Doc 53

Will be the similar to the one we do at the boat people course i believe. There is a large section at the back of the regs book about maximum demand and it tells you the load values for each item group which you split across the 3 phases in to circuits and then you get the total load and select the smallest mains cable you can get away with allowing for volt drop ( yes really must be an ozzie thing!! I would have been struck off for that in the UK!) Pretty straightforward stuff really and pretty much the same as the UK.

Not correct I am afraid.

You also need to account for earth fault loop impedance and its effect on tripping times and co-ordination between breakers. The best method for understanding cable calculations is spreadsheets, Microsoft office being the most used (although the stuff on Linux that is free is just as good).

In the real world full sequence for cable sizing should be:

- max demand for DB (using AS 3000 is fine for basic sites, custom calculation is required for complex projects. The later allows the use of diversities to establish load profiles between major load groups). You need to make sure here motor inrush etc to co-ordinate with breaker setting.

- dearate cables for ambient temperature, installation method, grouping of load carrying circuits and cable type.

- apply cable length to confirm volt drop

- apply cable length to calculate adult level at end of cable. Use this value to establish tripping within AS3000 rules, and protection co-ordintates. At this point you may need to use a larger breaker than the required load, to achieve co-ordination/discrimination. This may result in larger cables being required.

- confirm cable size meets requirement of the a diabetic equation for withstand of temperature rise during fault condition, at origin of cable.

Sound familiar? It should, AS 3008 (cable selection) directly aligns with IEC60364 (international standard for electrical installation in buildings) which also aligns with BSEN7671 (requirements for Electrical installations).

unsurprisingly any major installations will be carried out in computer software like powercad/cable calc/powerpak. Be warned all have short comings!

Ok,

I lived on the Gold Coast and have relocated to Brisbane and I work for a major Construction Contractor. In my Role I work all over Qld and the NT.

I explain this so you understand that I have a grasp of what is going on here right now. The post is in now way angled to be negative it is merely information for you to consider.

All the places you mention are stunning, unfortunately they are also struggling at the moment in terms of construction, albeit there are a few large projects on. If you do live on the Gold Coast / Sunshine Coast / etc be prepared for a long commute (1-1.5 hrs commute) and a $20 a day (roughly) train ticket. Parking is expensive here. Factor these costs in, as well as the effect on your family life.

By the way I know plenty of guys that do the commute from Gold/Sunny Coast into Brisbane. It is not for me. FWIW I also notice how tired these guys look and how little time they have for fitness/personal affairs etc.

Also be aware you may get a job now at the construction for a hospital, prison, whatever. Consider however what happens when that project finishes. The construction market (particularly in Qld) can be very closed to friends/families/contacts (who not what you know) and at the moment the job market is VERY competitive. Ask around on this site (and others) for opinions of carpenters working here in Qld now, and how they think you would get on coming into the job market cold.

I cannot stress this enough. DO NOT COME ON A 457/WHATEVER TEMP VISA WHERE YOUR EMPLOYER CAN HOLD YOU BY THE VITALS! Temp visas are dodgy enough in the good times. They are even more dodgy with the economy being weak. A permanent visa is expensive and time consuming but you are your own man. I came on a perm visa and after seeing what happens in the 457 arena would not consider doing it any other way.

i suppose 457's for nurses/doctors/inter company etc a bit different, but for "normal circumstance" I would not recommend it.

Also do your research with the schools. As with the UK there cane be considerable variation between school standards and amenities.

That is it right now, any questions I will try to answer. Me and my family love it here, but as with life anywhere for mere mortals there are things we need to think about. Oh also check out the Brisbane County Council websites for parking fees and the JP journey planner for travel times/costs. No point in living in paradise if you cannot afford or have no time to do anything.