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Thread: Socket Outlet Confusion

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    Socket Outlet Confusion

    HI guys

    I came across an interesting query on site today. The registered person is claiming that the socket outlets in the building have to be switch socket outlets and not just a socket outlet, however when I asked him where in the SANS 10142-1 does it specifically explain this, he gave my a very confusing explanation about "any socket outlet that is rated at more than 16A must have a isolating switch positioned next to it"
    When I went home to check the regulations there is nothing in that section that says that. (Section 6.15) There is a note that says a Socket Outlet in a DC circuit shall be controlled by a switch that is fixed next to it. But is doesn't say anything about an AC circuit. Could anyone give me any clarification on this?

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    My regsare only ammendment 4 in their native format. I'd need to manually comb through later ammendments to see if anything has been updated.
    Quote Originally Posted by BlueArc View Post
    ......But is doesn't say anything about an AC circuit. Could anyone give me any clarification on this?
    It does specifically mention that AC socket outlets above 16A don't require switches.
    6.15.5 Circuits that supply single-phase socket-outlets rated at
    more than 16 A, or that supply three-phase socket-outlets, or both
    ........
    ......

    6.15.5.5 A socket-outlet in a d.c. circuit shall be controlled by a switch that
    is fixed next to it. A socket-outlet in an a.c. circuit may be unswitched.
    Also there may be relevant info here in 6.16;

    6.16 Fixed appliances
    6.16.1 General
    NOTE The general requirements in 6.16.1.1 to 6.16.1.13 apply, except where
    otherwise required for specific cases. Amdt 4
    6.16.1.1 Fixed appliances do not form part of the electrical installation other
    than their positioning in relation to the supply and the wiring carried out
    between different parts of the appliances. Amdt 1
    6.16.1.2 Deleted by amendment No. 4.
    6.16.1.3 The power supply to every fixed appliance, except luminaires, shall
    be supplied through
    a) a disconnecting device that disconnects both live conductors in a singlephase
    supply and all phase conductors in a multiphase supply, or
    Amdt 3
    b) a socket-outlet Amdt 3
    that is directly accessible at all times that any person is exposed to such
    appliance while the supply is on. In the case of a remotely installed
    appliance, the position of the disconnecting device shall be indicated by
    means of a notice in close proximity to or on the appliance.
    Amdt 3
    6.16.1.4 Where a fan or heater is included in a luminaire, the luminaire is
    regarded as a fixed appliance. If the luminaire circuit is protected by earth
    leakage, a disconnector is not required (see 6.9.3.1). Amdt 1
    6.16.1.5 The disconnecting device shall be positioned Amdt 3
    a) within 1,5 m from the appliance, or
    b) in a distribution board (if the switch-disconnector is capable of being
    locked in the open position). Amdt 3
    Even where a disconnecting device is on the appliance, a separate
    disconnecting device shall be provided in the fixed installation to allow for
    the total removal of the appliance. Amdt 3
    NOTE A standard switch is not a switch-disconnector.
    6.16.1.6 A socket-outlet shall supply only one fixed appliance.
    _______________________________________________

    _______________________________________________

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    Thanks AndyD
    I have the latest edition 1.8 with amendment 8 and see that the 16.15.5.5 has been changed and the statement only refers to a DC circuit now. I have contacted the Inspection Authority so hopefully they can give me some clarity on this. Thanks for your help though. Appreciate it.

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