The Electrical Certificate of Compliance explained

[ians]

I have what is probably a dumb question, but what is the difference between an isolator and a disconnecting device?

the other way of looking at it...a circuit breaker for example can be used as a disconnecting device if it has isolating properties for example a geyser combo breaker.

andy i would be a bit cautious including a DOL starter...in some cases i have had been instructed that an emergency stop button connected to a DOL control circuit could not be used to isolate a circuit. I cant say for sure as it was an instruction i received from an electrical engineer...it would be an interesting topic to discuss.

[ians]

Yes it may. Any new installation, alteration, extension or repair to an existing installation in some cases must be certified. Provided the rest of the installation is already covered by a valid COC.

If the COC was issued less than 2 years ago would you have to re inspect the installation to verify the COC is actually valid or just assume the installation is still reasonable safe and test the part of the installation you have done and attach the original COC

[Justloadit]

the other way of looking at it...a circuit breaker for example can be used as a disconnecting device if it has isolating properties for example a geyser combo breaker.

andy i would be a bit cautious including a DOL starter...in some cases i have had been instructed that an emergency stop button connected to a DOL control circuit could not be used to isolate a circuit. I cant say for sure as it was an instruction i received from an electrical engineer...it would be an interesting topic to discuss.

I suspect that the engineer stated this, as the disconnect, relies on a contactor to open its contacts.
If the contactor housing or coil bobbin is damaged/distorted for what ever reason, it may impede the release of the contacts arm and opening the contacts.
Also if the contacts have been welded due to a fault, then the release spring in the contactor may not have sufficient strength to physically break the electrical contact when the stop button is pressed.

[ians]

I suspect that the engineer stated this, as the disconnect, relies on a contactor to open its contacts.
If the contactor housing or coil bobbin is damaged/distorted for what ever reason, it may impede the release of the contacts arm and opening the contacts.
Also if the contacts have been welded due to a fault, then the release spring in the contactor may not have sufficient strength to physically break the electrical contact when the stop button is pressed.

that makes sense.

[AndyD]

You're right Ian, DOL starter was a bad example, it may or may not qualify as an isolation device depending on its construction. The relevant standards for an isolation device are laid out in IEC 60947-3:2015, the SA standards authority adopted the IEC standard without any additions or alterations.

[Sparks]

(b)
an electrical installation which existed prior to the publication of the current edition of the health and safety standard incorporated into these Regulations in terms of regulation 5(1), complies with the general safety principles of such standard; or
(c)
an electrical installation referred to in paragraph (b), to which extensions or alterations have been effected, that
(i) the existing part of the electrical installation complies with the general safety principles of such standard and is reasonably safe, and
(ii) the extensions or alterations effected comply with the provisions of regulation 5(1) and were carried out under his or her general control.
(3)
If at any time prior to the issuing of a certificate of compliance any fault or defect is detected in any part of the electrical installation, the registered person shall refuse to issue such certificate until that fault or defect has been rectified

[Sparks]

The chandelier is not a consideration unless there is a bowl over each lamp.

[Sparks]

Depending on the application I also use a socket outlet as an isolating device which is acceptable.

[Leecatt]

If the COC was issued less than 2 years ago would you have to re inspect the installation to verify the COC is actually valid or just assume the installation is still reasonable safe and test the part of the installation you have done and attach the original COC

The only way to prove an existing Coc is valid is to inspect the installation, two years does not come into it.
Theoretically and correctly, one should issue an additional Coc only if the existing Coc has been proven to be valid.

[GaryH]

Hi there

Does anyone know how our wiremans license qualification would compare in the UK.
If you move from SA to the UK and you have a wiremans license would you have to write a test over there again or are our standards in line with theirs?

Alana

[AndyD]

The UK domestic electrical industry falls under Part P legislation, commercial/industrial is different so in a nutshell you'd need to at least partly requalify then join a scheme in order to certify work unless you do so at a higher cost through building control. Have a look on the ELECSA / NAPIT / STROMA / NICEIC websites for more in depth info. http://www.elecsa.co.uk/Contractors/Part-P.aspx

[Wandile.r.h@gmail.com]

Does the issuance of a CoC require permanent connection to the national grid. Are the tests that require power valid if only a generator is used to carry out testing and commissioning of an electrical installation.

[W-TDMI]

Does the issuance of a CoC require permanent connection to the national grid. Are the tests that require power valid if only a generator is used to carry out testing and commissioning of an electrical installation.

712 GENS001.pdf
7.12 States the options accepted for Alternative supplies. Point `a` addresses your concern. Will be tested as per requirements and certified.

[Chrisda]

Hi Everyone,
I hope some of you smart people can help me please?
We are buying a house where there is a solar installation, but it also uses power from the municipality at the same time. It does not manually switch over as one will do with a generator but rather just takes form the grid automatically when the batteries fall below a certain level. Now we have noticed on the COC supplied that the question "Is alternative power supply installed" is marked as NO. Can you tell me if this is correct?
Also, there used to be an electrical stove and the switch is still there but they now have a full gas stove. and its not marked as having a fixed appliance circuit for a stove. is this just because there is currently not stove or could it mean that whole circuit has been removed? We would like to replace the stove with one that has an electrical oven, and thus would need the connection for it.
Any help or guidance will be much appreciated.Electrical CoC 2017a.pdf

[Sparks]

Welcome Chrisda. Your concerns are not unfounded. Unfortunately that is not all which is wrong with the COC. I suggest you keep an eye out on this page or find an electrician you know or can trust. I have spotted a number of irregularities on the COC. If the installation is as indicated on the COC I would not issue it before doing some work to make it compliant. The solar supply is a specialised part of the installation and must also be certified by a solar installer. Reference to that COC must also be made on this one, if it were correct that is. I am afraid I am too far away to be of more assistance than to confirm your suspicions, however, there are reputable sparkies who are members here who are closer to you.