VIR cables in old buildings

[Andrew_van_Zyl]

I updated a DB board and installed new lights in an old building that was wired with VIR (Vulcanized Indian Rubber).

Insulation at the ends was crumbly and I landed up having to ferrule and extend with new copper conductors in places.

I meggered the installation afterwards. Interestingly the readings exceeded 1MOhm.

My question: I know the VIR will deteriorate further and I want to suggest to my client that we remove all VIR and replace with modern cable. But if the installation passes COC tests is it necessary?

Thoughts?

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[Leecatt]

I updated a DB board and installed new lights in an old building that was wired with VIR (Vulcanized Indian Rubber).

Insulation at the ends was crumbly and I landed up having to ferrule and extend with new copper conductors in places.

I meggered the installation afterwards. Interestingly the readings exceeded 1MOhm.

My question: I know the VIR will deteriorate further and I want to suggest to my client that we remove all VIR and replace with modern cable. But if the installation passes COC tests is it necessary?

Thoughts?

Sent from my SM-A226B using Tapatalk

Somewhere in the regs there is a bit about the cake having to be continuous along its length. I feel that by doing what you have you have changed the characteristics of said cable.
I personally would not do it that way but whether it is legal or not would depend on your interpretation of the regs.

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[GCE]

There have been previous discussions around VIR

At the time of discussion this was my take on it

The old wiring you refer to is VIR wiring ( vulcanised India Rubber ) and was used extensively on the cleat system.
When the wiring was manufactured it had a life span of 25 years - As far as I am aware they stopped manufacturing almost 40 years ago - If you looked through Fundamental requirements note 2 pg 62 in SANS 10142-1 "manufacturers instructions may contain more stringent requirements " - I would say the VIR wiring is not allowed and would not sign a COC

Here is a link for convivence - https://www.theforumsa.co.za/forums/...read.php/22594

[Derlyn]

I have rewired numerous houses, replacing all the VIR with pvc insulated wiring.

The grey area for me is the section between the roofbox and the municipal meter as that falls outside the scope of the coc.

[Andrew_van_Zyl]

A mate suggested heat shrinking the stub of cable coming into the DB as far as possible

[Andrew_van_Zyl]

What is the going rate in JHB to replace the VIR with PVC, per socket outlet and light fitting? Concrete deck ceiling