Imported caravan COC or EWOF

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Billq
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Imported caravan COC or EWOF

Post by Billq »

If a "New Build" European Caravan is Imported into New Zealand, which has been specifically pre wired for the New Zealand market, with correct RCD Type/Power Points/ Etc, does it need to have a COC issued in New Zealand on arrival, (To confirm compliance with Part 1 of AS/NZS 3000:2007) or does it just need to have an Electrical inspector Issue a WOEF after confirming compliance with Part 1 of AS/NZS 3000:2007 and compliance with AS/NZS 3001:2008 Section C6/C7 as per ESR 78 (2) (C)

It is my opinion that the caravan does not need a COC bearing in mind that the caravan is prewired and only needs the issue of an WOEF by an Electrical Inspector after confirming compliance with Part 1 of AS/NZS 3000:2007 and compliance with AS/NZS 3001:2008 Section C6/C7.

Any comments??
AlecK
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Re: Imported caravan COC or EWOF

Post by AlecK »

CoCs are for work done under NZ law; which is generally work done in NZ.
A CoC doesn't have to be issued for an imported connectable installation that was wired overseas; though there's nothing to prohibit one from being issued. In many places the wiring of caravans etc is not done as electrical work, but as manufacturing.

If a CoC were issued (by someone authorised to do so); it would certify complete compliance with "3000" as modified by "3001"
The issuer would have to be very brave; I've yet to hear of any imported unit that fully complied, even when compliance was part of the contract. Some are so bad that they basically have to have the electricals ripped out and re-done.
Others, eg from Oz or UK, tend to generally comply, with often only a few faults. For OZ, it's generally just the slight differences that apply there compared to NZ.

As an imported connectable installation; ESR 78 requires an assessment for compliance with Part 1; followed by a normal WoEF check.
That's a lesser level of compliance; but is deemed enough to ensure safe-to-operate.
This requirement apples regardless of whether or not a CoC has been issued.


For an NZ-wired unit, the issuer of a coC that covers the entire installation can issue first WpoEF.
That does not apply where the CoC covers only a modification or extension to the installation.
And while it shouldn't apply to someone who issues a non-required WoEF for an import; it seems to.
But again you'd have to be brave to accept the responsibility.
Billq
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Re: Imported caravan COC or EWOF

Post by Billq »

Thanks Alec for the information which give a more comprehensive understanding to this subject.

One more point to raise if the afore mentioned caravan has Modular (Square) type NZ Socket Outlets fitted, 10 Amp, 240 Volt Marking, look to be AS/NZS 3112 type but they do not have a integral switch on them (No Switch) do they still comply for the compliance with Part 1 of AS/NZS 3000:2007 and compliance with AS/NZS 3001:2008 Section C6/C7 as per ESR 78 (2) (C).

I have had a look myself on AS/NZS 3000:2007, Clause 4.4.4.1 and it appears to say that you need a switch on Socket Outlets and then it says under Exceptions (3) that the withdrawal of the plug is deemed to comply so not sure if it needs a switch or not ???
AlecK
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Re: Imported caravan COC or EWOF

Post by AlecK »

If it has been built to NZ requirements; then that's ESR 60(1)((e) which requires full compliance with "3000" as modified by "3001"
(and that's what a CoC would be certifying).

Which - as you've noted - means that sockets generally need a control switch - not necessarily integral - to comply with 4.4.4 of "3000"
That's all sockets; not just "3112" types (which includes our normal 3-pin, flat-pin single phase.

Exception 3 allows for a form of integral switching. It's not that withdrawal of plug always complies, but that some designs include an internal switch operated by insertion / withdrawal of the plug ( eg PDL's 800 series).

Exception 2 allows a socket that's dedicated to one appliance (as against a GPO), and that's not readily accessible, to not have a switch.

You can't use the circuit breaker / RCD at swbd as the socket control switch, because 4.4.4.3 says "as close as practicable" and marked to indicate which socket(s) the switch controls; plus a few other requirements.


However (as Energy Safety eventually accepted) this requirement is - like many others - not something covered by either the Part 1 assessment or the standard WoEF checks of "3001"; Appendix C.

The reason it's not in App C is because App C has to allow for older NZ-built caravans, and may of those never had switches on their sockets.
The reason it's not in Part 1 of "3000" is it's not a fundamental safety issue.

So even if there's no form of control switch, a valid WoEF can be issued.

------------------
One of the problems with importing units assembled overseas is that they may include components not approved for use in NZ.
Including, but not limited to, DMRAs & DHRAs (eg wiring, mcbs, RCDs, and socket outlets) that require SDoC and / or Approval for sale in NZ.
Which could lead to whoever imported it committing an offence if they ever try to sell the unit later on.
Billq
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Re: Imported caravan COC or EWOF

Post by Billq »

Thanks Alec that has clarified it for me.
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