Following the introduction of Cabling Competencies, which took effect 1 July 2014, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently compiled a list of FAQs in consultation with all the cabling registrars, including BRCA.
These Questions and corresponding Answers are representative of the bulk of queries from cablers over the last two years since the new regulations were announced. We’re sure that they will be beneficial in helping you better understand how the new regulations directly affect you.
Q – What are the changes to the cabling regulations?
A – From 1 July 2014, all Registered Cablers undertaking specialised cabling work in customer premises will be required to have the appropriate endorsements or to have attained the relevant competencies in order to perform, or continue to perform, these types of cabling work.
These changes came into effect on 1 July 2012, and Registered Cablers were given a 2-year transition period to attain the appropriate qualifications.
Q – What is ‘specialised cabling’ work?
A – Specialised cabling work is any installation, maintenance or repair work that involves;
- Broadband cabling (data or co-axial cable in the home or small office environment) downstream of Network Termination Device (NTD);
- Structured cabling (data cable Cat 5/5e/6 etc);
- Optical-fibre cabling; or
- Co-axial cabling.
Q – I have Open Registration with no endorsements or competencies. What does that allow me to do?
A – You will be permitted to do any telecommunications customer cabling installation, maintenance or repair work that does not involve specialised cabling – i.e. you will not be able to work on any:
- Structured cabling (Cat 5/5e/6 etc);
- Optical-fibre cabling; or
- Co-axial cabling.
However, you can perform any specialised cabling work under the direct supervision of an appropriately Registered Cabler who has the applicable endorsements or competencies.
Q – I have Restricted Registration with no endorsements or competencies. What does that allow me to do?
A – You will be permitted to do any telecommunications customer cabling installation, maintenance or repair work in the home or small office that does not involve specialised cabling – i.e. you will not be able to work on any:
- Structured cabling (Cat 5/5e/6 etc);
- Optical-fibre cabling; or
- Co-axial cabling.
You can perform any specialised Broadband or co-axial cabling work, in the home or small office, under the direct supervision of a Restricted Registered Cabler who has the Broadband competency. You can also perform any specialised Open Registration Cabling work under the direct supervision of an Open Registered Cabler who has the applicable endorsements or competencies.