Chocolate blocks and traffic lights

[ChrisH]

So what are the rules regarding the use of "chocolate blocks" in permanent installations like this?


Certainly explains why they aren't rain-tolerant!

[ACEsterhuizen]

In the "new" SA legislation.... EVERYTHING IS "NON PROSECUTABLE" .... !!!!!!!!!!!!

[AndyD]

Looks like someone stole the enclosure. Choc block connectors are pretty much the norm.

[markthespark]

I really cannot understand why the EIA dont accept them in distribution boards!!

[ians]

I really cannot understand why the EIA dont accept them in distribution boards!!

That is an interesting statement...since when cant you use a chocolate block in a DB?

[Justloadit]

What I have found, is that chocolate blocs used in CFL light fittings, after a few years of service, the plastic collapses into a powder, exposing the brass ferils and are now dangerous if touched. The disintegration of the plastic is due to the UV light emitted by the CFL, and most of the chocolate blocs being sold today do not have a UV block when manufactured. It could be for this reason, that that they are not recommended in DBs and other electrical installations, which may be exposed to UV light.

[markthespark]

[QUOTE=ians;143663]That is an interesting statement...since when cant you use a chocolate block in a DB? Hey Ian this ruling has been around for years now! Just about every compliance inspector will call to have terminal blocks be replaced with ferruled conductors!

[ACEsterhuizen]

Actually the black "chocolate blocks" i have encountered are not SABS or SANS compliant / approved, which, if used in an installation, should be. I have tried without success to obtain a SABS certificate from the suppliers. These stuff (some, if not all) are made in their trillions in china to the lowest quality possible. You sign for such approvals at the back of the coc on Section 5.2

See:

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

SANS 1433-2, Electrical terminals and connectors – Part 2: Flat push-on
connectors.

And Table 4.1 Page 55:

Connectors (terminals)
Terminal blocks:
– clamping: ≤ 300 mm2
– screw type: ≤ 35 mm2

Flat push-on:
– 0,75 mm2 to 10 mm2
– ≤ 300 °C

SANS 1433-1
IEC 60998-2-1
IEC 60998-2-2
SANS 1433-2

If the manufacturer can provide SABS approval for such terminal blocks as specified above it certainly can be used.

BUT, that should not stop anybody as legislation means nothing in this country without efficient enforcement. :-)

Like the helacon connectors are sabs approved: (up to 2011 for this certification)

RCC- Helacons.pdf

[AndyD]

I think a lot of people don't realise there's different choc block connectors for different applications. You get the cheap ones which are usually some sort of polypropylene or even polyethylene, they're the type mentioned above that turn to powder over several years if they're in a warm environment like in a light fitting snuggled next to the ballast.

You also get Nylon connector blocks that look pretty similar to the cheap polypropylene but they're far less flexible, in fact you can't twist a strip by hand to break them off if they're nylon. The nylon connector blocks don't disintegrate over time because they're rated to 125 degrees celsius and also have higher current carrying capacity because of their temperature rating.

You get the standard polypropylene and also the Nylon connector blocks where the screw tightens directly onto the wire but there's better connectors available in both materials that have a tongue type wire guard inside them that are supposed to be used for stranded conductors. You also get connector strips that have a full cage type termination inside them similar to the type found in most circuit breakers.

[ians]

I see the wago 222 range are promoting their product is SABS compliant.

Another one f the the good ol skrewit...apparently was outlawed...yet everyday i see skrewits being used...25 amp welding sockets are another product being purchased and installed in new installations.

it is simple...if you can buy it at an electrical wholesaler it must be compliant...if not why not...why should it be the electrical contractors responsibility.

[Dave A]

if you can buy it at an electrical wholesaler it must be compliant...if not why not...why should it be the electrical contractors responsibility.

Agreed. It makes a lot of sense that the supply chain must be accountable...

[GCE]

Hi
Further to the statement of the electrical wholesaler being compliant

If you have a look at OHSA under general section 22 ( pasted below ) a wholesaler cannot sell an item unless it complies
The section/statement becomes even more interesting for the contractors that are involved in COC's for house sales - as no person may market (advertise his house for sale) - unless it complies with that requirement ( already has a COC ) . This clause has been used to overturn a house sale 3 months after the new owners wife decided it was not the house for her.Can cost the estate agent money for not giving the correct advise

22. Sale of certain articles prohibited
Subject to the provisions of section 10 (4), if any requirement (including any health and safety standard) in respect of any article, substance, plant, machinery or health and safety equipment or for the use or application thereof has been prescribed, no person shall sell or market in any manner whatsoever such article, substance, plant, machinery or health and safety equipment unless it complies with that requirement.

[ACEsterhuizen]

I see the wago 222 range are promoting their product is SABS compliant.

Another one f the the good ol skrewit...apparently was outlawed...yet everyday i see skrewits being used...25 amp welding sockets are another product being purchased and installed in new installations.

it is simple...if you can buy it at an electrical wholesaler it must be compliant...if not why not...why should it be the electrical contractors responsibility.

With all due respect, I am under the impression that Section 5 at the back of the CoC clearly makes it the Registered Person's responsibility, in fact, it uses the word "responsibility" and "Procure". The regulations are there for a reason, we as professionals, should make sure we procure and use the correctly approved materials. Does not matter what the store sells, it is not our job to enforce the law what they might sell or not sell, we are responsible for what we Procure.

I might be wrong, and if I am, I will humbly stand corrected.

[ians]

Chocolate blocks and traffic lights

I shop at an "electrical wholesaler" ...I make a point of asking are all your products SABS approved...the answer is always the same...yes.

In fact to cover myself...I am going to make a point of sending an email to the electrical wholesaler and attach as part of the quote ...a part which requires that all parts quoted for are SABS compliant.

It is not my responsibility to check that ever plug socket sold ...has the required SABS documentation up to date every time I purchase a plug socket.

It would be an interesting court case.

I do "procure" my materials from an electrical wholesaler not jacks hardware.

Just imagine what a mission it would be if every time you purchased a plug socket they had to produce all the relevant documentation.

Please attach copies of ever electrical component you purchase and install...I am assuming you do keep copies attached to your COCs...If you are signing over COCs.

I would be interested to know how many "inspectors" do this.