How to complete a COC/test report

[Isetech]

I would like to hear what others feel about things like excluded points plugged into sockets?

The reason I am sharing the information as I am carrying out the tests is because these are the challenges we all face on a daily basis, and everyone seems to have different views, I would like to hear your view on them, so that we can have open discussion about them to find solution or at least decide what we can agree.

This is the beauty about this forum, anyone can register and share you opinion.

[Dave A]

I would like to hear what others feel about things like excluded points plugged into sockets?

The reason I am sharing the information as I am carrying out the tests is because these are the challenges we all face on a daily basis, and everyone seems to have different views, I would like to hear your view on them, so that we can have open discussion about them to find solution or at least decide what we can agree.

You have to pay attention to 6.16.1.1, 6.16.1.5, 6.16.1.10, 6.14.1.4 and 6.14.1.6.

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.

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. (But see also 6.14.1.4 for luminaires.)

The requirement that a socket outlet may only supply one fixed appliance is often a killer. Even if we say the security light system is "one fixed appliance", you still have to navigate this:

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.

And let's not forget the balance of requirements for luminaires supplied via socket outlets -

6.14.1.4 In a lighting circuit, a luminaire that is in a false ceiling or in a roof space 4 m above the floor where there is no ceiling, or in a floor cavity, or in a wall cavity, or in a similar position, may be fed from a socket-outlet which may be unswitched and not protected by earth leakage protection, provided that the socket-outlet
a) complies with SANS 164-3 or SANS 164-2-1 (PD-D type),
b) supplies one luminaire only, not exceeding the rating of the socket-outlet,
c) is accessible for maintenance purposes, and
d) is within 3 m of the luminaire that it supplies.

6.14.1.6 In a lighting circuit, a luminaire may be fed from a socket-outlet on a wall (that may be unswitched), provided that the socket-outlet
a) complies with SANS 164-3 or SANS 164-2-1 (partially dedicated socket-outlet),
b) is protected by earth leakage protection, except in the case where SANS 164-2-1 (partially dedicated socket-outlet) socket outlets are fitted,
c) supplies one luminaire only, not exceeding the rating of the socket-outlet,
and
d) is within 3 m of the luminaire that it supplies.

At least one 16 A socket-outlet that complies with the requirements of 6.15.1.1 shall be installed in the same room.

For that last point, perhaps a discussion point is whether the socket outlet is switched at the socket outlet, or at a location away from the socket outlet.
(Essentially, at what point does a circuit become a "lighting circuit").

[Derlyn]

(Essentially, at what point does a circuit become a "lighting circuit").

Interesting discussion.

My understanding is that a circuit is either a lighting circuit or not when it leaves the DB, labelled as such.
Luminaires that are plugged into a socket outlet which is fed from a plug circuit at the DB, are therefore not on a lighting circuit.

That's my understanding, but let's hear from the other toppies.

This is important as all the regulations from 6.14.1.4 onwards start with " In a lighting circuit".

[Isetech]

A little history lesson, Prepaid DB's were introduced many many years ago, I think it was about the same time twin+E became the next best thing since sliced bread.

That was about the same time this problem with plug and play became a problem.

A few people with a little influence in the regs who made an absolute fortune, needed a way to sell their product.

The idea was to make it affordable to power up a SMALL dwelling house, so we installed prepaid meters with a light on top and 3 built in socket outlets.

The customer could then take and extension cord and throw it across the room and plug the TV or light into the extension cord.

It is not for people to wire up an entire house and secure the socket outlets and light fittings to the wall, then plug it into a socket outlet.

We just do it because it is a way to get around doing the job the way it is suppose to be done and use then use the reg to make it "legal"

I have a job I am doing this week, I am going to pull a 2.5 mm cabtyre in to the pipe under ground and fit a plug top on one side and a socket outlet on the other side and not secure it to the wall, which will make it legal right ?

[Isetech]

By the way the lithium batteries will be installed where I think would be the best place, on wheels so that if anyone does try make a noise about the position, I will just say it is temporary location for now. If someone can prove the location is not safe, then we wheel them to a safer location

Yes there will only be 1 DC switch disconnector for all 3 batteries.