Dangers of Old Consumer Mains

With consumer mains, older systems are designed for the time periods in which they were installed. Many older systems, as a result, are not built to meet the power consumption needs of today’s world. Therefore, the consumer cables are more likely to overwork which can lead to many negative problems. The main dangers and problems of older consumer mains can include:

1. Electrocution – if wiring is exposed or when there is a large amount of voltage running through the older cables, touching them can be fatal. Even if the wires are not touched, the cables are still dangerous and can lead to severe issues.
2. Fire Hazards – as the cables are worn out and/or receiving too much voltage, they can spark, increasing the chance for an electrical fire
3. Power Outages – when overworked, the older consumer mains usually cannot handle the amount of voltage and can overload. Most power issues that lead to outages are often linked to the older consumer mains. They cannot keep up with all the electrical appliances in use/ needing power and will stop working

Consumer Main Types & Sizes

Older builder consumer mains in residential buildings often range from 6mm – 16mm with commercial and larger buildings being from 16mm and up. This is a problem because the smaller the cable, and depending on its type, can mean it cannot handle the amount of power and voltage needed. For example, the size of the consumer main depends on how much electrical power needs to run through them. A 6mm cable has a rating of 40amps, whereas a 16mm cable rates to 63amps. With this, the cabling is too small for today’s needs and often too much power is running through the system.

Additionally, as there are more electrical appliances in modern buildings and homes there is a greater need for power. When multiple devices are on at once and needing the amps to run, the outdated consumer mains can become overloaded. Moreover, the older the cabling the more chance that the system is unlikely to have the recommended consumer mains. Especially if the cables were installed over forty-five years ago, the chance of dangers increasing heightens.

VIR Cables and Consumer Mains

The older the home, the chance of it being installed with VIR (Vulcanised Indian Rubber) increases. These outdated wires were built with the lifespan being decreased, as well as are often the cause for serious issues. For instance, electrocution, electrical fires, electrical short circuits and other problems are often a result of these cables. Also, because they are older, the insulation is probably deteriorated away from the conductors which increase the negative risks. Likewise, as split steel conduits were often where the VIR cables were installed, the electrically conductive nature poses more threats.

If you know that these are installed in the building, if not checking the main electrical switchboard can help, having them replaced is critical. For more information on what VIR Cables are and why they are so risky, we are able to provide helpful information on the topic.

Electrical Defect Notices and Consumer Mains

Mainly due to the age and danger of old consumer mains, Electrical Defect Notices are often given out for people to remove them. In NSW, the older consumer mains will need to be upgraded/ new ones installed – more information on ‘New South Wales Standard Electricity Service & Installation Rules’.

As a result, Ausgrid will deliver an electrical defect notice to inform that the building needs new consumer mains. Hiring a Level 2 Electrician to install new consumer mains is the best option. This process will happen in a short amount of time with the home/ building owner in charge of the situation. For more information on how to handle Ausgrid ELectrcial Defect Notices and Endeavour Energy Notices, we are able to help

XLPE Cabling – The Modern Solution

Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) consumer mains are the safest and most modern consumer mains. These are mainly for domestic/ residential buildings and have a minimum size of 16mm.

Being safer and working with modern power needs, these consumer mains have stronger insulation included. With this, the tensile strength increases, as well as elongation and the impact resistance. Likewise, as carbon block is included in the mix, cut through resistance and hot deformation is further improved. More importantly, these cables are designed to last longer, not melt/ deteriorate and can handle the voltage increase.

Like mentioned before, working with consumer mains, especially XLPE, needs a Level 2 Electrician to do the job. A regular electrician does not have the training, more importantly, legal authority to do so. Hiring a skilled and certified level 2 asp electrician is the only way to go.

House Mains & Consumer Mains Installation

There are two main methods for installing consumer main cables which a level 2 electrician can choose from. One method can be using the roof cavity by the Point of Attachment, where the main overhead cables are located and attached to the house. Another option is through underground measures, at a private pole within the property. Or through the green electrical transformer box or at the street light in front of the place.

When undergoing an installation for consumer mains and house mains there also needs to be thought for each step of the process:

• The general time taken for the installation is around ten weeks
• Before that, at least three weeks are what usually takes for a quote with all the inspections and needed steps involved
• A professional electrical consultant or contractor is needed to be involved in the process as well. A single line diagram, as well as a site plan, are also needed

How Much Do Consumer Mains Cost?

The cost can also alter depending on the person or company chosen. We have decided to detail some national Australian averages. However, these are all approximate estimates and you should always call us for a detailed and proper quote.

• Application fees will generally be around $495
• The design fee can be from $1,320 for standard, $3,300 for detailed or around $6,600 for complex
• Construction will vary greatly
• A cancellation fee can be around $550 but can change depending on how far into the process the job is