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We do a fair bit of coc and never pretend to know it all. We have experienced electricians doing it for mostly all over 10 years. We one of the biggest eca registered in the area . We sometimes get into fights with the pure compliance companies who in some way in my view are too technical for context of sa . Make sure it’s safe but charging 30 k for niggly stuff like example cracked conduit in roof is in nobody’s interest . So my question . They say the neutral bar must be accessible . Any body know of such a law in the sans code. The db is very small and we issued a coc but never did the original board .
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I would think they are using 5.3.8 to make that statement bearing in mind that under D/Boards it refers to 5.3.8 and under 5.3.8 it forces you to go look at 6.6.1.9 - Directly below that is 6.6.1.11 which is self explanatory.
They only issue may be the interpreting of " easily"
5.3.8 Positioning and accessibility of electrical equipment
Electrical equipment shall be so positioned that
a) it does not impair the functioning or safety of other equipment,
b) it is readily accessible for installation, replacement, operation, testing,
inspection, maintenance, and repair (see 6.6.1.9 and 6.9.4 for the main
switch). All parts of the installation shall be accessible without the need to
enter any adjoining premises (for example, in an apartment building),
NOTE Common areas (such as passages and entrance halls) are not regarded as
adjoining areas.
c) there is easy access to its location,
d) it is not likely to be physically damaged,
e) dust or moisture is not likely to accumulate on live or other parts and cause
flashover, and
f) where the distribution board is concealed by a cupboard or other covering,
the notice for live electrical apparatus referred to in annex N shall be in a
conspicuous place indicating the position of the distribution board
6.6.1.9 Distribution boards shall be so positioned and arranged as to ensure
safe operation and maintenance (see 5.3.8).
6.6.1.11 A distribution board and the equipment mounted in or on it shall be
so positioned and arranged that any conductor can easily be disconnected
from the terminals.
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I was asked to do a check on a property bought by one of my customers, I pointed out that most of the light switches and socket outlets were damaged (cracked). I was told , so long as the live electrical equipment cannot be touched with a standard test finger, it didn't have to be replaced. It is a cosmetic issue not a non compliant issues.
We go back to the same thing I say every time, dont sign the transfer papers until you are happy with electrical installation.Comments are my opinion, unless regulations are attached to support the comment. This is social media, not a court room.Comment
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Almost every single DB for domestic you can not access the N bar let alone the Earth bar. Even in installs of 30 years ago. The DBs are poor design almost all of the time.
Need to mount 3 DBs, left the earth, middle the breakers and right the neutral bars...
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Thank you .Exactly what we saying. There is a safe house and then there is applying the law but will never get the job.If you did the board like that you maybe have to answer but sign it off and you come up with that fault and what do you think the seller will say?Will say you fishing for work and then loose trust in your reputation.We wonder why the pure compliance companies have a bad name.Comment
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Wait till you have to work on a floor standing DB with bussbars at the back, all I am going to say is eeeesih. I can tell you of some really silly days trying to hook the neutral current clamp on a live 3000 amp bussbar, which is normally right at the back, I stopped doing it, just too risky
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DB's should be wide enough to mount the earth and neutral bars on the left and right of the panel.
Comments are my opinion, unless regulations are attached to support the comment. This is social media, not a court room.Comment
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