EVOENERGY

LOW VOLTAGE (LV) POINT

OF ENTRY (POE) CUBICLE
REQUIREMENTS

GUIDELINES ON THE MANUFACTURE, SERVICING,

EARTHING AND BONDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOW
VOLTAGE (LV) POINT OF ENTRY CUBICLES (POE)
SERVICED BY EVOENERGY NETWORK SERVICE
CABLES FOR NON-DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL, MULTI-
RESIDENTIAL OR INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATIONS

This document stipulates Evoenergy requirements for POE cubicles

YEAR • DOC NUMBER • VERSION

2020 • PO07174 • V4.1

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 4 4. EVOENERGY POINT OF ENTRY (POE)

APPROVALS 9
1.1 Scope 4
1.2 Purpose 4 4.1 Switchboard Plan Approval Process 9
1.3 Earthing Arrangement Terminology 4 4.2 Supply of Meter Protection Devices (Fuse
1.3.1 TN Network 5 Holders) 10
1.3.2 TN-C-S system of Earthing 5 4.3 Supply of Network Connection
Equipment 10
1.3.3 Multiple MEN Links contained
within the One Building Structure 5 5. GENERAL NOTES ON POE CUBICLES 10
1.3.4 Combination POE MSB
6. REFERENCE TO DRAWINGS 10
Switchboards 5
2. EVOENERGY POINT OF ENTRY (POE) 7. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS 11
REQUIREMENTS 7
VERSION CONTROL 12
2.1 Evoenergy POE Neutral Link 7
DOCUMENT CONTROL 12
2.2 POE MEN Link 7
2.3 POE Earth Link 7 APPENDIX A – POE MEN LINK & POE MAIN
2.4 Evoenergy Earth Chassis Bond: 7 EARTH CABLE SIZES 13
2.5 Fastening of POE Earth and Neutral Links 7 APPENDIX B – METHOD 1 SCHEMATIC 14
2.6 POE Earthing Electrode and Earth Cable 7
APPENDIX C – METHOD 2 SCHEMATIC 15
2.7 POE Cubicles and Multiple MEN Link 8
3. POE EARTHING CONNECTION METHODS 8 APPENDIX D – METHOD 3 SCHEMATIC 16

3.1 Method 1 8 APPENDIX E – METHOD 4 SCHEMATIC 17

3.2 Method 2 8
3.3 Method 3 9
3.4 Method 4 9

2020 • PO07174 • V4.1

2
Disclaimer
Whilst this document contains material relevant to the electricity industry legislation, codes of practice
and standards, it is not intended to provide legal advice on how electrical contractors can meet their
own statutory obligations or comply with legislation, codes of practice or industry standards such as
AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules). Whilst care has been taken in the preparation of this document,
Evoenergy does not guarantee that the information contained in this document is accurate, complete
or up to date at time of publication. To the extent permitted by the relevant legislation Evoenergy will
not be responsible for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred as a result of any error, omission or
misrepresentation in relation to the information contained in this document.

Note
Printed versions of this document are “uncontrolled copies” - the latest version is available on the
Evoenergy website.

Copyright
Copyright© 2018 Evoenergy. This publication is copyright. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act
1968 no part of this publication may be reproduced by any process without the specific written
permission of the copyright owner. All rights reserved.

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Scope
The scope of this document is to provide guidelines on the manufacture, servicing, earthing and bonding
arrangements for Low voltage (LV) point of entry cubicles (POE) serviced by Evoenergy network service
cables for non-domestic commercial multi-residential or industrial installations. The wiring methods
used in this document are based on the MEN system of earthing as stated by the IEC definitions of
TNCS which are contained within the AS/NZS 3000.
This document covers the following aspects:
 Servicing of POE cubicles;
 POE neutral links;
 POE MEN links;
 POE earthing links;
 POE earthing conductors;
 POE earth chassis bonding conductor;
 POE earth stake.
This document provides guidance to the use of the above mentioned equipment in order to provide a
suitable and safe fault path for the incoming Evoenergy network cables whilst managing the earth
potential rise on the POE chassis during a fault event.
This document needs to be read in conjunction with Evoenergy Service and Installation Rules.

1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to avoid the potentially hazardous situations of
parallel neutral paths or circulating neutral currents occurring within the customers building(s). The
situation is applicable when the POE cubicle is connected to/within arm’s reach of:
 The MSB; or
 The building containing the MSB
This document stipulates Evoenergy requirements for POE cubicles.
The chances of the hazard occurring is increased if the two switchboards are within arm’s reach of each
other or the building is constructed of conductive materials, such as reinforced concrete, a metallic
frame, copper water pipes, overhead metallic walk ways or the use of a metal facade (such as
Aluminium cladding panels).
This document is intended to be used by POE cubicle manufacturers, contractors installing the POE
cubicles, the personnel connecting the POE cubicles to the network, and for the service and installation
officers for checking compliance.

1.3 Earthing Arrangement Terminology

Three types of earthing arrangements are defined in clause 5.1.3 of AS/NZS 3000 (International
Standard IEC 60364), having a two letter code, namely ‘TN’, ‘TT’, and ‘IT’.
The first letter pertains to the connection between the earth and the power supply equipment:
“T” – direct connection of a point with earth
“I” – no point is connected with earth (isolation), except perhaps via high impedance.
The second letter pertains to the connection between earth and the electrical device(s) which are being
supplied:
“T” – direct connection of a point with earth
“N” – direct connection to neutral at the origin of installation, which is connecting to earth.

2020 • PO07174 • V4.1 4

1.3.1 TN Network
In TN type of earthing system, the star point of a three phase supply (generator or transformer) is
connected to earth. The conductive metallic chassis of the supply and the connected electrical devices
are connected to earth via this earth point on the source side1.
1.3.2 TN-C-S system of Earthing
In this type of earthing system, part of the earthing system uses a combined Protective Earth Neutral
conductor PEN conductor for earthing, whereas for the remaining downstream part of the system uses
separate conductors for both the Protective Earth (PE) and for the Neutral (N). Usually, the combined
PEN conductor is used near the source of the system.
FIGURE 1. IEC TNCS SYSTEM OF EARTHING (MEN)

1.3.3 Multiple MEN Links contained within the One Building Structure
Under the MEN system of earthing, the earthing system from one MEN link should not connect with the
earthing system from another MEN link where both links are fed from the same point of supply
(distribution transformer). If the earthing systems do mix the pillar/cubicle/switchboard further up the
distribution line will contain the MEN link and the earth stake and it will feed the other downstream
switchboard directly with an earth wire without a MEN link and without an earth stake 2.
1.3.4 Combination POE MSB Switchboards
Evoenergy require a single MEN link inside a combination POE Main switchboard. This is to avoid
having circulating neutral currents within the switchboard chassis itself and circulating within the
earthing conductors within the combined switchboard.
In a combination POE/MSB with one common switchboard chassis serviced by an incoming Evoenergy
cables, the MEN can be performed within the customer section as long as method 3 (refer to Appendix
D) can be achieved.

1
Refer to figure 1: IEC TNCS System of Earthing (MEN)
2
Refer to figure 2: the MEN system of earthing on a LV circuit from a distribution substation

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FIGURE 2. THE MEN SYSTEM OF EARTHING ON A LOW VOLTAGE CIRCUIT FROM A DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATION DISPLAYING MULTIPLE DIFFERENT INSTALLATIONS
USING POE CUBICLES3

Evoenergy

3
Note: This sketch and all Customer’s metering arrangements are indicative and for information only. C.T. Metering is not permitted within the Point of Entry section of the Cubicle.

2020 • PO07174 • V4.1 6

2. EVOENERGY POINT OF ENTRY (POE) REQUIREMENTS

This section outlines the neutral and earthing requirements of a POE that is connected to Evoenergy’s
electrical network. These requirements cover free standing POE cubicles and combination POE/MSB
cubicles.

2.1 Evoenergy POE Neutral Link

On all POE cubicles serviced by Evoenergy network cables, Evoenergy requires a tinned copper neutral
bar that is adequately rated and sized to terminate the lug(s) of the aluminium neutral conductor(s), as
per relevant drawing 8913-213-06 or 8913-213-08
Note 1: Point of Entry cubicles are often used to service other installations, via a Weber fuse way strip,
in such cases the POE neutral link must be suitable to accommodate the outgoing neutral conductor
termination using lug(s) as well as the incoming neutral conductor termination using lug.
Note 2: If the POE cubicle is serviced by parallel network cables, the POE neutral link must be able to
accommodate both parallel neutral conductor lug(s).

2.2 POE MEN Link

On all POE cubicles serviced by an Evoenergy network cable, Evoenergy requires a POE MEN link
adequately rated and sized to the incoming network cable(s), refer to table 3 for details. For example if
the incoming network service cable is a 240mm 2 Aluminium cable, the POE MEN link must be a
minimum of 70mm2 copper.

2.3 POE Earth Link

On all POE cubicles serviced by an Evoenergy network cable Evoenergy requires a dedicated tinned
copper POE earth bar or earth link. The POE earth bar/link must have a minimum of four separate
terminal holes to terminate the POE earth cable, the POE MEN link, the Earth Link Chassis Bond and
the MSB earth cable separately.

2.4 Evoenergy Earth Chassis Bond:

The Evoenergy Earth chassis bond will provide a suitable connection of the earth link to the POE metal
chassis without dropping in cross sectional area as it connects directly to the bare metal chassis. The
earth chassis bond must be capable of carrying a minimum fault current of 30,000 A without suffering
any damage.
If the earth chassis bond connects to an earth stud or earth bracket it shall be fully welded to the main
part of the chassis around the full circumference of a stud or on all sides of a bracket.
Spot or tack welds on earthing points are NOT acceptable.
Note 1: The Evoenergy earth chassis bond is required on all switchboards that contain Evoenergy
assets (network cables and/or switchgear equipment) and or contains consumer mains cables.

2.5 Fastening of POE Earth and Neutral Links

The POE Earth and Neutral links must be fastened to the POE chassis to withstand the magnetic forces
of fault current without suffering any damage. POE Earth links screwed to a POE chassis with self-
drilling tech screws is not an acceptable method of fastening the links.

2.6 POE Earthing Electrode and Earth Cable

On all POE cubicles fed by an Evoenergy network cable, the cubicle shall have access to a local POE
earth stake via an earth cable having the same size as the POE MEN Link 4 refer to table 3 for sizes.
The Earth electrode shall be of the same cross-sectional area as the earth cable connecting to it. A
bare earth conductor may be used as the electrode provided that it is sized as per table 3, in ground

4
Refer to Appendix A: POE MEN Link & POE Main Earth Cable Sizes

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photos shall be available on request if bare earth electrode is used. A round U bolt clamp should be
used to fasten the earth cable to the earthing electrode.

2.7 POE Cubicles and Multiple MEN Link

If a freestanding POE cubicle is located up against or within two (2) metres of any building structure
connected to the building MSB, Evoenergy will only connect supply if there is only one MEN
contained within the building, and the MEN link and main earth stake are located within and local to
the POE cubicle as per the MEN system of earthing5.

3. POE EARTHING CONNECTION METHODS

One of the POE earthing methods outlined below must be followed to ensure that the POE cubicle is
correctly earthed in accordance with AS/NZS 3000 and Evoenergy Service and Installation Rules.

3.1 Method 1
Free Standing Point of Entry (POE) Cubicle and remote MSB configured as outbuildings having
a POE MEN with Earth Stake and MSB MEN with Earth Stake
 This is the Evoenergy preferred method of connection.
 This method is suitable to be used only where there is an adequate clearance available between
the POE and the MSB.
 The POE cubicle shall not be within two (2) metres of any building connected to the main switch
board or the main switchboard.
 With this method, the POE and MSB have their separate MEN links and Earth Stakes.
 This method is the preferred method where there is a long distance between the POE and MSB
in the interests of decreasing the fault loop impedance and the earth potential rise at the MSB
during a fault event.
 This method is also preferred where the customer’s MSB is closer to the distribution substation
than the POE cubicle.
 Refer to Appendix B – Method 1 Schematic.

3.2 Method 2
Free Standing Point of Entry (POE) cubicle containing the main building MEN link and main
building earth stake
 This method must be used if the POE cubicle is installed up against or within two (2) metres of
a building or connected to the installations MSB and when adequate separation between the
POE cubicle and the MSB or the building containing the MSB is not achievable.
 There shall be only one MEN link per building and it shall be labelled appropriately.
 The POE MEN link is to remain intact inside the POE cubicle along with the connection of the
POE earth cable (that connects to the POE earth stake).
 An adequately sized and rated earth conductor shall be installed between the respective POE
and the MSB earth links.
 The MSB will not have a MEN link and it will not have an earth stake.
 This earthing method and location of the MEN is considered compliant to AS/NZS 3000:2007
Clause 5.3.5.1 Exceptions 2 & 3.
 If a full size earth is not used, this installation method increases the fault loop impedance for a
fault that occurs inside the customers MSB. Consideration must be given to length of consumer
mains in such installations.

5
Refer to Appendix C: Method 2 Schematic

2020 • PO07174 • V4.1 8

  Refer to Clause 5.7 and calculation B5.2.2 of AS/NZS 3000:2007 wiring rules for the maximum
lengths of the consumer mains in particular when using this method of installation.
 Refer to Appendix C – Method 2 Schematic.
Note: Calculation B5.2.2 is only considered valid for cables up to 120mm² CSA;

3.3 Method 3
Combined Point of Entry (POE) Cubicle and MSB with neutral and earth links common to the
POE and customer cubicles, the MEN can be performed inside the customer cubicle
 In this option the neutral bar/link and earth bar/link is common to both the POE cubicle and the
customer MSB cubicle.
 The MEN link and main earth is performed inside the customer cubicle next to the POE cubicle.
 The MEN link and the main earth cables are sized to Table 3 in Appendix A.
 The MEN Link must be easily identifiable and readily accessible to Evoenergy staff.
 The MEN link shall be performed inside the customer part of the switchboard. The chassis earth
bond (if applicable) and the main earth cable must be terminated in close proximity to the MEN
link with no joints in both the common earth busbar and the common neutral busbar. All cables
should terminate as close as possible to each other. (No cables are to be used for connections
between busbars).
 Refer to Appendix D – Method 3 Schematic.

3.4 Method 4
Combined Point of Entry (POE) Cubicle and MSB with MEN link and main earth terminals
contained within the POE cubicle
 Evoenergy will allow the MEN link to be housed inside the POE cubicle behind the Evoenergy
lock and not inside the customer part of the switchboard.
 Refer to Appendix E – Method 4 Schematic.

4. EVOENERGY POINT OF ENTRY (POE) APPROVALS

Evoenergy has introduce a new improvement initiative – Electronic Point of Entry (POE) drawing
approval process. Some important things to note for electronic approval process:
 The POE drawings (free standing or combined POE/Main Switchboard (MSB)) are required to
be in pdf format
 The POE drawings must be sent to Service & Installation Officer via email:
poedrawingapproval@evoenergy.com.au
 The POE drawing must have relevant information in the “project details” area such as –
o Evoenergy Project Number
o Suburb, Block & Section
o Customer’s details
Evoenergy will review & return the stamped drawings in pdf formats by email within 10 business days.
Evoenergy’s response email will be sent to the requester and all other parties CCed in the request
email.

4.1 Switchboard Plan Approval Process

Evoenergy will no longer be conducting plan approvals for anything past the network boundary point.
This means that the only items that shall be approved are Point of Entry (PoE) Cubicles (or similar).
The approval of these drawings shall be limited to the area housing Evoenergy equipment only and not
cover any items that are also provided on the drawing.

2020 • PO07174 • V4.1 9

The reason for this change is that the areas past this network boundary point are required to meet
Australian Standards and are not covered by any Evoenergy Rules or Standards.

4.2 Supply of Meter Protection Devices (Fuse Holders)

Evoenergy will no longer issue meter protection devices (MPD’s) to any external company. In most
cases the devices provided are in the form of a fuse holder and are manufactured into multi-tenant
meter panels.
The reason for this change is that the area past the network boundary point are required to meet
Australian Standards and the type of meter protection device required is not covered by any Evoenergy
Rules or Standards. It is noted that reference to a stand-alone Meter Protection Device is within the
PO07173 “Evoenergy Service and Installation Rules”, however the type of device cannot be specified
by Evoenergy.

4.3 Supply of Network Connection Equipment

Evoenergy will no longer issue the network connection equipment such as 400A or 630A Holec Fuse
Link Carriers to switchboard manufacturers. However, the Point of Entry (POE) cubicle/switchboard
must have pre-drilled base plate along with PVC Holec fuse dividers for Evoenergy to install the Holec
Carriers under the network connection work.
Evoenergy will continue issuing the 2000A isolator to switchboard manufacturers, however, this will be
only issued under the relevant customer initiated project with approval of relevant project engineer.
Switchboard manufacturer will need to seek the project engineer’s contact details from their
customer/Electrical Contractor and contact the relevant project engineer and coordinate the equipment
pick up from Evoenergy supply centre at Greenway.
The POE cubicle must comply with PO07173 “Evoenergy Service and Installation Rules” and relevant
Evoenergy Standard drawing either 8913-213-06 or 8913-213-08 specified under the connection
agreement.
Please feel free to send your comments, feedback or improvement suggestions to
poedrawingapproval@evoenergy.com.au .

5. GENERAL NOTES ON POE CUBICLES

All POE cubicles and switchboards containing Evoenergy assets must be sealed from the ingress of
moisture and vermin; including all incoming conduits.
No holes shall be permitted in the PoE without approval from Evoenergy and the manufacturer is to
certify the IP and KA rating of the PoE with any additional holes.

6. REFERENCE TO DRAWINGS
Evoenergy documents
Document number Document title
PO07173 Service and Installation rules
Evoenergy drawings
Document number Document title
8911 – 313 Non Domestic – Small Installation POE/Meter Box for Installation with
Underground Service Cables up to 50mm2 Cu
8911 – 324 Typical Metering Cubicle for Multi-Installation and Looping or Paralleling of
Evoenergy Cables
8913 – 213 – 06 P.O.E. 315A to 630A Free Standing or Wall Mounted with Modular Feeder
Units
8913 – 213 – 08 P.O.E. Radial Service Cubicle 800A to 2000A Free Standing or Wall
Mounted

2020 • PO07174 • V4.1 10

 Australian Standards
Document number Document title
AS/ NZS 3000 Electrical Installations
IEC 60364 Low-voltage electrical installations

7. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

TERM DEFINITION

LV Low Voltage

MEN Multiple Earthed Neutral

MSB Main Switch Board

PE Protective Earth

POE Point of Entry

TN-S N and PE are separate conductors which are

only connected at the source of supply (i.e.
generator or transformer).

TN-C N and PE conductors are combined to form

PEN.

TN-C-S N and PE conductors are combined at source

(MEN system of of supply (i.e. generator or transformer) to the
earthing) building distribution point, and then split into PE
and N conductors in fixed indoor wiring and
flexible power cords.

2020 • PO07174 • V4.1 11

VERSION CONTROL

VERSION DETAILS APPROVED

1.0 Initial Document 24 November 2015;

2.0 Converted to Project 201 Template 28 September 2017;

3.0 Re-branded to Evoenergy 16 January 2018;

4.0 Disclaimer and Copyright notes 08 January 2019;

added. References Amended.
Appendix A Amended. Appendix E
Removed.

4.1 Converted on new Template; Brett North; Nadeem Azizi; Wayne

Chapter 4 added; Appendix A, D & Cleland; 23 July 2020
E Modified

DOCUMENT CONTROL

DOCUMENT OWNER PUBLISH DATE REVIEW DATE

Asset Standards 23/07/2020 23/07/2022

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APPENDIX A – POE MEN LINK & POE MAIN EARTH CABLE SIZES

INCOMING NETWORK MINIMUM POE MEN MINIMUM POE EARTH MINIMUM POE EARTH
CABLE SIZE mm2 LINK SIZE mm2 CABLE SIZE mm2 LINK CHASSIS BOND
SIZE mm2

1 x 16mm2 Copper 70mm2 Copper 70mm2 Copper 70mm2 Copper

(multi-core)
1 x 35mm2 Copper 70mm2 Copper 70mm2 Copper 70mm2 Copper
(multi-core)
1 x 50mm2 Copper 70mm2 Copper 70mm2 Copper 70mm2 Copper
(multi-core)
1 x 240mm2 Aluminium 70mm2 Copper 70mm2 Copper 70mm2 Copper
(multi-core)
2 x 240mm2 Aluminium 120mm2 Copper 120mm2 Copper 120mm2 Copper
(multi-core)
3 x 240mm2 Aluminium 150mm2 Copper 150mm2 Copper 150mm2 Copper
(multi-core)
1 x 300mm2 Aluminium 95mm2 Copper 95mm2 Copper 95mm2 Copper
(multi-core)
2 x 300mm2 Aluminium 150mm2 Copper 150mm2 Copper 150mm2 Copper
(multi-core)
3 x 300mm2 Aluminium 240mm2 Copper 240mm2 Copper 240mm2 Copper
(multi-core)
4 x 300mm2 Aluminium 300mm2 Copper 300mm2 Copper 300mm2 Copper
or above (multi-core)
4 x 300mm2 Copper 150mm2 Copper 150mm2 Copper 150mm2 Copper
(single core)
8 x 300mm2 Copper 185mm2 Copper 185mm2 Copper 185mm2 Copper
(single core)
4 x 500mm2 Copper 185mm2 Copper 185mm2 Copper 185mm2 Copper
(single core)
4 x 630mm2 Copper 300mm2 Copper 300mm2 Copper 300mm2 Copper
(single core)
8 x 500mm2 Copper 300mm2 Copper 300mm2 Copper 300mm2 Copper
(single core)
8 x 630mm2 Copper 500mm2 Copper 500mm2 Copper 500mm2 Copper
(single core)
16 x 500mm2 Copper 500mm2 Copper 500mm2 Copper 500mm2 Copper
(single core)

TABLE 1. POE MEN LINK & MAIN EARTH CABLE SIZES

The 240mm2 multi-core network cable is the standard cable currently used by Evoenergy for the majority
of commercial installations subjected to site requirements and loads.
Please see an Evoenergy project officer for incoming cable size for POE cubicles that is serviced by
Evoenergy network cables.

2020 • PO07174 • V4.1 13

APPENDIX B – METHOD 1 SCHEMATIC
FIGURE 3. FREE STANDING POE CUBICLE SEPARATE TO THE MSB WITH TWO MEN LINKS AND TWO EARTH
STAKES

Evoenergy

Note:
For accurate neutral / earth bar layouts refer to Evoenergy drawing 8913-213-06
POE & MSB earth stake must comply with AS/NZS 3000

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APPENDIX C – METHOD 2 SCHEMATIC
FIGURE 4. FREE STANDING POE CUBICLE WITH THE MAIN BUILDING MEN LINK AND MAIN BUILDING EARTH STAKE
LOCATED AT THE POE BEHIND THE EVOENERGY LOCK

Evoenergy

Note:
For accurate neutral / earth bar layouts refer to Evoenergy drawing 8913-213-06
POE earth stake must comply with AS/NZS 3000

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APPENDIX D – METHOD 3 SCHEMATIC
FIGURE 5. COMBINATION POE CUBICLE & MSB WITH NEUTRAL AND EARTH LINKS COMMON TO THE POE AND
CUSTOMER CUBICLES, THE MEN CAN BE PERFORMED INSIDE THE CUSTOMER CUBICLE

Note:
M.E.N. can be made in Customer’s cubicle provided it is a common busbar arrangement within the
POE/MSB; No joints or cable is permitted for M.EN
POE & MSB earth stake must comply with AS/NZS 3000

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 APPENDIX E – METHOD 4 SCHEMATIC
FIGURE 6. COMBINATION POE CUBICLE AND MSB CONTAINING SEPARATE NEUTRAL AND EARTH LINKS WITH THE
MEN LINK AND THE MAIN EARTH CABLE TERMINATING INSIDE THE POE CUBICLE BEHIND THE
EVOENERGY LOCK

Note:
For accurate neutral / earth bar layouts refer to Evoenergy drawing 8913-213-06 to be updated
POE & MSB earth stake must comply with AS/NZS 3000

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