12V Downlighters

**cknipe** · 28-Jan-15, 04:20 PM

Hi,

Can someone perhaps shed some light on what is / is not permitted in terms of 12VDC downlighters?

I've got quite a few in my home that is up to code (as far as *I* understand), but also heard horror stories about them where COC's were refused and all the lights had to be rewired to 220VAC downlights... Ideally, I want to install more 12V downlights and eventually replace all my lights with 12V LEDs... But if it's going to mean that I need to rip all of that out the day I sell my house, then it's not going to happen obviously.

My transformers has built in overload and short circuit protection, they are rated at (if I remember correctly) 2A on the secondary side, and I have 6 x 20W lights on each transformer (1.4A)... Wiring done with 1.5m twin & earth

Can I perhaps got a bit off my own topic, and also ask the same question about draw boxes (specifically for lights) in the roof? I currently run panel wire in conduits in my home, and the conduits are all broken and in a complete mess (heaven knows how it got a COC when I bought the property some years ago). I want to replace the conduits and panel wire with standard twin and earth, laying loose in the roof (or maybe in a cable tray or something) and basically get rid of the conduits. There's only two light circuits from the DB to the roof - would two draw boxes be required, or can I put both of them into a single draw box, provided they have separate bus bars for the connections?

thnx.

**Leecatt** · 28-Jan-15, 05:23 PM

I don't know where to start. Perhaps a little legal advice is best.
It is illegal for any person to interfere with the with installation on your property unless they are suitably qualified to do so or are under the direct control of someone who is. There is a jail sentence applicable for serious cases.

**cknipe** · 28-Jan-15, 05:41 PM

sigh...

Let me rather just move on...

**Leecatt** · 28-Jan-15, 06:12 PM

Sigh

Another house about to burn to the ground.
Answer me one question, when you have need of a dentist do you go the DIY route first? People are qualified for a reason and that is to protect you from being electrocuted and losing you most important possession. Call your insurance company and ask them what they think of DIY electrical work?
You may go now.

**Mike C** · 05-Feb-15, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by Leecatt

Sigh

Another house about to burn to the ground.

You may go now.

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**Sparks** · 06-Feb-15, 07:05 AM

See how "friendly" the Friendly City is?

**cknipe** · 29-Jan-15, 12:34 AM

Why must people always expect the worse and tread others like idiots?

1) I have a N7 Bsc Electrical Engineering
2) My Father in law (now retired) is a fscking Master Electrician that worked in factories that you can only dream about
3) We both know VERY WELL what we are doing
4) I have personally rewired my entire house and installed new DBs more than 5 years ago - my house is still standing, nothing burned to the ground (or burned at all for that matter)...

Please don't assume I'm a fscking kid that does not know what he's doing. It's people like you that MAKES US do things ourselves, instead of being taken for a ride by bloody sparkies!

Standards change (as I am sure you are well aware), and as neither myself nor my father is in the industry this was plain and simply a courtesy post to find out what is / is not allowed these days. Seeing that you think that I'm a fscking idiot, rather just leave it. I'll go and download the latest copy of SANS10142 from the SABS' web site -shrugs-

**Leecatt** · 29-Jan-15, 06:28 AM

I did reply to this post but it seems to have vanished into cyberspace so allow me to try again.

Originally Posted by cknipe

Why must people always expect the worse and tread others like idiots?

1) I have a N7 Bsc Electrical Engineering

This does not qualify you to work on an electrical installation unsupervised by a qualified installation electrician.

2) My Father in law (now retired) is a fscking Master Electrician that worked in factories that you can only dream about

There is a difference between a Master Electrician who is similar to a Senior Electrician, and a Master Installation Electrician. If what you say is correct then your father is not qualified to work on any electrical installation in South Africa unsupervised.
If he is qualified then he needs to be registered with The Department of labour before he can work as a contractor

3) We both know VERY WELL what we are doing

I doubt that very much

4) I have personally rewired my entire house and installed new DBs more than 5 years ago - my house is still standing, nothing burned to the ground (or burned at all for that matter)...

Who inspected the electrical installation and issued the Electrical Compliance Certificate?

Please don't assume I'm a fscking kid that does not know what he's doing.

I am not assuming anything, you seem to be proving your assumptions very well on your own

It's people like you that MAKES US do things ourselves, instead of being taken for a ride by bloody sparkies!

The Sparkies who you say are taking you for a ride are working within the gambits of the law, apparently you are not.

It is people like you that give this industry a bad name. I am continuously "cleaning up" after a person like yourself has done sub-standard work.
The attitude that "I know what I am Doing" is what costs lives at the end of the day.
It makes me sick to my stomach to watch, as wannabe electricians will put their own personal issues before the safety of others, this happens all the time in this country.

Standards change (as I am sure you are well aware), and as neither myself nor my father is in the industry this was plain and simply a courtesy post to find out what is / is not allowed these days. Seeing that you think that I'm a fscking idiot, rather just leave it. I'll go and download the latest copy of SANS10142 from the SABS' web site -shrugs-

Good luck with that.

I would suggest that you read The Occupational and safety Act; Electrical installation Regulations 2009 which I have attached to this post and pay special attention to section 6 and section 15.
According to The Act, if neither of you is qualified to work on an electrical installation and you intentionally did so unsupervised by a qualified person, then you may be found criminally responsible and fined R200.00 per day since the electricity was connected to your electrical installation or jailed for a period of 12 Months, or both.

Please enjoy the rest of your day.

**Sparks** · 29-Jan-15, 05:09 PM

A lot more diplomatic than I would have been I am sure. The original statement/question already declares incompetency. Thanks to Andy there is a sticky right at the top of this forum which clearly states who is competent to work on an installation. Maybe it needs to be translated :-D

**julies** · 30-Jan-15, 12:39 PM

Well said Leecatt. Anyway I have a question about 12VDC Downlights.

I would like to install 12V DC Downlights in my one passage. I will be running it from a Battery. I know about electrical safety and will take the necessary measures to insure its done correctly ( I will only do it based on the answers you give as I am not sure if this job would also need a qualified installation electrician)

So question is:

If I am not connecting to the mains, but straight to a isolated battery, do I need a C.O.C. All my 12V wiring will run on its own conduit etc. Basically a whole new 12V network.

Thanks