SO, after mopping up the mess and searching for missing body parts after the circular saw massacre we talked about last month, are you still okay with the way you have been doing and designing electrical installations? I thought not... so let's continue.

The introduction of SANS 10142-1 also makes us take cognisance of other factors that need be taken into consideration when planning, designing and/or doing electrical installations. How many times have you heard someone say: "Who told you to install that type of switch, luminaire or cable under these conditions?"

This is a time I like to prove my superiority by declaring: "SANS 10142-1 does of course."

"But where? I can't think of where it tells me this in that much detail."

"It's because you don't read the code properly, that's why."

Because, if you have read the introduction thoroughly (What? You mean I have to read too?) you surely would have seen this:
"To ensure the protection of people, animals and property and the proper functioning of an installation, the designer of an electrical installation should be aware of
- the characteristics of the power supply,
- the nature of the demand, and
- the operating environment of each part of the installation."

So how do you achieve this? It's relatively easy. You do as the man says: "If they work with water you use equipment that's suitable for the purpose." In other words, you will use IP5x for dusty environments and IP6x for wet environments, for instance.

Then you also need to make sure that people, animals and property are protected from hazards that can arise in an electrical installation under normal and fault conditions.

People, yes... But animals and property? Yes... animals and property as well.

You cannot allow milk cows to be electrocuted when milking machines are connected and something goes wrong with the electrical installation. Neither should you allow an electrical installation to be the cause of a fire that could destroy the cowshed.

Easy? Yes. As the man says, all you have to do is to prevent inter alia ‘shock current', ‘fault current', ‘excessive temperatures' and ‘arcs and sparks'. Easy...

So how do you achieve this? Again, it's so easy. You again do as the man says.

You make sure things are properly insulated and if moisture (from cleaning for instance) can cause a electric current to flow to earth, you interrupt the supply before something or someone gets hurt. You will also make sure your equipment keeps out dust and moisture that can cause flashover that could start a fire.

You achieve the above by employing earth leakage units, dust and moisture proof enclosures for socket outlets, distribution boards, luminaires, etc.

It's that easy.

The introduction also informs me that SANS 10142-1 only deals with the "basic safety of electrical installations" and the "selection and application of electrical equipment, appliances and accessories, which are part of the fixed electrical installation".

Now, ladies and gentlemen, hidden in the above few words lie a couple of seriously bloody world wars!

Now, at first glance, you might think I'm over exaggerating, but think carefully...

"Basic safety" - if we never make mistakes how come such a shockingly high number of electrical installations do not pass any kind of inspection (be it the first, second or umpteenth time) for a Certificate of Compliance?

"Selection of and application of electrical equipment" - so how come if I buy the "correctly selected equipment" from a so called reputable supplier, I still land up with stuff that's not SABS approved, such as cable or circuit breakers?

With the above in mind, I'd like to remind suppliers in all forms, shapes and sizes:

"Any person who designs, manufactures, imports, sells or supplies any article for use at work shall ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that the article is safe and without risks to health when properly used and that it complies with all prescribed requirements."

Therefore, Mr or Ms Supplier, you are obligated to supply ‘the right stuff' as instructed in paragraph 1 of Clause 10 of the Occupational health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993).

Do not come crying later... The Consumer Act cometh...

So what if the client, consultant or designer does not like the basic level of safety prescribed by SANS 10142-1? Easy. They can specify a higher standard (including equipment), providing it does not contravene any prescription of SANS 10142-1 and this higher standard forms part of the contract documentation.

This is merely so that the installer of the electrical installation knows he is required to adjust a couple of things due to the higher standard required.

So, by all means specify the higher rated and more expensive stuff... As long as you (or your client) are prepared pay!

Till next time.