open wiring

[Jerrad]

That is unfortunately true, there is no recourse if someone issues an invalid COC.

[ACEsterhuizen]

So if a building's wiring (surfix) is all done with helacon connectors, no inspection / junction boxes, is it reg compliant (or not) because it is in the "inaccessible roof space?" or because the helacon connectors complies with reg 6.16.1.9 a, b, c, d and e.

a) non-flammable,
b) located as near to the appliance(s) as is practicable,
c) permanently installed,
d) such that they cannot be opened without the use of a tool, and
e) readily accessible.

[Sparks]

No it is not.

[ACEsterhuizen]

No it is not.

Please Sparks can you refer me to the specific regulations that clearly supports that statement. Also, 6.3.7 , 5.1.1 , 6.16.1.9 a, b, c, d, and e, 6.3.7.2 , 7.8.5.1: (IP4X Protection against wire, etc. Cannot be penetrated by a solid object 0.04 in. (1.0mm) or more in diameter) does not exclude helicon joints or terminations. Bearing in mind that most of these are excluded because it is an "existing installation" and falls under clause 5 only.


ps I have a major issue at a casino where these helacon connectors was used (every single joint and termination to a downlight etc) by the contractor and now they want a coc. I would appreciate a good solid set of regs that clearly exclude this type of wiring.

I am unsure about this issue and it is going to cost this client (+-1200 joints/terminations) money to redo all these connections joints and terminations into inspection boxes and junction boxes with glands etc. Also there will be a civil claim against the contractor and I really need to get my facts (and regs) very straight, clear and simple.

[Sparks]

For the regs you will have to give me some time, but off pat you can see that the conductors are exposed and you know that joints must be within an enclosure.
The Helicon while being an approved method of joining conductors are not a replacement for enclosures, they are on an equal par with porcelain connectors and insulated ferrules, would they be accepted if not in an enclosure?
When the terminations are truly "inaccessible" (flat roof with no roofspace) it has become common practice to accept that it be excluded from the COC, however, I believe that the installer should still be held accountable.
I will post the regs I believe to be of relevance as soon as I get some time to find them.

[ians]

they are on an equal par with porcelain connectors and insulated ferrules

Sorry dont agree with you if you are referring to a "skrewit". The helcon connector is by far a superior product. It is spring loaded which means it is always tight and if installed correctly and there are no live parts which can be accessed with the standard test finger and cannot be disconnected without the use of a tool. What i would like to do one day is do some tests with my thermal imager to see how they maintain connected to a 25 amp load.

[bergie]

i agree with sparks.no matter how good a quality helicon is, it will still be classed as exposed,and should be installed in a joint box.
i have seen a new product,a type of pvc round box that splits in half. you install it over the connections without disconnecting and reconnecting. it has a type of bush instead of the gland. i havent used it yet and not sure if its sabs approved,but it will make coc repairs a lot quicker.

[ACEsterhuizen]

Regs that exclude this type of wiring: The helacon is not SABS approved It was, but it has expired in 2011. It has NO IP RATING. Good solid regs i was looking for: (REGULATION 7.8.5.1 Joints in cables shall be avoided, however if required, they shall be made in an enclosure that affords a degree of protection not less than IP4X.)

RCC- Helacons.pdf

And also Hellermann's reply:

"Ek het nou met Ken gepraat.

Ek het vir jou die RCC sertifikaat aangeheg, dis ongelukkig al wat ons beskikbaar het.

Hierdie connectors het nie n IP rating nie.

Die connections moet in junction boksies wees. (6.3.7.1 Joints and terminations of cables, cores and conductors shall be made in accordance with manufacturers' instructions or the appropriate part of SANS 10198.)

Laat weet asb as daar nog iets is waarmee ons kan help.

Dankie.


Regards,

Jaco Jansen van Vuuren
Internal Sales
HT Logo

Tel : +27 11 879-6600
Fax : +27 11 879-6603
e-Mail : jaco.jansenvanvuuren@hellermann.co.za"

[Sparks]

Sorry I never had time to look up regs, glad you found it.