Search found 919 matches
- Mon Aug 29, 2022 11:00 am
- Forum: Switchboards
- Topic: Switchboard construction
- Replies: 1
- Views: 3595
Re: Switchboard construction
Short answer is that responsibilty for safety of all fittings installed rests with whoever installs it (actually who certifies its installation) There are 2 pathways to compliance for a switchboard. One is manufacture, as you say this would normally be to a relevant Standard; and the result is an en...
- Wed Aug 24, 2022 12:34 pm
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Segregation and interference
- Replies: 7
- Views: 9473
Re: Segregation and interference
Agree that neither cable can be considered to be double insulated; due to sheath of each being removed to expose basic insulation. However 3.9.8.3 applies to "wiring systems" and not within equipment enclosures. The clause I mentioned earlier is 4.4.1.1.3 of 2018 edition; which states: "A low voltag...
- Thu Aug 18, 2022 6:21 pm
- Forum: Transportable Installations
- Topic: Dual Supply Change-over
- Replies: 6
- Views: 7999
Re: Dual Supply Change-over
Agree it could have been better; and not just on this point. 2008 was the first edition to even consider in-board supplies; now they are common and sometimes more than one on-board source. New edition will be published shortly and provides more guidance. Including for where not everything is to be s...
- Tue Aug 16, 2022 11:00 am
- Forum: Transportable Installations
- Topic: Dual Supply Change-over
- Replies: 6
- Views: 7999
Re: Dual Supply Change-over
I included some references to installation requirements because while we can't enforce them via the WoEF process, they can assist our understanding of the WoEF requirements. Yes, the installation requirement for all final subcircuits to have RCD protection applies at all times. The FS can't have RCD...
- Mon Aug 15, 2022 11:51 am
- Forum: Transportable Installations
- Topic: Dual Supply Change-over
- Replies: 6
- Views: 7999
Re: Dual Supply Change-over
Correct that this arrangement does not comply with C 7.8. It also doesn't comply with 3.4.4.3, so could not have been validly certified when new (if built since 1/4/2010) That clause lists several other requirements; including voltage rating, and that it must provide "isolation' between load circuit...
- Mon Aug 15, 2022 10:21 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Can any underground system be made a Cat C system?
- Replies: 1
- Views: 3952
Re: Can any underground system be made a Cat C system?
As for your other query; look at the relevant clause rather than just the Table. Cat C is defined in both 3.11.2 (para 5) and 3.11.3.3. Any type of wiring system that's installed chased in rock and covered in concrete meets the definition; however, as per 3.11.2 para 6, the cable type must be one of...
- Mon Aug 15, 2022 10:00 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Medium duty conduit underground Table 3.5
- Replies: 1
- Views: 3955
Re: Medium duty conduit underground Table 3.5
Short answer: yes. Correct that, for all listed types of cable; if installed in MD conduit and encased on concrete the wiring system is classified as Cat A (column 3 of the Table). Without the concrete, whether it's Cat A or Cat B depends on cable type (column 7). I think you've perhaps missed the c...
- Thu Aug 11, 2022 12:32 pm
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Installation of cable with green earth
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5849
Re: Installation of cable with green earth
ESR 113 is useful for more than just fittings that were installed under older rules and are remaining in service. It covers old stock, and re-cycled fittings as well. Any item that's covered by Clause (1); can not only continue in service ("continue to be ...used") under Clause (2); but they can con...
- Thu Aug 11, 2022 12:08 pm
- Forum: Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems
- Topic: Tesla Gen.3 Wall Charger
- Replies: 9
- Views: 9588
Re: Tesla Gen.3 Wall Charger
All Notes to clauses are intended to provide additional information (as explained in the Foreword). They do not set requirements. This one relates to the reason that we don't use 'normal' Type A RCDs for EV supplies; which is that with a rectifying load such as an EV charger there are very likely to...
- Wed Aug 10, 2022 10:24 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Installation of cable with green earth
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5849
Re: Installation of cable with green earth
Assuming you'll be using colour of conductor insulation as the means of achieving (mandatory) conductor ID; then the colours of Table 3.4 are mandatory. So the default position is that cables with plain green insulation on the PEC do not comply with the requirement for PECs to be bi-coloured G/Y. 3....
- Wed Aug 10, 2022 9:58 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Unaccessible joints within ceiling space.
- Replies: 1
- Views: 3621
Re: Unaccessible joints within ceiling space.
For stranded cables, crimp joins are perfectly acceptable under those clauses. Ordinary sleeving provides conductor insulation; and and heavy-duty shrink sleeving provides an adequate re-instatement of sheath. However most 1 mm2 TPS in NZ is single-stranded, and that doesn't take crimp joints well. ...
- Wed Aug 10, 2022 9:38 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Mobile Military Installation
- Replies: 1
- Views: 2348
Re: Mobile Military Installation
When it comes to mobile plant; there is a degree of overlap between two parallel pathways to safety compliance. An item of equipment can be treated as transportable equipment, and ongoing safety managed via ESR 26; or it can be managed as a connectable installation, under ESRs 60 and 76 - 78. Depend...
- Tue Aug 09, 2022 9:55 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: How to calculate how much volt drop % is already used?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 6442
Re: How to calculate how much volt drop % is already used?
Agree using difference-in-loop-impedance as described would give a usable figure for VD in mains; based on MD by limitation at rating of supply fuse. Could do similar for any submains (A-N, rather than A-E as for EFLI). By using the overcurrent device ratings as the MD, will be on the safe side - an...
- Tue Aug 09, 2022 9:41 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: 2.9.2.3.b
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3195
Re: 2.9.2.3.b
You are correct that ownership has nothing to do with application of Wiring rules. And being on same Title has very little if anything. What matters, for purposes of 2.9.2.3(b), is occupancy. Bear in mind that - due to ESR 4(2) - some of the relevant definitions have to be from Act / ESRs instead of...
- Tue Aug 09, 2022 8:49 am
- Forum: Protective Devices
- Topic: Linking RCDs in 3-phase setup...
- Replies: 6
- Views: 7266
Re: Linking RCDs in 3-phase setup...
RCDs need to be in a single body in order to function correctly. They are always multi-pole devices, due to the need to have all live conductors of the circuit passing through the sensing toroid. They are not assembled by linking several separate single-pole devices; as for overcurrent devices. So i...
- Mon Aug 08, 2022 9:52 am
- Forum: Protective Devices
- Topic: Linking RCDs in 3-phase setup...
- Replies: 6
- Views: 7266
Re: Linking RCDs in 3-phase setup...
There is NO( requirement to link mcbs on 3-phase circuits. It's perfectly OK to use individual overcurrent protection devices (fuses or mcbs). However the devices for each circuit must be grouped / labelled to show the association between them [2.9.5.2]. The only case where linking is mandated is fo...
- Fri Aug 05, 2022 8:33 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Max Demand for Connectable Installations
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5605
Re: Max Demand for Connectable Installations
yes the appendix is specifically for caravan parks, but it provides a basis for assessing in other situations that is likely to be closer to reality than treating this point as just a socket outlet.
- Thu Aug 04, 2022 11:36 am
- Forum: Appliances
- Topic: Motor Isolation Switch
- Replies: 3
- Views: 5527
Re: Motor Isolation Switch
That paragraph applies for a single motor being isolated by the switch. The following para provides the calculation for switch rating if there are multiple motors isolated by the same switch. Yes under locked-rotor conditions you would expect the motor's overload protection (as against the circuit o...
- Thu Aug 04, 2022 10:41 am
- Forum: Earthing and Bonding
- Topic: Do I need to provide certification if I only install earths?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 7370
Re: Do I need to provide certification if I only install earths?
I agree; CoC is required for all installation of conductors that counts as PEW. In defining installation of conductors as PEW; Schedule 1 does not restrict it in any way (eg to only current-carrying conductors). Risk category is not so clear. ESR 60(1)(b) requires electrical (part-) installation "in...
- Thu Aug 04, 2022 10:24 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Max Demand for Connectable Installations
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5605
Re: Max Demand for Connectable Installations
app A of 3001 provides guidance.
But if you allow the full 16 A you can't be wrong
But if you allow the full 16 A you can't be wrong
- Mon Jun 27, 2022 11:12 am
- Forum: Transportable Installations
- Topic: Charger inhibit when running on inverter
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5313
Re: Charger inhibit when running on inverter
RCBO for external supply can be upstream of source selection device. 2nd RCD to cover supply from inverter can be either upstream of source selection device, or downstream. Upstream is better. Either way you'll have RCD protection in place regardless which source is selected. However when it comes t...
- Mon Jun 27, 2022 10:41 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Mains switches
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3898
Re: Mains switches
Given that up to 1993 ALL installation work was subject to inspection; I believe we can safely assume that the location & accessibilty of switchboards was accepted by the (then ) Electrical Supply Authority as being compliant with requirements of the time. Of course the building structure may have c...
- Mon Jun 27, 2022 10:17 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Calculating 3ph voltage drop.
- Replies: 1
- Views: 4081
Re: Calculating 3ph voltage drop.
I believe "assume balanced", as published, is the correct the wording. By taking the current of the heaviest-load phase, and doing the (3-phase) volt-drop calculation on the basis that the other 2 phases also have that same loading (ie balanced); we are being conservative. It's not a worst-case scen...
- Sat Jun 25, 2022 12:13 pm
- Forum: Appliances
- Topic: Test Tagging Improbable Mission?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 7414
Re: Test Tagging Improbable Mission?
I agree T&T done correctly can be expensive ; and that some offering such services don't do a proper job. Also that requiring a particular Standard to be used, when that Standard clearly states that it isn't intended for that purpose; is inappropriate. Certainly demonstrates a lack of detailed under...
- Fri Jun 24, 2022 12:28 pm
- Forum: Appliances
- Topic: Test Tagging Improbable Mission?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 7414
Re: Test Tagging Improbable Mission?
The point isn't which - if any - tag you use. The point is to inspect and test in an appropriate manner in order to provide the PCBU with some assurance that the appliances are safe for use. There just doesn't happen to be a specific Standard for that. But the tests as per 3760 remain appropriate, a...
- Fri Jun 24, 2022 10:33 am
- Forum: Appliances
- Topic: Test Tagging Improbable Mission?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 7414
Re: Test Tagging Improbable Mission?
I suspect these are clothes dryer; not hair dryers. If so, then covered by the Exclusion in clause 1.1.6. However that doesn't mean you can't provide the service wanted. As a PCBU, the camp manager has a duty under HSWA to take all practicable steps That includes ensuring that electrical equipment i...
- Wed Jun 22, 2022 11:54 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Mains switches
- Replies: 3
- Views: 3898
Re: Mains switches
I've never heard of a main switch being called anything else but 'main switch'; except where there is more than one level of control. Eg where lighting & power were separately metered; there would be a "main switch' for each, and a "master switch" upstream of them They have been "main switch(es)" al...
- Wed Jun 22, 2022 11:13 am
- Forum: Switchboards
- Topic: 0.6m access for domestic switchboards?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 4137
Re: 0.6m access for domestic switchboards?
Short answer: yes; we must have 0.6 m access space in front of a domestic swbd. (If the swbd is in a cupboard, we only need it when the cupboard door is open) Clause 2.9.2.2 covers both access & emergency exit requirements. The only Exception is clearly stated to apply only to "doors of switchrooms"...
- Mon Jun 20, 2022 10:43 am
- Forum: Testing & Verification
- Topic: RCD testing - to test? Or not to test? as per ESR24
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5640
Re: RCD testing - to test? Or not to test? as per ESR24
ESRs 22 - 26 are about safety of fittings; under Part 2 "General Safety Requirements". (so are ESRs 80 - 87, under Part 6, safety of fittings & appliances) ESR 63 is about safety of work done on an installation (how the fittings have been installed) . (so's ESR 13 - Past 2 again) ESR 20 is about the...
- Fri Jun 17, 2022 3:41 pm
- Forum: Testing & Verification
- Topic: RCD testing - to test? Or not to test? as per ESR24
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5640
Re: RCD testing - to test? Or not to test? as per ESR24
How could anyone believe that 63(1)(b) calls for more testing, in addition to what is required by ESR 60? As far as installing a (new) RCD is concerned; we are entitled to rely on the SDoC [ ESR 83] as establishing that the fitting is electrically safe. The point of the testing in Section 8 (as call...
- Fri Jun 17, 2022 3:26 pm
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Formal Warning on incorrect COC information
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4402
- Wed Jun 08, 2022 10:07 am
- Forum: Transportable Installations
- Topic: Charger inhibit when running on inverter
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5313
Re: Charger inhibit when running on inverter
It's entirely possible to use a contactor as you suggest; but it makes complying with some of the other requirements more complex. For example; the supply to contactor coil is effectively a subcircuit (or part of one), because it supplies a load. Therefore it must have RCD protection. You also have ...
- Fri Jun 03, 2022 9:10 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Black as an active? Table 3.4
- Replies: 2
- Views: 4375
Re: Black as an active? Table 3.4
Short answer: using a black as active is generally non-compliant (for wiring systems using colour of conductor insulation as the means of ID) Clause 3.8 is complex, and needs to be read carefully. However the basic rule is that conductor function must be "clearly" identified. Where that ID is by col...
- Wed Jun 01, 2022 10:38 am
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: How to deal with conflicts?
- Replies: 1
- Views: 2362
Re: How to deal with conflicts?
Both the work done, and certification of it, must be to the cited edition(s) of Standard(s). The Electricity Industry Participation Code is at a lower level than Regulations. Acts are promulgated by Parliament. Regulations are promulgated by Government (by Order in Council); in the case of ESRs unde...
- Tue May 31, 2022 10:56 am
- Forum: Apprentices and training
- Topic: Procedural Document
- Replies: 3
- Views: 6241
Re: Procedural Document
Nothing to say the OP is DYI. Could just be an electrician with limited experience of wiring a house. maybe spent his career to date mostly on large building sites, or industrial work. The answer is to gain practical experience; generally by changing employment. Job management is not something you c...
- Tue May 24, 2022 10:23 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: 4.7.1 Does a remote contactor with a local control switch meet the requirements?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 7343
Re: 4.7.1 Does a remote contactor with a local control switch meet the requirements?
Further, Note 2 explains that a common switch can be used for several appliance in same room. (In 2018 edition, this is upgraded from Note to paragraph of clause) This might stretch the 2m guideline. But given that open cooking surfaces tend to be high-power appliances, and therefore unlikely to be ...
- Tue May 24, 2022 9:24 am
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: 4.7.1 Does a remote contactor with a local control switch meet the requirements?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 7343
Re: 4.7.1 Does a remote contactor with a local control switch meet the requirements?
Agree that inference can be taken from the wording.
But certainly not clearly stated, and remote operation not clearly prohibited.
But certainly not clearly stated, and remote operation not clearly prohibited.
- Mon May 23, 2022 1:13 pm
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: 4.7.1 Does a remote contactor with a local control switch meet the requirements?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 7343
Re: 4.7.1 Does a remote contactor with a local control switch meet the requirements?
Correct; the switch required by 4.7.1 is not an isolating switch, so 2.3.2.2 is not applicable. True the wording suggests that the switching has to be "visible" and "readily accessible"; But very pedantic to argue that this prohibits using a remote contactor together with a visible / accessible oper...
- Mon May 23, 2022 12:55 pm
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Formal Warning on incorrect COC information
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4402
Re: Formal Warning on incorrect COC information
The claim that a RoI somehow becomes invalid if the CoC for the work inspected in incomplete or inaccurate is not supported by any of the wording in ESRs. So in my view it's simply an incorrect interpretation. If that's how they want the system to work; then they should be changing the ESRs to clear...
- Sat May 21, 2022 12:57 pm
- Forum: Standards and Legislation
- Topic: Formal Warning on incorrect COC information
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4402
Re: Formal Warning on incorrect COC information
Both Worksafe & EWRB have an expectation that Inspectors should check the accuracy & completeness of CoCs for the High Risk PEW we inspect. And if it comes to a hearing before the Board, that's the basis they'll work on. However there's absolutely no basis for this in the ESRs. So if they ever went ...
- Sat May 21, 2022 12:12 pm
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Installation of conduits and ducts - is this PEW?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 3278
Re: Installation of conduits and ducts - is this PEW?
The work you do must comply and it must not reduce the safety of anything there before. So if, for example, you find that an underground duct has insufficient cover over the existing cables, you can't add any new cables through that duct. The existing cables may have complied when installed, but the...
- Fri May 20, 2022 3:22 pm
- Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
- Topic: Installation of conduits and ducts - is this PEW?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 3278
Re: Installation of conduits and ducts - is this PEW?
According to Schedule 1, PEW includes installation / connection / maintenance of (1)(a) conductors; and (1)(b) fittings connected to conductors, or intended to be connected. At first glance; a conduit / duct / trunking / tray isn't either. And where the duct is just a duct; that seems OK to me. Anyo...
- Mon May 16, 2022 8:02 pm
- Forum: Damp Situations
- Topic: Sink zones
- Replies: 7
- Views: 10159
Re: Sink zones
Yes, I'm still active on EL 001. And with Covid having prevented any face-to-face meetings for over 2 years now, the whole process has become slower. WRT 4.7.3 & Fig 4-17 (the 'new' zone around an open cooking surface in 2018 edition, so not yet enforceable in NZ); same general rule applies: follow ...
- Mon May 16, 2022 11:16 am
- Forum: Damp Situations
- Topic: Sink zones
- Replies: 7
- Views: 10159
Re: Sink zones
Good point; I got that last statement wrong. Apologies "String" measurement applies; even though not currently referred to as such. And if I had been thinking in terms of string measurement, instead of looking at the (incorrect) box-shape for Z2 shown in the Fig; I wouldn't have made this error. Mai...
- Sun May 15, 2022 4:18 pm
- Forum: Damp Situations
- Topic: Sink zones
- Replies: 7
- Views: 10159
Re: Sink zones
Important to remember that these Figs do not set the requirements; they only illustrate what's set in the relevant clause. They're there to assist with understanding the rules; and we have to apply the words of the clause and not just take the Fig by itself. That's usually - but not always - the cas...
- Wed May 11, 2022 2:41 pm
- Forum: Distribution, Networks & Metering
- Topic: How to become a meter installer in Auckland?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 5309
Re: How to become a meter installer in Auckland?
Two completely different functions. Installing meters is a matter for energy traders; mainly through Metering Equipment Providers, who may either use own staff or subcontractors. Whatever the exact mix, and regardless of area; metering is a function of who the consumer buys their energy from. Connec...
- Fri May 06, 2022 9:27 am
- Forum: Transportable Installations
- Topic: Evading EWOFs
- Replies: 3
- Views: 4989
Re: Evading EWOFs
If being treated as a "connectable installation"; must have a current WoEF before being connected to supply [ESR 76]. And that connection is by plugging in ("detachable connection"), not by direct connection Just being designed to be transportable isn't enough by itself. Not only does ESR 60 require...
- Thu May 05, 2022 9:47 am
- Forum: Generators and Solar
- Topic: ASNZS5139
- Replies: 4
- Views: 6237
Re: ASNZS5139
Correct that "5139" has not yet been directly cited in ESRs. It's also not cited as mandatory by currently cited edition of "3000" (refer clause 7.8 for a bunch of such "secondary citations") It is cited in 2018 edition (from Amendment 1). Therefore it's status is guidance. While that means you can'...
- Thu May 05, 2022 9:23 am
- Forum: Damp Situations
- Topic: Is a top loading washing machine a water container?
- Replies: 1
- Views: 3677
Re: Is a top loading washing machine a water container?
Correct a washing machine is not a 'fixed water container" and creates no damp situation zones.
- Thu May 05, 2022 9:20 am
- Forum: Transportable Installations
- Topic: Evading EWOFs
- Replies: 3
- Views: 4989
Re: Evading EWOFs
Anything that gets directly connected becomes part of the installation it's connected to. So yes an ESC is required, each time they get connected. And yes, the person connecting is responsible for them being "safe to connect " [ESR 73A] Also true that a CoC that is less than 6 months old can be reli...