Search found 936 matches
- Mon Jul 22, 2024 10:41 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Shuttered socket outlets
- Replies: 2
- Views: 418
Re: Shuttered socket outlets
There is currently no requirement for "3112" sockets to have shutters. I believe there are specifications that must be met IF shutters are provided. It's not an NZ vs Oz thing; it's a safety-conscious vs cheapest product thing. There was a move some time ago to try to mandate use of shutters (or equ...
- Tue Jul 09, 2024 10:53 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Does "works" require Certification
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1158
Re: Does "works" require Certification
Certification (& inspection)is only required for general / high-risk PEW "on an installation".
ESCs a bit different; also needed for connection to supply done at supply fuse.
Check the wording in the relevant ESRs
ESCs a bit different; also needed for connection to supply done at supply fuse.
Check the wording in the relevant ESRs
- Sat Jul 06, 2024 8:42 am
- Forum: Inspection
- Topic: Fault loop Impedance and PSCC Inspection requirement or not?
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1257
Re: Fault loop Impedance and PSCC Inspection requirement or not?
Inspection is required for mains work done on an installation by an installer. Provision of short circuit protection and fault protection for mains is not part of that, because ESR 32 makes it the responsibility of the lines company. Accordingly, these are not matters we need to look at when inspect...
- Sat Jul 06, 2024 8:25 am
- Forum: Inspection
- Topic: Replacing a PV Inverter
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1288
Re: Replacing a PV Inverter
Not sure what would result from a different inverter being found if audited.
But should not reflect back on you.
I suspect few others wool be recording this info on their RoI.
If anything, the fact that you've re4corded this (non-required?) info would tend to confirm that a swap had been done.
But should not reflect back on you.
I suspect few others wool be recording this info on their RoI.
If anything, the fact that you've re4corded this (non-required?) info would tend to confirm that a swap had been done.
- Thu Jul 04, 2024 9:36 am
- Forum: Inspection
- Topic: Replacing a PV Inverter
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1288
Re: Replacing a PV Inverter
Under ESR 6A (1) replacement of fittings is low-risk PEW.
So no CoV required.
And therefore cannot be high-risk PEW, so no inspection required either.
So no CoV required.
And therefore cannot be high-risk PEW, so no inspection required either.
- Fri Jun 28, 2024 11:50 am
- Forum: Transportable Installations
- Topic: Inverter in connectable installation
- Replies: 16
- Views: 22503
Re: Inverter in connectable installation
Remember 2022 edition has not yet been cited by ESRs. Until that changes, 1.5 is compliant with 16 A overcurrent protection. Note also that even when this clause does come into force, it will only apply to the installation of the wiring; not to issuing a WoEF for an existing unit. Assuming the citat...
- Thu Jun 27, 2024 8:30 am
- Forum: Transportable Installations
- Topic: Inverter in connectable installation
- Replies: 16
- Views: 22503
Re: Inverter in connectable installation
Correct that RCD protection is required for all final subcircuits. The usual, and accepted, way to use an isolated-output inverter as alt supply for a caravan (or part of one) is to fed it into ma change-over switch (make B4 break, 460V rated). Correct that circuits on separated supplies must have p...
- Thu Jun 27, 2024 8:08 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: New Registration Endorsements
- Replies: 5
- Views: 2525
Re: New Registration Endorsements
Yes, you are correct; both PV (at LV) and MPG are high risk. I should have known. And should have checked. Why they have picked the MPG and not the PV for this set of changes is unknown. Even stranger is that they have decided to distinguish between PEW in a cardiac-protected area and other medical ...
- Wed Jun 26, 2024 9:33 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: New Registration Endorsements
- Replies: 5
- Views: 2525
Re: New Registration Endorsements
The thing about a "PV installation" is that in most cases it not just a PV installation. PV by itself is not classified as high-risk PEW. You can do whatever on the array; and it's either not PEW (for ELV) or general PEW (for LV arrays). The part that's high-risk is the mains-parallel inverter. Note...
- Tue Jun 25, 2024 9:49 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Conduit vs Flexible conduit
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2066
Re: Conduit vs Flexible conduit
Some people think that orange"high impact" conduit is HD.
It's not.
It's classified as MD, albeit having more impact resistance than the grey version.
It is intended for u/g use; and has less UV resistance than the grey.
When used above ground & exposed to sunlight, it breaks down and becomes brittle.
It's not.
It's classified as MD, albeit having more impact resistance than the grey version.
It is intended for u/g use; and has less UV resistance than the grey.
When used above ground & exposed to sunlight, it breaks down and becomes brittle.
- Sun Jun 23, 2024 8:23 pm
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: New Registration Endorsements
- Replies: 5
- Views: 2525
Re: New Registration Endorsements
1 Why did they choose Mains Parallel Generation? Because it's classified as high-risk PEW in ESR 6A. whereas PV is not. 2 if you miss out on the Grand-parenting of an Endorsement, what other avenues are there to gain these Endorsements so far, nothing. And not likely to be anytime soon, because EWRB...
- Fri Jun 21, 2024 8:02 pm
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Conduit vs Flexible conduit
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2066
Re: Conduit vs Flexible conduit
"Heavy duty" and 'flexible" are two completely different aspects
some conduit is HD.
some conduit is flexible.
Some is both.
And some is neither
some conduit is HD.
some conduit is flexible.
Some is both.
And some is neither
- Sun Jun 09, 2024 10:37 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Imported Electrical Installations
- Replies: 4
- Views: 3216
Re: Imported Electrical Installations
There are a number of errors and omissions, some minor and others more serious. The methodology described in this Guide depends on an "Installation SDoC", which appears to be mandatory. However there appears to be n Regulation or Gazette notice to provide the mandate. And while the guidance correctl...
- Fri Jun 07, 2024 6:00 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Imported Electrical Installations
- Replies: 4
- Views: 3216
Re: Imported Electrical Installations
Thanks for posting that.
I knew there was something coming on this.
I knew there was something coming on this.
- Thu Jun 06, 2024 9:44 pm
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: PEW and appliances/ Fittings
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2781
Re: PEW and appliances/ Fittings
remember SDoCs are only needed IF the item is a DMRA. I don't believe this would fit in any DMRA category. DMRAs are generally household type items. can spend a lot of time in the rabbit-hole of finding relevant product Standards. Probably wasted time. bottom line is: if it's done right, no-one gets...
- Thu Jun 06, 2024 2:38 pm
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: PEW and appliances/ Fittings
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2781
Re: PEW and appliances/ Fittings
1 assembly of fittings Correct that this newly-assembled plug-in equipment is not part of an installation. Installation is defined in the Act; it starts at "point of supply", and excludes any appliances (regardless of whether plugged in or directly connected) Most - but not all assemblies of fitting...
- Sat Jun 01, 2024 9:14 am
- Forum: Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems
- Topic: GEN 2 Tesla EV Charger
- Replies: 1
- Views: 2051
Re: GEN 2 Tesla EV Charger
It's not about what the charger manufacturer calls for; it's about what Worksafe and NZ Standards call for So - regardless of what the charger manufacturer may say (apparently , for Tesla,different things at different times) ; you should be following Clause 7.9 of "3000" (2018 edition) and the Works...
- Fri May 03, 2024 12:08 pm
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: ESC and Council Building Inspectors
- Replies: 6
- Views: 7591
Re: ESC and Council Building Inspectors
1st 2 copies of any CoC, RoI, or ESC go to a) the person whom asked for work to be done; and b) the person who issued the cert (who has to keep a copy for 7 years). A number of other 'entities' are entitled to request a copy; including the TLA. They have to make their request to the issuer. For a Co...
- Thu May 02, 2024 2:42 pm
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: ESC and Council Building Inspectors
- Replies: 6
- Views: 7591
Re: ESC and Council Building Inspectors
You are not wrong. and (surprise surprise!) EWRB is. As is the meter provider. It's not possible to limit an ESC; it automatically applies to everything that gets connected by the action of connecting. If this is the company i think it is; they have a long history of trying to minimise their liabili...
- Thu May 02, 2024 2:37 pm
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Main Switch Height - BTS
- Replies: 5
- Views: 5615
Re: Main Switch Height - BTS
it may be non-compliant 9with a non-mandatory Standard); but there's no way it can be called unsafe.
In fact ESR 25 says that as long as it complies with the cited version it is electrically safe!
Clearly Worksafe has at least one idiot in it's employ.
In fact ESR 25 says that as long as it complies with the cited version it is electrically safe!
Clearly Worksafe has at least one idiot in it's employ.
- Wed May 01, 2024 9:48 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Main Switch Height - BTS
- Replies: 5
- Views: 5615
Re: Main Switch Height - BTS
Interesting. In the cited edition, App J (Normative) is a "Guide to the arrangement of switchboards, construction wiring, and equipment"; and consists of a single Figure - which doesn't refer to height , or mounting of the switchboard(s) at all. The clause they are referring to is in 2012 edition; w...
- Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:34 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Main Switch Height - BTS
- Replies: 5
- Views: 5615
Re: Main Switch Height - BTS
If they can't, or won't, provide a specific clause; that's a strong indication that they haven't got a clue. You are correct that ESRs do not require compliance with "3012" when doing work on a construction site [ESR 25]. However when the construction wiring undergoes periodic inspection (every 6 mo...
- Thu Apr 11, 2024 9:38 am
- Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
- Topic: Mains cable underneath Berm or register Easement?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5068
Re: Mains cable underneath Berm or register Easement?
Assuming teach dwelling is to be a separate installation: The supply for each (which only becomes "mains" when it crosses the boundary into the property that installation is on) has to be not just a separate cable; but can't share a wiring enclosure (such as conduit or duct). Every Council will have...
- Fri Apr 05, 2024 11:46 am
- Forum: Protective Devices
- Topic: Schneider RCBO Acti9 iC60H, 1P + Ns
- Replies: 2
- Views: 4295
Re: Schneider RCBO Acti9 iC60H, 1P + Ns
Clause (1) of ESR 24 says that "this regulation applies to any standard low voltage RCD that is used in a situation where it is required, by these regulations or by any standard, to be used." Not aware of any ESRs that absolutely require an RCD to be used; but at least two (89 & 89A) list RCD as one...
- Fri Apr 05, 2024 9:20 am
- Forum: Forum User Guidelines
- Topic: Data Lost?
- Replies: 1
- Views: 4685
Data Lost?
Yesterday when i refreshed the screen; i got an error message because the site was off-line.
Today it's back, but with last "new" post being the question about the yellow sticker on some Schneider RCDs, posted 28 March.
The response I gave has been lost.
And presumably everything else since 28/3?
Today it's back, but with last "new" post being the question about the yellow sticker on some Schneider RCDs, posted 28 March.
The response I gave has been lost.
And presumably everything else since 28/3?
- Tue Mar 19, 2024 9:39 am
- Forum: Testing & Verification
- Topic: RCD testing - 180V line A to load N
- Replies: 8
- Views: 10830
Re: RCD testing - 180V line A to load N
Quote from "3017: 2022" 2.2.2 Requirements for specific types of test equipment 2.2.2.1 Voltage indicator Voltage indicators are required to perform the following functions to — (a) confirm that no hazardous voltage is present; and (b) confirm the presence of voltage. Non-contact and single-contact ...
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:02 pm
- Forum: Inspection
- Topic: Hi Risk Work-EWRB drawing
- Replies: 5
- Views: 6410
Re: Hi Risk Work-EWRB drawing
I've never understood why so many practitioners willfully avoid the relatively small cost & inconvenience of having an independent pair of eyes.
- Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:39 am
- Forum: Inspection
- Topic: Hi Risk Work-EWRB drawing
- Replies: 5
- Views: 6410
Re: Hi Rsik Work-EWRB drawing
We can only deal with the rules as they have been written. Opinion as to what was intended, or what "should" be classified as HRPEW, are speculation at best, and certainly can't be relied on. The best you can say for the EWRB info is that it's how they are likely to enforce it. Doesn't make it corre...
- Tue Mar 12, 2024 11:14 am
- Forum: Inspection
- Topic: Do regenerate drives needs inspection?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 4116
Re: Do regenerate drives needs inspection?
My point was that if it fits the definition of MPGS, then the associated rules apply.
- Tue Mar 12, 2024 10:06 am
- Forum: Testing & Verification
- Topic: RCD testing - 180V line A to load N
- Replies: 8
- Views: 10830
Re: RCD testing - 180V line A to load N
Begins to look like "phantom" voltage; perhaps some capacitive coupling?
Though wouldn't have thought that likely given the short cable runs in a CI.
Though wouldn't have thought that likely given the short cable runs in a CI.
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:53 am
- Forum: Testing & Verification
- Topic: RCD testing - 180V line A to load N
- Replies: 8
- Views: 10830
Re: RCD testing - 180V line A to load N
yes Line A to Load N should be 0V; because Load N should have been disconnected from installation N. That's exactly what the test is supposed to confirm; that ALL poles have been disconnected (which is something that none of the fancy operation-time-measuring devices can check for). This reading is ...
- Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:27 am
- Forum: Inspection
- Topic: Do regenerate drives needs inspection?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 4116
Re: Do regenerate drives needs inspection?
The answer hinges om item (b) of the definition.
Is the equipment capable of supplying electricity to fittings that are, at same time supplied from another source?
Is the equipment capable of supplying electricity to fittings that are, at same time supplied from another source?
- Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:44 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Alterations to cables with green sheathed or bare earths
- Replies: 6
- Views: 12020
Re: Alterations to cables with green sheathed or bare earths
As an apprentice in the '70s, I never saw 1.0 mm2 3c used for straps, we always sleeved the green(and the black) with red. I don't know exactly when TPS for NZ market started being made with G/Y for the PEC. But would have thought it was after the rule changes that stopped us from re-purposing the P...
- Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:02 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Additions/Alterations
- Replies: 11
- Views: 18141
Re: Additions/Alterations
Agree no adds / alts can be protected by SERF. Also that all sockets added must gave RCD protection (not necessarily at origin of circuit) I'm not familiar with that kind of foil; but clearly whoever did this wasn't familiar with the CoP for installing foil near wiring & wiring bear foil. And with a...
- Mon Feb 26, 2024 6:54 am
- Forum: General Electrical Discussions
- Topic: lightning protection system certification
- Replies: 2
- Views: 4278
Re: lightning protection system certification
Look at definition of ;electrical installation";
Remembering to use the one in our Act, not the one in "3000".
Hard to see how a lighting protection system fits into that, so I reckon not PEW
Remembering to use the one in our Act, not the one in "3000".
Hard to see how a lighting protection system fits into that, so I reckon not PEW
- Mon Feb 26, 2024 6:48 am
- Forum: Generators and Solar
- Topic: 5033 Switched Disconnector at PCE
- Replies: 7
- Views: 10396
Re: 5033 Switched Disconnector at PCE
If it doesn't say "individual" or 'separate" then those concepts are not mandated.
Equally "shall have a" doesn't mean a common device can't be used.
Equally "shall have a" doesn't mean a common device can't be used.
- Fri Feb 23, 2024 11:14 am
- Forum: General Electrical Discussions
- Topic: Nelson electrician Stephen Burton’s failure to carry out ‘simple task’ linked to death of builder Craig Johnston
- Replies: 13
- Views: 16036
Re: Nelson electrician Stephen Burton’s failure to carry out ‘simple task’ linked to death of builder Craig Johnston
Lessons there for all of us. A good example of the 'swiss cheese" theory of how things go wrong First an error of assumption about what was there, followed by failing to test to confirm / reject that assumption; followed by non-compliant work; followed by failure to fully test. I to took all 4 of th...
- Fri Feb 23, 2024 11:04 am
- Forum: Generators and Solar
- Topic: Earth wire type for PV Array
- Replies: 17
- Views: 21420
Re: Earth wire type for PV Array
Certainly errors can be made; or desired outcome not expressed clearly enough. Part of the problem is that Committee members know what they meant, and always think they have said it clearly. (myself included - though not for this one) No writer should ever be the proof-reader for their own stuff. Bu...
- Thu Feb 22, 2024 10:42 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Wiring Systems installed on Ground
- Replies: 3
- Views: 5071
Re: Wiring Systems installed on Ground
As far as Wiring rules are concerned, there's no such thing as "temporary". While this is only intended to be a short-term use of the cable; it has to be installed as if it were going to remain 'forever". Cable must be protected against whatever "external influences" it is likely to be exposed to; a...
- Thu Feb 22, 2024 10:36 am
- Forum: Generators and Solar
- Topic: Earth wire type for PV Array
- Replies: 17
- Views: 21420
Re: Earth wire type for PV Array
Agree 4.3.6 covers "cables" being a subclause of 4.3 "component requirements". As it's the only subclause of 4.3 that deals with "cables"; have to assume it covers ALL cables that are poaret of an array. Which would logically include EBCs as well as the d.c. "PV array c. In 4.6.3.1 "size", sizes are...
- Wed Feb 21, 2024 9:42 am
- Forum: Generators and Solar
- Topic: Earth wire type for PV Array
- Replies: 17
- Views: 21420
Re: Earth wire type for PV Array
Interesting point by Jamie M about the definition of "array"; but while the EBCs are not specifically excluded they are also not specifically included. And when you look at def. of "array cable" it clearly does not include EBCs. There's general rule that when writing Standards; if you mean the same ...
- Tue Feb 20, 2024 3:14 pm
- Forum: Generators and Solar
- Topic: Earth wire type for PV Array
- Replies: 17
- Views: 21420
Re: Earth wire type for PV Array
Perhaps relevant that no particular degree of flexibility of specified; just 'multistranded'. Unlike latest draft of IEC 60364-7-x for transportable structures which calls for bonding conductors to be Class 5 flexible [to the relevant Standard] And unlike where other AS/NZS say flexible... complying...
- Tue Feb 20, 2024 3:02 pm
- Forum: Generators and Solar
- Topic: 5033 Switched Disconnector at PCE
- Replies: 7
- Views: 10396
Re: 5033 Switched Disconnector at PCE
Agree separate devices for each array is preferable.
Just good design.
Just good design.
- Fri Feb 16, 2024 10:58 am
- Forum: Appliances
- Topic: New gazette notice for serene heaters
- Replies: 1
- Views: 3873
Re: New gazette notice for serene heaters
Thanks for posting this
- Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:06 am
- Forum: Generators and Solar
- Topic: Enphase Mirco Inverter System
- Replies: 1
- Views: 3032
Re: Enphase Mirco Inverter System
I recently heard that an exemption from complying with cited edition may be available from ES.
Conditions being
1. no reduction in safety;
2. an exemption for the design is approved by Worksafe NZ (cost $400/design).
Haven't found time to follow this up yet.
Conditions being
1. no reduction in safety;
2. an exemption for the design is approved by Worksafe NZ (cost $400/design).
Haven't found time to follow this up yet.
- Wed Feb 07, 2024 9:35 am
- Forum: Inspection
- Topic: Batteries connected to PV PCE
- Replies: 5
- Views: 6653
Re: Batteries connected to PV PCE
Thanks for that link. However this site is not using correct technical language; it's jargon. Nothing wrong with jargon; provided everyone in the discussion knows which flavour is being used. In this case it's clearly intended to inform non-technical people; but is (mis-)using technical terminology....
- Sun Feb 04, 2024 10:40 am
- Forum: Inspection
- Topic: Batteries connected to PV PCE
- Replies: 5
- Views: 6653
Re: Batteries connected to PV PCE
Not sure what you mean by a.c. coupled, as batteries are always d.c.. Regardless; I don't believe connection of batteries to a PV - inverter system requires inspection. The (installation of) PV requires inspection if above ELV . While there are differences of interetation of what "associated with" m...
- Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:43 am
- Forum: Inspection
- Topic: Batteries connected to PV PCE
- Replies: 5
- Views: 6653
Re: Batteries connected to PV PCE
I don't believe that's the intent; and they are certainly not in parallel with " mains"; whereas they inverter output is. However ESR 4 defines MPGS using 2 criteria: (a) are used or intended for use by any person in, or in connection with, the generation of electricity for that person’s use; and (b...
- Sat Jan 27, 2024 11:39 am
- Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
- Topic: Network Connection of Mains
- Replies: 6
- Views: 7836
Re: Network Connection of Mains
Agree that under normal conditions electricity can't flow with all those precautions. But in event of a fault in the incoming mains it'll flow extremely well. I'm fairly confident that EWRB, or a court, would interpret 'flow" as incliding both normal and abnormal conditions. So the fact the intended...
- Thu Jan 25, 2024 11:04 am
- Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
- Topic: Network Connection of Mains
- Replies: 6
- Views: 7836
Re: Network Connection of Mains
I agree that it is non-compliant to connect to supply (active or neutral) without sighting (else issuing) a CoC and also an RoI if there is high risk PEW. It's my understanding that on many areas, the people making connections to network don't even sight a CoC. The pre-connection testing described i...