which one party The Commonwealth, States and considering the size of the project, can claim monetary compensation for Territories and local governments each do we have the team to cope? Can we loss or damage that occurs because of have their own legislation and guidelines increase our team numbers? What is the other party’s failure to deliver the governing procurement. It is important the employment market situation? Do works, goods, or services under the to understand the procurement rules we have other projects being completed contract on time. This clause has sent and the options available if there is in time to relocate labour? many sub-contractors into bankruptcy. a need to challenge procurement Do we have the expertise for the Is there a Schedule of Rates? You decisions. job? If this work is outside our normal should be careful of the request for working skills and licensing? Do we these rates. Many ask for a price for an have expertise within our own team to outlet, without any reference to route Brian Seymour, MBE, is the author of Electrical accomplish? Can we hire people with length or installation details. No better Estimator’s Labour Unit the expertise, or would that put us out than throwing a dart at the board. Manual, Starting Out, Electrical Contracting in of the running? Do we need to qualify our tender? Australia and 100 Years – Can we fi nance it? Depending on the If any of the above questions produce Electrical Contracting in Australia. schedule of progress payments, is there a NO, and you still wish to submit

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$PSHF7HFKQRORJLHV3W\/WG 7HO   (PDLOVDOHV#DPSHFFRPDX:HEZZZDPSHFFRPDX APPRENTICE CORNER - JAMES TINSLAY THE LOGISTICS OF LICENSING

James Tinslay discusses his thoughts on national licensing and the electrical industry’s apprenticeships numbers in the face of COVID-19.

hose in the electrical contracting including electrical. In what appears industry, or indeed any industry to be a case of minimum consultation, T where electrical licensing is the Federal Treasurer said he hoped the required, will be well aware of the new legislation would be in place by 1 decades of discussions, plans and January 2021. This brings to mind the discarded plans to bring in a national term, ‘pigs might fly’. licensing system. It might well be that the State It beggars belief that in 2020, we Treasurers agree to the plan, but it’s still have eight licensing jurisdictions a sure bet that many of the electrical throughout a country with a population regulators in the states will not be of just north of 20 million people. happy with this as it is recognised that It seems like decades ago that COAG some States have higher standards agreed to a national occupational than others. The ETU came out quickly licensing (NOL) system when I was after the announcement, saying this an industry representative on the plan is cutting red tape by cutting NOL’s coordinating group for its corners and it will risk the safety of establishment. The process even workers and consumers. reached the stage of advertising for This proposal got surprisingly little its CEO and after interviews were publicity given there are over 800 types conducted the plans were quashed by of trade licenses in Australia. I watch the government. with interest. While I was disappointed that our When this column was written it industry would not get a consistent was clear that Australia had done There has been a significant hit on the licensing system it was clear that the extraordinarily well in bringing number of apprentices who were laid off proposed model was far from perfect COVID-19 under control with just during the height of COVID-19. with both NECA and the ETU not being about every border open. The comfortable to move forward with the Byzantian nature of border politics was details. staggering considering that we are a when the June quarter figures are Since that time, we have had a Commonwealth! available there will be a further decrease national mutual recognition system The construction industry has done in commencements which will flow in place but again that is far from moderately well during the pandemic through the industry for four-plus years. perfect. The Productivity Commission with extended working hours just one Finally, food for thought. in 2015 criticised the working of mutual example of how to implement COVID NCVER also reported that, “most recognition schemes then operating. safe on site. However, there has been trade apprentices who don’t complete The Commission stated, “automatic a significant hit on the number of new their training cite employment-related mutual recognition was a flexible, low- apprentices and the number of existing reasons for leaving, highlighting cost way of facilitating trade and labour apprentices who were laid off during the how crucial the employer’s role is mobility while minimising the regulatory period. in supporting them to finish their burden”. NCVER (the national professional apprenticeships”. In what appears to be a case OF here body responsible for collecting, Does that say something more about we go again, Federal Treasurer Josh managing, analysing and Zoomers or Gen Z than employers? Frydenberg, announced in August 2020 communicating research and statistics the plan, agreed to by the nation’s on the Australian VET sector) has treasurers, that would, “help to address findings that indicate a significant impediments to labour mobility across reduction in trade commencements. James Tinslay is a consultant jurisdictions by allowing a person who is The latest figures available were and engineer with some 40 licensed or registered in one jurisdiction from the March 2020 quarter which years of industry experience. He is an ex-CEO of NECA and to be already considered registered in shows about an 11% decrease a director of NECA Electrical another in an equivalent occupation”. in commencements in trade Apprenticeships. This plan covers hundreds of licences apprenticeship. It is expected that

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CITT 56309 TITAB Ad update_2.indd 1 13/3/20 12:07 pm CLOSER TO MUTUAL RECOGNITION APPRENTICE WAGE SUBSIDIES Australian apprentice’s or trainee’s OF OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES – A BOOST TO ELECTRICAL gross wage paid. Earlier this year state and federal APPRENTICE NUMBERS ∫ The wage subsidy is available for treasurers agreed to harmonise their If you’re considering taking on a maximum of $7,000 per quarter laws so that occupational licenses, an apprentice, here’s what you per eligible Australian apprentice or including electrician licences, need to know about the Boosting trainee. would automatically be recognised Apprenticeship Commencements ∫ The subsidy is available for wages nationwide. Now a step closer, wage subsidy and how to access one paid from 5 October 2020 to 30 the National Cabinet at a meeting of the 100,000 places. September 2021. Payments will be in November agreed in principle made quarterly in arrears, with fi rst to develop an Intergovernmental Is my business eligible? claims for the subsidy available from Agreement on Automatic Mutual The Boosting Apprenticeship 1 January 2021. Recognition of Occupational Licences, Commencements wage subsidy ∫The fi nal claims for payment must with the intention for mutual supports businesses to take on be lodged by 31 December 2021. recognition of licensing to commence new apprentices and trainees. It is 1 July 2021. NECA has long called for available to employers of any size, How can I apply or fi nd out more? harmonisation of licensing to support industry or location. For further information on how labour mobility. Your business may be eligible if: to apply for the subsidy, including ∫ you engage an Australian apprentice information on eligibility, contact an or trainee between 5 October 2020 Australian Apprenticeship Support EXCELLENCE AWARDS DOUBLE- and 30 September 2021; and Network provider. Visit www. HEADER IN 2021 ∫ your Australian apprentice or australianapprenticeships.gov.au We are excited to see our NECA trainee is undertaking a Certifi cate Excellence Awards program back on II or higher qualifi cation and has a Changes introduced to support the track for 2021. training contract that is formally subsidy’s integrity NECA’s National Excellence approved by the relevant state After speaking with the Offi ce of Awards, which recognise outstanding training authority. Federal Minister for Employment professionalism, commitment and and Skills Michaelia Cash, NECA innovation within the electrical Note, the subsidy is not available for understands ongoing compliance and communications industry, will apprentices receiving other forms of activity will work to ensure the funding combine project submissions from Australian Government wage subsidy is going to genuinely new apprentices. 2020 and 2021, and culminate in a e.g. Supporting Apprentices and NECA is actively working to avoid a combined 2020/21 National Awards Trainees, JobKeeper or the JobMaker repeat of the VET FEE-HELP scenario, event. Nominations open December Hiring Credit. where unscrupulous businesses 2020. Reach out to your local NECA and training organisations cost Branch for more details. How much is the subsidy? the government billions of dollars, ∫ Eligible employers will receive a with limited upside in terms of new KEY DATES FOR THE DIARY: wage subsidy of up to 50% of the electrical apprentice numbers. Western Australia: Friday, 25 June 2021 Australian Capital Territory: ELECTROTECHNOLOGY TRAINING refrigeration and air conditioning, Friday, 6 August 2021 PACKAGE ENDORSEMENT renewable and sustainable Tasmania: The Electrotechnology Training energy sectors. The AISC has also Saturday, 14 August 2021 Package –which covers some 87 recommended a 2-year train-out of Queensland: qualifi cations, 75 skill sets and 614 the existing UEE11 training package, Friday, 20 August 2021 units of competence – has fi nally been in recognition of the impact from the Victoria: endorsed by the Australian Industry COVID-19 pandemic. Friday, 27 August 2021 Skills Committee (AISC) and signed off NECA representatives have been New South Wales: by state and territory Skills Ministers instrumental in the development of Friday, 10 September 2021 across the country. the training package, and would like to South Australia/Northern Territory: This training package covers the acknowledge Larry Moore (Chairman – Friday, 10 September 2021 qualifi cations for the electrical, Electrotechnology IRC), Carl Copeland National (Canberra): electronics, hazardous areas, and Peter Beveridge for their hard Thursday, 18 November 2021 instrumentation, rail signalling, work and dedication to this process.

52 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 WWWWWW.NNEECCAA..AASN.AAU

WOMEN IN THE ELECTRICAL AND PROGRESS ON UNFAIR CONTRACT size to enforce detrimental and COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY LEGISLATION AN IMPORTANT unfair contracts on smaller parties ADVISORY GROUP STEP FORWARD on a ‘take-it or leave-it’ basis. NECA is proud to be a leading electrical NECA praised state and federal Subcontractors, who tend to be and communications industry advocate governments for agreeing to smaller businesses, often do not for gender equity and diversity. We strengthen protections for small have the capacity to fairly and actively support breaking down divisions, businesses from unfair contract equitably negotiate contracts”. broadening economic opportunities terms. This decision at the Consumer and a diverse workforce that achieves a NECA has long advocated for Aff airs Forum is a step in the right greater participation and employment of stronger unfair contract legislation, direction, which will help electrical women in trades. which ensures smaller businesses contracting fi rms. In the largest single trade occupation are able to compete on a level playing This decision at the Consumer in Australia – that of the electrician – fi eld. Aff airs Forum is a step in the right women make up just 1.3 percent of the NECA outlined its position to direction, which will help electrical total. Treasury in a letter earlier this year contracting fi rms. In September 2020, NECA and it is positive to see government The expansion of the defi nition formed the Women in Electrical and responding to concerns of NECA of small business is a key move Communications Industry Advisory members. that NECA has called for in its Group (WECAG) to address the Speaking on the issue, NECA submissions as even larger challenges of successfully attracting, Executive Director Oliver Judd says: electrical contracting businesses recruiting and retaining women into “Unscrupulous principal contractors can suff er at the hands of principal electrical careers. are known to use their power and contractors.

NECA’S PRESTIGIOUS EXCELLENCE AND APPRENTICE AWARDS ARE NOW OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS Contact your state office or visit www.neca.asn.au for more details

www.electricalconnection.com.au 53 FINALLY, THERE IS A BETTER presentations again to reinforce their OPTION FOR TRAINING ELECTRICAL learning; a far cry from the dusty APPRENTICES IN NSW AND ACT textbook with illustrations from Due to overwhelming demand, NECA decades ago. Training has opened the doors to its One-on-one support - We have one- electrical training colleges in NSW on-one, after-hours tuition for your and ACT to external apprentices. apprentice when they need extra help, An apprentice no longer needs to at no extra cost. be employed with NECA Electrical Nationally recognised - We only Apprenticeships to attend. delivers nationally recognised NECA Training has demonstrated training that can be used anywhere in that its colleges provide superior Australia. All training is accredited and learning outcomes and a better complies with ASQA standards. student experience. This translates to eProfiling - We set up your more efficient and safer apprentices apprentice on the eProfiling system on worksites. Employers that directly at no extra cost. This system helps employ their apprentices have been you, your apprentice and us to keep CONSIDERING TAKING ON AN demanding these better learning a digital record of your apprentice’s APPRENTICE? GET IN TOUCH outcomes for their apprentices and on-job experience because learning WITH YOUR LOCAL NECA GROUP NECA Training has listened. happens both on-site and in the TRAINING ORGANISATION NECA Training is now accepting classroom. Australian Capital Territory enrolments for 2021. We can also employ - We also NECA Training and Apprenticeships employ apprentices through our group www.necatraining.com.au Why choose a NECA training college? training scheme, NECA Electrical (02) 6280 5580 No stress - We take care of all your Apprenticeships, so if you’re no longer New South Wales enrolment documentation at no able to support your apprentice or NECA Training and Apprenticeships charge so you can focus on running if they need broader experience to www.necatraining.com.au your business. complete their training, we can help. (02) 9744 2754 Industry specialists - Electrical Queensland training is all we do. Why enrol your Where to from here? NECA Training and Apprenticeships apprentice at any generic college Entry requirement www.necatraining.com.au when you can train with the electrical There is a minimum requirement (07) 3276 7950 industry specialists? for language, literacy and numeracy South Australia Flexibility - We accept students (LLN) standard. Applicants will be NECA Careers and Apprenticeships mid-way through an apprenticeship required to conduct an assessment www.necaapprentices.com.au or even mid-way through a semester. to determine their LLN level. A sample (08) 8272 0799 If you’re not satisfied with the college quiz demonstrating the required LLN Tasmania your apprentice is currently attending can be accessed by contacting NECA NECA Education & Careers and want to transition, get in touch. Training. www.necaeducation.com.au Government funded - The college (03) 6424 5626 NORTH is government funded. For NSW Delivery Format (03) 6245 0770 SOUTH businesses there is no charge for the At NECA Training we follow a standard Victoria employer or the apprentice. For ACT- apprentice delivery format. NECA Education & Careers based business, the cost is the same For the first three stages of the www.necaeducation.com.au as CIT. apprenticeship, apprentices will be (03) 9381 1922 Advanced learning - Every required to attend college one day a Western Australia apprentice attending the college is week and spend the rest of the week Electrical Group Training allocated their own computer and on the job working with your business. www.egt.net.au G-Suite account. Experienced trainers In the fourth stage of the (08) 6241 6100 lead students through the content, Apprenticeship, apprentices will College of Electrical Training supported by our digital platform. be required to complete their final www.cet.asn.au This digital content can be accessed capstone assessment which is the (08) 9233 5000 JOONDALUP from home at any time, so apprentices gateway to obtaining an electrical (08) 6595 6600 JANDAKOT can reattempt quizzes or watch licence.

54 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 WWWWWW.NNEECCAA..AASN.AAU

NECA SA INTRODUCES DUAL closely with the state government to NECA VIC BRINGS TOGETHER TRADE APPRENTICESHIP develop this dual trade apprenticeship, INDUSTRY UNDER ONE VIRTUAL NECA is pleased to announce the new and we’re excited to see this ROOF dual electrician and refrigeration/ air implemented, so that our members In response to the continued conditioning apprenticeship. can benefi t from having multiskilled COVID-19 lockdowns NECA brought Recently developed in South workers.” the local electrical industry in Australia in conjunction with the state To develop the program, RAC and Victoria together under one virtual training authority and the Training and Electrical subject matter experts roof in November 2020 for its Skills Commission (TASC), this new from both private and government Virtual Conference and Tradeshow apprenticeship will train for electrical South Australian RTOs mapped out - 25 presentations, 25 exhibitors and refrigeration and air conditioning the units from both qualifi cations, and thousands of contractors and (RAC) work concurrently, resulting identifi ed those that overlapped, industry stakeholders. in a multi-skilled technician, able to then constructed a single program, If you missed it, you can access perform the full scope of work of both which runs for a nominal 1,540 hours, all presentations and resources on disciplines. Electrical Refrigeration Air compared to the usual 1,060 hours for demand at www.neca.asn.au/vic Conditioning Technician Apprentices a single-trade qualifi cation. Watch Jeff Davis, NHP talk about will complete both the Electrical trade Mr Moore says that the qualifi cation RCB’s and RCBO’s and what you Certifi cate III (UEE30811) and the Air makes sense for HVAC&R technicians, need to consider when selecting and Conditioning and Refrigeration trade when so much of their work requires a designing an electrical installation. Certifi cate III (UEE32211), so they will full electrical licence. Michael Weekes, NECA discusses graduate fully licensed in both trades. NECA SA/NT member Damien Wiring Systems for safety services to The Minister for Innovation Staltari, Managing Director of D-STAL comply with AS/NZS3000:2018 and and Skills in South Australia, the Electrical, welcomed the dual trade AS/NZS3013. Honourable David Pisoni MP, was pathway. Gary Busbridge reviews Amendment excited to announce this new “This reform and the new wage 2 changes to the Wiring Rules that apprenticeship at the NECA SA/NT subsidy from the federal government are expected to be published in early 2020 Apprentice Awards Dinner in for new apprentices will encourage 2021. October. employers to take on new or additional Those active in the Solar space “The qualifi cation sets a new apprentices, which will create more should catch Solar Victoria’s update benchmark in Australia for the jobs.” about the Solar Homes Program and delivery of trade qualifi cations in “Having people employed with this NECA’s Louis Knoops on Solar earthing two disciplines and establishes a dual trade will deliver effi ciencies requirements and installation safety. pilot model for additional dual trade on certain jobs for a business like If you’re thinking about broadening pathways in the future,” Minister ours, which will allow us to grow our your horizons next year? Tap into Pisoni said. business and deliver more cost- Jet Charge CEO, Tim Washington’s “For some time the refrigeration and eff ective services.” presentation on EV Charging, or the air conditioning sector has reported A pilot project will be rolled out Home Automation presentation from a shortage of electrical refrigeration in 2021 with the recruitment and Middy’s Tech expert Nick Baker. technicians who are fully skilled and employment of these new dual trade Tune into the CEO of NECA licensed in both the electrical and apprentices managed by our Group Education & Careers, Phil Green as refrigeration trades. Training Organisation, NECA Careers he explains why electricians must “Despite both qualifi cations being and Apprenticeships (NCA). embrace new technology - Internet in demand, until now the only way NCA will be searching for candidates of Things (IoT) and Guillaume Gimaret to resolve this issue was by people to be the fi rst dual trade apprentices from Legrand talks about how to make completing two apprenticeships – that to start in January 2021. NCA are your residential IoT project a success. can take up to eight years. currently searching for host employers “Through concurrent delivery of the who can take these apprentices training, it is intended that the dual for their on-the-job training. trade qualifi cation can be achieved competencies of their training. in just fi ve years, making the new If you are interested in being apprenticeship attractive to both involved in this innovative project, employees and employers.” please contact the NECA Careers & NECA SA/NT Executive Director Apprenticeships offi ce on (08) 8272 Larry Moore said: “We’ve worked 0799/[email protected].

www.electricalconnection.com.au 55 CHARGING INTO THE FUTURE

As we welcome 2021, Standards Australia continues to focus on exciting developments within the electrical and energy sector and support industry through our commitment to deliver innovative standard solutions.

A FULLY CHARGED FUTURE WITH The voices of Australian experts signs including the use of LEDs when ELECTRIC CARS will contribute towards international changing the speed remotely. An It’s a strange thought that Back to the standards development with important ability in the case of an Future II features the prediction of stakeholders wanting to align Australia accident or extreme weather to keep fl ying cars in the year 2015. We may and New Zealand’s live working roads across the nation safe. not be there just yet, but the popularity equipment with international standards of electric vehicles (EVs) on the global to allow for an increase in competition USER FRIENDLY PUBLIC COMMENTING market is creating some excitement. and assist in reducing the barrier to PLATFORM Australia has recently joined the trade. Designed to make public commenting international technical committee The scope of the committee easier and simpler for both commenters responsible for standards in the electric encompasses: and committees, Standards Australia vehicle space (IEC TC 69: Electrical ∫Arc fl ash protective equipment has launched a new public commenting Power/Energy Transfer Systems for product and testing requirements platform and integrated it into our Electrically Propelled Road Vehicles and ∫ Live work tools and equipment contributor portal, Connect (https:// Industrial Trucks). product and testing requirements connect.standards.org.au). The aim is to support the development ∫ Minimum approach distance A range of updates and additions of standards that will prepare our calculations provides an open, transparent and energy grid for an increase in demand interactive public commenting platform and support the successful deployment The committee will oversee the to improve and automate the public of this technology. development of personal protective comment and resolution process. With Australian experts on this equipment (PPE) and safety equipment T he upgraded platform includes: international committee, we can when working with live electricity. ∫ A new and improved navigation ensure challenges facing the Australian If you have any questions regarding system landscape, such as the size of our the Live Working standards email ∫ Ability to read and endorse comments county or capability of our grid, are Standards Australia on SEM@ left by other contributors considered in global standardisation. standards.org.au ∫ Informs individuals if their With a global focus and commitment comment(s) have been accepted by to lowering carbon emissions1 and HIT THE ROAD JACK! the committee before publication, decarbonising the transportation The World Health Organization (WHO) and allows for comments on sector, Australia’s participation is identifi ed speed as a critical factor in international standards proposed for timely. road traffi c injuries2. With COVID-19 adoption in Australia. To quote Dr Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown: border restrictions starting to lift across “Great Scotts!” the country, the recent publication of UPDATE TO WIRING RULES the AS 5156:2020, Electronic speed limit AS/NZS 3000:2018, Electrical Installations AUSTRALIAN EXPERTS’ VOICES TO BE signs, is timely. also known as the Wiring Rules has seen HEARD ACROSS THE INTERNATIONAL With speed being a high contributing EL-001 complete the development of PLATFORM factor, the focus on speed limit signage Amendment 2 which includes; clarifi cation around common use areas, RCD’s, Australia has also joined as a is part of the broader aim of keeping testing and verifi cation, cables, electrical participating member on the motorists safe. equipment, and switchboards. international committee for live working It is vital that electronic speed limit Amendment 2 is expected to be published in early 2021. (IEC TC 78: Live Working). The objective signs consistently perform and can of Australia’s participation is to provide be adjusted depending on the road Footnotes: 1Source: https://www.carbonbrief.org/mission- end user and manufacturer input from conditions. 2020-new-global-strategy-rapidly-reduce-carbon- an Australian context into live working AS 5156:2020 outlines requirements emissions 2Source: https://www.who.int/violence_injury_ and arc fl ash protective equipment for the design, construction and prevention/publications/road_traffi c/world_report/ standards. performance of electronic speed speed_en.pdf

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Contact us on (03) 9381 1922 apprenticeships | traineeships | training neca education.com.au/iot ABN:53 054 944 366 | TOID:21098 LEGAL MATTERS - PAUL COTT BUILDING SURVEYORS AND YOU

In many instances, tradespeople who don’t always deal directly with a building surveyor on site, may be surprised at the lack of knowledge as to what the role of a building surveyor actually is and, on the contrary, what it isn’t. Paul Cott clears the confusion.

t appears as though the role of a building surveyor is hard for people I to define. Building surveyors do have a role to play in both residential and commercial projects. Basically, if a building permit is needed for the works, then a building surveyor will be required. I’ve noticed a tendency to automatically blame the building surveyor whenever there are defects and/or incomplete work on a domestic building project. Many tradies seem to assume that the role of a building surveyor is to pick up all defects and if any are discovered that the builder doesn’t point out to the owner then the building surveyor is at fault. From that, the automatic chain of reasoning tends to go as follows, ‘let’s join the building surveyor to the legal action’. It is often fallacious reasoning. A building surveyor has, as its overarching role, that of ensuring compliance of the building works and plans with the Act, regulations, standards and codes. However they are chiefly doing so from the perspective of ensuring the building is safe, accessible (more and more) and (more and more) energy efficient. It is the building surveyor’s role to issue occupancy permits, certificates of final inspection and building permits. One common instance where a advisor such as an architect) can It is of course part of those purposes, building surveyor and tradesperson appoint a building surveyor. for the building surveyor to conduct interact is during the period where This means that they are acting for, inspection; sometimes multiple advice to design and/or construction on behalf of, and are responsible to that inspections on a site. of the particular project is required. extent, to the owner. In reality though, There is a distinction which is worth Surveyors can also give directions to it is quite often the case that an owner mentioning in that building surveyors workers and tradespeople in regards to will ask the builder as to who they are divided up into Municipal Building safety on, standards and compliance recommend be appointed and so the Surveyors (MBS) and Private or with the law and regulations. reason why the law was changed so that Registered Building Surveyors (RBS). In the end, tradespeople on site have the owner now, rather than the builder, MBSs are employed by work for local their own health and safety protected to appoints the building surveyor (perceived councils whereas BSs are privately an extent by the actions of, and the role or real conflicts of interest for the builder operated surveyors who are usually of a building surveyor. to so appoint) are in that sense bypassed. (depending on which State you are in) Tradespeople in Victoria (and this is Before this article concludes, it is registered building practitioners and so a trend in other states) need to always timely to discuss the draft code of are regulated by the Building Act and remember that only an owner or an conduct for building surveyors currently similar legislation. agent (basically other professional being discussed in Victoria and which

58 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 other States are watching with an the case as many of the code principles times perhaps are tempted to regard interest to see what develops out of it are those which already apply to how building surveyors as inter meddlers, with a view to possible implementation building surveyors must act. that just create more work and hassle there too. Broadly, the code reinforces on the job, should in fact bear in mind The draft code has now closed in that building surveyors must act the key role they play in the commercial respect of public consultation and consistently with public health and and residential building space. input into it, having closed on 10 March safety, with integrity, honesty and be They are, just like many of the 2020. At the time of writing, an analysis impartial. Also they must now perform tradespeople reading this article, of the feedback provided was being competently, be independent, not act meant to be registered under, and are undertaken and a final version of it is where there is a conflict of interest, regulated by, the same local regulatory available on the VBAs website. maintain records and documents, body (the VBA by way of example, in One may well wonder why a draft communicate properly, and address Victoria). In addition, they are in a sense code of conduct was ever even required non-compliance issues (which is similar to umpires in team sports, not in the first place, given that building obviously, as stated above, a key part of in fact a necessary evil but the absence surveyors are already subject to a range their role). of which the game could not be played of accountability mechanisms. Many Perhaps one of the most useful parts at all. will have a strong view as to that, but of the code are the various practical tradespeople reading this article will just examples of real scenarios littered probably wonder how it affects them. The throughout, with recommended ways of answer is probably not a great deal. One acting in those scenarios in accordance Paul Cott LLB (Hons), Grad possibility (but it is early days obviously) with the code set out. Time will tell how Dip Legal Practice, LLM may be that there is tighter regulation or if the code, when in place, affects is a Principal Lawyer with and increased oversight on site by tradespeople’s lives in their day to day Law on Lydiard focusing on building and construction building surveyors as a result. work on projects. litigation. It may however be that this is not In conclusion, tradespeople while at

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60 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION Autumn 2021 A NEWONLINE DICTIONARY AIMS TO SQUASH MISCOMMUNICATION 66 HEALTH THE CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION THE WORD UP ON ON UP WORD INDUSTRY 70 BUSINESS

AUTUMN 2021 74 TRANSPORT COVER STORY

WORD UP ON CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS STANDARDS AUSTRALIA, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ABCB, HAS LAUNCHED AN ONLINE DICTIONARY OF TERMS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO HELP AVOID MISCOMMUNICATION BETWEEN TRADES, GOVERNMENT AND THE BROADER INDUSTRY.

ost of us can recall an working together at a national level. around. Standards Australia Senior episode of cringe-worthy Standards Australia, in partnership Stakeholder Engagement manager M miscommunication which left with the ABCB, has launched an online Alison Scotland says that’s just one of us embarrassed, but what if it affected dictionary of terms for the construction the reasons for the online dictionary our business, our ability to do our jobs industry to help avoid these situations. coming to fruition. sufficiently and safely, or our profit This is the first stage of the project, The main reason however was well margin? What if it left us vulnerable to which combines terms and definitions articulated in Shergold & Weir’s 2018 liability and legal action? from the NCC, Australian Standards, Building Confidence Report, which states: Between the various codes, joint Australian and New Zealand ‘Each jurisdiction has developed different regulations and standards across the Standards, and Handbook 50:2004 ways of describing the same or similar country there have arisen a number of Glossary of Building Terms. It aims terms or processes. This is not just a different ways of describing the same to assist industry, government and semantic issue. Different terminology or similar terms or processes, which consumers to understand the range of makes it very confusing to understand makes it very confusing to understand terminology used to describe the same and compare the legal requirements in and compare the legal requirements. or similar terms and processes across each jurisdiction. It also makes it difficult It also makes it difficult for industry Australia. for industry to operate across jurisdictions to operate across state and territory Anyone that has tried to read and and for jurisdictions to understand each borders and for all levels of government interpret the NCC other regulations will other’s systems when working together at to understand each other’s systems when know they can be hard to get your head a national level’.

62 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2021 Recommendation 22 of the report states, ‘That the Building Ministers’ Forum develop a national dictionary of terminology to assist jurisdictions, industry and consumers to understand the range of terminology used to describe the same or similar terms and processes in different jurisdictions’. “Prior to the report, however, the ABCB and SA were already in discussions about the challenge of terminology harmonization between the various Building and Construction Standards and the National Construction Code,” Alison says. “As there is no ‘source of truth’ this can result in confusion for the industry. We started working on an online glossary concept to raise awareness that multiple definitions exist and allow for the attrition of unnecessary duplication or invalid definitions over The online dictionary aims to avoid miscommunication between the various time.” trades and the broader industry as a whole. The website actually draws on content from various sources (NCC, standards and HB 50) and presents “This doesn’t stop with the creation continue to work collaboratively with them in one unified view and it is of the website, we are already working state and territory regulators and the hoped it will be another tool in a builder on the content update functionality building and plumbing sector in the or plumber’s kit, that helps them and will continue to enhance the second stage of work, to refine and compare and understand the range of performance of the website, depending expand the dictionary.” terminology used to describe the same on feedback we get from users,” Alison The final piece of this project is or similar terms and processes across says. the progressive development and Australia. And this is where you come in. If consultation on ‘Preferred Terms’ to As you can imagine, a project of you have any ideas or feedback on form a comprehensive list of preferred this magnitude doesn’t just come as a the website content, you can contact building and plumbing terminology for result of a few months’ work. It’s the Standards Australia to discuss further. consideration and future adoption by result of plenty of hard work, time and This might mean a change to an existing jurisdictions. collaboration. standard, or it could be feedback for the In a year where uncertainty is the “Standards Australia and the Australian Building Codes Board on NCC only certainty, and in which there Australian Building Codes Board have content. appears a lack of clear and definitive been exploring this idea since early The website content will also be information, the online dictionary of 2018 as part of Standards Australia updated whenever a new edition of the building terms will provide a welcome Incubator (an innovation and testing National Construction Code is published move in the right direction for the space),” Alison says. (next one is NCC 2022); which will construction sector. “A pilot was created and tested have its own list of updated referenced with building and plumbing industry standards. We are also aiming to The online dictionary can be found at stakeholders (members of the have Standards Australia technical www.constructiondictionary.com.au. ABCB’s Building and Plumbing Codes committees using this dictionary Committees, plus various technical as a tool, with the intent of aligning committees in Standards Australia) terminology and definitions whenever a during late 2018 and early 2019. The revision occurs. actual build project commenced late “The second stage of this work will 2019 and has resulted in the fabulous also involve expanding the sources website we see today.” included in the online dictionary The website is not the be all and end content, including terminology used in all though, as updates will be rolled out state and territory building legislation. in due time. Standards Australia and the ABCB will

Autumn 2021 ACROSS THE TRADES 63 EQUALITY CONSTRUCTION GENDER GAP STARTS AT THE BOTTOM WOMEN ARE UNDERREPRESENTED IN THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. SEAN CARROLL SPEAKS WITH HCF AUSTRALIA CLIENT SIDE PROJECT MANAGER AND UNISA ONLINE STUDENT KAVITA LACHMAIYA TO FIND OUT WHY THIS IS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.

n September 2020, the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) Queensland chapter called upon the I building and construction industry for a ‘pink collar’ boost to the economy, hoping to close the gender gap in the industry. According to research from the Australian Labour Market Information Portal, just 12.4% of all construction jobs are held by women with NAWIC Queensland saying the number is much lower when talking about women on the tools, somewhere around 2%. NAWIC Queensland president Jennifer Gillett says encouraging more women to pick up the tools could provide a boost to the economy by maximising local workforces: “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of supporting regional economies by keeping workers employed locally, and it’s fairly clear that the construction industry has an untapped resource due to the shortage of female tradies,” their opinions about it and overwhelmingly, it’s hard for she says. them to realise the benefits of good maternity leave in the “We want women to realise that construction offers a solid construction industry,” Kavita says. career path with varied roles - both on and off the tools - and “With women in decision-making roles, they can that there is work available with support through industry address issues that limit women joining the construction bodies like NAWIC for those looking to re-train.” industry, adding a different perspective. For example, by HCF Australia client side project manager and UniSA Online supporting young families with maternity and paternity construction management student Kavita Lachmaiya says leave construction companies can benefit by avoiding there are a number of great opportunities in the industry for costly recruitment fees, diversifying the workforce which women, but also many reasons stopping women from getting research shows is better for an industry and company, into it. value add propositions for valuable candidates, know your job “It’s a complex issue that won’t be solved overnight, but from is safe if you go on leave and so on.” my own experience, one of the key aspects contributing is the So what’s next? negative culture on worksites and just generally within the There’s no overnight solution, but Kavita says one of the construction industry,” she says. first things the industry can do is approach school leavers, Kavita says sometimes she’ll walk onto a site with external letting everyone know that there are opportunities in the contractors, somebody will say something, realise there’s a construction industry for all genders and help remove the woman on site and apologise. She asks why tradespeople feel stigma that it’s just for men. comfortable acting one way in front of each other but not when “It’s like any industry, you need to start somewhere and the someone else enters. bulk of entry-level jobs in the industry are on the tools,” Kavita “And then, there’s also just a general lack of representation explains. of females in the construction industry. Less female “With more men entering the industry early on, more men participation and representation, particularly in decision- continue up the industry ranks simply because there are more making roles, means that naturally, policies are designed to there.” suit males,” she says. It’s somewhat of a chicken and the egg conundrum that While the lead decision-makers aren’t gate keeping the needs to be broken. industry from women, with less women in places to shape the But as Kavita points out, there are so many avenues to industry, it’s hardly inviting when it comes to the bottom end take in the construction industry: “There are a lot of women of the industry. already, and men, already working there, ready to support you “I talk to our contractors about this a lot, just to get in this journey, you just need to be open to the opportunity.”

64 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2021 MAKE HARD WORK EASY HIACE

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TC 8410 AcrossTheTrades_FPC_205x276MM_V2.indd 2 4/9/20 5:01 pm HEALTH GETTING A HOLD ON ANXIETY

DR KIERAN KENNEDY SHARES THE NEED TO KNOWS WHEN IT COMES TO OUR MOST COMMON MENTAL STRUGGLE.

nxiety. No matter how much or how little you’ve struggled A with it, it’s something we all probably know far too well. It’s the most common of all mental health issues, and whether it’s a jolt of panic as we just miss that train or a niggling worry that just won’t go away it’s something we all go through in some form. World-wide, anxiety represents one of modern man’s most common health conditions with tens of millions suffering significantly with it each year. It’s a colossal issue - an invisible epidemic - and so believe me when I say it: mate, you’re not alone. Sure, we know what it feels like to be anxious but what exactly do we mean we when we say it. It’s key we call this out and get to know the basics - especially as we move through the year that was.

What is anxiety? Anxiety is incredibly common and involves both the mind and the body. In an evolutionary sense, it’s our compass and evolved as a way for our brain and body to tell safe from unsafe. States of anxiety are in essence our ‘fight or flight’ Anxiety can affect people both mentally and physically. Mental symptoms mode, and while sure that helped our long include feeling on edge, being restless and nervous while mental symptoms ago ancestors navigate those caveman include a racing heart rate. dangers, modern life is more than a little different. So much of what hits our danger buttons these days aren’t actual dangers What happens during anxiety? Thoughts about ourselves, the situation or threats. And there-in lies the problem. More so than nearly any other mental and why we’re feeling the way we do Research shows that a low level struggle, anxiety is a complex mix of often compound it all further and make of stress and anxiety can actually both mental and physical. us more anxious on top. improve our performance on certain Mental symptoms of anxiety include Physically, our body reacts strongly mental and physical tasks, so it’s not being ‘keyed up’ or on edge, or feeling to prepare us for potential danger when all bad. But anxiety that occurs irritable, restless, nervous, lower in we’re in the grips of anxiety - our heart in frequency, intensely mood or fearful. Feeling “fogged” or rate increases, breathing quickens and or at times where it’s not like we can’t concentrate are super tightens, muscles tense and skin starts warranted could signal a common as well - but we don’t to prickle. It’s common to sweat, jitter problem. It not only has the often think that anxiety might be and feel like there’s electricity moving potential to hit our mental behind it. At more severe levels through our bones. and physical health, but can anxiety triggers intense panic Both the thoughts and feelings that start to impact negatively or a looming sense of doom. make up anxiety often then flow on to on our performance in impact how we act; for some it’s shut everyday life if we down mode or avoiding altogether let it. Dr Kieran Kennedy. the situations or triggers for our fear.

66 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2021 Avoiding or deflecting what’s making us anxious is super common, but also sets up a dangerous cycle of reinforcing staying away from sorting the trigger.

When is it an issue? Genetics, our biology, personal beliefs, past experiences, current stressors and even things like drugs and alcohol all have the potential to dish out just how much and how full our anxiety is. Stressful but common events like struggles with clients, a deadline or family trouble can be big triggers for anxiety ramping up. Usually it’s temporary and improves as we tackle it head on or the issues pass. In other cases, anxiety progresses past the normal realms of daily stress. There are times when anxiety might emerge seemingly from nowhere Taking 10-15 minutes to calm the body by meditating or paying close without a clear trigger, or at other times attention to your breathing can calm the body and curb anxiety. it ramps up frequently and intensely beyond our control. Types of anxiety including everything shared is a problem halved. Of course, there are times when even from Generalised Anxiety Disorder On a practical level, next time you our very best efforts still have anxiety (constant anxiety and uncontrollable find yourself feeling overly stressed ramping high. It’s important that if worries), Social Phobia (intense anxiety and anxious, take a minute to stop and anxiety is becoming a major problem before, during or after social situations) recognise what’s happening. Knowledge and causing significant issues for you or Panic Disorder (frequent panic is power and we know that most people and your life that you reach out and ask attacks without clear triggers). don’t even know when they’re actually for help. As with all mental health, it’s key to feeling anxious. Needing help from your doctor or a remember that ‘disorders’ mean anxiety Learn your ‘tells’ for anxiety, and mental health professional is never occurs often or severe enough to cause practice picking them up early. We’re weakness, and you’re definitely not significant distress or interruption to often flooded with unhelpful thoughts alone among the millions worldwide daily life. Some level of anxiety in our when we’re anxious that make the that are getting it. There are a wide day to day life is completely normal but spiral worse, so practice stopping, range of hugely effective medical if it begins to affect us frequently or noting when you’re anxious and honing and psychological techniques to help impact our ability to be the person we in on the thoughts that are causing it. improve, manage and cure even the want to be, do the things we want to Rationalising untrue or catastrophising most extreme anxiety. do or perform the way we need to, it’s a thoughts can be tough, but with practice If you or someone you know needs signal we might need help. you’ll get better (and so will your help, see www.beyondblue.com.au or anxiety). www.lifeline.com.au, or contact your How do we tackle it? Learning a simple technique to calm local doctor or mental health service. Recognising the symptoms of anxiety, the body can be the next step in curbing Whatever the work week’s bringing, learning to pick up when it’s there for us the anxiety gremlin. Longer term, take anxiety is a normal part to our day to and learning some simple tricks to short time each day to practice a simple day lives, but it’s not one that has to run circuit it can put us back in the driver’s meditation. This might be paying close the show. Reach out. seat. Things like regular exercise, and calm attention to an object near you moderating excess alcohol or drugs and or sitting to merely focus on the feeling prioritising sleep are simple every day of your breath moving in and out of your As a medical doctor and psychiatry ways to reduce how much it takes hold. nose for five or ten minutes. Guided help resident with degrees in psychology, physiology and medicine/surgery, Dr Talking to loved ones or a professional with this from apps like Headspace can Kieran Kennedy holds a passion for about our stressors and anxiety work wonders, and if you practice daily furthering the mental and physical triggers helps in and of itself in a big with time, your mind can learn to be health of the modern man and woman. www.drkierankennedy.com way too - it’s cliche, but a problem calmer and centred at baseline.

Autumn 2021 ACROSS THE TRADES 67 MARKETING MAKING A CASE FOR DIGITAL MARKETING DIGITAL MARKETING QUADRUPLED THE TURNOVER OF DEAN ELABBAS’ PLUMBING COMPANY IN THREE YEARS: WHAT IS IT AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

OVID-19 has made it more important than ever for tradies to get their services noticed online. C With less people out on the road listening to the radio and looking at billboards and less foot-traffic through shopping centres every day, online is one place where you know there will always be eyes on the page. But how do you get eyes on your page? 24-hour Melbourne Plumbers director Dean Elabbas says that when he founded his business he paid a lot in subscription fees for his service to be included in online and hardcopy directories. Since instead deciding to focus on digital marketing and advertising his business has gone from $200,000 in revenue to over $1 million in four years. “In the beginning the subscriptions were costing more money than I was making. And the problem with online directories is that they are showing your potential customer Sagar recommends you even consider running a marketing your business and everybody else’s business too,” Dean says. campaign to get your business out to new audiences. Google, “I started to think I needed to look for other options. I ended Facebook, Linked-In and Instagram are some of the platforms up engaging a digital marketing agency. that offer advertising services that allow you to utilize user “I was very surprised with the results. We went from no data to target posts to people in certain areas, of certain ages calls, other than word of mouth recommendations, to receiving who have certain interests. ten calls, 20 calls, 30 calls a week. We probably get 500 a “These platforms’ social and advertising features are pretty month now,” he says. easy to use for the layperson. But you should think about “I would say 99% of our work comes from our presence on which platform your potential customers would trust most the internet. You have to be there,” he says. “Now I have a team and focus your time or money on that,” he says. of six plumbers to help me with the work.” “Are they people who are in a rush to find a service and will Xugar SEO specialist Sagar Santhi says tradies looking directly search through Google? Are they creative types who into whether they should invest their time or money in digital get inspiration for home design on Instagram and blogs, or are marketing should think about how customers find out about they business leaders networking on LinkedIn? their business online. “Make sure you measure the results of your campaign and “Digital marketing is just the use of the internet, mobile identify what worked best according to the goals you set at devices, social media, search engines, and other channels to the start.” reach potential customers,” Sagar says. Dean says that tradies seeking to engage a marketing “Pretend you’re a potential customer looking for a tradie in your service to flex some digital muscle on their behalf should only field online. What are the words they would type into Google? For sign a short-term contract to begin with. example they may type: ‘Melbourne plumber’ or ‘Night electrician “I recommend that you start on something month-to-month Sydney’. These phrases are called keywords,” he explains. so you don’t end up paying for an agency that’s not producing “Type those keywords into Google. Does your service results,” he says. appear? Do you have positive reviews online that potential “A good sign is if the service has a lengthy conversation with customers can easily see? Can your potential client easily you about your market currently and where you want to take contact you once they find the landing page of your website? your business into the future. “This investigation may lead you to changing your website to “In the first month you should see small changes to your include more of the search terms people would type into Google website and your pages should be updated regularly with new to find your business, or making sure the phone number on your posts. Within three months, your website should have moved website is clickable from a mobile phone, or even encouraging up the Google rankings and you should start receiving more more of your happy customers to leave reviews.” calls.”

68 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2021 Build your understanding – with NCC CPD Online courses now available!

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It has never been more important to nail compliance Developed by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) in and deepen your understanding of the National consultation with industry, government and subject matter experts, Construction Code (NCC). The new online Continuing NCC CPD helps you build on your NCC knowledge and get ahead. Professional Development (CPD) courses will assist to address some of the challenges industry practitioners Courses are available to purchase online now. face in understanding and applying the NCC. Subscribe to receive updates including special introductory pricing as courses are released.

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© Commonwealth of Australia and the States and Territories of Australia 2020, published by the Australian Building Codes Board.

POI005_NCC CPD_Print Advert Updated_FA.indd 1 20/8/20 3:46 pm BUSINESS PRICING FOR PROFIT

IF YOU’RE PUTTING IN EXTRA WORK AND DOING MORE JOBS BUT THE REWARDS AREN’T EQUATING THE EFFORT, YOU MIGHT BE PRICING YOUR JOBS INCORRECTLY. NEXT LEVEL TRADIE CREATOR AND BUSINESS COACH DANIEL FITZPATRICK EXPLAINS.

hris sits nervously waiting for Alex his Accountant to report C if it was a successful year this time. Or whether, despite his best efforts, he is still looking for the elusive ‘extra profit’. He’s really worked hard and was proud to have finally hit the one million dollar mark for sales. But deep down, in his gut, he’s just a little worried. “The bank account has been a bit tight lately,” Chris begins. “Some of our clients have been shopping around. Comparing prices with other competitors. I’ve had to sharpen the pencil a few times. “There were also a few surprises on some jobs where I suspect we lost money on. “But hey - we’ve been really busy… So with all the extra work, it should make up for it – right?” Alex puts on his accounting voice, Spending time to ensure you get your pricing right will make the difference which is never a great sign. between a profitable year or simply breaking even. “I see you’ve billed a lot more this year. In fact 32% more. That’s good. But I see your margins have slipped,” he says. If this sounds all too familiar, the first during the month, and also when work Okay, so what does that mean? place to start is with your pricing. starts to slow up. “You’ve made an extra $10,000 profit As a contractor, the labour allowance You’ll find yourself sweating it out, compared to last year, but that’s it. I you include when pricing jobs (made hoping there will be enough money in think you might be up of the number the bank to pay staff and suppliers. pricing too low on of hours allocated Ultimately, you’ll find yourself your work.” to the job plus the frustrated that profits are disappointing “Bugger,” Chris actual cost per hour) year after year. says. Alternatively, if your will be essential in Alternatively, if your pricing is too “Those extra guys I pricing is too high, determining how high, you could be losing too many jobs took on last year. And you could be losing much profit you make to your competitors. all those late nights this year. So how do you work out your labour and weekends. With too many jobs to And also the long allowance accurately? nothing to show for it your competitors. term success of your Some base their allowance relative but a measly extra 10 business. to the experience and skill level of their grand!” If these allowances team. Or what they think the market Chris heads home are too low, no matter will pay. Others go on gut feel and adjust angry, frustrated and what else you do, you pricing according to how much work discouraged. He knows he can’t go on won’t be able to make good profits. A they have. Some even guess what their another year like this. There has to be a sign of this is that cashflow will always competitors’ rates might be and base it better way, he thinks to himself. be tight, most noticeably at peak times on that.

70 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2021 These are factors you should be aware of, but this is not the right way to price and will get you into trouble. Use these calculations instead:

1) Actual cost per hour calculation To get this right, you first need to start with your actual costs. Let’s take a look at a William who has been working for Chris, as an example. William is a good, reliable hard worker and gets the jobs done quickly and efficiently. William works on average 38 hours per week at an hourly rate of $28 per hour which is $55,328 per year. Chris believes William costs $28 per hour and some extras.

Here is a breakdown of actual costs for William: Overhead cost calculation: Costs *Please note: rates and figures included in this article are indicative only, and include that are not directly related to the jobs all allowances, loadings, and penalty rates as allowed for under the relevant industrial (compulsory workers compensation, award. Please seek legal advice if you are unsure about the reward requirements for your administration staff, rent, office industry. expenses, advertising, vehicle expenses, etc.). To calculate this accurately for your are tracked against the estimated position to price the job. Here are the business, take all overhead expenses hours for each job, time blowouts are calculations: for the year divided by total hours spent usually not seen (aka backcosting). This Actual cost per hour per employee x on the jobs to get an hourly rate. This is often where tradies get tripped up. number of hours allocated to the job = can range somewhere between $15-$25 As a business coach, many labour allowance per hour, depending on your fixed costs contractors I work with have Labour allowance + material costs = and the size of your company. significantly increased their profits by total cost getting control of their hours worked on Total cost x mark up = total price to Non-billable hours: Hours not directly the job and quoting based on newfound quote client related to the job itself (toolbox understanding of how many hours a job So start with actual costs and make talks, training, health and safety actually takes (as opposed to how long sure you are pricing right. It will be the documentation, onsite meetings, delays you think it takes). difference between being successful or in start times, dates where your team So check times on every job compared frustrated with nothing in the bank. is less productive, weather stoppages, against your time estimates to see how Once you allow for your labour supply delays, etc.). accurate you have been. Then use this allowance, check your mark up – is it Although Chris initially thought history as a guide for quoting for new enough? If it’s too low, then it’s time William cost $28.00 per hour plus work. to start increasing prices and making extras, to his surprise the actual decent money. costs are $76.67 per hour. Putting it all together: mark up and profit 2) Number of hours Now that Chris understands his allocated to the job labour allowance, he is in a better Estimating accurately how long a job will take is also Are you making the money you essential to making profit. Business coach deserve? Grab a free strategy session Every hour worked over and creator with me, and we will go through your the estimated time eats of Next Level situation to make sure you are pricing for profit. Go here: https:// into profit. Tradie Daniel nextleveltradie.co.nz/nextstep Unless hours worked Fitzpatrick.

Autumn 2021 ACROSS THE TRADES 71 HEALTH INVESTING IN MENTAL HEALTH EM PLOYSURE SHARES SOME TOP TIPS FOR MAINTAINING A HEALTHIER, HAPPIER AND HARDER WORKING TEAM.

hether you’re in construction, health or finance, employees’ personal safety is a top priority for W employers. Though the hazards may differ, the desired outcomes and the financial and emotional impact on employers are the same. Workplace safety requirements differ between states, and specifically throughout this year these requirements have extended beyond traditional ergonomic chairs and hardhats to mental wellbeing and home offices. But even more complex concerns have been at the forefront of WHS processes, as well. For example, Western Australia joins Victoria in the introduction of industrial manslaughter laws, which have been passed through state parliament and will become law this year after supporting regulations are finalised. These laws could see a maximum penalty of 20 years for workplace deaths. The drastic change to a 30-year-old work, health and safety system supports the growing cries for greater attention to safe work. Specifically in trade sectors, the electricians, builders, plumbers and beyond are at higher risk of workplace accidents and these changes are a regulatory By normalising the conversation and welcoming employees acknowledgement of this. to an open and supportive environment, you can catch However statistics show mental health is a growing any issues before they become worse. Offering support, concern. For example, recent reports have found employees in understanding or even just an ear to listen to can alleviate the construction sector are six times more likely to die from further stresses on employees beyond the mental health suicide than in a workplace accident. concerns they are already showing. The mental wellbeing of employees in any workforce should be a top priority and though it may not be as simple as taking Invest in Mental Health a few steps to make important changes to support the mental 2020 has been a difficult year for many, both emotionally and health of employees, these steps can form an effective financially. Merely asking a business to ‘invest’ sounds easier foundation to enact real change. than in practice, but it doesn’t have to be a multi-million-dollar program commitment. Promote a Work-Life Balance There are plenty of affordable mobile apps, face to face For many, work is not the be-all that ends all. Many employees programs and support systems available for businesses to have family, friends and hobbies beyond their day job that help introduce into daily practice. Offering programs, training or them unwind and enjoy their lives. Understanding this and easy to access counselling are just a few options that can help encouraging employees to prioritise their wellbeing outside of create a supportive and healthy culture for your employees work hours can reflect highly on their mood and commitment to thrive. The investment into mental health services has a to work during regular hours. direct correlation to overall engagement of your team that It can be as easy as supporting employees work-life balance generally leads to both commercial and emotional gains as by respecting their boundaries. Avoid sending work related well. emails or phone calls out of hours and encourage them to take These are just three simple steps any business can take breaks and holidays when appropriate. to support the mental health of their workforce. There are endless opportunities to invest in and support the mental Adopt an open-door policy wellbeing of employees. For more information on employee Remove the stigma of mental health challenges and relations, contact Employsure on 1300 651 415 or if you encourage employees to have a chat if something is on their or someone you know is in need of further support, please mind. contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

72 ACROSS THE TRADES Autumn 2021 The Renault Van Range Vans that make your business work better

Renault KANGOO Renault TRAFIC Renault MASTER Now Available in Auto

Renault Peace of Mind

Renault has extended a high five to Australian business owners with a 5 Year Easy Life ownership package. It means every Renault Kangoo, Trafic and Master now comes standard with a five year / 200,000 km warranty, five capped price services, and up to five years’ service activated roadside assistance. Enjoy the simple life with drama-free driving while your Renault van gets the job done.

*excludes Kangoo Z.E. For full terms and conditions visit renault.com.au/ownership TRANSPORT

with Tony O’Kane

NEW-GENERATION MAZDA BT- 50 LAUNCHES IN AUSTRALIA

azda mainstay commercial singlecab, extended cab and dual-cab display, digital radio and a reversing utility has undergone a bodystyles, along with the choice of camera aren’t common at this end of M complete step-change in its 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains, manual or auto the ute price spectrum, yet they’re all design, platform and powertrain, with transmissions and three specification standard on the cheapest BT-50s. the complete range of the all-new BT- levels. The list doesn’t end there: all 4x4 50 ute now on sale in Australia. However, all share two common models gain a locking rear differential Retailing from $36,550 for the entry- threads. The first is a 3.0L turbo as standard, while auto-equipped level BT-50 XT single cab chassis 4x2 diesel inline four engine that produces BT-50s package a self-steering lane- auto (without tray) and stretching 140kW of power and 450Nm of keep assist function along with active to $59,990 for the range-topping torque, and consumes between 7.7 cruise control as standard kit. BT-50 GT dual-cab 4x4 automatic, and 8.0L/100km of diesel on the The safety story on all BT-50 models the BT-50 range includes combined cycle. The second is a is also strengthened by a suite of maximum towing capacity of 3500kg, eight airbags, speed limit detection irrespective of driveline, transmission and speeding alert, and, crucially, or bodystyle. an autonomous emergency braking The entry-level XT grade features system to minimise the risk of front- an extensive list of modern to-tail impacts, and rear cross-traffic equipment that belies its base alert to warn drivers of approaching model status: features like 17” alloy vehicles when reversing. wheels, LED headlamps with auto- The only thing the XT grade doesn’t high beam, rain-sensing wipers, get is a tray included on cab-chassis lane departure warning, blind models – that’s a dealer-fit cost option. spot monitoring, smartphone Stepping up to the mid-spec XTR mirroring, a 7” colour nets you everything from the XT grade, touchscreen infotainment plus LED front foglamps and daytime running lights, power-folding wing mirrors, integrated side steps, 18” alloys, dual-zone climate control, rear air vents, a fold-down centre armrest for the back seat, a self-dimming interior mirror, keyless entry, leather trim on the steering wheel and gear knob, plus a 9” colour touchscreen with integrated sat-nav. The range-topping GT, meanwhile, is mostly concerned with more minor quality-of-life enhancements, with brown leather upholstery, chrome mirror caps, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, remote engine start and front parking sensors becoming standard. Mechanically, the 2021 Mazda BT-50 shares a great deal with the Isuzu D-Max. While the new BT-50’s Mazda Australia has partnered up with Isuzu as its joint venture partner for its predecessor was based on the T6 Ford new utility. Ranger, Mazda has instead chosen Isuzu as its joint-venture partner for its new-generation utility. As a Torque delivery is also strong in manual form, or 1210kg when equipped result, the new BT-50’s platform, the lower reaches of the tachometer, with the six-speed auto. engine, driveline and much of its in- with peak torque available between As a deal-sweetener for tradies, car technology is identical to that of 1600 and 2600rpm – where the bulk Mazda Australia has launched the the new D-Max, which also launched of driving is done. Not only that, but BT-50 with special pricing for small earlier in 2020. BT-50 drivers have at least 400Nm to businesses. Available to ABN holders Which one’s the better buy, then? deploy between 1400 and 3250rpm, via the company’s Complete Fleet Generally speaking, to give you an idea program, the incentive applies to the BT-50 offers of this engine’s the full BT-50 range and sees sizable slightly more tractability. savings over regular drive-away standard equipment As a deal-sweetener Couple that low-end pricing – and in some cases, see the compared to its for tradies, Mazda torque with a kerb small business price actually lob under similarly-priced weight that’s around the retail sticker. Isuzu-badged Australia has 50kg lighter than For example, the BT-50 XT single-cab cousins, however the launched the BT- the previous model, chassis 4x2 that retails for $36,550 Isuzu option carries 50 with special and the new BT-50’s and is offered at a drive-away price a longer warranty pricing for small decreased thirst for of $43,191 can be had for $39,990 by (six years, versus businesses. diesel makes sense. eligible businesses, while the range- Mazda’s five), and 4x4 models feature topping GT dual-cab 4x4 auto wears Isuzu charges $2000 a rear differential a business-only delivered price of for an automatic lock and hill descent $59,990 – identical to its recommended transmission against control as standard, retail price. The XTR dual-cab manual Mazda’s $2500 auto premium. along with a dual-range transfer case and auto, meanwhile, actually cost The move to a new production for low-speed offroading. When it $720 under their retail price if you’re partner also means a move away from comes to towing, the 2021 BT-50 will an eligible business customer. the Ford-sourced hardware of the haul up to 3500kg on a braked trailer, Mazda Australia is gunning hard last-gen BT-50, including its much- or 750kg of unbraked mass. Max for small businesses with its all-new loved 3.2L turbodiesel inline five. The payload in the tub or tray is generous BT-50, and with compelling pricing, outgoing 3.2 five-pot made 7kW more too, with all models able to tote more extensive safety equipment, a stout power and 20Nm more torque, however than a tonne of cargo and passengers. mechanical package and plenty of the 3.0 L Isuzu-sourced engine The BT-50 XT dual cab chassis 4x4 standard features across the range, it that replaces it counters that with is the load-lugging star of the range, appears that all the right ingredients significantly lower fuel consumption. with a maximum payload of 1220kg in are there. NISSAN NAVARA GETS A FACELIFT FOR 2021

he Navara has long been a the bottom of the tailgate. Tail lamp same pair of 2.3L turbo diesels stay in mainstay of Nissan’s local internals are also updated, and the service, producing 120kW and 403Nm T range, but in the years since rear bumper now features in integrated in single-turbo guise and 140kW and the arrival of the current-generation step in the centre. 450Nm in twin-turbo form. NP300 Navara the modest ute seems Inside, the cabin is full of largely The Navara’s steering and to have aged faster than most of familiar furniture. The dash, doors and suspension get a light warming-over its rivals. Now in its sixth year of centre console plastics all carry over, though, with the former receiving production, the Navara has received however there is a new steering wheel improvements to steering weight and its first substantial facelift – but only nicked from Nissan’s passenger car feel and the latter boasting revised minor mechanical updates. range along with more USB charging suspension settings to boost ride From the outside, the changes impart ports – including one USB-C – rain- comfort. A heavier-duty rear axle also a bolder look to the Navara. Though sensing wipers, power folding wing sees a bump in payload, with dual-cab the headlamp housings stay the same mirrors and a 360° parking camera models now able to carry up to 1100kg shape, their revised internals and new view to help bring the Navara some of passengers and cargo. Tow capacity LED daytime running lamp graphic give much-needed modernity. remains at 3500kg on a braked trailer. them a modern appearance, while they A couple of changes you won’t be At the time of publishing, Nissan flank an thick-framed trapezoidal grille able to see are the addition of more Australia had yet to announce the that echoes that of the US-market sound deadening around the cabin full details of its 2021 Navara range, Nissan Titan full-size pickup. (including an acoustic-dampening including pricing, beyond simply saying The Navara’s bonnet and windscreen) and reshaped rear seat that it will be on sale in the first quarter quarterpanel sheetmetal has been cushions on dual-cab models. Safety of 2021. That said, the arrival of a new recontoured to emphasise its wheel tech gets a big boost via the inclusion ‘Pro-4X’ grade has been confirmed and arches more – while high-spec grades of autonomous emergency braking, will sit above – or potentially replace – also receive black plastic arch frontal collision alert, lane departure the existing N-Trek variant. extensions – though the Navara’s doors warning, lane keep assist, a driver A successor to the off-road focused and passenger cabin structure are fatigue monitor, rear cross-traffic alert N-Trek Warrior is reportedly in the unalterated. The tailgate and cargo and blind spot monitoring. pipeline, but had yet to be officially tub are revised, with a 20mm taller tub There are no changes inside the confirmed by Nissan as we went to and the ‘Navara’ name embossed into engine compartment. There, the press. VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK W580 FEATURES WALKINSHAW TOUCH

ot content to leave the increasingly popular niche coloured sports bar behind the passenger cabin. of turn-key ‘factory modified’ utes to the likes of On the inside, a numbered build plate and some W580 N Toyota, Nissan and Ford, Volkswagen Australia badging are the main signals that is no ordinary Amarok. has decided to throw its hat into the ring with its Amarok The W580 is the latest in a growing lineup of pre-fettled W580. utes. With the 4x4 aftermarket industry experiencing Developed in partnership with Walkinshaw, a household massive growth and utility owners not being shy about name in the Australian auto aftermarket, the W580 spending thousands of dollars on customising their high- features a unique front grille and bumper design, riding utes, several car makers have sought to capitalise Walkinshaw-specific wheels, a twin exhaust, a 40mm by bringing out locally-modified versions of garden- suspension lift and comprehensively retuned spring and variety four-by-fours. Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi all damper settings that preference off-road performance. have versions of the Hilux, Navara and Triton that benefit However, unlike Walkinshaw’s previous high- from primarily cosmetic modifications, all of which enjoy performance chariots, the W580 doesn’t feature a fire- popularity with private buyers and sole traders. belching V8 under the bonnet. In fact, the Amarok W580’s Ford’s Ranger Raptor is a prime rival to the Amarok engine is mechanically identical to the regular Amarok V6 W580, but is a slightly different beast given its chunky TDI580 and makes the same 200kW and 580Nm outputs, off-road tyres and unique ladder-frame chassis and though that’s still more than enough to mark it out as the suspension – underneath, it doesn’t share that much with most powerful mid-size diesel ute currently on the market. a regular Ranger. The Nissan Navara Warrior is a closer But power isn’t what defines the Amarok W580. Rather, analogue to the Volkswagen – also locally converted, it the suspension tuning and cosmetic enhancements are concentrates on bolt-on suspension modifications while the special sauce in this particular burger. Developed over leaving the engine untouched. 12 months in conjunction with Walkinshaw engineers, the However, with the Navara Warrior’s 2.3L four producing suspension package is unique to the W580. Its massive considerably less power and torque than the Amarok’s 20” alloy wheels wear Pirelli Scorpion tyres - rubber that’s 3.0L V6, they’re in different leagues as far as engines are more commonly seen on performance SUVs - and each concerned. wheelwell is framed with black plastic arch extensions. Pricing had yet to be announced when we went to press, The grille is designed by Walkinshaw and is bookended however the first 30 W580 buyers to pre-order the car by bi-xenon headlamps, while LED foglamps sit lower on will receive an all-expenses paid ‘Walkinshaw Experience’ the front bumper. In case you had trouble differentiating package to tour the Walkinshaw factory in Clayton, Victoria, it from a garden-variety Amarok, the W580 is also where the W580 conversions are performed, as well as emblazoned with a sticker pack and carries a large body- tickets to a Walkinshaw Andretti United track day. HYUNDAI REVEALS PLANS FOR FUEL CELL COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

outh Korean auto giant Hyundai The Xcient fuel cell truck can carry Netherlands and Norway. An even has gone all-in on hydrogen for 34.5kg of hydrogen in its seven high- bigger export destination will be S its heavy vehicles, pledging pressure tanks, contained at 350 China, with Hyundai recently signing to accelerate development and bar, feeding a pair of 95kW hydrogen an MoU with a number of local power production of hydrogen-powered prime fuel cells that combine the hydrogen companies that will see 4000 Xcient movers to help clean up road freight with oxygen from the outside air fuel cell trucks land on Chinese roads. fleets around the world. to generate electrical power. That That will be the tip of the spear – The company has already delivered power then drives a pair of electric Hyundai expects to sell more than the first of 50 hydrogen fuel-cell motors connected to the rear wheels. 27,000 hydrogen-powered trucks in Xcient trucks to customers in A 73.2kW battery is also carried on China over the next ten years, some of Switzerland, who will operate the fleet board to re-capture energy from which will be a China-specific heavy- around areas in Western Europe where the truck’s regenerative braking duty hydrogen truck. hydrogen refueling infrastructure is system as well as store excess energy With a 6x2 version of the Xcient readily available – primarily Germany, generated by the fuel cells, reducing expected to join the range soon, which has around half of all vehicular the length of time that the fuel cells Hyundai projects that it will sell a hydrogen stations in Europe are actually operating. total of 25,000 hydrogen-powered and France. Taking between 8-20 minutes to commercial vehicles in Europe and completely refill, this tank provides 12,000 in the USA. Where does that enough hydrogen to propel the truck leave Australia? Well, nowhere. and a full trailer of cargo around Besides some local experimentation 400km before refueling. It can lug a by Hyundai and Toyota, there’s no useful GCM of 34 tonnes, however vehicular hydrogen distribution in our top speed is just 85km/h for now. country – a big impediment to adoption By 2025, a total of 1600 – and a lack of political will to change hydrogen-powered Xcient trucks that situation. will be delivered to Switzerland, Until the situation changes, we’ll with Hyundai also aiming have to observe developments in the to start selling the truck hydrogen commercial vehicle space in Germany, Austria, the from afar. GMSV TAKES OVER AS NEW SELLER OF CHEVROLET SILVERADO

hile Holden Special Vehicles has entered the history books, a new brand has risen W from its ashes – General Motors Specialty Vehicles. From now, the GMSV dealer network will be the sole importers distributors of GM-sanctioned, locally- converted Chevrolet Silverados in Australia. Right now the range comprises just one model: the Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium. The heavier-duty Silverado 2500 will join the local lineup in the near future, however you could hardly accuse the 1500 of being inadequate. With an overall length of 5.8m and width of 2.1m, the Silverado 1500 is a proper American full-size pick up, with a capacious cargo tub measuring 1776mm long and 1286mm wide. Only one engine is available, a massive 6.2L naturally aspirated petrol V8 with 313kW and 624Nm, and a ten-speed automatic is standard - as is selectable four- wheel drive with a dual-range transfer case. But while a muscle-bound V8 might seem a bit indulgent from a commercial operator point of view, the Silverado makes its strongest case via its 4500kg tow capacity and 7160kg GCM. Its 760kg max payload may seem puny when compared to midsize commercial utes, www.facebook.com/tradieconnection but that tow rating is untouchable. Thus for operators who need to tow heavy equipment on a frequent basis yet want a vehicle that’s nice enough for the family to ride in, the Silverado might do the trick. The absence of a more efficient diesel option might be a deal-breaker, but your options are limited. The Silverado’s chief rival, the Ram 1500, can be had with a 3.0L diesel V6, but that variant is only rated to tow a maximum of 3500kg. You can get a Ram 1500 that will lug 4500kg, but it’s a 5.7L petrol V8 proposition only and produces less power and torque than the Silverado 1500. The Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium starts at $114,900 before on-road costs, though more variants will be added over time along with the heavier-duty Silverado 2500 family. LDV DELIVER 9 ARRIVES IN AUS

DV has launched its new Deliver models can be had with either a six- 9 large van in to the Australian speed manual or six-speed automatic L market, pitching it as the best transmission while the rest of the option in its segment on a cost-per- range is automatic-only, and all are cubic-metre and cost-per-payload-kilo powered by the same 2.0L turbo diesel basis. inline four with 110kW and 375Nm, With retail prices opening at with power going to the rear wheels. $42,095 for the entry-level long- With a cargo area that’s 3019mm wheelbase mid-roof van with a manual long in the SWB and 3413mm long in transmission, the Deliver 9 arrives as the LWB, with 1366mm between the a budget-oriented rival to vans like the rear wheelarches and 1800mm wide Spend $1500 more, and you gain Ford Transit and Renault Master, with overall, the Deliver 9 offers 9.66 m³ of 236° opening rear doors, blind spot similar – or superior - dimensions and capacity in SWB form and 10.97m³ in monitoring, lane-change assist and carrying capacity. LWB. Add the high-roof option to the keyless entry. Auto-equipped Deliver The primary differentiator, LWB, and that swells to 12.33m³. 9s receive adaptive cruise control as according to LDV, is the Deliver 9’s That’s slightly under what a Renault standard, while all models in the range ability to cart more weight and more Master LWB high-roof van can carry boast an audio headunit with Bluetooth bulk per dollar spent. Considering the (13m³), but the equivalent LDV connectivity and Apple CarPlay Deliver 9’s payload and cubic capacity retails for a wallet-friendly $44,200 smartphone mirroring. metrics are in line with most of its versus the Renault’s $50K sticker. LDV is expecting the vast majority European rivals yet it wears a price tag For Payload, the SWB can take up to of its buyers to be sole traders, SMEs that’s several thousand dollars less, 1500kg of cargo, while the LWB can and delivery fleets, and with the Deliver the claim appears to be valid. carry up to 1760kg and 1640kg as a 9 price range spanning from $42,095 There are five main bodystyles manual and auto respectively. to $46,831 for the van and $55,779 to available: standard-wheelbase van, The rear barn doors are hinged at the $59,990 for the bus, it certainly presents long-wheelbase van, long-wheelbase side and open to 180°, while a sliding a compelling value proposition. cab-chassis, standard-wheelbase door on the passenger side has a 1.2m To sweeten the deal, a capped price bus and long-wheelbase bus. The aperture to facility forklift loading of servicing scheme applies for the first long-wheelbase bus and van can also pallets. three years or 95,000km, with all be had with mid-roof or high-roof Standard safety equipment includes scheduled servicing during that period configurations, making for seven stability control, autonomous costing no more than $1895. On top of options in bodystyle alone. emergency braking, lande departure that, a three-year/160,000km warranty Long-wheelbase van and cab-chassis warning and rear parking sensors. applies to all models in the range. TRADE STUFF .COM.AU

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