An update to the 2025 Victorian Service and Installation Rules (VSIR) will be published in late May 2026, with important changes being called out in a document titled ‘What’s New’ which will be available on the homepage of the VSIR website.
Below we’ve highlighted some key updates.
Double insulation of multicore cables in pits
Additional information has been provided regarding the requirement for multicore cables in pits to be double insulated. This is a requirement of the Electricity Safety (General) Regulation (Reg 224(4)(a)).
When a multicore underground cable is used as consumer mains, and the outer sheath has been removed, the double insulation properties of the cable must be maintained or reinstated from the point of connection to the distribution network, to the first protective device. Any product used for this purpose must be suitable for achieving double insulation and approved by the manufacturer. Thin‑walled heat shrink alone doesn’t provide double insulation and should only be used for phase identification.
The VSIR has been updated to clarify this requirement, including updates to Figure 7.5-B and Clause 7.5.2.4.
Additional information is available on the VSIR website.
Spacing of fuses on meter panels
Spacing between fuses on meter panels is no longer required for constant loads over 50amps per phase. This change has been updated in VSIR clauses 6.8.6.3.2.2 and 8.9.4, along with the notes in the relevant meter panel wiring diagrams.
Screws protruding through meter panels
The requirements for screws protruding through meter panels are covered in VSIR clause 8.4.5.2.
These requirements have now been strengthened and some methods that may have been deemed acceptable are no longer accepted.
Fixing screws and fasteners shall not protrude through the rear of the panel in a manner that could damage conductors or create un-earthed exposed metal. Where conductive mounting bolts or screws protrude through the panel and could come into contact with wiring at the rear, a non-conductive bolt or screw (e.g. nylon or plastic) shall be used.
‘Type B’ (blunt) Hi-Lo panel screws or similar are an acceptable fixing device.
Metal screws with needle points and self-drilling tips that protrude through the rear of the panel are not permitted. Insulating metal screws using silicone, masonry wall plugs or other materials are not permitted.
Flexible trading metering
Flexible trading has been introduced by the Australian Energy Market Commission and allows consumers with energy-generating and storage devices (like rooftop solar panels, home batteries, and electric vehicles) to separately meter and trade the energy from these devices. This allows users to engage different companies to manage their electricity usage and potentially lower their power bills.
It’s also introduced for street furniture such as bus stops, tram stops, and phone boxes.
There are 3 types of meters that have been introduced to support this new initiative:
- Type 8A – used at the Primary Connection Point or Secondary Settlement Point of a Large Customer
- Type 8B – used at the Secondary Settlement Point of a Small Customer
- Type 9 – used at the Primary Connection Point of Public Street Lighting or Street Furniture
- Type 9CMS – designed to aggregate multiple node points to a single NMI. The distributor may limit NMI aggregation/amalgamation from being used with any Street Furniture other than Public Lighting. Therefore, Type 9CMS is only expected to be connected to Public Lighting supplies.
Flexible trading will have a staged introduction, with Type 9 metering starting on 31 May 2026 and Type 8A & 8B metering starting on 1 November 2026.
VSIR clause 8.10.4 and Appendix B has been updated to reflect this, with the definition of these new terms (e.g. Secondary Settlement Point) found in Appendix B.
Subdivision Guideline
A guideline for subdivision electrical arrangements has been developed to assist customers with understanding common planning permit conditions applied by distributors, particularly those related to compliance with the VSIR.
The guideline is published on the VSIR website under the ‘Technical Information’ tab.
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