Crowded cupboard

[Dave A]

Got a pretty crowded cupboard here for some feedback from the experts here.



Can we issue a 9.2.b COC for an existing installation given this thrilling mix of water and electricity apparatus in such close proximity?
(Pretty new installation, so we have asked for the issued 9.2.a COC)

[Dylboy]

Seen a number of these, mostly when the DB is in a kitchen and they renovated and put it in the cupboard...

Curiouse to see what others think.

Most of them I don't do the CoC but I know a day will come where one will be needed and keen to see what the people say on this. 9.2b of existing comes to mind and often they are the very old houses

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[GCE]

Got a pretty crowded cupboard here for some feedback from the experts here.

Can we issue a 9.2.b COC for an existing installation given this thrilling mix of water and electricity apparatus in such close proximity?
(Pretty new installation, so we have asked for the issued 9.2.a COC)

No an ideal situation - The height of the DB appears to be over the 2,2m required for isolator and Positioning and accessibility of equipment would appear to be a problem( 5.3.8 b ) .
The accessibility would be sorted if the wash machine was not there
If there is a tumble dryer in that mix as well then moisture and dust ( 5.3.8 e) would be created but if the D/Board has a decent cover then you could excuse that as well

The proximity to the geyser being a water point - 5.2.4 states under normal conditions - Under normal conditions there would be no chance of water spraying onto the DB as all pipe work is in copper and appears to be correctly fixed to pressure valve to prevent any water damage in a potential abnormal situation - But under Normal operation it would be fine
I assume there is a water tap for the wash machine and that would appear more than 1m away from the DB and therefore allowed under 6.6.1.7 c -
It is interesting that back in 2003 clause 6.6.1.7 c included a valve which would have prohibited this installation ( reg pasted below) - It was Changed in ED 3 2020 - valve has since been removed from the wording which to me gives the impression that it is now allowed next to a valve
I seem to recall back in 1998 it also said water pipe

In answer to the question " Can we issue a 9.2.b COC for an existing installation given this thrilling mix of water and electricity apparatus in such close proximity" I would say yes as I do not find anything prohibiting it even though it does not feel right


SANS 10142-1 Ed 3.1
5.2.4 Positioning of equipment
Electrical equipment which, under normal conditions will be
a) exposed to flammable or explosive gas, vapour, dust or liquid, or to
external influences such as direct sunlight, corrosive vapour or oil, or
b) in a hazardous location,
shall be so selected or enclosed that it is protected against harmful effects
or it shall comply with the requirements of an applicable standard (or both).
c) for combined gas and electrical installation, cognisance shall be taken of
the requirement stipulated in SANS 10087-1.


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.
Amdt1

6.6.1.6 Any point of a distribution board that has to be reached during normal
operation shall not exceed a height of 2,2 m above floor (or walking) level.
However, the board may be mounted higher if it can be disconnected from the
supply by a switch-disconnector that is less than 2,2 m above floor level.
(See also 5.3.8(b)). Unless a residential distribution board is housed in an
enclosure and direct access cannot be obtained by an infant, no part of an
indoor distribution board shall be less than 1,2 m above the floor level and no
part of an outdoor distribution board shall be less than 0,2 m above the ground
level.

6.6.1.7 A distribution board shall not be mounted
a) in a bathroom, except outside zone 3 and unless the enclosure provides
an IP rating of IPX5 (see 7.1.4.3.6),
b) above a fixed cooking appliance or in a position where a cooking appliance
could be put below it, unless the enclosure provides a degree of protection
of at least IP44, or
c) within a radius of 1 m from a water tap (in the same room), unless the
enclosure provides a degree of protection of at least IP44.


From SANS 10142-1 Ed1.6
6.6.1.7 A distribution board shall not be mounted
a) in a bathroom, except outside zone 3 and unless the enclosure
provides an IP rating of IPX5 (see 7.1.4.3.6),
b) above a fixed cooking appliance or in a position where a cooking
appliance could be put below it, unless the enclosure provides a
degree of protection of at least IP44, or Amdt 6
c) within a radius of 1 m from a water tap or valve (in the same room),
unless the enclosure provides a degree of protection of at least IP44.

[Isetech]

It is difficult to make comment on situations like this withoput knowing all the facts.

Bonding on the geyser?

The 4x4 isolator at the top, is that not a main isolator because the DB is too high, or is it the geyser isolator ?

[Justloadit]

Safety is not when everything is operating as it should, safety is when something goes wrong, that it does not increase the risk.
I am just thinking out aloud here.
Install a vertical 3mm plastic divider between the geyser pipes and the plugs/DB, to reduce the risk of any sprayed water striking the plugs and DB board. A cheap solution but tons of safety to it.