Understanding SANS 10142-1-2, SANS 10142-1, and SANS 10400-T: Compliance for Small-Scale Embedded Generation in South Africa

SANS 10142-1-2, SANS 10142-1, and SANS 10400-T are South African standards that collectively ensure the safety and compliance of electrical installations, particularly for low voltage small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems like solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. Below, I discuss how these standards interact and their application in the context of electrical installations and building regulations.

SANS 10142-1-2, SANS 10142-1, and SANS 10400-T

1. SANS 10142-1: The Wiring Code

SANS 10142-1, titled "The Wiring of Premises – Part 1: Low-voltage Installations," is the primary standard governing the design, installation, and maintenance of low-voltage electrical installations in South Africa. It focuses on ensuring safety, preventing hazards (e.g., electrical shocks, fires), and ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No. 85 of 1993). Key aspects include:

Scope: Covers low-voltage installations (up to 1000 V AC or 1500 V DC) in residential, commercial, and industrial premises.

Safety Mechanisms: Specifies requirements for wiring, circuit protection, earthing, bonding, and testing to ensure installations are safe for occupants and equipment.

Certification: Requires a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued by a registered electrician to confirm that the installation meets safety and regulatory standards.

General Application: Applies to all electrical installations, including those that integrate SSEG systems, but does not specifically address the unique requirements of embedded generation.

2. SANS 10142-1-2: Low Voltage Small-Scale Embedded Generation

SANS 10142-1-2, published in 2021 as "The Wiring of Premises – Part 1-2: Additional Special Requirements for Low Voltage Small Scale Embedded Generator Installations Connected to the Grid," supplements SANS 10142-1 by addressing the specific requirements for SSEG systems, such as solar PV or small wind turbines connected in parallel to the grid. Key points include:

Scope: Focuses on SSEG systems connected to low-voltage networks (e.g., rooftop solar PV systems). It covers installations that feed electricity into the grid or operate in parallel with it.

Additional Requirements: Specifies technical requirements beyond SANS 10142-1, including:

Grid Connection: Safe integration with the utility grid, including anti-islanding protection to prevent feeding power into the grid during outages, which could endanger utility workers.

Inverter Compliance: Requirements for inverters to meet grid codes (e.g., NRS 097-2-1) for safe and stable operation.

Metering and Isolation: Proper metering for energy export/import and isolation devices to ensure safe disconnection from the grid.

Earthing and Bonding: Specific earthing arrangements to handle the bidirectional flow of electricity in SSEG systems.

Certification: Like SANS 10142-1, a CoC is required, but it must also account for the additional requirements of SSEG installations.

 

Purpose: Ensures SSEG systems are installed safely, protecting both the grid and end-users while enabling renewable energy integration.

 

3. SANS 10400-T: Fire Protection in Buildings

SANS 10400-T, part of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (Act No. 103 of 1977), addresses fire protection in buildings. It is relevant to electrical installations, including SSEG systems, as it governs fire safety measures. Key aspects include:

Scope: Specifies requirements for fire prevention and protection in buildings, including structural design, materials, and systems like electrical installations that could pose fire risks.

Application to Electrical Installations:

-Ensures electrical installations, including SSEG systems, are designed and installed to minimize fire hazards (e.g., through proper cable insulation, circuit protection, and equipment placement).

-Requires compliance with fire safety measures, such as fire-resistant materials and proper ventilation for equipment like inverters or battery storage systems.

Integration with SANS 10142 Standards: SANS 10400-T references electrical safety standards like SANS 10142-1 to ensure that wiring and equipment installations do not compromise fire safety. For example, it may require specific placement of SSEG components (e.g., inverters or batteries) to avoid fire spread or ensure accessibility for firefighting.

4. How These Standards Interact

The three standards work together to ensure safe, compliant, and functional electrical installations, particularly for SSEG systems:

SANS 10142-1 as the Foundation: Provides the general framework for all low-voltage electrical installations, including safety, wiring, and testing requirements. Any SSEG installation must first comply with this standard.

 

SANS 10142-1-2 as a Supplement: Adds specific requirements for SSEG systems, building on SANS 10142-1. For example, while SANS 10142-1 ensures proper earthing for a standard installation, SANS 10142-1-2 addresses additional earthing needs for grid-connected generators to manage bidirectional power flow.

 

SANS 10400-T for Fire Safety: Ensures that both standard and SSEG installations comply with fire safety regulations. For instance, SSEG components like batteries or inverters must be installed in locations that meet SANS 10400-T’s fire protection requirements, such as non-combustible enclosures or adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.

 

5. Application in Practice

When installing an SSEG system (e.g., a solar PV system) in a building:

1. Compliance with SANS 10142-1: The electrician ensures the entire electrical installation (including the SSEG system) meets the general wiring code requirements, such as proper circuit protection and earthing.
   
   
2. Compliance with SANS 10142-1-2: The electrician addresses SSEG-specific requirements, such as grid synchronization, anti-islanding protection, and inverter compliance. A CoC specific to the SSEG installation is issued, referencing both standards.
3. Compliance with SANS 10400-T: The installation is checked to ensure it does not pose a fire hazard. For example, battery storage systems must be placed in a well-ventilated, fire-resistant area, and cabling must use fire-retardant materials.
   
4. Municipal and Utility Requirements: Municipalities often require compliance with these standards for grid connection approval, and utilities may reference NRS 097-2-1 (grid code for SSEG) alongside SANS 10142-1-2.
   
   
5. Ensuring compliance: is mandatory for all business, homeowners to obtain the relevant subject matter experts contact SAPAC.co.za

 

6. Practical Example

For a homeowner installing a 5 kW solar PV system with battery storage:

• SANS 10142-1: Ensures the home’s electrical system is safely wired, with proper circuit breakers and earthing.
• SANS 10142-1-2: Governs the connection of the solar PV system to the grid, ensuring the inverter complies with NRS 097-2-1 and that anti-islanding protection is in place.
• SANS 10400-T: Ensures the battery storage is installed in a fire-safe location (e.g., a ventilated, non-combustible enclosure) and that cabling does not increase fire risk.
• The electrician issues a CoC covering both SANS 10142-1 and SANS 10142-1-2, and the installation is inspected for compliance with SANS 10400-T as part of building regulations.
• Important only an Installation electrician or master installation may install, oversee in person the installation and sign the COC on site when issuance of a COC is performed

7. Critical Considerations

• Municipal Variations: Some municipalities may have additional requirements for SSEG installations, but they typically align with these standards. If not push your query through to SAPAC
• Updates and Editions: SANS 10142-1 was updated to Edition 3.2 in August 2024, so installers must use the latest version. SANS 10142-1-2 (Edition 1, 2021) is relatively new but critical for SSEG compliance.
• Training and Expertise: Electricians must be trained in both SANS 10142-1 and SANS 10142-1-2 to issue valid CoCs for SSEG systems. They must be an installation or master installation electrician. 

Rationale 

SANS 10142-1 provides the foundational safety requirements for low-voltage electrical installations, while SANS 10142-1-2 adds specific rules for grid-connected SSEG systems. SANS 10400-T ensures these installations meet fire safety standards under national building regulations. Together, they ensure that SSEG installations are safe, compliant, and compatible with both the grid and building safety requirements. For any installation, a registered electrician must ensure compliance with all three standards, issuing a CoC and coordinating with local authorities for grid connection approval. It is therefore important to note that only an installation or master installation electrician may issue a COC and they must be on site when such COC is being issued. If you have an COC that was issued by a single phase electrician query it with SAPAC.

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