The Home Improvements Thread (2)

Steamy Tom

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The fact that a company that does bathroom work doesn't know the basics...

How does one find reliable contractors/builders/etc in these times?...

Most of these okes think they are jacks of all trades, its virtually impossible, referrals and looking at past work are probably your best bet but still no gaurentee. I try do what I can, otherwise try find a local guy from referrals and then stay on top of them and scrutinize everything.
 

ElixirCoder

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It isn't the preferable choice, labour is cheap enough to deal with it properly, you have no idea about how well the tiles will adhere without a self inspection and the existing tiles bond etc. It is far more likely for the new tiles to fail over old tiles than directly on the slab itself.
I’ve not seen tiles fail when tiled on tile - and I’ve been around a few renovations where it’s been done.

In this particular instance, it will actually save this dude a lot of money as he wouldn’t need to add 30mm+ of self leveling screed + labour to remove old tiles.

Anyway, everyone’s a pro here.
 

SAguy

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I’ve not seen tiles fail when tiled on tile - and I’ve been around a few renovations where it’s been done.

In this particular instance, it will actually save this dude a lot of money as he wouldn’t need to add 30mm+ of self leveling screed + labour to remove old tiles.

Anyway, everyone’s a pro here.
Everyone just giving their own opinion, it's ok to disagree.

I literally have two tiles in the window frame of my bathroom that are busy coming off the walls - so I don't trust the tiling of the entire bathroom. If anyone were to want to tile over existing tiles in my bathroom I'd definitely stop them.
 

I.am.Sam

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Morning all

just got my keys yesterday so need to start cleaning up and moving in

one thng i dont like . The electrical compliance did work and they put some switch close to the motor gate. They say its requirement

but my walls are low for someone to jump over and put the switch off

what can i do for this ?

other than a cage around this or something like that
 

TheBadMadMan

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Morning all

just got my keys yesterday so need to start cleaning up and moving in

one thng i dont like . The electrical compliance did work and they put some switch close to the motor gate. They say its requirement

but my walls are low for someone to jump over and put the switch off

what can i do for this ?

other than a cage around this or something like that
1860.Jpg


Something similar to this isolator?

Cage is your only option I think. (However it might not be legal).


SANS10142-1 manual, section 6.9.3 - Disconnecting devices for equipment Amdt 3

6.9.3.1 An appliance or equipment that is not supplied from a socket-outlet, including equipment automatically or remote controlled, shall be capable of being disconnected from the supply by an easily accessible switch-disconnector. The disconnector shall be mounted (if not specified elsewhere in this part of SANS 10142, but excluding luminaire circuits) (see also 6.16.1.4) Amdt 1
a) within arm's reach from the terminals of the appliance, or
b) in a distribution board, if the device is capable of being locked in the open position
Source: https://www.theforumsa.co.za/forums...ing-a-gate-motor?p=62435&viewfull=1#post62435
 
Last edited:

I.am.Sam

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1860.Jpg


Something similar to this isolator?

Cage is your only option I think. (However it might not be legal).



Source: https://www.theforumsa.co.za/forums...ing-a-gate-motor?p=62435&viewfull=1#post62435

yeah this one

i called them now cos according to the law (Legalities in respect of gate motor installations
It is a statutory requirement (SANS 10142-1 (2009)) that a double pole isolator switch be fitted within 1m of the gate motor. In addition; depending on where power is taken from to the isolator switch, the following:)

now mine isnt 1m from the gate so they need to move it or install it behind my garage door wall ..currently its against it but on the front
 

TheBadMadMan

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now mine isnt 1m from the gate so they need to move it or install it behind my garage door wall ..currently its against it but on the front
Mine is mounted outside my garage walls too, i think it needs to be accessible if anyone gets in harms way related to the gate. I have a rotary multi-pole isolator.

I'd be keen to hear what others have.
 

I.am.Sam

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Mine is mounted outside my garage walls too, i think it needs to be accessible if anyone gets in harms way related to the gate. I have a rotary multi-pole isolator.

I'd be keen to hear what others have.

aaaah ok so makes sense but also not very nice for security purposes

if they put it against my wall its better where it isnt in the view of the wondering eye
 

xrapidx

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The fact that a company that does bathroom work doesn't know the basics...

How does one find reliable contractors/builders/etc in these times?...
In 11 years of various renovations to this house I have not met one company that does a job properly. They all go on about how they know what they're doing, and don't take shortcuts - but every single one has.
 

Steamy Tom

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I’ve not seen tiles fail when tiled on tile - and I’ve been around a few renovations where it’s been done.

In this particular instance, it will actually save this dude a lot of money as he wouldn’t need to add 30mm+ of self leveling screed + labour to remove old tiles.

Anyway, everyone’s a pro here.

I have seen it fail 4 times to be exact and that is out of around 10 scenarios I have self witnessed, what's with your know it all attitude, you seem like a hypocrite accusing me of being a "pro" but acting like one yourself. You don't know my experience.

It will cost the dude a lot more when he has to redo it all and remove them anyway, buy (pay) once cry once.
 

Steamy Tom

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Morning all

just got my keys yesterday so need to start cleaning up and moving in

one thng i dont like . The electrical compliance did work and they put some switch close to the motor gate. They say its requirement

but my walls are low for someone to jump over and put the switch off

what can i do for this ?

other than a cage around this or something like that

It is an isolator and it is a legal requirement. Your gate would still likely operate for a while on the battery if it has one, besides for being clowns why would someone jump over to turn the switch off, more likely they would jump over to steal the motor or break in.
 

I.am.Sam

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It is an isolator and it is a legal requirement. Your gate would still likely operate for a while on the battery if it has one, besides for being clowns why would someone jump over to turn the switch off, more likely they would jump over to steal the motor or break in.

its very simple for someone to jump over and shut off the switch ...if the gate doesnt work you going to get out your car and check right

and thats where the living in south africa kicks in
 

Steamy Tom

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its very simple for someone to jump over and shut off the switch ...if the gate doesnt work you going to get out your car and check right

and thats where the living in south africa kicks in

ok fair point, but then they could just do the zip tie on gate trick if they had that thought anyway, maybe rather just worry about making it harder to jump which serves a greater purpose? razor wire, fence spikes, electric fence etc.
 

I.am.Sam

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ok fair point, but then they could just do the zip tie on gate trick if they had that thought anyway, maybe rather just worry about making it harder to jump which serves a greater purpose? razor wire, fence spikes, electric fence etc.

yeah true but no money for all that extras now lol
 

zoozi

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Have an old gate motor that needs fixing again. Likely need a new motor, on its last legs. Last guys were sloppy and didn't even lock the bars.
This guy wanted to charge R18k for a new motor and whatever.

Anyone have any well-priced gate motor technicians in Cape Town (Southern Suburbs)?
 

HunterNW

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yeah this one

i called them now cos according to the law (Legalities in respect of gate motor installations
It is a statutory requirement (SANS 10142-1 (2009)) that a double pole isolator switch be fitted within 1m of the gate motor. In addition; depending on where power is taken from to the isolator switch, the following:)

now mine isnt 1m from the gate so they need to move it or install it behind my garage door wall ..currently its against it but on the front
So glad i don't live in Cpt. Here we install, build, do whatever the fck you want.
 
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