THE SABS has announced changes to SANS 10142-1: The wiring of premises Part 1: Low-voltage installations. This document will be revised to add the requirements for the new plug and socket outlet dedicated systems to which newly built houses should comply with in future.
The requirements for the installation of plugs and socket-outlet systems for electric vehicles based on SANS 61851- 1, SANS 62196-2, SANS 62196-3 and SANS 61851-23 will also be included in the revision of SANS 10142-1, thus allowing for the safe installation of socket-and-plug combinations for the charging of electrical vehicles. The requirements for a British plug and socket-outlet is taken out on the document since is no longer manufactured, sold and is not legal in South Africa.
The referenced standard for conduits has been updated from SANS 60614 series which is withdrawn to SANS 61386 series, SANS 1239 will be withdrawn and replaced by SANS 60309-1 and SANS 60309-2. The test report for electrical installation was updated to include employee name, name of registered person, electrical contractors'
registration number, date of registration and the expiry for registration in case there is a problem with the installation where the person who installed it can be traceable. A new additional test report and initial inspection schedule for a hazardous location as per SANS 60079-14 was added.
There are no other documents that can be used due to the use of different electrical accessories for installation as well as the frequency and the voltage used worldwide. This document provides protection against shock current, overcurrent, fault current, overvoltage, electrical arcs and excessive temperatures to ensure that people, animals and property are protected from hazards that can arise from the operation of electrical installation. In South Africa, the use of this document is applicable to electrical installations on fixed appliances such as water heaters, cooking appliances, appliance for space cooling and heating, motors, electric fences, steam generators as well as boilers.
The revision of this standard was recommended because:
• It provides opportunity for vehicle recharging electrical infrastructure to be available locally which would give an option to purchase electric vehicles.
• The infrastructure for electric vehicles will provide a conducive environment for the importation of electric vehicles.
• It will also pave the way for local manufacturers to establish vehicle plants that manufacture electric vehicles.
• Maintenance costs will also be minimised as cases of explosions and fires are addressed by the standard.
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