38Electrical wiring, components, connections and installations

38 Electrical wiring, components, connections and installations

(1)  The wiring of electrical equipment of a light vehicle, except the high tension ignition wiring, must –

(a) be supported at intervals of not more than 600 millimetres, unless the vehicle is a pole-type trailer with a pole with an adjustable length, or an extendible trailer; and

(b) be insulated at each of its joints; and

(c) be located where it cannot –

(i) become overheated; or

(ii) contact moving parts; or

(iii) come near enough to the fuel system to be a fire hazard; and

(d) be protected from chafing.

(2)  The electrical components of a light vehicle must be securely mounted.

(3)  The electrical connectors between light motor vehicles and light trailers, for the operation of the vehicle lights required by the Vehicle Standards, must comply with at least one of the following standards:

(a) Australian Standard AS 2513-1982 Electrical Connections for Trailer Vehicles;

(b) International Standards Organisation ISO 1185-1997;

(c) Society of Automotive Engineers SAE J 560-1998;

(d) Australian Standard AS 4735- 2003 Heavy road vehicles - Electrical connectors for articulated vehicles.

(4)  A light trailer must be equipped with an electrical conductor, independent of the trailer coupling, that provides a return path between the electrical circuits of the trailer and towing vehicle.

(5)  Wires carrying electrical current on a bus must be fitted so that any current first passes through a fuse box or circuit-breaker.

(6)  If the battery of the electrical system of a light bus is fitted in the interior of the bus, it must be so protected that fumes or acid cannot come into contact with passengers or goods.