Wiring Code - SANS 10142-1

The South African national wiring code governing the design, installation, inspection, testing and certification of all low-voltage electrical installations in buildings and similar structures. It’s referenced in South African law (the Occupational Health and Safety Act) and compliance is required for issuing Certificates of Compliance.

Scope
Defines what installations the standard applies to (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, caravans, temporary installations, etc.).

Normative References
Lists all other standards that are referenced within SANS 10142-1 (e.g., cable standards, equipment standards, protection device standards).

Definitions
Key terms used throughout the code, essential for correctly interpreting requirements.

Compliance
What compliance means, how installers must meet the requirements, and legal aspects (including Certificates of Compliance and inspection).
Fundamental Requirements

Safety and design basics that apply to all installations (protection against shock, overcurrent, fault conditions, over/undervoltage, excessive temperatures, arc faults, etc.).

Installation Requirements
This is usually the longest and most detailed section, covering:

General circuit arrangements.

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  Conductors and cables: current-carrying capacity, installation methods, fixing, voltage drop.

Distribution boards (DBs) and sub-DBs: location, accessibility, labeling.

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  Protection: overcurrent devices (fuses, circuit-breakers), earth leakage devices, arc fault detection devices.

Disconnecting and switching devices.

Earthing and Bonding
Requirements for earthing systems, bonding of exposed conductive parts and extraneous conductive parts, size of earth continuity conductors.
Equipment and Circuit Requirements

Lighting circuits

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  Socket-outlet circuits (including recommended types and protections)

Fixed appliance circuits

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  Special locations (e.g., bathrooms, swimming pools, medical locations) often handled in dedicated clauses or referenced sub-parts.

Special Installations or Locations

Extra requirements for locations such as:

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  Medical locations

Construction and demolition site installations

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  Temporary installations

Agricultural, marina, caravan sites

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  Extra-low voltage systems
  These may also be split into separate sub-parts (e.g., SANS 10142-1-1 for medical locations).

Verification and Testing

Instructions for inspection, testing procedures, fault-loop impedance, bonding continuity, and completing test documentation.
Documentation and Certification

How to fill in test and inspection reports, issue Certificates of Compliance (CoC) and handle records.

Annexes
Informative and normative annexes providing examples and guidance:

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  Example load calculations

Cable bending recommendations

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  Examples of conduit sizing

IP ratings explanation

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  Surge protection guidance

Templates for labeling and danger notices.