Certificate of compliance questions

[Rittellus]

Hi all

I just did my Electrical COC here in Cape Town and they picked up a few issues that I need some clarity on just to see if they are not taking me for a ride. This is what they sent me:

1. "Plug circuit to be downgraded to 15A as it is a mixed circuit, outside light, braai light running from plug circuit"
2. "Earth spikes need to be installed as the current reading is 40 OHMS and the required reading should be 20 OHMS"
3. "An integral earthing conductor needs to be installed for the Aerial"
4. "No earth was found on the downlighters and requires to be rectified"


Are these legitimate issues according to SANS regulations?

 

[savage]

Yes to all of the above

 

[itareanlnotani]

I would actually like to ask who they are.

Sounds like they actually know what they're doing, unlike many CoC signoff's I've seen where they just do a cursory check.

 

[Geoff.D]

Hi all

I just did my Electrical COC here in Cape Town and they picked up a few issues that I need some clarity on just to see if they are not taking me for a ride. This is what they sent me:

1. "Plug circuit to be downgraded to 15A as it is a mixed circuit, outside light, braai light running from plug circuit"
2. "Earth spikes need to be installed as the current reading is 40 OHMS and the required reading should be 20 OHMS"
3. "An integral earthing conductor needs to be installed for the Aerial"
4. "No earth was found on the downlighters and requires to be rectified"

Are these legitimate issues according to SANS regulations?

Pretty much spot on.

(1) You cannot simply extend a plug circuit to an area and then use it to supply power for mixed applications. The proper way to do this is to extend each of the services, OR, install a separate DB board. If neither of the above is practical, the circuit has to be limited to 15A.
(2) "Missing Earth's" especially in older homes is a real problem. If the earth cannot be identified easily, then the Inspector takes a reading and if it exceeds the recognised value, then the outcome is a request to provide a new "earth".
(3) Any "aerial" that ends up being the highest point on the building MUST be earthed. So just casually installing a pole to support an LTE antenna for example will lead to the above finding if it is not "earthed". There are some exceptions to this rule depending on where in the country you are.
(4) Not sure I know what a downlighter is, but depending on where you are in the country, taking into account local by laws, an earth is just about always required.

The SANS specs must be read in conjunction with local by-laws. CT by laws happen to be quite strict in complying with SANS regulations. You could have an argument about the "aerial" given that CT is considered to be in a low lightning risk area.

A pretty thorough report seems to have been generated in this case.

 

[savage]

AFAIK, *any* metal, must be earthed.

Including, but not limited to conduits, wall/plug sockets, TV Arials, light sockets (not only down lighters)... It's not often checked, but if you go strictly to the code, even galvanized IBR roof sheets should be earthed according to 'the code'

 

[Rittellus]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback!

 

[Rittellus]

I would actually like to ask who they are.

Sounds like they actually know what they're doing, unlike many CoC signoff's I've seen where they just do a cursory check.

The company that did the inspections are : www.onecallfiveinspections.co.za

 

[savage]

The company that did the inspections are : www.onecallfiveinspections.co.za

Aah! I know them, they're at my local supply store every morning picking up the bits for the days work. Very good ppl. I wouldnt even consider doubting a COC or a statement of work required coming from them for one second.