Wrong to use black / red wire in new build

[Dave A]

Dave

Your interpretation and mine differ somewhat.

6.12.3 Earthing of exposed conductive parts

6.12.3.1 The following conductive parts shall be earthed.

a) all exposed conductive parts of an installation other than those described in 6.12.3.2.

6.12.3.2 The following conductive parts do not need to be earthed.
6.12.3.2 then goes on to list a number of conductive parts that do not need to be earthed.

If one had to interpret the regulations your way then 6.12.3.2 would never apply to any situation.

My question is ... Why is it there ?:

For exposed conductive parts that do not have an earth terminal?

[ians]

Another common problem I find a lot ... the bare earth of twin + E with red insulation tape ... used as the return on a PEC (day/night switch) ... not yellow and green ... but if I recall the insulation properties come into play.

[Derlyn]

For exposed conductive parts that do not have an earth terminal?

If they are out of reach, does it make any difference if they have an earth terminal or not ?

Peace out .. Derek

[Dave A]

If they are out of reach, does it make any difference if they have an earth terminal or not ?

My business is built on regulatory compliance, so the answer to the question doesn't affect how we operate. We have to take the view that if the regulation is inappropriate, take action to change the regulation (rather than ignore it or intentionally misinterpret it).

[Derlyn]

That is why I have said in the past that this forum is "lekker".
Debating regulations and the interpretation of same can only be benificial to us all.

Regarding this one, Dave, I must concede you are correct. Not the part about intentionally misrepresenting the regulations, though.
I think it's more out of ignorance than intent to misinterpret the regulations.

I can understand electricians who use regulation 6.12.3.2 (1) in their defence when it comes to downlights or ceiling lights in general because most of the new fitting available are supplied with 2 pigtails and even although they are aluminium, in the case of downlights, or metal bases for most of the round ceiling lights, no earthing terminal is provided.

What swayed me though is the geyser, which is also out of arms reach in the attic. I'm sure the authors of the regulations did not intend that geysers need not be earthed because they are out of arm's reach.

That said, the regulations, in my humble opinion, could do with 6.12.3.2 (b) 1 & 2 totally omitted.

Now, what to do about them lights that are sold without earthing terminals ? Doubt whether that's going to change any time soon.

Now, let me go and wash that egg off my face ..

It's Saturday and that lawn is waiting for me again.

Peace out ... Derek

[SeanM]

Greetings All

As for a geyser in the refs it is specifically stated that it shall be bonded.

6.13.2.2 (general)

The parts given in 6.13.2.2 to 6.13.2.5 SHALL be bonded.

Geyser, antennas (although 16.13.2.3 says may be bonded) ,roofs, gutters and water pumps.

Therefore 16.12.3.2 would not apply to geysers.