Overview
All electrical installations for Fujitsu air conditioning systems must comply with the AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules, commonly referred to as the Australian/New Zealand Standard for Electrical Installations.
In addition, Clause 1.7.1(c) requires that installations be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Therefore, the installation manual issued with each outdoor unit forms part of the compliance documentation.
1. Manufacturer’s Specification (AS/NZS 3000 Clause 1.7.1(c))
Clause 1.7.1 – Essential Requirement states that all electrical equipment forming part of an electrical installation shall be:
Installed to operate safely and reliably under normal conditions;
Protected against risks of electric shock, fire, and overheating; and
Installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
This means the installation manual for each model is a legally binding document for compliance.
For example, the manual specifies:
The requirement for a dedicated circuit and circuit breaker for each air conditioner;
Cable sizing appropriate for the unit’s power consumption; and
Connection method, isolation, and protection devices.
Failure to follow these manufacturer-specific requirements constitutes non-compliance with AS/NZS 3000.
2. Lockable Isolator (Clause 4.19)
Clause 4.19 (introduced in the 2012 revision) requires that:
“Air-conditioning and heat pump systems incorporating a compressor shall be provided with a lockable isolating switch installed adjacent to the unit.”
Key points:
The isolator must be accessible and adjacent to the outdoor unit, not mounted on it.
This has been legislated in Victoria since 2011 and adopted nationally since December 2012.
The isolator ensures safe disconnection for service and maintenance.
3. Circuit Design and Protection
Under Clause 1.6 – Design of an Electrical Installation, an electrical system must:
Protect persons and property from electrical hazards;
Function correctly with minimal disruption during faults; and
Facilitate safe inspection and maintenance.
Each air conditioner must have its own dedicated circuit to prevent power surges or interference from other appliances.
This protects both the air conditioner and other electrical equipment from potential electrical spikes, and supports warranty validity.
4. RCD Circuits
Air conditioning systems are not required to be connected to an RCD-protected circuit under current standards.
This design avoids unnecessary tripping caused by natural operational leakage current in inverter-driven equipment.
5. Warranty Implications
If a manufacturer specifies that a unit must be installed on a dedicated circuit, and this instruction is not followed:
The installation is deemed non-compliant with AS/NZS 3000; and
Any resulting electrical fault may invalidate the product warranty due to improper installation.
Summary
| Clause Reference | Requirement | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| AS/NZS 3000 – 1.7.1(c) | Installation must follow manufacturer’s specifications | Manuals form part of compliance documentation |
| AS/NZS 3000 – 4.19 | Lockable isolator adjacent to unit | Ensures safety and service accessibility |
| AS/NZS 3000 – 1.6 | Design must protect persons, property, and function correctly | Dedicated circuit required |
| RCD Guidance | Not required for inverter air conditioners | Prevents nuisance tripping |
Conclusion
All Fujitsu air conditioning systems must be installed in strict accordance with AS/NZS 3000 and the manufacturer’s installation manual.
This ensures electrical safety, regulatory compliance, and warranty protection.
Installers are responsible for verifying that:
Cable sizing, breaker ratings, and isolator placement match manual requirements.
A dedicated circuit is used as specified.
These measures ensure both the integrity of the installation and compliance with national standards.