Pool pump DB, fixed appliance or sub DB

[GCE]

That's been my understanding, except using the term "control panel" when it is not a DB
Could there also be a lockable isolator in the supplying DB rather than an isolator within arms reach of the control panel?
(Yes. Yes. I know "lockable isolators" are another can of worms )

In my opinion the isolator would need to be at the control box in the event of removal
The pool guy is not a electrician and will be the one working on the appliance.
Will he always be able to access the DB when he comes to carry out repairs ?

Could reg below come into play ,


6.16.5.1.4 Each motor shall be supplied by a manually operated disconnector
or any other manually operated disconnecting arrangement such as a
withdrawable circuit-breaker, a removable link, a fuse or by the removal of a
plug from a socket-outlet, which provides at least the same isolating distance,
for the sake of safety, as a disconnector that is
a) readily accessible and mounted on or next to the motor, or
b) visible from the motor, or
c) lockable in the open position, or
d) housed in a lockable enclosure other than a distribution board.


5.3.7 Disconnecting devices
An installation shall have disconnecting devices that allow the installation to
be disconnected for maintenance, testing, fault detection or repair. In the case
of circuits or items of equipment, additional disconnecting devices could be
required to allow disconnection for maintenance, testing, fault detection or
repair of such circuits or equipment.

5.3.8 Positioning and accessibility of electrical equipment
Electrical equipment shall be so positioned that
a) it does not impair the functioning or safety of other equipment,
b) it is readily accessible for installation, replacement, operation, testing,
inspection, maintenance and repair (see 6.6.1.9 and 6.9.4 for the main
switch). All parts of the installation shall be accessible without the need to
enter any adjoining premises (for example, in an apartment building),
NOTE Common areas (such as passages and entrance halls) are not regarded as
adjoining areas.
c) there is easy access to its location,

[ians]

I agree ... the double pole main switch of a "Pool DB" should be in a separate compartment or on the top of side of the pool DB or on the wall next to the pool pump/DB.

The pool guy shouldnt be opening the pool/ Sub DB.

It gets even more complicated ... because not all pool DB's are fed from an earth leakage ... some have the earth leakage installed in the pool DB.

In reality the pool guy shouldnt be opening the pool DB .. .the pump has a socket outlet on the side of the DB (which is why earth leakage protection is required) however the pool light creates a challenge ... the transfomer should be in a separate compartment fed from a combo breaker/isolator and I seen a few with fuses for the transfomer.

Then you have the other challenges were the pool lights are not fed from a pool DB and the pumps are part of a bigger setup.

[GCE]

I agree ... the double pole main switch of a "Pool DB" should be in a separate compartment or on the top of side of the pool DB or on the wall next to the pool pump/DB.

The pool guy shouldnt be opening the pool/ Sub DB.

.

If we do not want the pool guy opening the " pool motor control centre" , then we cannot say that the pool " DB" is a fixed appliance

Can't have it both ways .

Same a s a geyser - We want to call the geyser a fixed appliance and then want to stop the plumber from working on the fixed appliance
A stove - Same story , stove technician opens it and plays with the electrical circuit , aircon etc.

If we called it a fixed appliance then a fixed appliance can be worked on by the fixed appliance technician, In my opinion

[ians]

What I meant in my comment is that there should be away to isolate the pool DB at the pool from the mains power ... a way to do that would be to separate the incoming power from the rest of the pool DB ... by means of a double pole isolator in close proximity.


Fitting a lockable isolator in the DB creates a whole new set of challenges ... if technicians are going to work on fixed appliances ... then a separate isolator must be fitted next to the appliance or at least in the same room or roof space.

[GCE]

What I meant in my comment is that there should be away to isolate the pool DB at the pool from the mains power ... a way to do that would be to separate the incoming power from the rest of the pool DB ... by means of a double pole isolator in close proximity.


Fitting a lockable isolator in the DB creates a whole new set of challenges ... if technicians are going to work on fixed appliances ... then a separate isolator must be fitted next to the appliance or at least in the same room or roof space.

Agreed

[Dave A]

In my opinion the isolator would need to be at the control box in the event of removal
The pool guy is not a electrician and will be the one working on the appliance.
Will he always be able to access the DB when he comes to carry out repairs ?

Could reg below come into play ,


6.16.5.1.4 Each motor shall be supplied by a manually operated disconnector
or any other manually operated disconnecting arrangement such as a
withdrawable circuit-breaker, a removable link, a fuse or by the removal of a
plug from a socket-outlet, which provides at least the same isolating distance,
for the sake of safety, as a disconnector that is
a) readily accessible and mounted on or next to the motor, or
b) visible from the motor, or
c) lockable in the open position, or
d) housed in a lockable enclosure other than a distribution board.

Ah. The "motors" requirement for disconnecting devices. But isn't that why the pump motor is normally plugged into a socket outlet on the control panel?

[GCE]

Ah. The "motors" requirement for disconnecting devices. But isn't that why the pump motor is normally plugged into a socket outlet on the control panel?

I have not seen that , the pump plugged in - I have seen the Pool " control box " plugged into a socket outlet

[Dave A]

I did say the "lockable isolator in DB" was a can of worms

But they are lockable and I don't recall the SANS code saying anything about "subject to general availability of locking devices".

My favourite article on the subject remains this one on disconnecting devices by Cecil Lancaster.

[Dave A]

I have not seen that , the pump plugged in - I have seen the Pool " control box " plugged into a socket outlet

A few current options after a quick search.
From ACDC
From Voltex

There's a model that's been used extensively in most domestic installations in Durban for many years. When I come across a photo of one, I must remember to post it.

[Derlyn]

I have yet to see a pool db with an isolator on the supply in close proximity to the db.

All those that I come across are sub db's.

I prefer it that way because I charge per db when doing an inspection. More db's .... more moola. That's why I'm there in the first place.