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Had a call over the connection of a Geyser wise system using 3 PV panels which then supplies +/- 138vDC to the element via the controller.
The discussion moved around a bit and again brought up the fact that Plumbers seem to think they can connect them up as it is a stand alone system.
I disagree as SANS 10142 clearly states differently in the Introduction pasted below and so should only be done by registered Electrical Contractors.
One thing that did spring to mind is how do we as electricians comply to the regulation of having an Earth Leakage unit installed on the geyser when we are now suppling DC power to the geyser.
In my little mind , DC power to the geyser with a negative earthing system could be even more dangerous then the AC connection.
They cover themselves by stating in the installation manual to " Observe all precautions as set out in SANS 10142 when working with electricity"
and again under general as pasted below
Has anybody installed one and thought about the regulations ?
General
Do not dismantle the Modules or tear up any labels.
Installation should be done by qualified professionals only.
Ensure that the correct connector pairs are used.
Do not touch the exposed cables or connectors.
De-energize PV modules by removing it entirely from light or by covering the front surface with an
opaque material.
System designers shall design an appropriate bracket and follow the instructions to fix the PV module
to the bracket.
Installation and maintenance shall be performed in accordance to all electrical safety regulations.
Do not stand on the modules.
Do not paint the modules or spray any material on the modules.
Always transport the modules carefully and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Take care that
the modules are not scratched, as scratches may influence the efficiency of the modules.
Introduction
In this edition an attempt has been made to move towards the IEC codes:
extra low voltage (below 50 V) and d.c. applications (up to 1,5 kV) have been
introduced as new requirements owing to the extensive usage of, and
increased fire risk that result from, high load currents. This part of
SANS 10142 does not intend to cover the LV control circuits of machinery or
system components that are external circuits between separately installed
parts of the machinery or system components
Had a call over the connection of a Geyser wise system using 3 PV panels which then supplies +/- 138vDC to the element via the controller.
The discussion moved around a bit and again brought up the fact that Plumbers seem to think they can connect them up as it is a stand alone system.
I disagree as SANS 10142 clearly states differently in the Introduction pasted below and so should only be done by registered Electrical Contractors.
One thing that did spring to mind is how do we as electricians comply to the regulation of having an Earth Leakage unit installed on the geyser when we are now suppling DC power to the geyser.
In my little mind , DC power to the geyser with a negative earthing system could be even more dangerous then the AC connection.
They cover themselves by stating in the installation manual to " Observe all precautions as set out in SANS 10142 when working with electricity"
and again under general as pasted below
Has anybody installed one and thought about the regulations ?
General
Do not dismantle the Modules or tear up any labels.
Installation should be done by qualified professionals only.
Ensure that the correct connector pairs are used.
Do not touch the exposed cables or connectors.
De-energize PV modules by removing it entirely from light or by covering the front surface with an
opaque material.
System designers shall design an appropriate bracket and follow the instructions to fix the PV module
to the bracket.
Installation and maintenance shall be performed in accordance to all electrical safety regulations.
Do not stand on the modules.
Do not paint the modules or spray any material on the modules.
Always transport the modules carefully and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Take care that
the modules are not scratched, as scratches may influence the efficiency of the modules.
Introduction
In this edition an attempt has been made to move towards the IEC codes:
extra low voltage (below 50 V) and d.c. applications (up to 1,5 kV) have been
introduced as new requirements owing to the extensive usage of, and
increased fire risk that result from, high load currents. This part of
SANS 10142 does not intend to cover the LV control circuits of machinery or
system components that are external circuits between separately installed
parts of the machinery or system components
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