Wiring Regulations.

The South African Wiring Regulations SANS 10142 are the national standard for the installation of electrical wiring and systems in South Africa. Officially titled SANS 10142-1: The Wiring of Premises – Part 1: Low-voltage installations, this standard is developed and maintained by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)

Key Points about SANS 10142-1:
1. Purpose
It provides guidelines and requirements to ensure safe design, installation, and inspection of electrical installations in buildings.

2. Scope
Applies to low-voltage installations (typically below 1,000V AC or 1,500V DC).
Covers domestic, commercial, and industrial installations.
Includes guidance on wiring methods, earthing, bonding, circuit protection, and safety devices.

3. Legal Status
It is enforced by law under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Electricians must comply with SANS 10142 to be legally certified and to issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC)

4. Updates and Versions
The standard is periodically revised. The most recent version (as of early 2024) is SANS 10142-1:2020 Edition 3.1
Staying up to date is crucial, as older practices may become non-compliant.

5. Topics Covered Include
Cable types and installation methods
Circuit breakers and fuses
Earthing and bonding systems
Electrical panel (DB) requirements
Special installations (e.g., swimming pools, hazardous areas)
Renewable energy (PV systems)

6. Training and Certification
Electricians in South Africa are trained specifically with this standard.
Compliance is necessary for insurance, safety inspections, and property sales.

Key Changes in SANS 10142-1:2024 Edition 3.2

1. Neutral Loop Impedance Testing
A new requirement mandates testing the neutral loop impedance to ensure effective disconnection during fault conditions. This test verifies that the fault current is sufficient to trip protective devices, enhancing overall installation safety.

2. Revised Bonding Test Procedures
The bonding test methodology has been updated to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the continuity between exposed conductive parts and the earth terminal. This change aims to improve the detection of potential safety hazards in installations.

3. Updated Earth Continuity Conductor Specifications
New tables define minimum sizes and maximum lengths for copper earth continuity conductors, ensuring they can handle fault currents effectively. These specifications are based on the rated current of protective devices and align with international norms.

4. Inclusion of Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs)
The standard now recognizes the use of AFDDs in installations to detect and mitigate arc faults, which are a common cause of electrical fires. This inclusion promotes the adoption of advanced protective technologies.

5. Mandatory SANS 164-2 Socket-Outlets
For all new buildings, the installation of socket-outlets complying with the SANS 164-2 configuration is now compulsory. This standardization ensures compatibility and safety across electrical installations.

6. Revised Requirements for Water Heaters
Dedicated circuits are now required for water heaters, and when socket-outlets are used, they must be unswitched. This change addresses safety concerns, particularly in small office kitchens and similar settings.

7. Updated Standards References
The reference to SANS 60439 has been replaced with the SANS 61439 series, reflecting the withdrawal of the former by the IEC. This update ensures that the standard aligns with current international practices for low-voltage switchgear assemblies.

8. Enhanced Guidelines for Alternative Power Supplies
The standard provides clearer guidance on the installation and verification of alternative power sources, including solar PV systems, UPS equipment, and generators. This clarity aids in ensuring safe integration of such systems into existing installations