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TPower

Isn’t the intention of the change in the ESR around this clause, to replace the use of ‘metallic conduit’ with ‘high density PVC’ conduit, regardless of length? So running PV cabling within a building enclosed in HD PVC Conduit at lengths greater than 300mm, without an isolator adjacent the array is...

TPower

Yes, I believe so. I did a short training course on solar a while back. The tutor advised us MC4 connectors are suitable for this requirement.

I don’t know why the standard only mentions ‘sub-array fuses’ as an example, I would’ve thought plug & socket MC4 connectors would be more common for this.

TPower

This discussion came up at work.. Is a construction site porta-com/relocatable building that’s connected via installation wiring (rather than plug & socket) a ‘connectable installation’? And therefore a Woef is required IAW ESR78? My understanding is this type of installation fits within the descrip...

TPower

Thanks Alec, very informative.

TPower

Regarding clause C5.4 of Appendix C, for ‘General Purpose Outlets’. I’m assuming for this benchmark to be met, all outlets would require protection by RCD or an isolating transformer? The wording in this clause isn’t as specific as C5.3, it’s just ‘General-purpose socket-outlets’. Different question...

TPower

Thank you for the feedback Alec. This mostly makes sense to me. To clarify, the ‘Periodic assessment’ for caravan parks is assessed IAW Appendix C of 3001? Whether it meets all the criteria of Appendix C or not is immaterial, the RoA is still issued? I suspect the RoA should detail the items that do...

TPower

Periodic Assessments for caravan parks. My understanding is these can only be assessed IAW ASNZS3001:2008, as per ESR75. Clause 2.7.2 of 3001 directs us to Appendix C for re-verification details. It’s not a task I’m really involved with, but a discussion was raised elsewhere regarding the requiremen...

TPower

“In the words of 4.4.1.3: at the end of the cable that is most remote from the PV modules"

Is this wording only relevant when we’re looking at things in terms of overcurrent protection, rather than isolation?

TPower

I see what you mean. You could interpret it as the one disconnector satisfying the requirements of 4.4.1.2 & 4.4.1.5, although I think the intention is to have a ‘means of isolation’ at the array, perhaps just badly worded. It’s clearly required at the array in 5033:2014. Clause 4.4.1.6 ‘means of is...

TPower

Two core neutral screen cable, and you’re thinking of using the two cores and the screen all as active conductors is that right?

You won’t be able to do that, it’s unsafe and against the rules. The screen is reserved for a neutral or earthing conductors only.

TPower

Why are they describing installing RCD protection as providing ‘mech protection’ in 4777.1:2016? I’m guessing they’re referring to instances where cables are installed within 50mm of wall, ceiling or roof linings as described in 3000:3.9.4.2 & 3.9.4.3.2. My understanding is it’s a protection method ...

TPower

I’ve never seen a dc isolator on an individual panel before supplying a micro inverter. Enphase installation instructions certainly don’t show them installed like this. 5033:2012:4.4.1.2 may be relevant. There seems to be an allowance in this clause for the use of connectors for disconnection purpos...

TPower

Thanks guys

TPower

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/updating-references-to-standards-in-electricity-gas-safety-regulations/ Just wondering if anyone has had a read through this? Page 15 of the ‘Discussion Document’ indicates ‘Table A lists proposed new standards including... a new standard for battery systems th...

TPower

Sounds the same as an arrangement with a generator changeover switch. It doesn’t sound non-compliant to me, although I don’t understand why they would double up on the ‘main earth’ & ‘MEN link’?

TPower

My understanding was any CD must be in accordance with Part 1, as per ESR59(2)(b)? Every other low or extra-low voltage installation or part installation must be installed, tested, inspected, or connected so as to comply with either— (a) Part 2 of AS/NZS 3000; or (b) a certified design prepared in a...

TPower

1.9.4 of 3000 seems to set out the requirements for a part 1 design.

1.9.4.5 Only says the designer must be ‘competent’. So no specific qualification required. Although I wouldn’t say ‘competent’ necessarily means ‘anyone’.

TPower

Thanks guys

TPower

Thanks. There doesn’t seem to be any specific standard for the battery system itself, only AS5139, which isn’t cited in the ESR. I’m wondering whether it’s still expected that this standard should be adhered to. Our regulations seem seriously out of date! I’m imagining trying to explain if something...

TPower

Tesla Power-Wall. Is the installation of one of the units to a property that has existing solar HR/inspectable PEW? My understanding is it’s not directly connected to the PV system, but connected to the switchboard (AC Coupled). It’s a battery storage system not PV, is it mains parallel generation t...

TPower

Great! Thanks for that, very good explanation there!

TPower

Thanks Aleck. Yes I didn’t think clause 5.4.6 seemed quite the right fit for a steel bench top. There just doesn’t seem to be an appropriate clause for something like this. I presume if electrical fittings were to be fitted on a steel splash back for example, there would be a requirement to earth th...

TPower

Was having a discussion with another electrician regarding earthing a stainless steel bench top. He advised the bench-top has no electrical fittings mounted on it. Apparently outlets are mounted above the bench top. My understanding for this type of scenario, there is no requirement for earthing, an...

TPower

I would’ve failed it also. So far as I know you can only issue a Woef in accordance with appendix C of 3001.

Clause C6.4 clearly states over current protection shall be fitted to match supply lead & fittings, with exception to caravans incorporating a neutral/earth link.

TPower

Thanks Greg. Yeah it’s a bit of a tricky one, I haven’t actually seen it yet, just spoke with the electrician about it. But yes, certainly sounds a can of worms.

TPower

I’m working in with an electrician who is installing a PV system, he’s doing the installation, I’ll be doing inspection. I’ve been advised they’re installing three phase enphase/micro-inverters that are designed for the American market, therefore operate at 110/220VAC. The switchboard is apparently ...

TPower

I believe it to be considered the same installation, it just happens to have been shifted. Which would mean if it complied in its time, it still complies now. You wouldn’t need a complete re wire just because you’ve relocated the building. Interested to hear other thoughts on this though.

TPower

If I have a PV system with two or more PV arrays connected to an inverter, what is the requirement for the number of switch-disconnectors? I’ve only ever seen one installed at the inverter in accordance with 5033:4.4.1.2. But should there be a separate one for each array? I that what clause 2.1.4 is...

TPower

Maybe this is helpful. Info is on Worksafe’s website: Cables and wires must comply with either: 1. Standards listed under the ‘Electric wires and cables’(external link)  section in Schedule 4 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 2. AS/NZS 3820:2009 Essential safety requirements for electrica...

TPower

Also, as all all FSCs on construction sites require RCD, and a CI would have to be plugged into a FSC, RCD protection would be achieved through this means.

TPower

Thanks for the feedback guys. I’m not sure what the answer to that would be Doug. My thoughts would be that construction site porta coms/CI would only need to comply with 3000+3001. I wouldn’t consider the wiring in the CI as ‘construction wiring’. Clause 2.4.6.1 of 3012 says ‘All final sub-circuits...

TPower

I sometimes do Woefs on CIs that aren’t caravans, such as construction site porta-coms. Sometimes I find circuits, often air-con that aren’t RCD protected. I’ve just been re-reading through clause C6.9, and the only item that seems relevant to such installs is item (a), (b,c & d) are all for caravan...

TPower

Thanks for the feedback. Yes that was my thoughts too. I have seen some units in the past that comply with 4.4.1.2(b), Fronius Inverters for example. The switch-disconnector is built into the base of the unit that stays fixed to the wall, allowing you to isolate and remove the entire inverter. One o...

TPower

I’ve been doing inspections on two PV installs, and I have had a bit of difference of opinion with the electrician and his supplier regarding the DC switch-disconnector that is required to be located at the inverter. Currently there is no separate DC switch-disconnector located at the inverter, only...

TPower

‘...And also say if you were doing an EWOF for a nz caravan that has previously had ewofs but you see something non compliant with the standard but outside of the requirements of appendix C can you still pass the ewof’ I believe you can only really rely on appendix c for your Woef. You’re bound to f...

TPower

Pretty sure a Woef for an imported unit is, the part 1 assessment + appendix C (not the entirety of 3001)

TPower

Work Safe posted a document a while ago, advising outlets would need to be replaced, and this would be picked up as part of the ‘part 1 assessment’

https://worksafe.govt.nz/dmsdocument/35 ... nd-boating

Refer to 2.4

TPower

Micro inverter/solar installation. Is it necessary for the PV panel frames to be earthed? 1 micro inverter per panel, PV panels at ELV. The information in 5033:2012 is making me think it’s not necessary, when the PV/DC voltage is less than ELV. I’m referring to clause 4.4.2.1. and figure 4.3-decisio...

TPower

Is the actual installation of the mains conductors considered ‘mains work’? I’ve always believed, of course it is. Although I was having a discussion with another electrician the other day who believed installing his supply/mains cable is ‘general’? I didn’t understand where he was coming from, so h...

TPower

Thanks for the feedback on this Alec, it’s been very helpful

TPower

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I understand type A must be used in NZ. The reason I asked the question, is I came across a site where type AC had been recently installed, however they passed when being tested as type A. I agree with you, but 8.3.10.2 note 1 had me scratching my head a bit. Not sure why ...

TPower

If an RCD used in NZ is labelled as being Type AC, however passes a test when tested as Type A does it comply? 8.3.10.2 note 1 If the RCD being tested is marked with the symbol confirming that it is a Type A RCD, the residual direct pulsating current testing may be omitted. Is this note implying an ...

TPower

Thanks. I appreciate the very informative response. Yes, I understand what you’re saying regarding a site having to be tested, certified and inspected prior to livening. I find with the larger capacity sites, it’s usually connected at the NCP by a line mechanic and the other end at the MSB is also c...

TPower

If I’m livening mains exceeding 200amps. Where should I obtain EFL values that are acceptable? Table 8.1 in 3000 only goes up to 200amps. I’m thinking I would need to get this information from the manufacturer of the protective device? Secondly, if I’m connecting the fuses at a transformer, is it ac...

TPower

Okay. Thanks for the feedback on this, seems I’ve understood it correctly.

TPower

An oven that’s fitted into a kitchen joinery unit, with the plug/socket concealed behind the unit (you have to pull the oven out to un-plug). Does this not require a readily accessible switch in accordance with 3000:4.7.1? Note 4 is leading me to believe it’s not a requirement? Seems it’s lumped in ...

TPower

I’m thinking they perhaps wrote that note ‘embedded in a concrete floor, slab or pad’ with pre-cast panels in mind.

So you can install a conduit or duct in a panel, prior to it being poured. Like when they make the panels off site for large projects etc.

TPower

So are we saying, due to that rule, 3.9.8.2, we aren’t allowed to have one three phase cable supplying a MEN switchboard/central supply, which then supplies multiple separately metered units. This set up isn’t uncommon. Or am I not reading this correctly? I would’ve thought you would just consider t...

TPower

So are we saying, due to that rule, 3.9.8.2, we aren’t allowed to have one three phase cable supplying a MEN switchboard/central supply, which then supplies multiple separately metered units. This set up isn’t uncommon. Or am I not reading this correctly? I would’ve thought you would just consider t...

TPower

Ah yep. That makes sense. Cheers!

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