Search found 912 matches

by AlecK
Mon Apr 12, 2021 1:37 pm
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Electronic recording of test results, COCs and ESCs
Replies: 5
Views: 4221

Re: Electronic recording of test results, COCs and ESCs

Depends on circumstances- it's about mitigating risk. EWRB regard records of test results as somehow 'proving" that testing was actually done. Whereas all it really proves is that the person knows what sorts of values are acceptable. Especially when most test results records sheets only permit one v...
by AlecK
Mon Apr 12, 2021 8:40 am
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Electronic recording of test results, COCs and ESCs
Replies: 5
Views: 4221

Re: Electronic recording of test results, COCs and ESCs

There's no reason certification documents for electrical work in installations can't be entirely electronic. Including the signature(s) - this aspect was covered by the Electronic Transactions Act 2002; but my understanding is that Act has been revoked and the relevant provisions are now elsewhere; ...
by AlecK
Sun Apr 11, 2021 9:32 pm
Forum: Damp Situations
Topic: power points under eves
Replies: 6
Views: 5600

Re: power points under eves

You can't control stupid.
Even duct tape doesn't fix that
by AlecK
Sun Apr 11, 2021 9:26 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: 5.6.2.6.4 Bonding Connector Connection Point (For Pools)
Replies: 6
Views: 4749

Re: 5.6.2.6.4 Bonding Connector Connection Point (For Pools)

Yes; sometimes it takes a few tries to et things right.
by AlecK
Sat Apr 10, 2021 10:25 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: 5.6.2.6.4 Bonding Connector Connection Point (For Pools)
Replies: 6
Views: 4749

Re: 5.6.2.6.4 Bonding Connector Connection Point (For Pools)

To be clear; Doug was correct in the sense that the actual connection of EBC to conductive pool structure doesn't have to remain accessible. But there does have to be an accessible bonding point for things like fences, lights, diving boards, ladders, etc; and putting that inside the pool pumproom ma...
by AlecK
Sat Apr 10, 2021 10:20 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: 5.6.2.6.4 Bonding Connector Connection Point (For Pools)
Replies: 6
Views: 4749

Re: 5.6.2.6.4 Bonding Connector Connection Point (For Pools)

Not true to say the pool structure bonding point doesn't need to be accessible. When first introduced; the bonding point for the pool structure would have had to be accessible in many cases. prior to that, bonding the pool structure wasn't a universal requirement; rather it was something that had to...
by AlecK
Tue Apr 06, 2021 9:52 am
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Micro hydro
Replies: 1
Views: 3030

Re: Micro hydro

I believe the intent of ESR 6A is that installation of the part of the system that's actually connected to the grid is what is considered high risk PEW. For comparison; consider a PV array supplying the inverter: inly the inverter part is treated as 'mains parallel'. The array gets considered separa...
by AlecK
Wed Mar 31, 2021 6:22 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Earth stake directly into concrete
Replies: 1
Views: 3751

Re: Earth stake directly into concrete

Can't read an explanatory / supportive Note and ignore the words of the actual requirement: " effective contact with moist soil that is not subject to excessive drying out". Also, item (a) of Note to Condition (a) includes the words "exposed to weather". So if the ground in question has been paved o...
by AlecK
Mon Mar 29, 2021 9:39 am
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Clause 2.5.3.3
Replies: 3
Views: 3826

Re: Clause 2.5.3.3

They do, but as with all protective devices you have to select the protection required for the conductor in question. The aim of s/c protection is to limit the time the high s/c current flows to less than the time needed for the particular conductor's temp to rise to the point where damage occurs (t...
by AlecK
Fri Mar 26, 2021 7:33 pm
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Appendix H3.2.1, AS/NZS 3760:2010
Replies: 2
Views: 3963

Re: Appendix H3.2.1, AS/NZS 3760:2010

No.

This is really an Exception to the general rule [3.2] that 3-phase RCDs must be tested on a 3-phase supply.
It relaxes that general rule so that a single-phase supply can by used for the test, subject to either of the conditions.
by AlecK
Fri Mar 26, 2021 7:27 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESR 6A - Low Risk Work
Replies: 8
Views: 3564

Re: ESR 6A - Low Risk Work

Not a field I play in much, but yes the rules are playing catch-up with the technology
and there can be significant mismatch between components
by AlecK
Fri Mar 26, 2021 10:06 am
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: Clause 2.5.3.3
Replies: 3
Views: 3826

Re: Clause 2.5.3.3

If you have mains proctected by 63 A HRC fuse, and a 2.5 mm2 from main switch feeding a single 20 A mcb; then yes the 20A mcb can provide overload protection for the conductor feeding it as well as for the circuit it supplies. Same if instead of a single 20 A mcb; it was 2 x 10 A mcbs. Or 4 x 6 A. T...
by AlecK
Fri Mar 26, 2021 9:53 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESR 6A - Low Risk Work
Replies: 8
Views: 3564

Re: ESR 6A - Low Risk Work

No. Replacement - of anything - is maintenance work; not installation work. ESR 6A (1)says that all maintenance is low risk. And 6A(2) very carefully says that PEW can only be classed as high risk if 6A(1) hasn't made it low risk. Then 6A(3) says that anything not covered by (1) & (2) is 'general" P...
by AlecK
Fri Mar 26, 2021 9:49 am
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Tesla Power-Wall
Replies: 8
Views: 5176

Re: Tesla Power-Wall

Agree that there are significant fault current risks with even very small batteries, just because it's d.c. Remember the risk categories aren't about how risky the work is; but rather how crucial the work is to the installation being safe to use. There are things that arguably 'should' be classified...
by AlecK
Fri Mar 26, 2021 9:17 am
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Who can issue COV
Replies: 1
Views: 3334

Re: Who can issue COV

When first introduced (2003, as R 43A of the 1997 Regs) it was a "CoV" ; and only registered Inspectors and persons authorised under an employer licence could issue it. But since 2010 ESRs came into force; the term "certificate of verification" has had no official status; and the qualification for i...
by AlecK
Fri Mar 26, 2021 9:05 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESR 6A - Low Risk Work
Replies: 8
Views: 3564

Re: ESR 6A - Low Risk Work

Never hurts to get a 2nd opinion.
by AlecK
Thu Mar 25, 2021 6:04 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESR 6A - Low Risk Work
Replies: 8
Views: 3564

Re: ESR 6A - Low Risk Work

Yes, it is replacement. Replacement of one fitting with another does not require that they be of the same general type, let alone the same brand 7 model number. When ESRs were first published (2010); the words of then ESR 66 [requirement for CoC] "This regulation does not apply to... (3)(d) the repl...
by AlecK
Thu Mar 25, 2021 9:35 am
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Tesla Power-Wall
Replies: 8
Views: 5176

Re: Tesla Power-Wall

Yes, should always use latest edition available UNLESS a particular provision conflicts with the cited documents - which isn't common, but does happen sometimes. Note also that the battery is covered by '3000" same as the rest of the installation, and "3000" 2018 +A1 cites 5139 [clause 7.8.2.15] As ...
by AlecK
Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:53 pm
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Tesla Power-Wall
Replies: 8
Views: 5176

Re: Tesla Power-Wall

PV arrays are "high risK" if > ELV. This applies to the array only. Mains parallel generation is always high risk; ie any situation with load connected to both mains and other (LV a.c.) source at same time. If set up as an alternative supply, so load can only be supplied from one source or the other...
by AlecK
Tue Mar 23, 2021 1:46 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: PELV Earthing
Replies: 7
Views: 5261

Re: PELV Earthing

The definitions from IEC are useful: PELV electric system in which the voltage cannot exceed the value of extra-low voltage: – under normal conditions and – under single fault conditions, except earth faults in other electric circuits SELV electric system in which the voltage cannot exceed the value...
by AlecK
Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:13 am
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

The requirements for becoming accredited vary depending on which area(s) you want to work in. The accreditation system , like the rest of the BWoF system, is run by territorial local authorities (TLAs), aka Councils. Each TLA has its own system / method / forms / requirements. Some work together, eg...
by AlecK
Thu Mar 18, 2021 1:26 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Earth electrode In rock
Replies: 4
Views: 4599

Re: Earth electrode In rock

Yes concrete foundation in direct contact with ground complies with Exception (b) to 5.3.6.2, even if the "ground" happens to be rock .
And yes a horizontal electrode is likely to be superior.

Bearing in mind that you may need to bond the floor slab anyway, for other reasons [5.6.2.5]
by AlecK
Thu Mar 18, 2021 10:01 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Earth electrode In rock
Replies: 4
Views: 4599

Re: Earth electrode In rock

Rock isn't soil; and most types don't retain moisture. Horizontal electrodes are generally better than vertical. And the back-filled trench will count as "soil'. After all; you'll have put in some bedding for the cable even if most of the back-fill is stone. So if you have a nice handy trench for th...
by AlecK
Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:47 am
Forum: Inspection
Topic: using 6mm as mains tails in a domestic DB
Replies: 5
Views: 5770

Re: using 6mm as mains tails in a domestic DB

6 mm2 is not good enough; even if using V90 conductor. True a 6 mm2 probably meets the requirement of 3.4.1 that the CCC be not less than the current to be carried. But that's only one of several requirements. Overload protection is not designed & installed on the basis of what's likely to happen; a...
by AlecK
Mon Mar 15, 2021 4:18 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Are crimp links fittings
Replies: 10
Views: 4341

Re: Are crimp links fittings

Or thinks they do
by AlecK
Mon Mar 15, 2021 9:05 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Are crimp links fittings
Replies: 10
Views: 4341

Re: Are crimp links fittings

I think the best approach, for any particular case, is to ask "how much access / space / lighting is needed for each the activities listed? That's actually not a single question, it's 15 questions. For a crimped joint with each crimp insulated, and then a sheath-substitute such as HD heat shrink ove...
by AlecK
Sun Mar 14, 2021 9:46 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Are crimp links fittings
Replies: 10
Views: 4341

Re: Are crimp links fittings

At one time it would have been; 1976 Rs 63 & 64 ( there were exceptions for underground, in-floor, & MIMS) Being old-fashioned; I certainly don't consider it acceptable. But not aware of anything in "3000" that prohibits it. I believe ESR 20 is the nearest to a rule against it; just that some people...
by AlecK
Sun Mar 14, 2021 9:33 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Mobile Medical 6115
Replies: 12
Views: 5648

Re: Mobile Medical 6115

Of all that, the only relevant item is 5.8. Which as you admit, does not require compliance with any Standard. 5.8 sets only 2 requirements: "the incoming main isolating switch shall be trip if the supply lead earth wire resistance is outside preset limits". However no such resistance limits are set...
by AlecK
Sat Mar 13, 2021 2:50 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Are crimp links fittings
Replies: 10
Views: 4341

Re: Are crimp links fittings

There used to be a specific rule that junction boxes had to be accessible; but now just this general rule. The amount of space/access needed varies according to circumstances. A properly-made in-line crimp joint, insulated to equivalent of double insulation, only needs the same access under that rul...
by AlecK
Sat Mar 13, 2021 11:21 am
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Large 1ph appliances
Replies: 1
Views: 2973

Re: Large 1ph appliances

As long as the FLC doesn't exceed 10 A, and the work is done by a suitably licenced person then tested as per ESR 90; probably OK.

Unless they are a domestic type; unlikely to be DMRAs, so no SDoC req'd.
by AlecK
Sat Mar 13, 2021 11:16 am
Forum: Apprentices and training
Topic: is it ok for apprentices to work alone?
Replies: 6
Views: 10395

Re: is it ok for apprentices to work alone?

Note that different guidelines apply for supervision of trainees than for supervision of (unlicenced) "persons under supervision".
Also different absolute limits of work; set in the Act
by AlecK
Sat Mar 13, 2021 11:13 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Are crimp links fittings
Replies: 10
Views: 4341

Re: Are crimp links fittings

"everything" means "everything, without exception; so yes crimp links are fittings.
Conductors ares also fittings - which makes interpreting Schedule 1 interesting
by AlecK
Fri Mar 12, 2021 1:03 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: How to differentiate between a connectable installation and an appliance?
Replies: 4
Views: 3382

Re: How to differentiate between a connectable installation and an appliance?

Not what i said. Definition of CI does apply to more than just vehicles; "relocatable buildings" & "pleasure vessels" can also have connectable installations in them. And each of those classifications has its own grey area. But it would be difficult to confuse either of these with an "appliance"; wh...
by AlecK
Fri Mar 12, 2021 12:42 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

other than work on "specified system' of buildings; electrical work is exempt from building consent. However some councils sneak it in, by various means, so it may actually be included in the consent in this case. However even where it is included in the consent; it still isn't something a 'building...
by AlecK
Fri Mar 12, 2021 12:14 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: How to differentiate between a connectable installation and an appliance?
Replies: 4
Views: 3382

Re: How to differentiate between a connectable installation and an appliance?

The definition of "connectable installation" comes from the Electricity Act, but relies for a key aspect on the definition of "vehicle" in another Act (from memory; the Road Transport Act). Basically anything that has wheels can be a "vehicle"; and any "vehicle" that is capable of accepting an exter...
by AlecK
Fri Mar 12, 2021 11:52 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Mobile Medical 6115
Replies: 12
Views: 5648

Re: Mobile Medical 6115

My statement that "the simple system fully complies with the requirement stated in the clause" is clearly with reference to clause 1.5. And is absolutely correct in that regard. OK, I accept that 2.8 makes it mandatory for monitored earth systems, when installed at service pillars, to comply with th...
by AlecK
Wed Mar 10, 2021 3:12 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Mobile Medical 6115
Replies: 12
Views: 5648

Re: Mobile Medical 6115

you may not consider the simple system good enough. And I fully accept that the system referred to in A3 is superior. However facts are that 1 there is nothing in the Standard that makes that superior system mandatory; and 2 the simple system fully complies with the requirement stated in the clause....
by AlecK
Wed Mar 10, 2021 2:08 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Mobile Medical 6115
Replies: 12
Views: 5648

Re: Mobile Medical 6115

With the simple system (and I expect with the ready-made unit); important that each PEC have separate connection at each end
by AlecK
Wed Mar 10, 2021 10:29 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Mobile Medical 6115
Replies: 12
Views: 5648

Re: Mobile Medical 6115

Found details in the 1976 Regs; in Notes to R 103. Description & Fig confirm what I recalled; main points being - LV: ELV transformer, out via PEC 1, to appliance, back via PEC 2, to n/o push-button, to contactor coil. In those days the extra PEC was often the CBS sheath of the appliance flex I'm su...
by AlecK
Wed Mar 10, 2021 9:54 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Mobile Medical 6115
Replies: 12
Views: 5648

Re: Mobile Medical 6115

Start by reading App A, clause A3; which includes additional information. And Fig 4 includes one While A3 talks about "requirements"; because App A is classified as Informative it can't set requirements; it's only guidance. The actual requirement - set by 1.5 for units with > 12 mA total leakage - i...
by AlecK
Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:26 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: PELV Earthing
Replies: 7
Views: 5261

Re: PELV Earthing

We're used to mostly thinking in terms of LV supply from MEN; and for that earthing - in conjunction with protective devices - is the most common means of providing 'fault protection". What used to be called protection against indirect contact. That system involves very high fault current to operate...
by AlecK
Tue Mar 09, 2021 3:32 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: PELV Earthing
Replies: 7
Views: 5261

Re: PELV Earthing

Your 3rd reference appears to be in error; there is no 4.4.4.3 (iii). There is a 4.4.3 that's relevant, but it doesn't have any sub-paragraphs. The words quoted appear to be from 5.4.1.1. --------------- Perhaps a better question is what would be the advantage / benefit of providing an earth connect...
by AlecK
Sat Mar 06, 2021 11:52 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Aluminium kitchen splashbacks
Replies: 2
Views: 3631

Re: Aluminium kitchen splashbacks

Agree.
and if you earth them either with a dedicated, separate PEC; or at each fitting using that fitting's PEC;
then there's no risk of the earth being inadvertently removed during later alterations
by AlecK
Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:48 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Pool Equipment Bonding 5.6.2.6.1 (b)
Replies: 6
Views: 5104

Re: Pool Equipment Bonding 5.6.2.6.1 (b)

I'm reasonably confident that "not" shouldn't be there. But 20 years is a long time for an error like that to not be noticed. Especially when other aspects of that set of clauses have been amended several times. However while we can get in trouble for not bonding; there nothing to lose by bonding wh...
by AlecK
Wed Mar 03, 2021 9:54 am
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Existing water pipe earth
Replies: 2
Views: 3330

Re: Existing water pipe earth

An existing electrode can be re-used. No requirement to upgrade. ESR 73A requires a check that a "main earthing system" exists. It doesn't require the electrode to comply with modern rules; just that there is one. But given the risk that the pipe may have been partially replaced with plastic; worth ...
by AlecK
Wed Mar 03, 2021 9:19 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Tell everyone your funny story
Replies: 3
Views: 7608

Re: Tell everyone your funny story

Stories of "old times" like that will probably raise a few laughs among the younger set and some wry smiles from those of us with similar memories. I remember a job where the local inspector/god reckoned the main earth wasn't good enough. So next day we added another electrode, and he came back - st...
by AlecK
Tue Mar 02, 2021 6:45 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Steel bench top.
Replies: 14
Views: 9100

Re: Steel bench top.

this OP didn't ask for an explanation of equipotential bonding in general. He just wanted clarification as to whether either earthing or bonding was required in a particular case; and whether he had correctly identified and understood the relevant requirements Nor did the ECANZ FAQ try to provide an...
by AlecK
Tue Mar 02, 2021 10:27 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Steel bench top.
Replies: 14
Views: 9100

Re: Steel bench top.

Yes, if electrical fittings are mounted to a conductive surface (benchtop , splashback , wall lining, ceiling, foil-backed plaster-board, whatever); then the conductive material may need to be earthed. But note that there's a difference between "structural metalwork" and "conductive building materia...
by AlecK
Mon Mar 01, 2021 4:22 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: Steel bench top.
Replies: 14
Views: 9100

Re: Steel bench top.

protective earthing [5.2.1] is not required. the bench is not any of the things that is required to be earthed for fault protection by automatic disconnection of supply [5.4] It's not exposed conductive parts of electrical equipment [5.4.1.1], nor conductive building materials [5.4.1.2] . Even if it...
by AlecK
Mon Mar 01, 2021 10:31 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Cable Duct vs Conduit
Replies: 4
Views: 2421

Re: Cable Duct vs Conduit

If it isn't clearly marked with both duty and Standard; I wouldn't use it underground.
Or at least, not for LV installation wiring where the category depends on the duct / conduit.