Disconnecting a gate motor

**PaulG** · 04-Mar-16, 09:34 AM

OK, I have been advised that it must in fact be within 1.5m of the appliance / motor. I do however feel that SANS is not clear enough on their wording.

6.16.1.5 The disconnecting device shall be positioned:
a) within 1,5 m from the appliance

**HR Solutions** · 04-Mar-16, 09:44 AM

Yep - so the 1m is correct ...... if it has to be within 1.5 and the "visible" one is very ambiguous.

**Sparks** · 04-Mar-16, 10:55 AM

"Arm's length" and "arm's reach" are somewhat different from each other as are: "visible", "in sight" and "line of sight". As the responsible person you are expected to ensure that for the specific environment you have provided the best solution considering the regulations as well as that environment.

**PaulG** · 04-Mar-16, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Sparks

As the responsible person you are expected to ensure that for the specific environment you have provided the best solution considering the regulations as well as that environment.

Sure. The trouble comes in where you are issuing a CoC on an existing installation. "Rather safe than sorry" = unnecessary work and expenses for customers.

**HR Solutions** · 04-Mar-16, 01:32 PM

I think the regulations that were brought in for a simple thing like a motor or an electric fence is a good thing. Too many people doing crap work out there and it was one way to regulate

**Sparks** · 05-Mar-16, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by PaulG

Sure. The trouble comes in where you are issuing a CoC on an existing installation. "Rather safe than sorry" = unnecessary work and expenses for customers.

If the client took the "safe" route the day it was installed, he would have used an accredited electrician then it would not be a problem when the time came to get a COC to sell the property. Unfortunately, saving a buck and putting the lives of his family at risk is somewhat of a priority for the majority of homeowners.

**Sparks** · 05-Mar-16, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by HR Solutions

I think the regulations that were brought in for a simple thing like a motor or an electric fence is a good thing. Too many people doing crap work out there and it was one way to regulate

It would be a good thing if it were enforced.
There is no national exam as yet for electrical fencing.
Installers who could prove that they worked for a company installing fences for 2years can apply for accreditation.
This means the cheap unskilled labour is also elligible for accreditation to certify!!!

I have refused to certify an installation because the COC for the electric fence was issued despite the energiser not being installed as per basic installation regulations.
It was mounted on the outside of the garage( no enclosure) with a piece of ripcord going though the wall and into the DB where it was connected to one of the 20A circuit breakers. The hole through the wall was made with a hammer and chisel. I suspect the same tools were used to make a hole through the back of the DB too!