Main Switch Height

1. What Does AS/NZS 3000:2007 Say?

Clause 2.3.3.3 of AS/NZS 3000:2007 explicitly states:

“A main switch shall be installed at a height not exceeding 2.0 m above the floor or ground and shall be readily accessible.”

✅ This means the standard does explicitly set a maximum height of 2.0 m.

However, there is no explicit minimum height stated in AS/NZS 3000:2007.

2. What Does AS/NZS 3000:2018 Say?

Clause 2.10.2.2 of AS/NZS 3000:2018 further refines the requirement:

Minimum height: 1.0 m above the floor.

Maximum height: 2.0 m above the floor (same as the 2007 edition).

✅ This means that while the maximum height remained unchanged, a minimum height was introduced in the 2018 edition.

3. Does ESR 2010 Enforce a Height Requirement?

The Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 (ESR 2010) explicitly references AS/NZS 3000:2007, meaning:

The 2.0 m maximum height is legally required.

There is no legally mandated minimum height, unless otherwise specified by WorkSafe NZ or a supply authority.

4. Does WorkSafe NZ Provide Additional Requirements?

WorkSafe NZ does not appear to mandate a specific main switch mounting height beyond AS/NZS 3000:2007 requirements.

However, supply authorities (e.g., metering companies) may enforce their own minimum height requirements, often 1.2 m or higher for accessibility.

Summary

✔ Maximum height: 2.0 m, explicitly stated in AS/NZS 3000:2007 Clause 2.3.3.3 (legally required under ESR 2010).

✔ Minimum height: Not specified in AS/NZS 3000:2007 (but AS/NZS 3000:2018 recommends 1.0 m).

✔ WorkSafe NZ does not set additional height limits beyond AS/NZS 3000:2007.

✔ Industry practice (e.g., metering companies) often requires a minimum of 1.2 m.