Bringing commercial lighting systems up to current standard

[rulesandregs]

Hi, I'm new here and this is my first post, so excuse any forthcoming rookie errors.

I am from the UK with an electrical engineering background, coming from the heavy industry sector (mainly power stations). I recently took on the role of estimator/operations manager for a small electrical company in Sydney, Australia, of which I am still learning the ropes of a new sector, the standards and the country as a whole.

My question to you guys is; During a commercial fit out (office space for example) where we upgrade the lighting from fluorescent to LED or some other higher spec light fitting, are we obliged to install time clocks, day light harvesting sensors etc in order to bring it up to current AS3000/AS1680 standards? I know this is required on new constructions, but not sure where I stand on a commercial upgrade/fitout in regards to the legislation.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Wilko]

Hi - I just realised my knowledge of AS3000 is ‘so last century’, ha!

You might be lucky and have someone inform you correctly with sufficient detail over the internet that you’ll be happy to design from and be liable for, but it’s a risk. For commercial works, I would recommend you purchase a copy of AS3000, which is about $200AUD from memory and a ripping read (!!!).

In UK it is normal practise to maintain installations without triggering the requirement to upgrade them. Replacing a fluorescent lamp with a led lamp in the same position with the same cabling would be considered maintenance by me. Replacing it with 4 led down lights in different locations with some new cables may not be, and so may trigger the requirement to include additional protection for example.

 

[rulesandregs]

Hi - I just realised my knowledge of AS3000 is ‘so last century’, ha!

You might be lucky and have someone inform you correctly with sufficient detail over the internet that you’ll be happy to design from and be liable for, but it’s a risk. For commercial works, I would recommend you purchase a copy of AS3000, which is about $200AUD from memory and a ripping read (!!!).

In UK it is normal practise to maintain installations without triggering the requirement to upgrade them. Replacing a fluorescent lamp with a led lamp in the same position with the same cabling would be considered maintenance by me. Replacing it with 4 led down lights in different locations with some new cables may not be, and so may trigger the requirement to include additional protection for example.

 

[rulesandregs]

Hi Wilko,

Yeah, that's my problem. Knowing where one ends and the other starts is a little grey. I've read through the current standards, but I'm still not sure where I stand on fit outs and refurbs.

I'm hoping someone must know?

 

[AlanZM]

Hi - Electrical Engineer here,

The requirements are actually not set out in AS 3000, but in fact NCC 2019, amongst other things like a building brief or client brief.
Fluorescents aren't a defective product or obsolete as yet, so converting them to LED is just the habitual response of building owners at the moment.
NCC Section J6.2 however talks about Artificial Lighting and the performance requirements of them.
Here you need to look to IPD, or illumination power density, and the relevant type of building against control requirements. So for example, in a Class 5 building - again check NCC, 95% of luminaries need to be automatically controlled by use of a time clock or sensor.
Hopefully this gives you some direction mate.