Search found 189 matches

by gregmcc
Mon Sep 27, 2021 6:53 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: Proposed limits of work
Replies: 5
Views: 3928

Re: Proposed limits of work

we could also co-ordinate the submissions, that way the EWRB get a clear picture of what electrical workers want/think
by gregmcc
Mon Sep 27, 2021 5:07 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: Proposed limits of work
Replies: 5
Views: 3928

Re: Proposed limits of work

do a submission, that's what the email is about, I see the point about EST's replacing a mains entry box, technically it is low risk, but keep in mind poor wording in the past means that a lineman can issue a COV for an installation.......
by gregmcc
Wed Sep 15, 2021 5:01 pm
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Fuses in parallel
Replies: 5
Views: 4439

Re: Fuses in parallel

The cables are not individually protected, the load side of the fuse holders at the network end are bus tied together, at the main switch installation the cables are directly bolted to the live side of the main switch. the set up effectively 2 parallel fuses(per phase) mechanically linked together s...
by gregmcc
Tue Sep 14, 2021 5:36 pm
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Fuses in parallel
Replies: 5
Views: 4439

Fuses in parallel

So a bit of a technical question, Keep in mind this is in a WORKS environment not an installation. Network electrical engineer (I use the word engineer loosely here as it's a job title and the person may or may not be an electrical engineer - I don't know) has specified a service fuse to a new facto...
by gregmcc
Sat Aug 28, 2021 9:42 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Ring circuits - Are they a complaint method?
Replies: 2
Views: 2068

Re: Ring circuits - Are they a complaint method?

I'm not sure of the legality of ring circuits, but as they are generally not the way things are done in NZ and almost every electrician in NZ could easily be caught out if they came across one. I came across one many years ago, a fellow employee done a sub board change in a commercial installation n...
by gregmcc
Sun May 30, 2021 7:10 pm
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Scope of Testing as applicable to personal items
Replies: 2
Views: 3596

Re: Scope of Testing as applicable to personal items

3760 isn't a cited standard, so there is no mandated rule to do testing and tagging, but the ESR's say that if an appliance is tested to 3760 (and passes) then it is deemed "Electrically Safe" this meets worksafes requirements of "Taking reasonable actions" in relation to safety of electrical applia...
by gregmcc
Wed May 12, 2021 4:51 pm
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: Connection at pole/plinth fuse
Replies: 8
Views: 7069

Re: Connection at pole/plinth fuse

Typically in the past network companies had their own inspectors who would do this kind of work, this has kind of followed through to today's work, except that most network companies authorize a contractor who has an inspector on staff to do this. While most this work could be done by a line worker,...
by gregmcc
Wed Apr 28, 2021 5:02 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: Certified Designs - ESR58
Replies: 7
Views: 3287

Re: Certified Designs - ESR58

the way I read it:-
Part 1 must be to a CD
Part 2 can be to a CD but does not have to be.
by gregmcc
Fri Apr 23, 2021 2:21 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: MBIE looking at updating ESR
Replies: 2
Views: 1785

Re: MBIE looking at updating ESR

I've put my submission in.
by gregmcc
Tue Apr 20, 2021 6:01 am
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Certified Design?
Replies: 4
Views: 4332

Re: Certified Design?

the food tray sealer is an appliance, not part of the installation. No certified design needed. An ESC would be required to confirm it's electrical safety
by gregmcc
Sun Apr 18, 2021 8:42 pm
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Motor Circuit Breaker Earth Continuity
Replies: 3
Views: 3811

Re: Motor Circuit Breaker Earth Continuity

I'll start this with...."Correct me if i'm wrong" There are a lot more things to consider on a motor circuit breaker compared to a regular circuit breaker. Some have adjustable trip time setting (some don't). So the way I understand it should work is, if the circuit is for personal protection then t...
by gregmcc
Sun Apr 18, 2021 9:19 am
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Private network
Replies: 11
Views: 11311

Re: Private network

This wouldn't come in to play in this instance as you said it was going to serve a private network of several hundred dwellings, part ob (b) (i)."..... and not for supply to any other person" which is for one dwelling only
by gregmcc
Fri Apr 16, 2021 5:37 pm
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Private network
Replies: 11
Views: 11311

Re: Private network

Yes, I don't know of anything that exempts a private network

All high risk work needs to be logged on the high risk database private network or not
by gregmcc
Sun Apr 11, 2021 6:44 pm
Forum: Damp Situations
Topic: power points under eves
Replies: 6
Views: 5600

Re: power points under eves

You can only account for "normal" conditions, pretty much any socket, IP53 or IP56 isn't going to standup to been water blasted.
by gregmcc
Fri Mar 19, 2021 5:12 pm
Forum: Welcome to the NZ's Electrical Forum
Topic: Becoming an iqp for emergency lighting
Replies: 3
Views: 7168

Re: Becoming an iqp for emergency lighting

I done it for both Auckland and Hamilton, there were a few hoops to jump thru for Hamilton not too hard to achieve, For Auckland was a real mission, ended up going on the IQP course, had to demonstrate that I had all the forms and paperwork set up, it took multiple attempts as the attitude was taken...
by gregmcc
Sat Mar 13, 2021 3:22 pm
Forum: General Electrical Discussions
Topic: Building Inspector quoting from AS/NZS 3000:2018
Replies: 7
Views: 4982

Re: Building Inspector quoting from AS/NZS 3000:2018

Time for a sit down with the head contractor to nut out where everyone's responsibilities lie. If the building inspector is making things difficult, it is the head contractors problem to sort, you just need to make it clear to the head contractor (in a friendly way) that your CoC/ESC is what the bui...
by gregmcc
Fri Mar 12, 2021 4:47 pm
Forum: General Electrical Discussions
Topic: Building Inspector quoting from AS/NZS 3000:2018
Replies: 7
Views: 4982

Re: Building Inspector quoting from AS/NZS 3000:2018

What Alec has said pretty much sums it up. Personally I would have told the building inspector that he is required by law to accept the ESC/CoC, if he wants to start telling the electrician how they should be doing their work he better ensure he has the qualification and practicing license to back i...
by gregmcc
Wed Feb 24, 2021 6:33 pm
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: US enphase inverters
Replies: 2
Views: 3284

Re: US enphase inverters

Part 1 installations *must* be a certified design, Part 2 installations can be a certified design but don't have to be. Sounds like a bit of a can of worms here, It would be a good idea to insist on a certified design so it very clear what is been done and why and how compliance is going to be achie...
by gregmcc
Fri Feb 19, 2021 6:19 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Overhead Submain Cabling
Replies: 17
Views: 7592

Re: Overhead Submain Cabling

Hi @DougP, I do work for a line company, and yes the service connections and the insulation falling apart is a BIG problem, we don't sleeve the PVC, we join UV stable cable on to the end and heavy wall heatshrink the link and the service PVC, this also has the advantage of creating a water barrier t...
by gregmcc
Wed Jan 27, 2021 5:41 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Heat pump , max demand calc
Replies: 6
Views: 3667

Re: Heat pump , max demand calc

I would be leaning towards the max amps, there is no way you can determine the usage of the heat pump, a safe assumption would to use the max amps.
by gregmcc
Fri Dec 25, 2020 11:50 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: While you're waiting for your Christmas roast to cook..
Replies: 4
Views: 4030

Re: While you're waiting for your Christmas roast to cook..

Possibly What's the issue you have? I guess you'd have to be careful of parallel E/N paths as always but I can't see why you couldn't off the top of my head Greg where do you get the notion of every submain needing a PEC in 2018? 5.5.3.1 (c) still allows the use of a PEN submain does it not? I stan...
by gregmcc
Fri Dec 25, 2020 11:28 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: While you're waiting for your Christmas roast to cook..
Replies: 4
Views: 4030

Re: While you're waiting for your Christmas roast to cook..

Yes, doesn't matter what the submain is for. But for the sake of making things easy run an PEC, means no MEN link, earth electrode or inspection (yeah I know the old chestnut of inspection of sub board MEN's/earthing).

Although not cited yet in NZ AS/NZS 3000:2018 requires all submains to have a PEC.
by gregmcc
Sat Dec 19, 2020 8:52 pm
Forum: Apprentices and training
Topic: is it ok for apprentices to work alone?
Replies: 6
Views: 10402

Re: is it ok for apprentices to work alone?

The EWRB publish a guide line for trainee supervision.

https://www.ewrb.govt.nz/assets/documen ... ficate.pdf
by gregmcc
Mon Dec 14, 2020 5:50 am
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Range Socket Outlet Addition - RCD?
Replies: 2
Views: 3447

Re: Range Socket Outlet Addition - RCD?

additional sockets are required to be protected at the source, doesn't matter what the source is.
by gregmcc
Sun Dec 13, 2020 9:12 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: AS/NZS 3000:2007 Superseded?
Replies: 9
Views: 4492

Re: AS/NZS 3000:2007 Superseded?

2018 is the newest version, but the ESR's cite the 2007 Version, it's good practice to use the 2018 version but there are a few instances where 2018 contradicts 2007, in those cases 2007 should be used.
by gregmcc
Fri Dec 11, 2020 5:36 pm
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Tell everyone your funny story
Replies: 3
Views: 7608

Tell everyone your funny story

Just for something a bit different, tell everyone a funny story that happened to you or a workmate, Just so we don't get in trouble - no people or company names. I'll start... A few years back, 1st thing in the morning completing our paperwork from the day before, making a coffee in the break room a...
by gregmcc
Thu Dec 03, 2020 5:50 am
Forum: Switchboards
Topic: Main switch upgrade
Replies: 12
Views: 8201

Re: Main switch upgrade

Interesting I thought it was more needed to see if the existing mains CCC is fit for the new increases capacity and if the EFLI is low enough to operate new short circuit protection with in 5s etc But maybe that obviously has to be done but its more responsible of person actually putting in the new...
by gregmcc
Wed Dec 02, 2020 8:35 pm
Forum: General Electrical Discussions
Topic: Electric Fence/induced voltage
Replies: 3
Views: 3852

Re: Electric Fence/induced voltage

Remember this is not a dairy farm, it's a bull farm and they are very stroppy that's why they have a electric fence that packs a wallop IR tests are great, it's definitely induced, it's been that way since the day it was laid in the ground and before it ever was connected. As far as earths for the e...
by gregmcc
Wed Dec 02, 2020 5:19 pm
Forum: Inspection
Topic: When do COC/ROI/ESC become active
Replies: 2
Views: 3856

Re: When do COC/ROI/ESC become active

Personally if it's a fail then you should be keeping the ROI, It may just one day save you.

As far as when the COC/ROI/ESC becomes active, very good question, I would say once dated and signed.
by gregmcc
Wed Dec 02, 2020 4:43 pm
Forum: General Electrical Discussions
Topic: Electric Fence/induced voltage
Replies: 3
Views: 3852

Electric Fence/induced voltage

We have a installation in a rural area. A new shed has been built around 400m from the point of supply. The mains are 240AL tailed down to 16CU at each end. During installation BEFORE any connection to the network the guys doing the jointing between the CU and AL were getting shocks from the cable, ...
by gregmcc
Sat Nov 21, 2020 11:55 am
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: Connection at pole/plinth fuse
Replies: 8
Views: 7069

Re: Connection at pole/plinth fuse

As an electrician you have a duty of care to leave it in a safe condition, as normally you would not be allowed access to the service fuse - Ring the network company, Personally if it was me and I could reasonably access the service fuse without damaging the pillar I would remove the fuse and advise...
by gregmcc
Sun Nov 15, 2020 8:04 pm
Forum: Inspection
Topic: WoEF
Replies: 6
Views: 5772

Re: WoEF

I don't think a WOEF is classed as an inspection, but it must be done by a person who is authorised to inspect mains work ESR 78 (1) (a).

as far as been PEW, yes., ESR 65 (6) tells us certification (which is what a WOEF is?) is PEW, but does not require a COC.
by gregmcc
Wed Nov 11, 2020 4:33 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Cable tray
Replies: 5
Views: 4377

Re: Cable tray

What it comes down to is installing to the conditions, we all know that things like cable tray and switchboards are targets for forklift drivers and it's just a matter of time before they get hit. I have in the past insisted on bollards (which are also a target for the forklift drive) which have pro...
by gregmcc
Wed Nov 11, 2020 5:34 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Cable tray
Replies: 5
Views: 4377

Re: Cable tray

for double insulated conductors no, but for good practice yes, the photo is a good example
by gregmcc
Wed Oct 28, 2020 9:04 pm
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Esr 70
Replies: 7
Views: 6454

Re: Esr 70

Yes the inspector is responsible, there have been a number of polarity reversals on mains in the past and inspectors prosecuted for it. Polarity checks are a mandatory check and it was obvious that these were not done. So check whatever you need to be happy, don't be afraid to fail the inspection if...
by gregmcc
Wed Oct 28, 2020 8:12 pm
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Esr 70
Replies: 7
Views: 6454

Re: Esr 70

There is an element of trust between the inspector and electrician, as an inspector how you achieve the inspection is up to you, personally if it's for someone you don't know then poke your head thru the manhole and have a look, as the electrician to dig a hole where the mains were buried and measur...
by gregmcc
Sat Oct 24, 2020 9:46 am
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: Connection to Pole Top Fuses.
Replies: 3
Views: 4178

Re: Connection to Pole Top Fuses.

Re-reading your original post, A couple of things, usually the demarcation point for works vs. installation is the boundary line, but it is common for this line to be inside the boundary on a private pole at the pole fuses if the power company has an easement. on the application for the BTS, did it ...
by gregmcc
Thu Oct 22, 2020 5:11 pm
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: Connection to Pole Top Fuses.
Replies: 3
Views: 4178

Re: Connection to Pole Top Fuses.

As it's a private pole anyone with the suitable qualification and is competent can do this, and Electrical Inspector, Electrician, Distribution Line mechanic. - Technically an Electrical Engineer could but doubt they would be competent or even want to. Ask the lines contractor why an Electrician can...
by gregmcc
Sat Oct 17, 2020 12:06 pm
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Lockable main switch at switchboard connection - 4777.1 2005
Replies: 7
Views: 4696

Re: Lockable main switch at switchboard connection - 4777.1 2005

the way I read it, is the switch between the output of the inverter and the switchboard it connects to, the switch doesn't have to be in the switchboard, it could be beside, above or below, or at the inverter.
by gregmcc
Tue Oct 13, 2020 3:58 pm
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Is a rocker switch able to installed horizontally?
Replies: 5
Views: 4877

Re: Is a rocker switch able to installed horizontally?

As an alternative, the contactor could be installed in an enclosure in the ceiling space above the kitchen. Or in a corner of a kitchen cupboard, depending on the physical size of the contactor you may even be able to squeeze it in to the flush box.
by gregmcc
Tue Oct 13, 2020 5:44 am
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Is a rocker switch able to installed horizontally?
Replies: 5
Views: 4877

Re: Is a rocker switch able to installed horizontally?

the alternative is to install a contactor in the switchboard and have a control switch mounted in the position you want for the oven
by gregmcc
Sun Oct 11, 2020 7:38 pm
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Medical
Replies: 4
Views: 3963

Re: Medical

I've done a little bit of BPA and CPA work at Waikato Hospital, while I don't know everything about the areas feel free to bounce some questions off me
by gregmcc
Sun Oct 11, 2020 5:28 pm
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Medical
Replies: 4
Views: 3963

Re: Medical

You should find that the BPA and CPA should be marked on the floor with inlays in the flooring.

But the answer to Q1and Q2 is yes.

BPA and CPA can quite hard to wrap your head around and get it right.
by gregmcc
Fri Oct 02, 2020 5:48 am
Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
Topic: Connection at pole/plinth fuse
Replies: 8
Views: 7069

Re: Connection at pole/plinth fuse

Generally the network company arranges connection at the pole/plinth, it could be their network connection team it could be subcontracted out to another company, basically the pole/plinth belongs to the network company so they says who does the connection there
by gregmcc
Wed Sep 30, 2020 6:04 am
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Earth wire type for PV Array
Replies: 17
Views: 2724

Re: Earth wire type for PV Array

JamieP wrote:
Tue Sep 29, 2020 6:53 pm
Exactly my thinking, appreciate the input

Feels like it's just you and me around here these days Alec haha hopefully not boring you too much
others are watching and learning
:D
by gregmcc
Wed Sep 23, 2020 5:52 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Testing for presence of a main earth when one can't be found
Replies: 12
Views: 11574

Re: Testing for presence of a main earth when one can't be found

Main earths in older buildings can be difficult to find, a couple of examples - under a deck that was added at a later date only found it we I looked a little harder. another one, concreted poured over and around it - only found it as we were doing a OHUG and had to cut the concrete for the new main...
by gregmcc
Mon Sep 14, 2020 7:30 am
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Connection of PV exposed conductive parts
Replies: 5
Views: 2786

Re: Connection of PV exposed conductive parts

Just to make things a little clearer, what standard are you referring to?
by gregmcc
Sun Sep 13, 2020 8:18 am
Forum: Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems
Topic: EV charger isolator location.
Replies: 1
Views: 3711

Re: EV charger isolator location.

IMO, the most important word is "GUIDELINES" the is no compulsion to follow these (yet). But common sense and in the event of an issue they would be best practice to follow. If it was me I would have an isolator in proximity to the charger or make a reccomendation that in order to comply with the gu...
by gregmcc
Fri Sep 11, 2020 5:48 pm
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Deleted post can't find? Is descrimination of same branch required
Replies: 3
Views: 3966

Re: Deleted post can't find? Is descrimination of same branch required

There was an SQL update by the web provider that broke the server, they ended up doing a rollback and the end result was some posts been lost.
by gregmcc
Wed Sep 09, 2020 5:42 pm
Forum: Announcements
Topic: Forums down earlier today
Replies: 1
Views: 4159

Forums down earlier today

Thanks to all those that emailed me to let me know that there was an issue. It has been resolved with no loss of data. And for those that want to know what happened. My web space provided upgraded the SQL database for another one of their customers last night, lets just say it didn't go to well and ...