Australian Standards Reference Guide
Qaremy Construction - NSW Solar Farm Project
Document Control
- Document No: QAR-REF-001
- Revision: A
- Date: October 2025
1. Purpose
This document provides a reference guide to Australian and international standards applicable to the NSW Solar Farm project, organized by discipline and application.
2. Quality Management Standards
AS/NZS ISO 9001:2016
Title: Quality Management Systems - Requirements
Application: Overall project quality management framework
Key Requirements:
- Context of the organization (stakeholders, scope)
- Leadership and commitment to quality
- Risk-based thinking
- Planning and objectives
- Resource management
- Operational planning and control
- Performance evaluation (monitoring, internal audit, management review)
- Improvement (non-conformance, corrective action, continual improvement)
Project Usage: Basis for QMS structure, internal audits, and management reviews
3. Solar Installation Standards
AS/NZS 5033:2021
Title: Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays
Application: All PV module installations, DC wiring, and array design
Key Requirements:
- PV module certification (IEC 61215, IEC 61730)
- DC wiring and cable sizing (voltage drop limits)
- String design and configuration
- Isolation and switching requirements
- Earthing and lightning protection
- Labeling and documentation
- Insulation resistance testing (minimum 1 MΩ at 500V DC)
- Installation on mounting systems
Critical Points:
- Clause 4: Design requirements for array configuration
- Clause 5: Installation requirements
- Clause 6: Earthing requirements
- Clause 7: Isolation and switching
- Appendix D: Testing and commissioning
Project Usage: Referenced in ITP-ELE-001 for PV module installation and DC cabling
AS/NZS 4777.1:2016
Title: Grid connection of energy systems via inverters - Part 1: Installation requirements
Application: Inverter installation and grid connection
Key Requirements:
- Installation of inverter energy systems
- Protection requirements
- Labeling
- Commissioning requirements
Project Usage: Inverter installation standards in ITP-ELE-001
AS/NZS 4777.2:2020
Title: Grid connection of energy systems via inverters - Part 2: Inverter requirements
Application: Inverter technical specifications and grid compliance
Key Requirements:
- Response to grid disturbances (voltage, frequency)
- Power quality requirements
- Anti-islanding protection
- Active power control
- Reactive power control
- Communication and control interfaces
Critical Settings:
- Over/under voltage trip times
- Over/under frequency trip times
- Ramp rates
- Power factor ranges
Project Usage: Inverter commissioning, protection settings, grid connection agreement compliance
4. Electrical Installation Standards
AS/NZS 3000:2018
Title: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
Application: All electrical installations (LV, MV, HV wiring)
Key Requirements:
- Protection against electric shock
- Protection against overcurrent and earth faults
- Cable selection and installation
- Earthing and bonding
- Switchgear and control gear
- Installation methods (underground, overhead, conduits)
- Inspection and testing requirements
Critical Clauses:
- Section 1.5: Fundamental principles of protection
- Section 3: Earthing arrangements
- Section 5: Selection and installation of wiring systems
- Section 8: Testing and inspection
Project Usage: Referenced throughout ITP-ELE-001, cable installations, earthing systems
AS 2067:2016
Title: Substations and high voltage installations exceeding 1 kV a.c.
Application: 33kV and 132kV substation installations
Key Requirements:
- Substation design and construction
- Clearances and safety distances
- Earthing system design
- Switchgear installation
- Cable installations (HV)
- Protection and control systems
- Testing and commissioning
Critical Points:
- Clause 2: Electrical design
- Clause 3: Clearances
- Clause 5: Earthing
- Clause 9: Commissioning
Project Usage: HV substation design, earthing grid, HV equipment installation in ITP-ELE-001
AS/NZS 3017:2022
Title: Electrical installations - Verification guidelines
Application: Testing and verification of electrical installations
Key Requirements:
- Inspection and testing during construction
- Commissioning tests
- Insulation resistance testing
- Earth testing
- Continuity testing
- Polarity and phase rotation
- Functional testing
Test Values:
- Insulation resistance: >1 MΩ for LV, >1000 MΩ for HV
- Earth electrode resistance: <1Ω (or per design)
- Continuity: <0.5Ω for protective conductors
Project Usage: Testing protocols in ITP-ELE-001, commissioning procedures
5. Civil and Structural Standards
AS 3600:2018
Title: Concrete structures
Application: All concrete works (foundations, pads, civil structures)
Key Requirements:
- Concrete mix design and specification
- Reinforcement requirements
- Formwork standards
- Concrete placement and curing
- Cover to reinforcement (minimum 50mm for external exposure)
- Compressive strength requirements
- Durability and exposure classifications
Exposure Classifications:
- A1: Interior (non-aggressive)
- A2: Interior (aggressive)
- B1: Exterior (non-aggressive)
- B2: Exterior (aggressive)
- C: Buried (various sub-classifications)
Project Usage: Concrete foundation specifications in ITP-CIV-001
AS/NZS 1170 Series
Title: Structural design actions
Application: Structural design of tracker systems, mounting structures, buildings
Sub-Parts:
- AS/NZS 1170.0:2002 - General principles
- AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 - Permanent, imposed, and other actions
- AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 - Wind actions
- AS/NZS 1170.4:2007 - Earthquake actions in Australia
Key Requirements:
- Design wind speeds by region
- Wind load calculations for solar arrays
- Combination of actions (wind, dead load, live load)
- Earthquake design requirements (if applicable)
Project Usage: Structural design basis for trackers and mounting systems, wind load calculations
AS 3798:2007
Title: Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential developments
Application: Site earthworks, road construction, compaction
Key Requirements:
- Site investigation and soil classification
- Earthwork design and construction
- Compaction requirements and testing
- Fill placement and control
- Drainage requirements
Compaction Standards:
- 95% Standard Maximum Dry Density (SMDD) for general fill
- 98% SMDD (modified) for roads and structural fill
Project Usage: Earthworks and road construction in ITP-CIV-001
AS 1289 Series
Title: Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes
Application: Soil testing for earthworks and foundations
Key Tests:
- AS 1289.2.1.1 - Moisture content determination
- AS 1289.3.6.1 - Particle size distribution
- AS 1289.5.8.1 - Compaction control (field density test - sand replacement method)
- AS 1289.6.1.1 - Soil strength (California Bearing Ratio)
Project Usage: Soil testing protocols in ITP-CIV-001
AS 1012 Series
Title: Methods of testing concrete
Application: Concrete quality control testing
Key Tests:
- AS 1012.3.1 - Slump test (workability)
- AS 1012.8.1 - Making test cylinders
- AS 1012.9 - Compressive strength testing
- AS 1012.10 - Core sampling
- AS 1012.11 - Flexural strength
Standard Requirements:
- Slump: Typically 80-120mm for general construction
- Compressive strength: N32 (32 MPa at 28 days) typical minimum
- Test frequency: 6 cylinders per pour or per 50m³
Project Usage: Concrete testing in ITP-CIV-001
6. Mechanical and Fastener Standards
AS 1252:2016
Title: High-strength steel bolts with associated nuts and washers for structural engineering
Application: Structural bolting for tracker systems and steel structures
Key Requirements:
- Bolt grades (4.6, 8.8, 10.9)
- Torque specifications
- Installation requirements
- Inspection and testing
Bolt Grades:
- 8.8: Tensile strength 800 MPa, common for structural applications
- 10.9: Tensile strength 1000 MPa, high-strength applications
Torque Values: Specified by bolt size, grade, and lubrication condition
Project Usage: Fastener specifications and torque requirements in ITP-MEC-001
AS 4100:2020
Title: Steel structures
Application: Structural steel design and fabrication
Key Requirements:
- Design of steel members (beams, columns, connections)
- Welding requirements
- Fabrication tolerances
- Corrosion protection
Project Usage: Tracker structure design, mounting system fabrication
AS/NZS 1163:2016
Title: Structural steel hollow sections
Application: Steel hollow sections used in tracker structures
Key Requirements:
- Material grades (C250, C350, C450)
- Dimensional tolerances
- Mechanical properties
- Certification requirements
Project Usage: Tracker structure material specifications in ITP-MEC-001
AS 2312:2014
Title: Guide to the protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion by the use of protective coatings
Application: Corrosion protection for all steel structures
Key Requirements:
- Surface preparation standards
- Coating systems for different environments
- Galvanizing requirements
- Inspection and quality control
Galvanizing Standards:
- Z275: 275 g/m² coating mass (typical minimum for solar farms)
- Z600: 600 g/m² coating mass (severe marine or industrial environments)
Project Usage: Corrosion protection inspection in ITP-MEC-001
7. Cable and Material Standards
AS/NZS 1429.1:2006
Title: Electric cables - Polymeric insulated - Part 1: For working voltages 1.9/3.3 (3.6) kV up to and including 19/33 (36) kV
Application: MV/HV cable specifications
Key Requirements:
- Cable construction and materials
- Insulation type (XLPE)
- Voltage ratings
- Type testing requirements
Common Ratings:
- 6.35/11 kV (11kV nominal)
- 12.7/22 kV (22kV nominal)
- 19/33 kV (33kV nominal)
Project Usage: HV cable specifications in ITP-ELE-001
AS/NZS 5000.1:2021
Title: Electric cables - Polymeric insulated - For working voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kV - Part 1: General requirements
Application: LV cable specifications
Key Requirements:
- Cable construction
- Conductor sizing
- Insulation requirements
- Environmental ratings (UV resistance for solar)
Project Usage: LV and DC cable specifications in ITP-ELE-001
AS/NZS 61439 Series
Title: Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
Application: LV switchboards, distribution boards, combiner boxes
Key Requirements:
- Design verification
- Temperature rise limits
- Short-circuit withstand
- IP ratings
- Type testing and routine testing
IP Ratings:
- IP65: Dust-tight, protected against water jets (typical for outdoor enclosures)
- IP68: Dust-tight, immersion resistant
Project Usage: LV switchgear specifications in ITP-ELE-001
8. Testing and Certification Standards
IEC 61215 Series
Title: Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval
Application: PV module certification
Key Tests:
- Visual inspection
- Performance at STC (Standard Test Conditions)
- Wet leakage current test
- Mechanical load test
- Thermal cycling
- Humidity-freeze test
- UV preconditioning
- Hot spot test
Project Usage: PV module acceptance, material receiving inspection
IEC 61730 Series
Title: Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification
Application: PV module electrical safety certification
Key Tests:
- Construction requirements
- Electrical safety testing
- Fire test (Class A, B, or C)
Project Usage: PV module acceptance, safety compliance verification
IEC 62446 Series
Title: Photovoltaic (PV) systems - Requirements for testing, documentation and maintenance
Application: PV system commissioning and documentation
Key Requirements:
- System inspection procedures
- Testing protocols (string testing, insulation resistance, polarity)
- Documentation requirements
- Maintenance schedules
Project Usage: Commissioning procedures, documentation standards
9. NSW Regulatory Framework
9.1 Environmental Planning & Assessment
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
- Development consent requirements
- Conditions of approval compliance
- Modification procedures
Project Usage: Ensure all construction activities comply with DA conditions
9.2 Work Health & Safety
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017
Key Requirements:
- Workplace safety management
- High-risk construction work (electrical work over 1kV)
- Electrical work licensing
- Incident notification
SafeWork NSW Codes of Practice:
- Managing electrical risks
- Excavation work
- Working at heights
Project Usage: Integration of safety and quality systems
9.3 Electrical Safety
Electricity Supply Act 1995Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014
Key Requirements:
- Electrical work licensing
- Network connection requirements
- Safety management systems for electrical work
- Incident reporting
Project Usage: Electrical licensing verification, energization procedures
9.4 Heritage
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974
- Aboriginal heritage protection
- Cultural heritage assessment requirements
Heritage Act 1977
- European heritage protection
Project Usage: Heritage clearances before civil works commence
10. Network Connection Standards
National Electricity Rules (NER)
Application: Grid connection requirements
Key Sections:
- Chapter 5: Network connection
- Schedule 5.2: Minimum technical requirements for generating systems
Project Usage: Grid connection compliance, performance standards
AEMO Requirements
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
Key Documents:
- Power System Model Guidelines
- Generating System Model Guidelines
- GPS (Generator Performance Standards)
Project Usage: Performance testing, SCADA integration, grid connection agreement compliance
11. Standard Purchase and Access
Where to Obtain Standards
SAI Global (Standards Australia):
- Website: www.saiglobal.com
- Phone: 13 12 42
- Purchase individual standards or subscriptions
Techstreet (Engineering Standards):
- Website: www.techstreet.com
IEC Standards:
- Website: webstore.iec.ch
Project Standards Library
A complete set of applicable standards should be maintained on site:
- Electronic copies on project server
- Hard copies in site office (key standards)
- Access provided to all project personnel as needed
12. Standards Update and Amendment Tracking
Amendment Process
When standards are updated or superseded:
- Document Controller notifies QA Manager
- Review impact on project procedures and specifications
- Update QMS documents if required
- Communicate changes to project team
- Update standards library
Standards Register
Maintain register of applicable standards:
- Standard number and title
- Revision/year
- Date obtained
- Application in project
- Superseded by (if applicable)
13. Quick Reference Table
| Discipline | Activity | Primary Standard(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | QMS | AS/NZS ISO 9001:2016 |
| PV Modules | Installation | AS/NZS 5033:2021 |
| Inverters | Installation | AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 |
| Inverters | Grid connection | AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 |
| LV Electrical | Wiring | AS/NZS 3000:2018 |
| HV Electrical | Substation | AS 2067:2016 |
| Electrical Testing | Verification | AS/NZS 3017:2022 |
| Concrete | Construction | AS 3600:2018 |
| Concrete Testing | Quality control | AS 1012 series |
| Structural Design | Wind loads | AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 |
| Earthworks | Construction | AS 3798:2007 |
| Soil Testing | Field testing | AS 1289.5.8.1 |
| Structural Steel | Design | AS 4100:2020 |
| Fasteners | Bolting | AS 1252:2016 |
| Corrosion Protection | Galvanizing | AS 2312:2014 |
| MV/HV Cables | Specification | AS/NZS 1429.1:2006 |
| LV Cables | Specification | AS/NZS 5000.1:2021 |
14. Revision History
| Revision | Date | Description | Prepared By | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Oct 2025 | Initial Issue | QA Manager | Project Manager |
END OF DOCUMENT