Search found 912 matches

by AlecK
Thu May 04, 2023 10:38 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Installation batteries
Replies: 3
Views: 1881

Re: Installation batteries

Correct there is nothing in current WoEF requirements WRT batteries; and not much that applies to ELV. Note that ESRs require both LV & ELV (parts of) installations to comply with '3000"; and for connectable installations that's Part 2 + "3001". The situation you describe is dangerous, but nothing t...
by AlecK
Thu May 04, 2023 10:32 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Inverter in connectable installation
Replies: 12
Views: 7357

Re: Inverter in connectable installation

The first thing to check is whether the inverter is used to supply fixed wiring. If it's not fixed wiring, then there's no PEW; just plugging-in of appliances. Therefore Wiring rules simply do not apply. ESRs can apply to how things are used ( eg ESRs 88 & 89 , also ESR 15), but Wiring Rules only ap...
by AlecK
Fri Apr 21, 2023 9:48 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Ewof segregation
Replies: 4
Views: 1476

Re: Ewof segregation

The test required is between Active of the LV, and the ELV circuit. Not between A & N of the LV. For drivers / tranformers providing ELV supply; "3000" requires the ELV to be either SELV or PELV [7.5.2]. Either way the driver / tx has to provide electrical separation between LV input & ELV output. S...
by AlecK
Fri Apr 21, 2023 9:13 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: 3001: 2022 edition
Replies: 4
Views: 4844

Re: 3001: 2022 edition

Agree probably no rush, but certainly worth getting them set up ready.
by AlecK
Thu Apr 20, 2023 10:47 am
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Alternative supply connected to db?
Replies: 2
Views: 1394

Re: Alternative supply connected to db?

this clause (7.3)applies only to generation system; subclause 7.8.3 is headed "connection to installation; and part 1 of it is headed alternative supplies. which tells us which conductors are being referred to: the N & the PEC of the wiring connecting the alternative supply to the installation. Ther...
by AlecK
Thu Apr 20, 2023 10:06 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Ewof segregation
Replies: 4
Views: 1476

Re: Ewof segregation

an example of an unearthed ELV circuit is the ELV side of a tx / driver for ELV lights.
by AlecK
Thu Apr 20, 2023 10:03 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Ewof segregation
Replies: 4
Views: 1476

Re: Ewof segregation

Yes; it's as simple as doing an IR test between Active of the LV system and each conductor of the ELV system(s). Basically this is the same test as used for LV circuits supplied via isolating tx. But note the wording of the requirement: the test is only required for "unearthed" ELV (both ac & dc). M...
by AlecK
Thu Apr 20, 2023 9:56 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: 3001: 2022 edition
Replies: 4
Views: 4844

Re: 3001: 2022 edition

Your guess is as good as mine. The decision lies with the Ministry of Everything (MBIE), and they appear to have other priorities. Like setting up a Code of Ethics so the EWRB can punish us for even more offences; instead of customer disputes being settled via Disputes Tribunal & the district court....
by AlecK
Wed Apr 19, 2023 2:03 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Transportable structure installed to construction demolision standard
Replies: 11
Views: 2323

Re: Transportable structure installed to construction demolision standard

Have to agree it's confusing. Seems to me the writers wanted to allow for cascading, but failed to do a proper job of it. But even if they'd done it correctly; ESRs would still over-ride any such provision. Especially while ESRs define any collection of 2 or more sockets intended for CIs as a "carav...
by AlecK
Tue Apr 18, 2023 10:09 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Transportable structure installed to construction demolision standard
Replies: 11
Views: 2323

Re: Transportable structure installed to construction demolision standard

True; but C 6.9 is not about RCD protection; it's about supply arrangements. The only reason it mentions RCDs is because the presence / location of RCD protection can affect two aspects of the supply arrangement: - whether an N-E link is permitted; and - whether the lead can be detachable. RCD prote...
by AlecK
Mon Apr 17, 2023 10:32 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Transportable structure installed to construction demolision standard
Replies: 11
Views: 2323

Re: Transportable structure installed to construction demolision standard

Overload protection is one factor. Modern CIs must have current limitation such that the current drawn cannot exceed the rating of the supply fittings. Typically these daisy-chained units do not comply, as the socket intended for plugging in another CI is either teed off at line side of main switch,...
by AlecK
Sun Apr 16, 2023 7:38 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

There is no rule on either shape or separation in "3000". But clearly the straighter the better and the further apart the better. In "3017", Fig 3.23 illustrates testing resistance of earth electrode; and suggests 30 - 50 m separation between the electrode being tested and a second electrode used to...
by AlecK
Sat Apr 15, 2023 7:54 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Transportable structure installed to construction demolision standard
Replies: 11
Views: 2323

Re: Transportable structure installed to construction demolision standard

That Note only affects the intervals, not the requirement for periodic verification. What the table is doing - or trying to do - is reducing the 4 years set by ESR 78 to 6 months; and the Note simply points out that this 6-month interval set by the Table does NOT over-ride the interval set by ESR 78...
by AlecK
Sat Apr 15, 2023 7:38 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESR 59 (3)(b) VS AS/NZS 3000:2007 2.6.3.4
Replies: 2
Views: 1623

Re: ESR 59 (3)(b) VS AS/NZS 3000:2007 2.6.3.4

NZ law has a general principle that there are no mandatory upgrades, though there are occasional exceptions to that. ESR 113 enshrines this principle. and so does ESR 59 (3)(b). In particular, the "maintain in original condition" provision allows us to replace an old, degraded, SERF with a brand new...
by AlecK
Thu Apr 13, 2023 10:50 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: NZS6116:2006 Black EB Conductors
Replies: 2
Views: 1280

Re: NZS6116:2006 Black EB Conductors

Correct that most EBCs must be green / yellow; with only those for metalwork that is an electrode of the appliance being black.
by AlecK
Thu Apr 13, 2023 10:47 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: NZS6116:2006 Transformer supplying electrodes
Replies: 2
Views: 1385

Re: NZS6116:2006 Transformer supplying electrodes

I presume you meant Row 3, not row 2. And while it specified a check; it also gives the reference on which that check is based: in this case 2.1.2 "Barrier" is defined in 1.4; which over-rides the usual meaning of the word. Therefore if the electrodes have barriers (as defined); then the tx need not...
by AlecK
Thu Apr 13, 2023 10:29 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: NZS6116:2006 Metal Enclosure in equipotential zone
Replies: 2
Views: 1392

Re: NZS6116:2006 Metal Enclosure in equipotential zone

Correct that the point of an equipotential Zone (EZ) is to avoid having simultaneously accessible metal at two different potentials. See definition in 1.4. The wording of 3.4.1 is clear that specified types of metalwork must be bonded together, and the resulting EZ must be connected to a local elect...
by AlecK
Thu Apr 13, 2023 9:54 am
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Inverter in connectable installation
Replies: 12
Views: 7357

Re: Inverter in connectable installation

Correct that safety assessment of WoEF of a NZ-built land-based CI only needs to look at the matters specified in App C of "3001"; not all the other matters specified in main body of the standard; which apply to constructing the CI. That's on the basis that the CI has originally been installed to co...
by AlecK
Tue Apr 11, 2023 7:23 pm
Forum: Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems
Topic: Tesla Gen.3 Wall Charger
Replies: 9
Views: 5195

Re: Tesla Gen.3 Wall Charger

Overload protection can be provided at any point on a circuit. However short circuit protection can only be provided for points downstream of the protective device. Similarly for RCD protection, which is about a curent imbalance in the part of the circuit downstream of the protective device. Imbalan...
by AlecK
Tue Apr 11, 2023 8:42 am
Forum: Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems
Topic: Tesla Gen.3 Wall Charger
Replies: 9
Views: 5195

Re: Tesla Gen.3 Wall Charger

It may be that the requirement for the RCD protection to be at origin of circuit is excessive.
But - unless & until it is changed - it's still the requirement.
And complying with a requirement is never a "waste of money"
by AlecK
Mon Apr 03, 2023 9:54 am
Forum: Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems
Topic: Tesla Gen.3 Wall Charger
Replies: 9
Views: 5195

Re: Tesla Gen.3 Wall Charger

Since I had no involvement in writing Worksafe's Guidelines; I can only speculate as to why those words are there. The wording "purpose build RCD tester" doesn't specify any particular functionality. But it suggests not the RCD's integral push-button. Only suggests; because it can be argued that the...
by AlecK
Sat Apr 01, 2023 11:07 am
Forum: Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems
Topic: Tesla Gen.3 Wall Charger
Replies: 9
Views: 5195

Re: Tesla Gen.3 Wall Charger

Correct on both points. Both 7.9.3 (domestic) & 7.9.4 (other) specify that the "subcircuit" shall be protected; and you can't provide this protection at the downstream end. And the verification specified for newly-installed RCDs [8.3.10] is exactly the same for all types. So yes the test for a car-c...
by AlecK
Thu Mar 30, 2023 10:03 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Earthing of aluminum ladder
Replies: 6
Views: 6463

Re: Earthing of aluminum ladder

Apologies for the error
by AlecK
Sat Mar 25, 2023 12:33 pm
Forum: Testing & Verification
Topic: Testing/Verification of your testing instruments
Replies: 1
Views: 1334

Re: Testing/Verification of your testing instruments

latest "3017" includes basic checks of operation of test equipment.
NOT calibration, but enough to show that the instrument is working adequately.

There are also test boxes that do most of these checks easily; costing from around $1500.
by AlecK
Sat Mar 25, 2023 12:29 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: Limits of work for a Distribution line Mechanic (LMD)
Replies: 4
Views: 1773

Re: Limits of work for a Distribution line Mechanic (LMD)

Can't see why not.

The basic LMD allows work on lines that are part of distribution infrastructure. including within an installation.
The endorsement allows other work on the installation, but limited to restoring supply
by AlecK
Fri Mar 24, 2023 9:33 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: 5.5.1.3 Labelling (Main earth)
Replies: 1
Views: 1381

Re: 5.5.1.3 Labelling (Main earth)

Correct that the wording specified in Cl 5.5.1.3 includes the word "main"; and that many commonly-available labels don't have this word - instead they continue to use the older form of wording (as required by 1976 Reg 158). There are some tags available that have the fully-correct wording. But I bel...
by AlecK
Fri Mar 24, 2023 9:15 am
Forum: Appliances
Topic: FRUUGO electrical fittings
Replies: 1
Views: 1193

Re: FRUUGO electrical fittings

Correct to be cautious, even suspicious of items from non-standard sources. But SDoCs are not required in order for fittings to be installed; ESR 83 relates only to sale / supply, in NZ, of DMRAs. For an installer, an SDoC can be relied on when cetifying; but isn't actually required before installin...
by AlecK
Fri Mar 24, 2023 8:57 am
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: Limits of work for a Distribution line Mechanic (LMD)
Replies: 4
Views: 1773

Re: Limits of work for a Distribution line Mechanic (LMD)

Actually to the "incoming terminals"; as per definition of "electric line" in ESR 4. So the "infographic" (dreadful term!) is correct that "lines " is not limited to "works" only, but can include conductors that are part of the "installation" For typical o/h supply, the mains entry box for both A(s)...
by AlecK
Wed Mar 22, 2023 9:53 am
Forum: Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems
Topic: EVSE and pool zones
Replies: 4
Views: 2207

Re: EVSE and pool zones

"Socket outlet " is a defined term; and includes all types (both LV & ELV). Including cord ext sockets on the end of a lead. There's no need for S.6 to be specific about types of socket; in fact any attempt to be specific would just open up loopholes. Any socket in the Zone must comply with the shoc...
by AlecK
Tue Mar 21, 2023 11:47 am
Forum: Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems
Topic: EVSE and pool zones
Replies: 4
Views: 2207

Re: EVSE and pool zones

Depending on Mode; it's either a socket outlet (6.3.4.3), or it's other electrical equipment (6.3.4.5).
by AlecK
Tue Mar 07, 2023 3:34 pm
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: generator supply in an emergency
Replies: 4
Views: 1608

generator supply in an emergency

Worksafe have published a "technical bulletin" (guidance document) for short-term connection of a genset to an installation in emergency. Available here: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/about-us/news-and-media/connecting-a-generator-to-the-wiring-of-a-house-or-building-following-an-emergency/ and can b...
by AlecK
Mon Mar 06, 2023 9:42 am
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Nuisance tripping by choice
Replies: 3
Views: 3630

Re: Nuisance tripping by choice

The rule is that we must size conductors for the load to be carried, and then we protect them so they don't get overloaded. The 2nd part of that is absolute; we can't allow any margin on over-current protection. But for the 1st part we can allow for the fact that the entirety of the connected load w...
by AlecK
Fri Mar 03, 2023 12:28 pm
Forum: Generators and Solar
Topic: Certification of solar works
Replies: 1
Views: 1127

Re: Certification of solar works

The short answer is that those aspects that are prescribed electrical work (PEW) must be done by an authorised person. Authorisation being either a current practicing licence, or via an employer licence. PEW is defined in Schedule 1 of ESRs. Installing ELV conductors / fittings is not PEW unless it'...
by AlecK
Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:13 pm
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: LM certifying main earth
Replies: 3
Views: 1820

Re: LM certifying main earth

Unless endorsed, a LM can't install or certify conductors / fittings that are part of an installation.
They are limited to work in distribution lines
by AlecK
Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:05 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Earthing of aluminum ladder
Replies: 6
Views: 6463

Re: Earthing of aluminum ladder

Normal lugs are zinc-plated copper. zinc is close to aluminium on the galvanic scale. (closer than zinc & copper are!) And unless you have moisture, you won't get much galvanic corrosion. IF - and it's a big if - I wanted to earth the ladder I'd just use normal lugs and maybe use an anti-corrosion t...
by AlecK
Fri Feb 24, 2023 2:58 pm
Forum: Switchboards
Topic: Large Switchboard in Container
Replies: 3
Views: 6815

Re: Large Switchboard in Container

I agree.
It's over the trigger point for requiring a 2nd exit; and ALL doors in exit paths must open out without use of key/tool
by AlecK
Fri Feb 24, 2023 2:54 pm
Forum: Transportable Installations
Topic: Inverter in connectable installation
Replies: 12
Views: 7357

Re: Inverter in connectable installation

Exactly right.
Doesn't have to fully comply with that Standard - which covers portable inverters only.
But must comply with the safety requirements for one of the types listed.
The standard also includes a third type, and these are not permitted under "3001"
by AlecK
Sun Dec 18, 2022 12:53 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Lifeguard units - do they need RCD protection on supply?
Replies: 10
Views: 6255

Re: Lifeguard units - do they need RCD protection on supply?

2.1.2 allows 3 options. You don't have any "constriction wiring", so option (a) is not available. If it were available additional protection would have to be i.a.w 2.4.6.1. You're not planning to use a "standalone power source", so not option (c) either. If you were; you'd have a choice of additiona...
by AlecK
Fri Dec 16, 2022 8:11 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Lifeguard units - do they need RCD protection on supply?
Replies: 10
Views: 6255

Re: Lifeguard units - do they need RCD protection on supply?

Yes the Lifeguard unit, including its lead, are within scope of 3012.
But that doesn't affect the socket you are going to install for that unit to plug into,
which is not within scope of '3012".
And since compliance with "3012" isn't mandatory, just go with 2.4.6.2 .
by AlecK
Fri Dec 16, 2022 4:57 pm
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Lifeguard units - do they need RCD protection on supply?
Replies: 10
Views: 6255

Re: Lifeguard units - do they need RCD protection on supply?

As the new socket is part of the permanent installation, rather than "construction wiring" that will be removed on completion of construction, you can ignore "3012" and just apply RCD protection as per 2.6 of "3000". There is no requirement for discrimination between RCDs. Which is probably because ...
by AlecK
Fri Dec 16, 2022 9:01 am
Forum: Selection and Installation of Wiring Systems
Topic: Lifeguard units - do they need RCD protection on supply?
Replies: 10
Views: 6255

Re: Lifeguard units - do they need RCD protection on supply?

I'm assuming that this is a construction sute, and that your references are to cited edition of 3012. You seem to have missed 2.4.6.1; which requires all final subcircuits to have "additional protection" by RCD. your FS is supplying a socket outlet, and none of the Exceptions applies. So the basic a...
by AlecK
Wed Dec 14, 2022 2:30 pm
Forum: Standards and Legislation
Topic: ESR 25 (d) vs AS/NZS3000:2007 7.8.2.1
Replies: 1
Views: 3656

Re: ESR 25 (d) vs AS/NZS3000:2007 7.8.2.1

You are correct that ESRs (deliberately) do not make following "3012" mandatory. As per ESR 59 requires, as a minimum, compliance with "3000" (via either of 2 Parts). And obviously of you adopt Part 1 rayher than Part 2, you need a CD. If you go on to follow "3012" (cited edition) you can't be wrong...
by AlecK
Wed Dec 14, 2022 9:48 am
Forum: Earthing and Bonding
Topic: MEC sized by max demand
Replies: 7
Views: 7939

Re: MEC sized by max demand

Basically you're saying that the MD is 40 A (I assume per phase, since it's a block of flats); and based on that the mains size only needed to be 10 mm2 - therefore allowing use of 4 mm2 MEC. So the question becomes: can you validly claim the mains conductors have been increased in size to deal with...
by AlecK
Sat Dec 10, 2022 10:14 am
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Single Phase Welders, let's get to the bottom of this
Replies: 7
Views: 5723

Re: Single Phase Welders, let's get to the bottom of this

I expect that tally-plate rating of 14.4 A will be the max continuous load, ie at 100 % duty cycle. The unit won't be able to draw 23.8 A continuously. I don't believe that's valid; should be the actual max load for normal operating. Excluding inrush /start / arc-striking currents; so equivalent to ...
by AlecK
Sat Dec 10, 2022 10:01 am
Forum: Off Topic/General Electrical Discussions
Topic: EWRB COC Audits?
Replies: 2
Views: 4041

Re: EWRB COC Audits?

Since CoC forms are no longer issued by EWRB, and are not required to have a serial number (or any other form of unique ID);
EWRB can't tell how may CoCs any practitioner, has purchased / issued.
They still have the power to request copies, and so can audit, but seem not to do so as routine.
by AlecK
Thu Dec 08, 2022 10:34 am
Forum: Protective Devices
Topic: RCD/RCBO where not to use / nuisance tripping
Replies: 2
Views: 3702

Re: RCD/RCBO where not to use / nuisance tripping

You should have no problem with any of those. so-called 'nuisance tripping" is almost always caused by poor selection and / or installation; especially standing leakage; including - capacitance of cables - having too many appliances on same RCD (especially switch-mode power supplies). When RCDs firs...
by AlecK
Wed Dec 07, 2022 5:49 pm
Forum: Switchboards
Topic: Top or bottom feed
Replies: 1
Views: 2879

Re: Top or bottom feed

There used to be a requirement to have either all-top or all-bottom (a long time ago); but it wasn't really practicable then and certainly isn't now. Nor is it based on any particular safety outcome; just what could be called "good practice". Most domestic (and similar ) switchboards will top-feed t...
by AlecK
Wed Dec 07, 2022 12:54 pm
Forum: Inspection
Topic: Inspection of non-accessable items
Replies: 4
Views: 4556

Re: Inspection of non-accessable items

What it takes to "satisfy" any Inspector is up to that Inspector. Personally I'd expect a minimum of photographic evidence from anyone i didn't already have a high level of trust in. When you issue an RoI that says "it complies, and will be safe when enlivened"; you're formally accepting responsibil...
by AlecK
Tue Dec 06, 2022 5:52 pm
Forum: Appliances
Topic: Single Phase Welders, let's get to the bottom of this
Replies: 7
Views: 5723

Re: Single Phase Welders, let's get to the bottom of this

the adapter cords you describe are electrically unsafe; because they can have 15 A pf load applied when the plug is only rated 10 A.. Would be OK if they had an in-line mcb to limit the current. Which takes care of the issues arising from carrying the welder (or whatever) around a variety of custome...