What do you get for a R5000 solar course

[HealthyDozen]

So if an inverter/battery/MPPT controller (an All-In-One unit or everything housed in a cabinet) were plugged into a sub-DB (which only contained a changeover switch and two circuit breakers for feed to and from the external unit) using a single or three-phase plug such as that below, and in all other respects the wiring, switches and protection complied with SANS 10142, would this be exempt from requiring a CoC?

The sub-DB addition would need a CoC, but would that be sufficient? In reality it would then be just a bigger UPS with solar panels.

Would it be different depending on whether the unit fed back into the grid or NOT?

[Sparks]

Some disagree.
Also there's this post on who may install a solar system.

Then again. A homeowner needs a power point for his appliance 3m away from the wall socket outlet. He may legally install an extension lead and clip it to the skirting. It is not part of the existing installation. He may not however connect it to the installation other than by plugtop.

[Sparks]

So if an inverter/battery/MPPT controller (an All-In-One unit or everything housed in a cabinet) were plugged into a sub-DB (which only contained a changeover switch and two circuit breakers for feed to and from the external unit) using a single or three-phase plug such as that below, and in all other respects the wiring, switches and protection complied with SANS 10142, would this be exempt from requiring a CoC?

The sub-DB addition would need a CoC, but would that be sufficient? In reality it would then be just a bigger UPS with solar panels.

Would it be different depending on whether the unit fed back into the grid or NOT?

Would a welder or any other appliance plugged in require a COC? The difference is whether or not it is a permanent fixture or portable appliance. A removable plug is also an acceptable "isolation device" for part/s of an installation. As for feeding back to the grid, not worth the red tape nor expense.

[GCE]

So if an inverter/battery/MPPT controller (an All-In-One unit or everything housed in a cabinet) were plugged into a sub-DB (which only contained a changeover switch and two circuit breakers for feed to and from the external unit) using a single or three-phase plug such as that below, and in all other respects the wiring, switches and protection complied with SANS 10142, would this be exempt from requiring a CoC?

The sub-DB addition would need a CoC, but would that be sufficient? In reality it would then be just a bigger UPS with solar panels.

Would it be different depending on whether the unit fed back into the grid or NOT?

It would require a COC - it is past of the fixed installation and covered under section 7 in SANS 10142-1

[GCE]

Then again. A homeowner needs a power point for his appliance 3m away from the wall socket outlet. He may legally install an extension lead and clip it to the skirting. It is not part of the existing installation. He may not however connect it to the installation other than by plugtop.

Regulation 6.16.1.10 shuts down that argument of yours - The days of ignoring anything " plugged in" when doing COC inspections are long past


6.16.1.5 A socket-outlet shall supply only one fixed appliance. The use of
flexible cords of length exceeding 3 m is not recommended. The reason for
this recommendation is an endeavour to ensure operation of the overcurrent
protective device. (See also 6.14.1.4 for luminaires).

6.16.1.10 The wiring between different parts of a fixed appliance that are
installed separately is part of the fixed installation, even where it is supplied
from a socket-outlet, unless such wiring is less than 3 m in length.
Such wiring shall be protected by separate overload protection unless its
current-carrying capacity is such that the circuit protection of the socket-outlet
circuit will provide protection or that part of the appliance has built-in thermal
overload protection.
NOTE Where the length of wiring exceeds 3 m, the impedance and the functioning of
the protective devices need to be considered to satisfy the overcurrent protection
requirements in this part of SANS 10142.

[GCE]

Would a welder or any other appliance plugged in require a COC? The difference is whether or not it is a permanent fixture or portable appliance. A removable plug is also an acceptable "isolation device" for part/s of an installation. .

6.16.1.5 and 6.16.1.10 shut down the statement above

As for feeding back to the grid, not worth the red tape nor expense

Feeding back to the grid is well worth the effort and expense - I have been doing so since 2014 , legally registered with the Municipality .

Besides once you install PV panels under NERSA and Bylaws of the municipalities you have to register the system and will more than likely be put onto an SSEG tariff

Port Elizabeth tariffs are very favorable and probable the best deal in the country

[Isetech]

This is the part that has become a challenge with property sales. We had an incident where an electrician had sigend off a COC, excluded the outbuilding and wiring, because it was plugged into a socket outlet in the kitchen. He argued that it was not part of the electrical installation, we argured that it was a fixture and had to stay. Because the lights and socket outlets were attached to the building, and all the extension cords were clipped to the wall, mad eit a fixture. The lights and sockets were working on the open day when the property was viewed.

Installing sockets like this could become quite a challenge, especially if there is nothing attached to the property. If you mount the backup system to the wall, be it a generator or inverter, I beleive it would create a discussion, however if it is a mobile unit, I would remove it, then there is no discussion.

Just remember this is my opnion, with not facts attached.

Then again. A homeowner needs a power point for his appliance 3m away from the wall socket outlet. He may legally install an extension lead and clip it to the skirting. It is not part of the existing installation. He may not however connect it to the installation other than by plugtop.

[Isetech]

Something to consider.

Fact, copied and pasted from the SANS 10142-1 ed 3.1.

3.3.3
fixed appliance
appliance that is fastened or otherwise secured at a specific location, and
that would require the use of tools to be moved to another location

[Isetech]

My generator and my "mobile backup inverter system" is on wheeels and all my custommers who have plugs like this mounted below their meter box, in a weather proof enclosure with a main switch, overload protection and ELU required to make the parts which are attached to the building and connected to the electrical installation comply with SANS 10142-1:2021 (ed3.1). I have also verified with my local AIA, that what I have installed is as per regulations. Once I join and memebrship is finalised with the ECA I will request a comment from the technical team, Just to CYA and have it in writting.

[Isetech]

By the way I enjoy these kind of disccusions, and respect everyone elses opnion.