VIR and the ECASA

[Tradie]

This is why it is important to check behind a surface mounted DB, it may look all new and rewired.

Spot the code violations.

[Thys LOW Elektries]

Funny, or rather strangely enough, South Africa might be the only country in the world that don't have a problem with VIR wiring. Not sure why, though?
A quick search on the Internet will show that Australia the UK, and a few other countries recommend that your house be inspected for VIR wiring and have it replaced ASAP to avoid a fire or electrocution.
Hereby us we have several old houses with asbestos insulation on the ceiling, steel pipes, and VIR wiring. Meggaring the wires gives you a quick indication that something is seriously wrong and the wiring needs to be replaced, but owners and estate agents don't care for the readings you get; they just want a COC.
Some R500.00 a COC electrician will eventually sign the house of as save and everybody is happy, till they have to phone you to fix the crap that is going on in the ceiling.

Stay safe

[Tradie]

We live in a 3rd world country.

The owner and the estate agent dont take responsibility for the electrical installation, the owner has no interest in spending money to fix it and the estate agents just wants their cut.

That is why I am going to say it again and again and again and again and again, if you are stupid enough to buy a house, which could be the biggest investment you will make in your life, without checking the property yourself then you must make sure you have the extra cash to rewire once the sale agreement has been signed. 95 % of non compliant electrical installations purchased are either left as is, or the buyer pays to make the elctrical installation complaint.

Let this be a warning, I have paid hectic school fees ... When the customer chooses not to correct the non compliant installation, best you dont work on that installation because the day you fit one socket outlet, you become liable for the entire non compliant installation. When the property is sold the customer will hold you accountable for not fixing all the non compliant items, I am sure many of you reading this have these stories.

Don't think an email listing all the non compliant items will help, people forget faster than you can say non compliant When you forward the email reminding them, it just makes it worse.

Funny, or rather strangely enough, South Africa might be the only country in the world that don't have a problem with VIR wiring. Not sure why, though?
A quick search on the Internet will show that Australia the UK, and a few other countries recommend that your house be inspected for VIR wiring and have it replaced ASAP to avoid a fire or electrocution.
Hereby us we have several old houses with asbestos insulation on the ceiling, steel pipes, and VIR wiring. Meggaring the wires gives you a quick indication that something is seriously wrong and the wiring needs to be replaced, but owners and estate agents don't care for the readings you get; they just want a COC.
Some R500.00 a COC electrician will eventually sign the house of as save and everybody is happy, till they have to phone you to fix the crap that is going on in the ceiling.

Stay safe

[Dave A]

Funny, or rather strangely enough, South Africa might be the only country in the world that don't have a problem with VIR wiring. Not sure why, though?

To my mind the start of the rot is the perspective that if it was compliant on the date of installation, it is still compliant today if there has been no alteration. (To that particular part of the installation?)

In some parts of the world, if you issue a COC today, the installation must be to today's standard.
And I really believe that is the way it should be.