A GUIDE TO THE NEW AS/NZS 5033 SOLAR STANDARDS

On Thursday, the 19th of May 2022, the new Solar Installation Standard (AS/NZS 5033:2021) became mandatory after a 6-month transition period. For your average bloke on the tools, interpreting Australian Standards is about as fun as a punch in the head. The new “Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays” a.k.a “5033” is more like a round in the octagon with Connor McGregor.

In this post, I summarise the major AS/NZS 5033:2021 changes and how we will apply them at MC Electrical. I explain the new rules that you need to follow if you want to get rid of the despised rooftop isolator. I explain drip loops and drain devices and explain why we prefer the drain device. I then outline how many disconnection points or Rooftop isolators you need in different situations – because it is ridiculously hard to work that out from a casual read of AS/NZS 5033. I also explain a pretty neat way to do a triple parallel.

At the end, I’ve given comprehensive signage and labeling requirements. I’ve included the signs required by 4777.1, so you have it all in one spot. You can also download our version of the site plan and our site plan sticker kit.

Deep dive on the new AS/NZS 5033:2021 Updates

What’s new in the 2021 PV array installation and safety requirements standard?

The most important changes for designers and installers are:

1. Scope of the standard
2. Maximum system voltage
3. PV circuit current calculations
4. Changes to d.c. rooftop isolator requirements
5. Disconnection points
6. Conductor sizing and selection
7. Installation of cables in the ceiling space
8. Cable and DC isolator installation changes
9. Signage and documentation

Key Changes to AS/NZS 5033:2021

With the release of the new AS/NZS 5033:2021 – Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays on the 19 of November the way Solar PV is installed in Australia will change significantly.

Across most of Australia there is a 6 month grace period where installers can choose to comply with 5033:2014 or 5033:2021, however it is important to understand that an installer can’t pick and choose parts of 2014 and 2021. You must comply entirely with either 2014 or 2021. At this stage it appears NSW Fair trading have mandated 5033:2021 is effective immediately. Which is pretty rough if you ask me.

So, what are the major changes in 5033:2021? What do installers need to know to be able to comply with the new standard? Read on for my analysis that will hopefully help you with compliance to the new standard.

This standard is now the current version, but installers and designers will need to check with their state regulator to determine if they will be enacting a transition period of six months from the date of publishing as stated within the standard. During the transition period, installers and designers can opt to use AS/NZS 5033:2014 or AS/NZS 5033:2021, but not parts of each. The updated version of the standard can be purchased from Standards Australia , SAI Global or Techstreet, Standards New Zealand.

AS/NZS 5033:2021

AS/NZS 5033:2021 Update – What You Need to Know

As part of the solar industry, you’re probably accustomed to the 2014 version of the standard, which had two amendments published in 2018. In November 2021, this standard was updated to reflect the rapid growth of this industry and provide updated safety practices. Knowledge is power, and these changes could impact your business as you transition over to the new standard.

FAQ

What is as/nzs 5033 ?

AS/NZS 5033:2021 sets out general installation and safety requirements for electrical installations of PV arrays, including d.c. array wiring, electrical protection devices, switching and earthing provisions.

How to get the full version of 5033:2021 ?

The updated version of the standard can be purchased from Standards Australia , SAI Global or Techstreet, Standards New Zealand

What is most important changes for designers and installers ?

1. Scope of the standard
2. Maximum system voltage
3. PV circuit current calculations
4. Changes to d.c. rooftop isolator requirements
5. Disconnection points
6. Conductor sizing and selection
7. Installation of cables in the ceiling space
8. Other cable and DC isolator installation changes
9. Signage and documentation

When is As/Nzs 5033:2021 in effect ?

AS/NZS 5033:2021 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays was in effect in NSW in 2021 and has been in effect from May 2022 for the rest of Australia

What is difference between 5033:2021 and 2014 ?

To start, the 2021 version of this standard is slightly longer than the previous 2014 version at 142 pages compared to 125. Although that may seem tedious to read, the 2021 version has addressed this concern with a more reader friendly and simplified layout. Many of the extra pages come in the form of extended appendices which provide helpful examples and explanations useful for understanding the standard. In addition, several clauses have been removed, rewritten or restructured to reflect this new approach. Why are these changes necessary? In short, the updated standard aims to tackle key issues which have arisen due to technology changes and shifting industry expectations since the previous version.

Where to get signage/ label kit at a low cost ?

All labels are available in Koalabel,which has 12 years experience supplier for Australia and New Zealand.