Swimming pool DB

[Derlyn]

There was a discussion sometime in the past regarding this DB issue.

The installation is as follows:

Main DB has a 20A breaker with a 2,5mm cable supplying the pool DB, however, this cable goes through a weatherproof double pole isolator situated about 2 meters from the pool DB.

My question. Is the point of consumption the same as it would have been had the supply to the pool DB not gone through that isolator ?

Is the pool DB still part of the installation or is it now regarded as an appliance, motor control centre or machine ?

Must a seperate test still be carried out on the pool DB and a seperate test report be attached to the COC for same ?

[Isetech]

Does it really matter?

The way I look at the pool DB, if it only has components of the pool, then it would be reference just like and aircon or any other appliance.

However as soon as you connect garden plugs, light, gate motor, or one of the many other equipment, it would be regarded as a Sub DB.

So long as you dont connect 230 V strip lights around the lip of the pool and stick the pages referenced to pools in regs, I can t see you having a problem.

If you really want to complicate things, what happens if the pool DB is the main DB, fed from the meter or feeds a garage or granny flat ?

I fitted a weather proof socket outlet for a pool, fed from 20 amp geyser combo mcb, then there is no confusion

[GCE]

As per Isetech - As long as the pool board is only for the swimming pool then it can be treated as a MCC and an isolator installed to cover the removal of the " appliance "

I have seen AIA reports treat it as such - the pool wiring etc still needs to be safe and correct.

The minute garden lights and socket outlets are fed from the " MCC " then it is another whole can of worms and the AIA's tend to fail it as it is not regarded as a D/Board - I have not got a str answer as to why it is not regarded as a DB

[Derlyn]

Thank you, gentlemen.

It is rather difficult to understand the reasoning of AIA when the definition of a DB Board is

3.25

" switchboard ..
Switchgear and controlgear assembly ..
Enclosure that contains electrical equipment for the distribution or control of electrical power from one or more incoming circuits to one or more outgoing circuits"

How can an enclosure containing circuit breakers, fuses and a transformer, not be regarded as a DB ?

Strange.

[ACElectric]

You can declare a dispute against the AIA should such a gross misinterpretation occur.

in fact you can declare a dispute on any aia findings, the chief inspector have the last say.

2.9
Regulation 10 - Disputes
2.9.1 Sub-regulation 1
Should a dispute arise over the interpretation of a health and safety standard
referred to in regulation 5(1) between a user, a registered person, an electrical
contractor, an approved inspection authority for electrical installations or a
supplier, as the case may be, an affected person may appeal against that
interpretation to the chief inspector.
Note: Self explanatory
2.9.2 Sub-regulation 2
A person who refers a dispute referred to in subregulation ( 1) shall serve a
notice of dispute, setting out fully the nature and grounds of the dispute, on
both the chief inspector and the person whose interpretation he or she is
15
18
No.35180
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 26 MARCH 2012
disputing, by personally delivering the notice of dispute or sending it by
registered post.
Note: Self explanatory
2.9.3 Sub-regulation 3
The person whose interpretation is disputed shall within 14 working days of
the date on which he or she received the notice of dispute, forward a notice
setting out the reasons for his or her interpretation to the chief inspector.
Note: Self explanatory
2.9.4 Sub-regulation 4
The chief inspector shall, after having considered the grounds and the cause
of the dispute, confirm, set aside or vary the interpretation of the safety
standard in question or substitute it for the interpretation, which in the opinion
of the chief inspector, ought to have been given.

[Isetech]

All the machines I work on in the factories, have Main switches, circuit breakers, and I have even installed ELU's in some, mains and control fuses, 400/230, 400/110/24/12 transformers and even isolating transformers for the lights in the CNC lathes, Plug sockets ranging from 400 down to 12v and lights in the control panels, in the machine, on the machine and even above some of the machines, should the machines have COC's for the DB's ?

Thank you, gentlemen.

It is rather difficult to understand the reasoning of AIA when the definition of a DB Board is

3.25

" switchboard ..
Switchgear and controlgear assembly ..
Enclosure that contains electrical equipment for the distribution or control of electrical power from one or more incoming circuits to one or more outgoing circuits"

How can an enclosure containing circuit breakers, fuses and a transformer, not be regarded as a DB ?

Strange.

[Derlyn]

Hence my question regarding the point of consumption. Coc not required for anything outside point of control and point of consumption.

Where is the point of consumption on the machine ? I take it, it's the terminals on the machine where the supply is connected to the machine/appliance. The breakers and fuses you are referring to are after the point of consumption. Maybe this is why the AIA do not regard it as a DB.

[Isetech]

That's why it pays to be mates with your local AIA

As per Isetech - As long as the pool board is only for the swimming pool then it can be treated as a MCC and an isolator installed to cover the removal of the " appliance "

I have seen AIA reports treat it as such - the pool wiring etc still needs to be safe and correct.

The minute garden lights and socket outlets are fed from the " MCC " then it is another whole can of worms and the AIA's tend to fail it as it is not regarded as a D/Board - I have not got a str answer as to why it is not regarded as a DB