[Question] SABS

[RegElec]

I heard that all equipment installed in an installation now has to be SABS approved regardless of whether it has other international higher standards. I cannot find this anywhere in SANS 10142 or on the COC.

I am trying to determine whether equipment with a UL/DEKRA standard is acceptable.

[ACEsterhuizen]

Page 23 of your standards book. (2.1, 2.2) It lists the COMPULSORY STANDARDS for products used in an installation. if a product does not comply with these standards it is not to be used because it does not comply. Also Table 4.2 clearly sets it all out.

For eg. SANS 1433-1, Electrical terminals and connectors – Part 1: Terminal
blocks having screw and screwless terminals.

Those little black "chocolate blocks" all experts use occasionally, it does NOT have the SABS 1433-1 certification so it does not comply. And so does a myriad of other connectors who does not have the SABS 1433-1 Certification.

[RegElec]

The compulsory standards are there but say for instance home automation products that are being installed that have overseas standards. It is unlikely that most of the manufacturers have applied for SABS accreditation as this would make the products even more expensive than they already are.
Equipment such as circuit breakers etc from overseas (including the big name brands) come with IEC standards which is acceptable but there must be a large amount of electrical equipment from overseas that is not SABS approved.

[ACEsterhuizen]

IEC standards are cross referenced 387 times with their SANS counterpart in our SANS 10142 standards book so yes IEC specific are acceptable if the standards permits it.

To find whether your international standard is permitted refer to Clause 2 on page 23 of your standards book:

2 Normative references:

The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in
this text, constitute provisions of this part of SANS 10142 only for the
compliance of the products.

Parties to agreements based on this part of
SANS 10142 are encouraged to take steps to ensure the use of the most
recent editions of the standards.

Information on currently valid national
and international standards can be obtained from the SABS Standards
Division.

So if the specific UL/DEKRA standards/certification are valid standards at the SABS Standards Division you would be in the clear but i suggest you get that confirmation IN WRITING from the SABS Standards Division.