Search found 242 matches

by DougP
Fri Dec 22, 2023 7:53 pm
Forum: Appliances
Topic: 60335.1 requirements
Replies: 5
Views: 1711

Re: 60335.1 requirements

"a contact separation in all poles that provide full disconnection under overvoltage category " If your isolation device only has one pole then that is all poles of the isolation device. If it has three poles and all poles have the required spacing between contacts then that also meets "a contact s...
by DougP
Wed Dec 20, 2023 8:02 pm
Forum: Appliances
Topic: 60335.1 requirements
Replies: 5
Views: 1711

Re: 60335.1 requirements

Sorry Alec. I have to disagree.
Only a) and b) are required.
There's nothing in 3000 that requires all live isolation other than gas equipment in Australia. (off the top of my head).

MIs should be country or at least region specific. This may be required in some countries, but not NZ/Aust.
by DougP
Tue Dec 19, 2023 6:56 pm
Forum: Appliances
Topic: 60335.1 requirements
Replies: 5
Views: 1711

60335.1 requirements

60335.1 7.12.2 I'll post the whole clause, first. ---------------- 7.12.2 If a stationary appliance is not fitted with a supply cord and a plug, or with other means for disconnection from the supply mains having a contact separation in all poles that provide full disconnection under overvoltage cate...
by DougP
Tue Aug 22, 2023 5:11 pm
Forum: Appliances
Topic: 4.3 connection of electrical equipment
Replies: 1
Views: 1066

4.3 connection of electrical equipment

There's a few examples in 4.3 But nothing that resembles installation wiring to an isolator, then more fixed/flexible wiring to a motor for example. I think everyone just expects that 4.3.4 and fig 4.5 applies. But does it really? You could have wiring in conduit up to the isolator, then more wiring...
by DougP
Fri Aug 11, 2023 8:32 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: Low Risk Work on Mains Work
Replies: 4
Views: 1470

Re: Low Risk Work on Mains Work

Some networks still require an ROI for any mains work before livening, even if it is low risk.
by DougP
Fri Aug 11, 2023 12:56 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Once a PEN is separated can it be combined again in one installation
Replies: 8
Views: 2045

Re: Once a PEN is separated can it be combined again in one installation

As always, your explanation is in depth and well reasoned Alec. However, if the requirement was so prescriptive, I would expect that it would be more clearly explained in 3000 and not require two full pages of explanations with additional non-cited points in them. I don't have time for a huge amount...
by DougP
Thu Aug 10, 2023 9:16 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Domestic wiring rated for insulation
Replies: 5
Views: 1678

Re: Domestic wiring rated for insulation

Dan L wrote:
Wed Aug 02, 2023 8:09 pm
Thanks.

So if the cable is in the wall for more than 400mm meeting the definition of fully surrounded it should be rated as such.

Photos attached for future learning
Unless it's clipped so it can't be fully surrounded.
by DougP
Thu Aug 10, 2023 8:08 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Once a PEN is separated can it be combined again in one installation
Replies: 8
Views: 2045

Re: Once a PEN is separated can it be combined again in one installation

Firstly, I think Alec's idea that a PEN submain and MEN switchboard in an outbuilding requires inspection is incorrect. ESR6(2)(b) - is mains work on an installation Definitions: Mains work - work on mains / work on main earthing systems Mains - means those fittings forming part of an installation t...
by DougP
Wed May 17, 2023 10:30 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Sub-main to domestic shed: Minimum size?
Replies: 2
Views: 1540

Re: Sub-main to domestic shed: Minimum size?

I wouldn't bother running it as a "submain" and having a switchboard for just a few items. Simply run one RCD protected final subcircuit for everything. Run a 2.5 on a 16A circuit, and reduce to 1.5 for the lights if necessary. As Alec said, if you use a catenary, it's not classified as "aerial" and...
by DougP
Wed May 10, 2023 7:14 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: shape of horizontal earth electrode and distance between two main earth electrode
Replies: 4
Views: 2772

Re: shape of horizontal earth electrode and distance between two main earth electrode

AlecK, I think you are missing the critical wording of the clause "... a minimum horizontal length of: .. (ii) In New Zealand, 7.5 m."

It's not going to have the minimum horizontal length if it's laid in a loop, or even a U shape.
by DougP
Thu Mar 30, 2023 8:16 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Earthing of aluminum ladder
Replies: 6
Views: 6463

Re: Earthing of aluminum ladder

AlecK wrote:
Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:05 pm
Normal lugs are zinc-plated copper.
zinc is close to aluminium on the galvanic scale.
(closer than zinc & copper are!)
Normal lugs are tin plated. Tin & copper are right next to each other on the galvanic scale.
by DougP
Mon Mar 27, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Running the Neutral Through a Circuit Breaker
Replies: 6
Views: 3048

Re: Running the Neutral Through a Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker isn't necessary for the neutral (except for some specific circumstances), but can be connected through the same circuit breaker as the actives as Greg says. Same as RCCBs or RCBOs switch the neutral. But, in your original post you said "all tapped off HRC fuses" - hopefully you are...
by DougP
Thu Mar 23, 2023 12:00 pm
Forum: Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems
Topic: EVSE and pool zones
Replies: 4
Views: 2207

Re: EVSE and pool zones

Thanks Alec
by DougP
Wed Mar 22, 2023 7:52 am
Forum: Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems
Topic: EVSE and pool zones
Replies: 4
Views: 2207

Re: EVSE and pool zones

Thanks Alec. If it was a Mode 3 charger, it would either have a socket or a lead. 3000 section 6 isn't really specific about types of "socket outlets" allowed in pool zones. Does the EVSE outlet come under a socket outlet? What about if the outlet is on a lead? If the EVSE is in a zone, then the lea...
by DougP
Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:33 am
Forum: Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems
Topic: EVSE and pool zones
Replies: 4
Views: 2207

EVSE and pool zones

Can an IPX4 EVSE be installed in a pool zone?
Is it classed as "other electrical equipment"?
by DougP
Wed Jan 11, 2023 8:47 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Inverter in connectable installation
Replies: 12
Views: 7357

Re: Inverter in connectable installation

The wording looks clear to me.

"it shall comply with the safety requirements specified in AS/NZS 4763 for an isolated inverter or an inverter protected by a residual current device."

it means both types of inverters, isolated or RCD protected, must comply with 4763
by DougP
Thu Dec 01, 2022 4:54 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: DR AS/NZS3017
Replies: 5
Views: 4418

Re: DR AS/NZS3017

It is available in the EWRB library now.
by DougP
Thu Dec 01, 2022 4:49 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: 3001 : 2022 released, in two parts
Replies: 7
Views: 5068

Re: 3001 : 2022 released, in two parts

Original enquiry. An enquiry has been submitted via the EWRB website containing the following information: First name * Doug Question relating to * Other Enquiry Several new standards have been released recently. In particular, the 2022 version of 3001. This standard is now in two parts. AS/NZS 3001...
by DougP
Thu Dec 01, 2022 12:26 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: 3001 : 2022 released, in two parts
Replies: 7
Views: 5068

Re: 3001 : 2022 released, in two parts

I'm having a discussion with EWRB... .... From: <info@ewrb.govt.nz> Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2022, 12:16 pm Subject: Re: EWRB website enquiry[IN-CONFIDENCE:RELEASE EXTERNAL] To: <doug@dmpc.co.nz> Good afternoon Doug, Thank you for your email. I have forwarded this onto my support team for further clarificat...
by DougP
Tue Nov 29, 2022 4:29 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: 3001 : 2022 released, in two parts
Replies: 7
Views: 5068

3001 : 2022 released, in two parts

3001:2022 has been released in two parts. Part 1 for site supplies has been added to the SNZ EWRB online library. But part 2 for connectable installations hasn't been added to the online library - it's only showing up in the paid section of SNZ. I wonder how long that will take to rectify :? Anyone ...
by DougP
Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:55 pm
Forum: General Electrical Discussions
Topic: Strip Connector Busbar?
Replies: 3
Views: 3430

Re: Strip Connector Busbar?

There are links for Phoenix terminal strips, probably others as well.
(They are called a "bridge" if you're searching catalogues)
by DougP
Fri Oct 28, 2022 7:07 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: What defines something as telecommunications?
Replies: 3
Views: 3670

Re: What defines something as telecommunications?

I'm just wondering how within a switchboard is part of a wiring system?
by DougP
Tue Oct 25, 2022 8:13 pm
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Best way to confirm correct circuit connections?
Replies: 8
Views: 7835

Re: Best way to confirm correct circuit connections?

Having the N-E loop open is a key part of polarity testing; While I totally agree, I would be very careful with wording like the above. So many people I come across in discussion groups say that people should "remove the MEN link when testing". It's definitely something that I have to keep correcti...
by DougP
Sat Oct 22, 2022 7:29 am
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Best way to confirm correct circuit connections?
Replies: 8
Views: 7835

Re: Best way to confirm correct circuit connections?

For new work, the basic method I use is to connect earth conductors at the switchboard first, then do the earth continuity test with a trailing lead. That confirms that the earth is connected correctly. (and completes the earth continuity test). This is done after all socket outlets, lights etc are ...
by DougP
Mon Sep 26, 2022 8:05 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: Type of supply system for CoC
Replies: 3
Views: 4263

Re: Type of supply system for CoC

230V, 1P MEN
400/230V 3P MEN
etc
by DougP
Mon Sep 12, 2022 2:14 pm
Forum: Damp Situations
Topic: exhaust fan in shower
Replies: 9
Views: 7287

Re: exhaust fan in shower

So the answer is yes, the IP34 fan is fine in zone 1.
6.2.4.5 "Zones 1, 2 and 3 Appliances and other electrical equipment installed in Zones 1, 2 and 3 shall be provided with at least the required degree of protection for the particular zone."
by DougP
Tue Sep 06, 2022 11:49 am
Forum: Damp Situations
Topic: exhaust fan in shower
Replies: 9
Views: 7287

Re: exhaust fan in shower

As long as the fan has the required degree of protection, installed in a wall is outside the zone.
6.2.1 "Ceilings, walls with or without windows, doors and floors that limit the extent of rooms containing a bath, shower or other water container also limit the associated zones."
by DougP
Sun Jun 26, 2022 5:41 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Calculating 3ph voltage drop.
Replies: 1
Views: 2892

Calculating 3ph voltage drop.

Calculating voltage drop for a 3ph installation or submain. The tables in 3008 are for 3ph, and there's a conversion for single phase. No problem with all of that. But, the 3ph calculations are for a balanced load. There's further calculations in section 4.6 about calculating for a un-balanced load....
by DougP
Mon May 16, 2022 6:24 pm
Forum: Damp Situations
Topic: Sink zones
Replies: 7
Views: 6334

Re: Sink zones

Thanks for the clarification Alec. It's certainly not easy to produce a perfect diagram, or clause for that matter. The 3000:2018 new clause for open cooking surfaces (4.7.3) and fig 4.17 is another good example. It's not really clear how the vertical surface behind the cooking surface should be tre...
by DougP
Sun May 15, 2022 4:57 pm
Forum: Damp Situations
Topic: Sink zones
Replies: 7
Views: 6334

Re: Sink zones

Thanks AlecK. Just to clarify, when you say "If the interior has corners, then Z 2 will have corners." Do you mean if the bowl has square corners, then Z2 will have square corners? Or you mean it will follow the string measurement and have a radius on the outside, even if the bowl has a square corner?
by DougP
Sun May 15, 2022 10:37 am
Forum: Damp Situations
Topic: Sink zones
Replies: 7
Views: 6334

Re: Sink zones

Thanks Jamie. I couldn't find any previous threads on here... The problem is that people think that the "vertical plane" must only be flat, as shown in the diagrams, and not radius around the corner. Also more confusing when the bath and shower clauses actually specify radius, such as: "the vertical...
by DougP
Sat May 14, 2022 8:15 pm
Forum: Damp Situations
Topic: Sink zones
Replies: 7
Views: 6334

Sink zones

Are these corners supposed to be a radius like the bath and shower zones? Or a straight line?
Can a power point go in the corner where the blue cross is?
sink corner.jpg
by DougP
Mon Mar 28, 2022 5:32 pm
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Same cable for 1 or 3 phase outlets
Replies: 7
Views: 4612

Re: Same cable for 1 or 3 phase outlets

Yes Alec, of course you're probably correct that all those things could happen because of the way the regulations are written - but it would be unusual to say the least. And for example, if the person who actually did the work issued their COC stating that the work is compliant, then a second person...
by DougP
Sun Mar 27, 2022 11:12 am
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Same cable for 1 or 3 phase outlets
Replies: 7
Views: 4612

Re: Same cable for 1 or 3 phase outlets

" the client wanted a COC from an Inspector" - the inspector can't issue a COC as they haven't carried out any of the work. They also can't issue an ROI as there isn't any high risk work to inspect. All they can do is provide a report to their client. Your COC is the only document of importance here...
by DougP
Sat Mar 19, 2022 11:46 am
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?

Is that meter board in the zone?
Isn't the zone 1600mm high from ground level?
The blocks are 200mm high (210mm?), and there are 8 of them under the switchboard.
I can't see the earth electrode in the photo?
by DougP
Fri Feb 18, 2022 12:25 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: RCD requirements
Replies: 10
Views: 6008

Re: RCD requirements

Thanks Alec. Good point about all FSCs requiring RCD protection. So that would also cover ovens etc which normally wouldn't need one.

Great that we can always rely on you to cover all aspects of a question!
by DougP
Fri Feb 18, 2022 9:43 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: RCD requirements
Replies: 10
Views: 6008

RCD requirements

For a "tiny home" that's plugged in (16 or 32A supply), does the "minimum of two RCD" requirement apply in a transportable if there is more than one final subcircuit? (2.6.2.4(b)(ii) )
by DougP
Tue Jan 11, 2022 7:42 pm
Forum: Appliances
Topic: 220V and 380V electrical equipment
Replies: 6
Views: 5046

Re: 220V and 380V electrical equipment

Energy Safety regard such appliance / fittings as electrically unsafe. The marked voltage rating have to either state '230 V" or a range that includes 230 V. I'm sure this will be on Worksafe website somewhere - but may be hard to find. They also recently explained that RCDs marked '240 V" were not...
by DougP
Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:42 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Neutral Screen Cable
Replies: 8
Views: 7352

Re: Neutral Screen Cable

Yes AlecK, NS insulation is classed as double insulated as per ASNZS4961. Using the sheath as an active won't comply with 3.9.4.4 as a means of protection, so another means of protection would need to be used. As for the other uses of NS cable such as Cat A underground, it seems that they have just ...
by DougP
Mon Nov 29, 2021 8:57 pm
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Motor Insulation Resistance test
Replies: 4
Views: 4661

Re: Motor Insulation Resistance test

Presumably you disconnected both the active and neutral before trying the IR test?
Did you try testing to earth with A&N connected together?
by DougP
Mon Nov 15, 2021 10:30 am
Forum: Switchboards
Topic: First switchboard or metering point.
Replies: 14
Views: 8871

Re: First switchboard or metering point.

So earth the enclosure to the neutral?
by DougP
Mon Nov 15, 2021 9:18 am
Forum: Switchboards
Topic: First switchboard or metering point.
Replies: 14
Views: 8871

Re: First switchboard or metering point.

Make sure there is nothing to earth(use a plastic meter box), arnt most meters these days double insulated. Think big metal box with multiple meters for different installations within the same building/structure. Or similar. For a single installation earthing the meter box isn't a problem. You just...
by DougP
Mon Nov 15, 2021 8:53 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

2.5.3.1 - For HRC fuses the protective device needs to be 0.9 or less of the cable CCC. So the 63A (60A?) fuse is fine for 16mm² PVC partially surrounded.
by DougP
Sun Nov 14, 2021 8:56 pm
Forum: Switchboards
Topic: First switchboard or metering point.
Replies: 14
Views: 8871

Re: First switchboard or metering point.

Here's a follow up question. Let's assume it's just setup as a metering point (option b), so it's not a switchboard, but only has the meters, a common neutral link, and fuses/CBs for the multiple outgoing supplies to different MEN installations within the same building. Where do you get the earth to...
by DougP
Sun Nov 14, 2021 6:28 pm
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

Just a couple of observations. The Network's documentation will not say that they provide overload protection, but the same as any HRC fuse, they do provide overload protection. It's common in many areas not to have any additional overload protection on the installation side. For the insulation inst...
by DougP
Fri Nov 05, 2021 9:51 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Does 3.4.3 apply to earths?
Replies: 4
Views: 2602

Re: Does 3.4.3 apply to earths?

Nobody has an answer?
by DougP
Sat Oct 23, 2021 3:43 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Steel bench top.
Replies: 14
Views: 9100

Re: Steel bench top.

Attaching a PEC or bonding conductor to the MEC as you suggest "in a way that doesn't adversely affect the integrity of the MEC" - such as by using a line tap, surely can't be considered "work on main earthing systems"? I think if you asked an inspector to inspect the connection of a PEC to the MEC ...
by DougP
Sat Oct 23, 2021 12:58 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Main earth size for mains in parallel
Replies: 6
Views: 4920

Re: Main earth size for mains in parallel

Isn't this clear enough?

"Where the active conductor comprises a number of conductors, connected
in parallel, the earthing conductor shall be determined in relation to the
summation of the cross-sectional areas of the individual conductors forming
the largest active conductor to be protected."
by DougP
Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:19 am
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: RCD Feeding RCD discrimination
Replies: 5
Views: 4588

Re: RCD Feeding RCD discrimination

If you could get a 30mA Type S, they will still comply as they trip at less than 300ms. And installing them upstream of a standard type A is one means to provide a form of discrimination with RCDs in series. But there's no requirement to do so.
by DougP
Wed Sep 01, 2021 9:36 pm
Forum: General Electrical Discussions
Topic: Auto Transformer Neutral
Replies: 8
Views: 5662

Re: Auto Transformer Neutral

Yes I have screwed it up.
If it's 230V phase to phase on the secondary then it's 230 ÷ √3 to neutral which is 132V.

So I'm not sure why there's a neutral point at all in that case, or where the "unbalanced load" could come into it.

Hard to tell without seeing more of the wiring diagram.