Search found 189 matches

by gregmcc
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:58 am
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Hi Risk Work-EWRB drawing
Replies: 5
Views: 68

Re: Hi Rsik Work-EWRB drawing

IMO there it is vague around submains and earthing, Electricians and Inspectors tend to hold different views on this. I think what is needed either a clarification in law (.....yeah right we all know how slow the legislation changes move) or Worksafe/MBIE/EWRB issue a clarifying statement around the...
by gregmcc
Thu Jan 25, 2024 8:07 pm
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: Network Connection of Mains
Replies: 6
Views: 973

Re: Network Connection of Mains

As someone who is a contractor to WEL networks I can tell you exactly how WEL want it to work. 1) WEL LM who does the network connection (they have a team that only does network connections) will only do so IF the building end is safe (WEL policy), this means service phase(s) terminated in to isolat...
by gregmcc
Thu Oct 05, 2023 7:08 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: N pin on socket used for other means
Replies: 3
Views: 1353

Re: N pin on socket used for other means

I would imagine that the socket and plug both have clearly marked "N" on them. If some other device was plugged in, neutral return current would then flow through the PEC (via the screen connected to the 'N' pin on the socket), would the PEC be rated to carry the current?, quite common for the PEC t...
by gregmcc
Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:49 pm
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Induced Voltage In Domestic Wiring
Replies: 5
Views: 1642

Re: Induced Voltage In Domestic Wiring

Hi impedance meters don't load up the circuit under test and so induced voltages, add a bit of load like a 100w filament light bulb and the voltage will be zero
by gregmcc
Mon Sep 04, 2023 5:35 pm
Forum: Off Topic/General Electrical Discussions
Topic: What defines who can do PEW
Replies: 4
Views: 1379

What defines who can do PEW

I have been asked this by someone who works for a network company. Some facts before I ask the question. Facts:- 1) This is works not installation 2) Person X in question does not have an electrical background or any formal qualifications in the electrical area. 3) Person X has been deemed "competen...
by gregmcc
Fri Aug 11, 2023 7:32 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: Low Risk Work on Mains Work
Replies: 4
Views: 1470

Re: Low Risk Work on Mains Work

the person does the final connection that will enable power to flow in to the installation should do the ESC, if you done the connection at the main switch BEFORE the connection at the pole fuse then the network company does it, but if the pole fuse connection was done FIRST before the main switch w...
by gregmcc
Mon May 15, 2023 5:49 pm
Forum: Forum User Guidelines
Topic: Getting Ejected
Replies: 3
Views: 2646

Re: Getting Ejected

Here are some of the settings:-
Session IP Validation is set to none - this was set to checking the 1st 3 IP numbers x.x.x

Post limit editing time is set to 0 (no limit)

If you continue to have problems, let me know
by gregmcc
Fri May 12, 2023 6:05 pm
Forum: Forum User Guidelines
Topic: Getting Ejected
Replies: 3
Views: 2646

Re: Getting Ejected

I tweaked the form submission time and the way IP addresses are checked between sessions. Let me know if this fixes the issue or not.
by gregmcc
Wed Feb 08, 2023 8:41 pm
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Running the Neutral Through a Circuit Breaker
Replies: 6
Views: 3048

Re: Running the Neutral Through a Circuit Breaker

basically if you are going to switch the neutral this is how it must be
by gregmcc
Wed Feb 08, 2023 7:35 pm
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Running the Neutral Through a Circuit Breaker
Replies: 6
Views: 3048

Re: Running the Neutral Through a Circuit Breaker

4 pole switch/circuit breaker, the clause in 3000 (see previous post) contains all the info
by gregmcc
Wed Feb 08, 2023 6:52 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: 3001 : 2022 released, in two parts
Replies: 7
Views: 5068

Re: 3001 : 2022 released, in two parts

Action wrote:
Wed Feb 08, 2023 11:19 am
Any idea when this will be cited? How can i find out, when it is citied is a notice put on the govt gazette page?
Don't hold your breath, legislators can't even cite 3000:2018 which was released 5 years ago......
by gregmcc
Wed Feb 08, 2023 6:51 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: LM certifying main earth
Replies: 3
Views: 1820

Re: LM certifying main earth

depends if they are an endorsed LM or not, non endorsed only as far as the POE or where the mains enter UG in to the house, I don't think a endorsed LM can do *any* main earthing system work, looking at the EWRB info graphic, but can do the mains/mains entry box, main switch, internal mains
by gregmcc
Wed Feb 08, 2023 6:41 pm
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Running the Neutral Through a Circuit Breaker
Replies: 6
Views: 3048

Re: Running the Neutral Through a Circuit Breaker

short answer no, the switched neutral must be arranged to switch substantially together with all active poles, or not switched at all

AS/NZS23000:2007
2.3.2.1.1 (b) (ii) (a)
by gregmcc
Sun Jan 22, 2023 7:19 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Earthing of aluminum ladder
Replies: 6
Views: 6462

Re: Earthing of aluminum ladder

good question, never really though about it, I've always used copper lugs and never had any problems, never seen galvanic corrosion on ladder. I guess you could use the connection paste to exclude oxygen from the bolted joint. Here is another question, what metal is the bolt made of - Steel? that's ...
by gregmcc
Fri Dec 16, 2022 5:02 am
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?

no reason why not, but there may be discrimination issues with the RCD, use a 300mA or a S type with a 100ms delay
by gregmcc
Thu Nov 10, 2022 8:00 pm
Forum: Forum User Guidelines
Topic: Forum User Guidelines
Replies: 6
Views: 10416

Re: Forum User Guidelines

Hi Greg Please don't call me a dinosaur but how do you upload images for a post? What is the easiest way for multiple images? Thanks Start you new post (or reply) and it should be as simple as dragging the picture (or file) to the box you are typing the message or multiple files, scroll down a bit ...
by gregmcc
Tue Oct 11, 2022 6:38 pm
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: Auditing Network works
Replies: 1
Views: 3939

Auditing Network works

This is posted on be-half of someone, --------------------------- Network company engages a contractor who does service pillar installs. As part of the QA process, the contractors engage one of their staff to visit completed jobs and do a QA audit, mostly things like pillar level, at the right heigh...
by gregmcc
Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:07 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: Type of supply system for CoC
Replies: 3
Views: 4263

Re: Type of supply system for CoC

On my COC's I have "Supply System 230V/400V MEN"
by gregmcc
Wed Sep 14, 2022 4:55 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Replacing 10A with 15A socket
Replies: 2
Views: 4784

Re: Replacing 10A with 15A socket

You are protecting the cable and the socket with the circuit breaker, otherwise you can put whatever on the end. Remember the key words are "Electrically Safe"
by gregmcc
Tue Aug 23, 2022 5:40 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Segregation and interference
Replies: 7
Views: 5958

Re: Segregation and interference

I would suggest that they are both not double insulated as the TPS would be removed somewhere inside the flush box before the cable is terminated in to the switch.
Good practice is to not have two different voltages present in the same switch plate.
by gregmcc
Fri Aug 05, 2022 6:05 pm
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Linking RCDs in 3-phase setup...
Replies: 6
Views: 4139

Re: Linking RCDs in 3-phase setup...

if supplying single phase circuits then no, but if supplying a 3 phase socket or machine then all 3 must be disconnected at the same time.
by gregmcc
Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:04 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Do I need to provide certification if I only install earths?
Replies: 7
Views: 5128

Re: Do I need to provide certification if I only install earths?

6A of the ESR's set out what is High risk, what is low risk and go on to say anything in between is General Risk. The work in question is not low risk, and would seem to not be high risk - So then it is general risk, regardless of haz. area it's installation of new conductors. If I was doing the wor...
by gregmcc
Wed Jul 20, 2022 5:57 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Do I need to provide certification if I only install earths?
Replies: 7
Views: 5128

Re: Do I need to provide certification if I only install earths?

Is it general or high risk prescribed electrical work, I would say yes so COC required
by gregmcc
Fri Jul 08, 2022 5:27 am
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Heated Towel Rail Timer
Replies: 1
Views: 2993

Re: Heated Towel Rail Timer

nope, just manufactures thinking they know better
by gregmcc
Sat Jul 02, 2022 9:07 am
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: ASNZS5139
Replies: 4
Views: 3816

Re: ASNZS5139

Ultimately because of the way the ESR's are worded it's an legislative change to reference the new standards, so it would be worksfe and the EWRB pushing the minister to bring the changes before parliament for a law change. Common sense (yes I know this does not apply to politicians) would say, chan...
by gregmcc
Fri Jun 24, 2022 6:36 am
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Test Tagging Improbable Mission?
Replies: 6
Views: 4027

Re: Test Tagging Improbable Mission?

3760 - 1.1.6 this standard does not apply to fixed equipment...... so no to the hard wired gas dryer as far as the hair goes, possible yes, 1.2.3 talks about exclusions and cables that are not flexed in normal use, a hair dryer would be flexed and would seemed to be included, there is a nice diagram...
by gregmcc
Sun Jun 19, 2022 8:04 pm
Forum: General Electrical Discussions
Topic: Aegis Test Equipment?
Replies: 4
Views: 3722

Re: Aegis Test Equipment?

We have one of these for our linesman, they are basic are designed more for those that simply record a result without knowing if it's a good or bad result.

I would use it if there was nothing else, given a choice a reasonable MFT would be way better
by gregmcc
Fri May 13, 2022 9:46 am
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: Maximum distance to house from transformer
Replies: 3
Views: 3943

Re: Maximum distance to house from transformer

no problem undergrounding 11kv or 33kv, but that is something your average electrician has never done - this is where your network company (or a contractor that works for them) should be involved. As far as cost, not a clue. Mostly this kind of thing is quoted per meter fully installed with differen...
by gregmcc
Fri May 13, 2022 7:38 am
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: How to become a meter installer in Auckland?
Replies: 4
Views: 3743

Re: How to become a meter installer in Auckland?

Generally the retailer approves a company to install metering, usually they prefer Inspectors as quite often an Inspection of a new installation is required before metering is installed. So it's dependent on the retailer and who they "approve" to install meters. Quite often the meter installer also ...
by gregmcc
Fri May 13, 2022 7:24 am
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: Maximum distance to house from transformer
Replies: 3
Views: 3943

Re: Maximum distance to house from transformer

Hi Dave, From the content of your message it appears you are not an electrician? There are a lot of factors that limit the distance, such as how many amps to you want available, type of cable, basically the limit is how much you want to spend! The Northpower HV could be 11KV or 33KV, there is no rea...
by gregmcc
Wed May 04, 2022 6:23 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESC demarcation point
Replies: 12
Views: 5933

Re: ESC demarcation point

the person who does the last connection that allows electricity to flow thru the installation should be doing the ESC, in this case the meter installer, without the meter no flow of electricity. As far as the LM connecting the network end, as far WEL goes, if the other end is terminated in the meter...
by gregmcc
Sat Apr 30, 2022 4:56 pm
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Motor - Low insulation resistance
Replies: 6
Views: 4463

Re: Motor - Low insulation resistance

Done lots of motors in the past, the only reasons for a low test would be moisture ingress or it been on the way to burnt out. 1/2 meg is too low right off the mark, 2.5 meg would be marginal at best. Even if used at 2.5meg I would expect a total failure in the near future if used. So yes a fair jud...
by gregmcc
Sat Apr 23, 2022 7:43 pm
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Stand alone generator supplying a single item - MEC size?
Replies: 5
Views: 3638

Re: Stand alone generator supplying a single item - MEC size?

4.4.2.2 say use AS/NZS3000 for main earthing lead requirements.
The cables between the generator and the installation would be the mains for the purpose of working out the earthing requirements
by gregmcc
Wed Mar 30, 2022 8:11 pm
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: Point of Supply
Replies: 11
Views: 6384

Re: Point of Supply

This could be private works, I would be talking to the designer as you would seem to need a defined point where it changes from works to installation just so it's plain and clear to everyone and from there you can make the determination on how things are going to work. I'm not exactly sure but if th...
by gregmcc
Wed Mar 30, 2022 5:16 pm
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: Point of Supply
Replies: 11
Views: 6384

Re: Point of Supply

does each DC have it's own N&E busbars, an MEN link and an main earthing system?

Is each DC for exclusive use of an installation?

Who own the DC - the property owner? the network company?
by gregmcc
Wed Mar 30, 2022 5:09 pm
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Signing ESC
Replies: 3
Views: 3576

Re: Signing ESC

You don't have to sign the electricians ESC portion of the COC, nothing wrong with issuing his own ESC
by gregmcc
Thu Mar 10, 2022 5:15 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?

At the very least it's non-compliant, if the electrician has supplied a COC that says it it compliant the been on the prudent side the inspection should be failed as technically it is a false declaration. The argument could be that the gas stuff wasn't there when the meter board went in, it may be t...
by gregmcc
Thu Mar 03, 2022 4:20 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: MEN vs TNS
Replies: 5
Views: 6260

Re: MEN vs TNS

I done this before, the transformer has to be for exclusive use of the installation, so no other customers off the transformer. You could install as MEN but keep in mind the transformer LV will have quite a large earth mat, way better than you could hope to achieve by putting in a earth pin. Keep th...
by gregmcc
Wed Feb 16, 2022 6:05 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Imported Coffee Cart WoEF
Replies: 9
Views: 5166

Re: Imported Coffee Cart WoEF

Just done one a few weeks back, failed really badly, last item on this list of repairs that I wanted to see done was a copy of COC from the electrician that does the repairs - I got a blank look from the customer.......(yes I knew dam well that the owner of the coffee cart was not an electrician and...
by gregmcc
Thu Jan 06, 2022 6:48 pm
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Nuisance tripping by choice
Replies: 3
Views: 3630

Re: Nuisance tripping by choice

At then end of the day you need to ensure that the work you do will not lead to an electrically unsafe situation, buy fitting current limiting devices would be the way to go in lieu of bigger cables and DB's. Let the customer know in writing what they can expect - nuisance tripping and what will be ...
by gregmcc
Fri Dec 17, 2021 4:51 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Neutral Screen Cable
Replies: 8
Views: 7352

Re: Neutral Screen Cable

effectively the N/S cable using the screen as a phase would no longer be a N/S cable, table 3.5, this cable would now be classed as Insulated, unsheathed conductor so this cannot be buried direct and must be enclosed in conduit. Your right, it is bonkers, just a problem waiting to happen. If this is...
by gregmcc
Mon Dec 06, 2021 5:20 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: Low Risk Work
Topic: Low Risk Work
Replies: 4
Views: 3642

Re: Low Risk Work

this is clearly general risk work, 6.0mm is not a like for like replacement 2.5mm, you are clearly uprating the circuit and this is not maintenance.
by gregmcc
Tue Nov 30, 2021 5:42 pm
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Motor Insulation Resistance test
Replies: 4
Views: 4661

Re: Motor Insulation Resistance test

is the test done on a long length of cable? if not then the motor is no good, sounds like moisture that is evaporating slowly when IR tested, if it's on a long length of cable, it will be acting like a capacitor an charging up and holding the charge.
by gregmcc
Mon Nov 15, 2021 4:40 pm
Forum: Switchboards
Topic: First switchboard or metering point.
Replies: 14
Views: 8871

Re: First switchboard or metering point.

Typical works here (this will vary depending on you network rules) is to drop an earth pin and create a MEN point by putting the earth wire on the N-bar
by gregmcc
Thu Nov 04, 2021 5:07 am
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: Private network
Replies: 5
Views: 4411

Re: Private network

Metering has no bearing on this, it is the definition of an installation, where main switchboard is defines the MEN point and the mains back to the point of supply which then defines which part of the installation is high risk work and requires inspection.
by gregmcc
Sat Oct 30, 2021 7:20 am
Forum: Apprentices and training
Topic: Procedural Document
Replies: 3
Views: 4106

Re: Procedural Document

It sounds like you are looking for something like a certified design, other than that the how to do it is gained by on-job experience.

I guess this could be written up, but it would take many hours to get right and doubt that someone here would do it for free.
by gregmcc
Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:15 pm
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Can locking of a control circuit be used for isolation?
Replies: 5
Views: 4502

Re: Can locking of a control circuit be used for isolation?

bit of difference between an E-Stop (category rated or not) and isolation, An E-Stop still does not meet all 6 requirements. E-stop style switches have easily removable contact blocks and have been known for the contact blocks to become easily dislodged, an E-Stop usually uses N/C contacts should th...
by gregmcc
Mon Oct 25, 2021 7:52 am
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Can locking of a control circuit be used for isolation?
Replies: 5
Views: 4502

Re: Can locking of a control circuit be used for isolation?

AS/NZS3000:2007 2.3.2.2.1 covers all the requirements for isolators. a control switch doesn't meet (e) so the answer is no. most likely also does not meet (c) there are 6 "shall" requirements, all of which must be complied with, this is why a for example the light switch in your living room is not c...
by gregmcc
Sun Oct 03, 2021 8:26 pm
Forum: General Electrical Discussions
Topic: 3 phase cabling and DB
Replies: 5
Views: 5089

Re: 3 phase cabling and DB

Cheers for that just one question i have read that you can do 3 phase from 3 wires wired as a star connection (sqroot of 3 * 230 volt = 398v) if you needed an unbalanced load ie plan to take a 240 volt supply as well then you need a 4th neutral wire or have a got my wires crossed :) That's the way ...
by gregmcc
Sun Oct 03, 2021 2:04 pm
Forum: General Electrical Discussions
Topic: 3 phase cabling and DB
Replies: 5
Views: 5089

Re: 3 phase cabling and DB

hi just wondering if someone could help me please first off i am not a registered electrician but a DC technician so any subsequent work will be done by an electrician we have one main DB supplying a number of sub boards on the property i have a 100m 2 core and neutral screen running from the main ...