Having been actively involved in the electrical engineering industry for almost 50 years, I have become increasingly aware of the erosive level of non-compliant electrical installations which do not concur with the statutory requirements as defined in the Electrical Installation Rules and Regulations SANS 10142.
Accordingly, I have been afforded the opportunity to document a regular blog, the focus of which is to make the home owners and end users aware of the essential safety requirements within the electrical installation industry.
Each blog will comprise two topics.
The first is to address a significant element relating to electrical installations and the second will entertain readers’ questions regarding topics discussed. At the conclusion of each blog, the readers will be informed of the next topic to be addressed.
Authentic Electrical Installation Contractors
Prior to the mid-1990s electrical installation contractors having a valid South African wireman’s licence had to register with each municipal electrical inspectorate within which they were carrying out their services.
In addition, every new or altered electrical installation had to be registered with the respective municipal authority and, at the completion of the installation, the municipal electrical inspector was present to witness, test and sign off the electrical installation in question.
Subsequently, the municipal electrical inspectorate was reduced and the introduction of the current Certificate of Compliance came into being.
Now, each and every electrical contractor must be in possession of a valid South African wireman’s licence as well as current registration with the Department of Labour – “Electrical Installation Regulation Registration 6(4): Registration of Electrical Contractor” – certificates of which should be available on request at any time.
In the case of an end user requesting the services of an electrical installation contractor for electrical repairs and/or electrical installation changes/additions, it is essential that the customer satisfy themselves as to the validity of the electrical service provider.
All too often, building and home improver contractors offer the associated services of their preferred electrical contractors – do yourself a favour and insist on the certification verification of the electrical contractor concerned. In several instances, the electrical installation is done by a handyman and the work is not certified by an approved electrical contractor.
Furthermore, upon completion of the electrical installation, insist on a Certificate of Compliance to cover the extent of the electrical installation concerned.
Remember, any electrical changes to the installation no longer hold the existing Certificate of Compliance valid unless appended by a certificate covering the changes to the original certificate.
The next “blog” topic of concern will be the electrical distribution board, during which we will address the requirements in terms of the location of the distribution board, the labelling of the circuits and the segregation of respective circuits.
