On 19 November 2021, Standards Australia published a revised standard *AS/NZS 5033:2021, Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays, replacing the existing standard AS/NZS 5033:2014.
Implementation of the revised standard will have a six-month transition period, meaning AS/NZS 5033:2014 will remain current until 18 May 2022. After this time, it will be superseded by AS/NZS 5033:2021.
In Queensland, during this transition period either standard (AS/NZS 5033:2014 or AS/NZS 5033:2021) can be applied to solar PV installations. However, whichever standard is applied, the whole standard will need to be followed. For example, if you choose to use the 2021 version, the whole standard is to be followed. You are not able to use some requirements in 2021 version and some of the requirements in the 2014 version.
From 19 May 2022, solar PV installations will need to comply with AS/NZS 5033:2021.
The standard revision aims to provide clear and relevant guidance to support safe systems and practices for industry professionals and consumers. The standard has been restructured to promote better readability and provide methods to improve installation safety.
Some of the changes include:
- options related to rooftop isolators
- DC cable routing and installation requirements
- earthing requirements
- an increase in maximum PV array voltage for residential systems
- changes to DC optimiser and micro inverter requirements
- updated testing and verification requirements.
*AS/NZS 5033 is referenced in AS/NZS 3000, commonly known as the Wiring Rules, which is called upon in the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.