Search found 102 matches

by TPower
Tue Nov 14, 2023 11:50 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: 1827

Re: Nelson electrician Stephen Burton’s failure to carry out ‘simple task’ linked to death of builder Craig Johnston

I’m guessing a bit here, it’s difficult to fully understand the details from this article, but to me it sounds like he replaced a fixed wired appliance with a socket outlet. The cable at the range hood was a 2C+e. The red and green are both active (red permanently active, green switched), black is n...
by TPower
Mon Nov 13, 2023 10:10 pm
Forum: Damp Situations
Topic: Shower with screen, zone 2
Replies: 8
Views: 5160

Re: Shower with screen, zone 2

If it’s an enclosed shower, I don’t think it matters how the door hinges. I’d be referring to Fig 6.7, this would put the light switch in zone 2
by TPower
Mon Nov 13, 2023 9:52 pm
Forum: Damp Situations
Topic: Switchboard in bathroom
Replies: 3
Views: 806

Re: Switchboard in bathroom

Yes that’s at least in zone 2, possibly zone 1.

A switchboard can’t be installed in a classified zone as per clause 6.3.4.6 of 3000.
by TPower
Thu Oct 05, 2023 10:18 pm
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Induced Voltage In Domestic Wiring
Replies: 5
Views: 1642

Re: Induced Voltage In Domestic Wiring

Thanks Greg
by TPower
Thu Oct 05, 2023 5:04 am
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Induced Voltage In Domestic Wiring
Replies: 5
Views: 1642

Induced Voltage In Domestic Wiring

I was doing some testing on my switchboard at home, and I’m trying to understand what is going on here.. When I put my volt meter across the line and load side of the MCB supplying the range circuit (range switched on), there is 0V when MCB is ‘on’ and 230V when ‘off’. This all makes sense, however ...
by TPower
Mon Apr 17, 2023 5:30 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Transportable structure installed to construction demolision standard
Replies: 11
Views: 2323

Re: Transportable structure installed to construction demolision standard

In terms of issuing a Woef, I can see how it fails regarding overcurrent protection (as per C6.4). Is there actually a requirement for RCD protection though? (assuming it’s not a caravan). Only C6.9(a) applies to non-caravans. (b) - (d) is for caravans only. And C6.11 only applies to caravans. Nothi...
by TPower
Fri Apr 14, 2023 7:34 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESR 59 (3)(b) VS AS/NZS 3000:2007 2.6.3.4
Replies: 2
Views: 1623

Re: ESR 59 (3)(b) VS AS/NZS 3000:2007 2.6.3.4

I’ve had the same thoughts on this topic before too. I guess there’s a good argument that if you’re replacing all the MCBs on a switchboard by replacing the switchboard, you’re ‘maintaining in the original condition’. Probably gets a little more murky to say it’s ‘maintenance’ if you’re replacing SE...
by TPower
Mon Feb 13, 2023 6:06 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: LM certifying main earth
Replies: 3
Views: 1820

Re: LM certifying main earth

Thank you for the feedback. Much appreciated
by TPower
Wed Feb 08, 2023 2:56 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: LM certifying main earth
Replies: 3
Views: 1820

LM certifying main earth

Can a Distribution LM certify a main earth?

I’ve been given a COC for installing underground mains to the point of entry & a bare main earth electrode (25mm) in the same trench, certified by a LM.

Seems silly, but think it’s outside their limits of work?

Thanks.
by TPower
Tue Jan 17, 2023 2:51 pm
Forum: Switchboards
Topic: Large Switchboard in Container
Replies: 3
Views: 6815

Large Switchboard in Container

I’ve had another electrician ask me about the use of a shipping container (that has exits at each end) to house a switchboard that has a 1000A/three phase supply. I don’t believe it complies with 2.9.2.2(c)(ii). Even though it has an alternative exit, I imagine in most circumstances this alternate e...
by TPower
Thu Dec 15, 2022 10:19 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Lifeguard units - do they need RCD protection on supply?
Replies: 10
Views: 6255

Re: Lifeguard units - do they need RCD protection on supply?

Is it used on a construction site? Could you apply Appendix K of 3012/2010, and consider it a ‘detachable submain’.

Most BTS I come across that have a three phase outlet to supply the lifeguards don’t have RCD protection. I’m not entirely sure that’s compliant though?
by TPower
Mon Nov 07, 2022 8:25 pm
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Inverter and battery in the bedroom
Replies: 2
Views: 4105

Re: Inverter and battery in the bedroom

Just sounds out right dangerous putting it in a bedroom, I wouldn’t want to sleep with one, they’re a fire risk. Yes agree doesn’t comply with 5139 if it’s in a habitable space. Pretty limited where you can fit a battery system to comply with 5139. Generally in an attached garage or outside of the b...
by TPower
Wed Sep 21, 2022 3:12 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: ECP34 vs 3000
Replies: 2
Views: 3048

Re: ECP34 vs 3000

Thanks Alec, that makes sense.
by TPower
Tue Sep 20, 2022 9:01 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: ECP34 vs 3000
Replies: 2
Views: 3048

ECP34 vs 3000

Does ECP34 override clause 3.12 in 3000 when it comes to clearance distances for electric lines in installations? ESR17 indicates work on or near an electric line must maintain safe distances IAW ECP34, yet ESR59 indicates installations must comply with 3000? So which document takes precedence in te...
by TPower
Mon Sep 05, 2022 7:22 pm
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Best Practice earth loop impedance B type C/B or fuses
Replies: 7
Views: 4847

Re: Best Practice earth loop impedance B type C/B or fuses

Perhaps you don’t need to verify the EFL on RCD protected circuits anyway? 8.3.9 in 3000 indicates you only need to verify EFL for non RCD protected socket-outlets. I think it’s because the RCD will operate within 300ms, which is less than the 400ms requirement for automatic disconnection/fault prot...
by TPower
Thu Aug 18, 2022 10:34 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Dual Supply Change-over
Replies: 6
Views: 4931

Re: Dual Supply Change-over

It’s odd they haven’t clarified the ‘break before make’ requirement in clause 3.4.4.3 like they have in clause C7.8.1. They do mention ‘change over switch’ in 3.4.4.3, guess it’s standard for a change over switch to be break before make.
by TPower
Thu Aug 18, 2022 10:26 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: 2.9.2.3.b
Replies: 3
Views: 3049

Re: 2.9.2.3.b

It’s only difficult as clause 2.9.2.3(b) mentions ‘multiple installations’. Technically there isn’t multiple installations’ only one. But yes I agree, the intention of this clause relates to occupancy. Would be better if the clause read- 2.9.2.3(b) - “In multiple electrical installations (or individ...
by TPower
Tue Aug 16, 2022 8:53 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Dual Supply Change-over
Replies: 6
Views: 4931

Re: Dual Supply Change-over

Many thanks Alec. Yes, I believe it was wired this way to create easy change over from one supply to the other, with no manual switching required. Unfortunately not enough thought has gone into compliance.
by TPower
Mon Aug 15, 2022 8:51 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Dual Supply Change-over
Replies: 6
Views: 4931

Re: Dual Supply Change-over

Thanks Alec, appreciate the detailed reply. Regarding the ‘installation requirement’ for RCD protection for the air-con circuit, I believe it would be required regardless of the source of supply, as per clause 3.3.2(a) it mentions ‘every final subcircuit’, so this would apply for either grid or inve...
by TPower
Sun Aug 14, 2022 12:58 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Dual Supply Change-over
Replies: 6
Views: 4931

Dual Supply Change-over

I have a Woef job for a campervan I looked at last week, I’ve failed it at this stage as I don’t think it complies. It was wired a few years ago and passed its first Woef. The issue I have is with the ‘Dual supply systems’ and the changeover between the two. The installation consists of two GPOs and...
by TPower
Fri Aug 05, 2022 8:40 pm
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Motor Isolation Switch
Replies: 3
Views: 3433

Re: Motor Isolation Switch

Thanks Alec, appreciate the feedback, makes good sense
by TPower
Tue Aug 02, 2022 8:59 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: Formal Warning on incorrect COC information
Replies: 7
Views: 4148

Re: Formal Warning on incorrect COC information

The industry needs to do something about training electricians to correctly complete cocs, perhaps there should be some emphasis on this with the bi-annual competency training? It’s never something that’s been covered in my experience. I waste so much time chasing electricians for their COC, and whe...
by TPower
Wed Jul 20, 2022 6:39 pm
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Motor Isolation Switch
Replies: 3
Views: 3433

Motor Isolation Switch

I’m just trying to make sense of clause 4.13.1.2 in 3000, where it’s talking about the isolation switch being capable of interrupting the locked rotor current. ‘…in the absence of manufacture information, the locked rotor current shall be taken as 8xFLI for AC motors and 4xFLI DC motors…’ How are th...
by TPower
Fri May 06, 2022 5:52 am
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: ASNZS5139
Replies: 4
Views: 3844

Re: ASNZS5139

Thanks Alec, appreciate the help, this makes good sense.
by TPower
Thu May 05, 2022 6:07 am
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: ASNZS5139
Replies: 4
Views: 3844

ASNZS5139

On the EWRB website, on one of their toolbox topics titled; ‘Which Standards apply and where can I find them?’ Regarding PV systems, it states ‘The Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010 Regulation 60 (external link) states compliance is required with both AS/NZS 3000 and the relevant standards’. It t...
by TPower
Wed May 04, 2022 1:28 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESC demarcation point
Replies: 12
Views: 5933

Re: ESC demarcation point

Yeah, tricky one. IMO the LM should complete an ESC in these situations, as they’re still completing the PEW to liven up to your meter isolator. Just because they leave the fuse removed is immaterial, inserting/removal of a fuse link isn’t classified as PEW. Not sure whether they need to complete a ...
by TPower
Wed May 04, 2022 7:24 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESC demarcation point
Replies: 12
Views: 5933

Re: ESC demarcation point

When you refer to ‘connection being the final step that allows current to flow’, I see this is written in ESR73A(5), and this definition for ‘connection’ applies to that particular regulation. I’m wondering whether you can apply this same definition for ‘connection’ to ESR74A, when it comes to issui...
by TPower
Tue May 03, 2022 10:45 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESC demarcation point
Replies: 12
Views: 5933

Re: ESC demarcation point

I’m not sure that a LM should be connecting mains to the network, unless mains and metering is all complete. Although I know in reality it tends to happen as you say, they connect and leave the fuse out for the inspector/meter installer to fit. As mentioned in ESR74A the work is complete when it’s c...
by TPower
Tue May 03, 2022 10:23 pm
Forum: Inspection
Topic: MeterBoard Location (AS/NZS3000 - 4.18.3) - Inspector Responsibility or not?
Replies: 7
Views: 5575

Re: MeterBoard Location (AS/NZS3000 - 4.18.3) - Inspector Responsibility or not?

I don’t think one standard can override another one.

I think if you have two different standards with different levels of safety, you have to comply with the more conservative one, in order to comply with both.
by TPower
Sat Apr 16, 2022 11:08 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESC demarcation point
Replies: 12
Views: 5933

Re: ESC demarcation point

I guess the other thought is; when you’re connecting new work, you’re able to rely on the veracity of someone else’s COC. Perhaps you could apply this similar principle to disconnecting/reconnecting existing. Whilst you don’t have a COC, the fact it’s connected (prior to you beginning your work) sho...
by TPower
Sat Apr 16, 2022 8:22 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESC demarcation point
Replies: 12
Views: 5933

Re: ESC demarcation point

I believe technically your ESC is covering the FSCs within the installation when you replace a switchboard, but surely there has to be some flexibility in terms of what you’re responsible for? I guess you are making changes to the FSCs when you are disconnecting & reconnecting them. If a fault in a ...
by TPower
Wed Mar 16, 2022 8:29 pm
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Cable entry into DC isolator
Replies: 4
Views: 3413

Re: Cable entry into DC isolator

Thanks Alec, appreciate the response. That’s what I was confused about, whether there is any requirements, as you say ‘aimed at preventing travel of moisture along the conduit’. I’m guessing some common sense has to be employed here. Where a conduit system has a section in an outdoor environment, th...
by TPower
Tue Mar 15, 2022 8:52 pm
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Cable entry into DC isolator
Replies: 4
Views: 3413

Cable entry into DC isolator

Regarding cable entry into DC isolators via conduit, when isolator is indoors/adjacent PCE. 5033/2014 clause 4.4.4.6(c) states for DC isolators mounted outdoors, cable entry shall be on the lower face entry. Amendment No. 2 (back of the book) clause 4.3.3.1, also states cable cable entry shall be th...
by TPower
Fri Mar 04, 2022 11:35 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: MEN vs TNS
Replies: 5
Views: 6260

Re: MEN vs TNS

Right, thanks for clearing this up Alec. So the first switchboard is still a MEN switchboard, it just happens to have the MEN connection located elsewhere, as per the exceptions to clause 5.3.5.1.
by TPower
Thu Mar 03, 2022 8:58 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: MEN vs TNS
Replies: 5
Views: 6260

Re: MEN vs TNS

Thanks a lot guys. Figure 5.2 depicts an ‘HV customer supply’. I’m assuming this same arrangement could be applied to a ‘LV customer supply’? Reading through the exceptions you’ve pointed out, leads me to believe the main earthing conductor would be connected to an earthing connection within the sup...
by TPower
Wed Mar 02, 2022 9:17 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: MEN vs TNS
Replies: 5
Views: 6260

MEN vs TNS

Had a discussion with an electrician that’s proposing to install a different type of earthing system at his main switchboard than the standard MEN/TNCS. It’s a larger type install, supplied from a transformer. His intention is to install it as TNS. It’s not really something I’m familiar with, but un...
by TPower
Wed Feb 16, 2022 12:48 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Imported Coffee Cart WoEF
Replies: 9
Views: 5167

Re: Imported Coffee Cart WoEF

Think you need to refer to Part 1 of 3000 & appendix C of 3001 only. Being an imported CI, it’s “issued in accordance with AS/NZS 3001, but only after an assessment for compliance with Part 1 of AS/ NZS 3000” as per ESR78(2)(c) Don’t think you should be referring to Section 3 of 3001. Some parts of ...
by TPower
Tue Feb 15, 2022 8:28 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Overhead cable in conduit
Replies: 1
Views: 2450

Overhead cable in conduit

I have a single phase BTS supplied with a 6mm2 2C+E to inspect. This supply cable between the network supply box and switchboard, goes across a driveway (used by private vehicles, won’t be used as access to the construction site). The builder has built a timber structure up and over the driveway the...
by TPower
Tue Feb 15, 2022 8:19 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Earthing equipment/appliances in caravans
Replies: 6
Views: 3890

Re: Earthing equipment/appliances in caravans

Thanks Alec. Appreciate the advice.
by TPower
Sat Feb 12, 2022 1:50 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Earthing equipment/appliances in caravans
Replies: 6
Views: 3890

Re: Earthing equipment/appliances in caravans

I guess it’s as you say “appliances intended to be connected” infers plug-in appliances apply.
by TPower
Sat Feb 12, 2022 1:32 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Earthing equipment/appliances in caravans
Replies: 6
Views: 3890

Re: Earthing equipment/appliances in caravans

Thanks for your response Alec. The definitions in the Act helps clear things up, and I see what you mean regarding the variance between the inspection and testing requirements for plug-in appliances. Although the wording in the Act is still a little confusing to me “…any electrical appliance that is...
by TPower
Sat Feb 12, 2022 9:58 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Earthing equipment/appliances in caravans
Replies: 6
Views: 3890

Earthing equipment/appliances in caravans

Just reading through a recent disciplinary hearing, where an inspector got pulled up for failing to test/identify there was no earth connection to the body of a ‘plug in’ Xpelair fan (amongst a couple of other non compliance items), when completing a Woef. Quote from the hearing as follows ‘…Applian...
by TPower
Tue Feb 08, 2022 10:26 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: 3 Phase + N parallel in ducts
Replies: 3
Views: 2817

Re: 3 Phase + N parallel in ducts

I would’ve thought L1, L2, L3 + N in each duct would be the way to go? I remember doing this years ago and arranging them like this, the same as cable tying the conductors in trefoil on cable tray. I think they get arranged like this to cancel out the magnetic fields or something, although I’m not 1...
by TPower
Fri Dec 17, 2021 4:02 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Neutral Screen Cable
Replies: 8
Views: 7352

Re: Neutral Screen Cable

Thanks. Appreciate the feedback.
by TPower
Thu Dec 16, 2021 9:52 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Neutral Screen Cable
Replies: 8
Views: 7352

Neutral Screen Cable

I was having a discussion with another electrician who was intending on installing two underground 1 core NS cables to create a three phase supply for a builders temp. One cable would be an active+screen as neutral; the other cable would be 2 actives (so the screen would be an active conductor). It ...
by TPower
Thu Nov 25, 2021 9:04 pm
Forum: Switchboards
Topic: Number of Main Switches
Replies: 22
Views: 56982

Re: Number of Main Switches

The inverter has a ‘certificate of suitability’ indicating compliance with 4777.2, and the manufacture supplies instructions/wiring diagrams for the contactor arrangement to prevent back feed when operating as backup supply. Certainly is a bit of a minefield trying to navigate this stuff with regard...
by TPower
Thu Nov 25, 2021 2:12 pm
Forum: Switchboards
Topic: Number of Main Switches
Replies: 22
Views: 56982

Re: Number of Main Switches

Thanks Alec. I came across a Fronius grid connected inverter that has islanding capability, to act as alternative supply if the grid fails. It has a contactor arrangement so it won’t back feed. I guess it just concerned me a bit, as imagined an electrician coming to work on the switchboard, isolatin...
by TPower
Thu Nov 25, 2021 1:17 pm
Forum: Switchboards
Topic: Number of Main Switches
Replies: 22
Views: 56982

Re: Number of Main Switches

Where domestic PV is concerned, and there’s a main switch/circuit breaker for the PV, and a separate main switch for the grid supply, which is pretty standard. Is this acceptable under 2.3.3.2? I would’ve thought it would be better to gang them together?
by TPower
Tue Nov 16, 2021 9:04 am
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Modules with different azimuth in series
Replies: 2
Views: 3180

Re: Modules with different azimuth in series

I know there are systems out there designed to operate as you describe, solar edge comes to mind. Having modules in the same string at different orientation & azimuth is a performance issue, not a safety one, as far as I’m aware. There is no information in 5033:2012 that relates to PV optimisers, so...
by TPower
Sun Nov 14, 2021 8:39 am
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: AS/NZS 3000:2007 - 3.4.1 A2
Replies: 16
Views: 8734

Re: AS/NZS 3000:2007 - 3.4.1 A2

Is maximum demand also a consideration here? On the Orion network we generally have to fit a 63amp MCB prior to the meter, as the network fuse is only providing short-circuit protection, so we have to fit the MCB for over-load. I guess this is taking the path of max demand by limitation. Could you n...