FAQ

• What is an ASP Level 3?

  ASP stands for Accredited Service Provider. An accredited Level 3, or L3, service provider is able to do the design of distribution network assets. These include the poles, wires and substations to distribute power, up to 11kV. These assets are owned by companies such as Ausgrid or Endeavour Energy, and need to be specially designed to their standards.

• When do I need a Level 3?

  A Level 3 design is required anytime you are changing the electricity network outside of your property, or changing utility owned assets. This includes, a new supply to a property, pole relocation, and under grounding overhead assets.

  A Level 3 is also able to provide streetlight design, and is a great ally to have when negotiating with the electrical utilities.

• Are there other Levels as well?

  There are 3 levels of ASP's:

  Level 1 - Responsible for the construction of network assets.

  Level 2 - Service work or connection services, which includes connecting/disconnecting power to the premises, and installing electricity meters.

  Level 3 - Design of network assets.

• Is Simplex Engineering an ASP Level 1?

  Simplex Engineering chooses to specialise in L3 design. By choosing to specialise in design, we are able to focus on quickly delivering a quality design, and meet our customer's needs. We have great relationships with the utilities that we work with, so we can better serve your needs.

  Although we do not perform the construction, we are able to help with choosing the appropriate L1 to construct our design.

• Is Simplex Engineering an ASP Level 2?

  Simplex is an accredited ASP L2 (Licence Number 1825), however we choose to no longer work in construction, and to focus on design. We use the experiences from being a Level 2, to ensure that there we can produce the best possible design, that is effectively constructed.

• What makes Simplex Engineering different?

  Experience makes Simplex Engineering different. We have been in business since 1996, and was one of the first accredited ASP L3 in the industry. We have many years of experience, and great relationships with people in the industry. We use our years of experience to ensure costly problems are avoided, and to help you achieve the best possible result with your project.

  All the engineers at Simplex Engineering do all the drafting themselves. This makes sure that none of the finer details are missed.

  We are committed to the customer. We have a particularly strong focus on achieving the best results and minimising the costs for construction.

• What are the 6 fatal mistakes when it comes to electrical design?

  In this field, seemingly small problems can make or break your project. Avoiding issues is the key. The 6 fatal mistakes are:

  1. Not consulting before a project - This is often seen as an avoidable cost by many in the industry that believe they know better, however, every job has its own challenges. A trusted consultant can help with preparing for the project, and use their knowledge and experience to best avoid potential problems. Although some challenges cannot be avoided, by having a trusted, consultant they can minimise the impact of the problem. A small expense now, could save you plenty in the future.
  2. Not leaving enough time - People often underestimate the time that some projects take. Dealing with utilities can often be a long, complicated process. Certain procedures must be followed, which often lengthens the time it takes to complete the project. Make sure you plan ahead, and leave plenty of time. We try to do everything in our power to speed up this process as much as we can. Construction is also full of uncertainty, from weather to equipment, leaving enough time ensures issues are dealt with before they develop into problems.
  3. Not knowing the standards - Each electrical utility, council, and government body has their own standards that must be followed. These are usually in place to ensure safety, however it can be difficult to navigate. Ensure you know which standards apply to your project, to avoid any issues down the track.
  4. Trusting the wrong people - With most projects we have to work with many different people. Ensure you have a strong team to back you. They can either be your best asset or cause you problems.
  5. Failing to consider the environment - The environment surrounding your project is important to be kept in mind. This includes the natural environment (i.e. flora and fauna), as well as the social environment (i.e. communities, schools, neighbours, etc). Each of these areas are important to protect and have specific government bodies to protect them. Not doing your part to protect it may directly impact you and your project.
  6. Not choosing experience - In the construction industry, experience is extremely important. Not all the lessons we learn can be taught, some have to be experienced. Ensure the people you choose have sufficient experience and have learnt these lessons so they do not repeat. Experience can help with avoiding issues, and managing any issues quickly when they come up.
• What is Simplex Engineering's commitment?

  Simplex Engineering is committed to providing the best possible service at a reasonable price. We use all our knowledge and experience to ensure the best result is achieved for your project, and costly problems are avoided.

• How are you environmentally conscious?

  Simplex Engineering is committed to being environmentally sustainable in all aspects of our business, including our operations, our choice of suppliers, and even the construction of our designs. We are proud of our commitment, and we encourage everyone to be conscious of their impacts.

  We are a part of the Better Business Partnership to help us continuously reduce our environmental impact in the office.

• What is the Better Business Partnership?

  The Better Business Partnership (BBP) is an initiative from Ku-ring-gai, North Sydney, and Willoughby councils to help local businesses to be environmentally conscious in 7 ways - Energy, Waste, Water, Community, Sustainable Purchasing, Transport, and Staff Support.

  They recognise that being aware of the environment is an important issue in all aspects of work. Simplex Engineering supports environmental awareness and encourages everyone to be conscious of their impacts.

• Which charities do you support?

  Simplex Engineering is an active supporter of charities and the local community. Over the years we have supported a range of different charities. The charities we are currently supporting include:

  • Cancer Council
  • Westmead Children's Hospital
  • The Salvation Army
  • The Smith Family
• How long does a design take to be certified?

  Simplex Engineering is committed to producing our designs quickly, however the time each project takes varies based on complexity, and requirements. We ensure all our projects are submitted as quickly as possible to the utilities, to allow it to be reviewed and checked quickly.

• How do we get started?

  The best way we can start working together, is getting in contact with us. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Have more questions?

Contact Simplex Engineering for any enquiries here.