FINALY thank you I am needing to rewire my house and have been struggling to find out the best practice for South Africa THANK YOU for this information it is life saving seriously though i cant say thank you enough.
Thank you Jean B, Your videos are great, please can you make a video on how to wire all the lights and plug points in a house it would be greatly appreciated.
Hey. It's so easy to understand in the way that u explain it. Tx for a real well presented video. Can u do a video on how the wiring is for DB's for solar systems splitting the essential and non-essential loads, please?
Great stuff man. love the video. Really good explanation. Thank you - Can you please do an inverter connection on DB board. I am sure you will get lots of hits on that one;) Have a good one nice to see more south african videos on TH-cam.
Just a small thing ,I would have liked you to fit the buss bar to the top and around the neutral wire to complete the circuit ,Thanks Great information.
Hey Jean, great video.... I have a small 600w pure sine wave inverter/ups with a plug outlet that I want to connect to my light circuit (1 x 10a). Is it possible to wire something like that to the light circuit legally here in South Africa and what other things do i need to take into consideration.... I have a 2 pole 40a din change over switch that I want to use...... perhaps a topic for your next video?
Hi Jean. Thanks for the video. Quick question, should your SUB DB's be connected on the MAIN DB E/L or not? All my SUB DB's do have their own E/L's installed.
Hi Jean, Thank you for putting up videos for South African installations. Just a question on the Water heater circuit. I see that you use a single phase CB for the water heater. How does this installation fit in with SANS 10142-1:2017 Edition 2 Section 6.16.7 Electrode water heaters, steam generators and boilers, where it is stipulated to have the water heater supplied from a multipole circuit-breaker?
Hi Hubert. The single pole breaker is sufficient if you have a double pole isolator within arms reach of the water heater according to the Western Province Inspection Board (Aug 2020). In regards with the water heater on earth leakage, that has changed sometime last year I think. New installations of water heaters need to be on an earth leakage. Thanks for the comments!
This is easy. The bit I’m interested in is how electricians can upgrade the entire switchboard, including putting the main switch, when this switch still gets power from a meter. Asking because there is no means to shut down electricity simply because the main switch is also changed
Hi Elena. To switch off the mains you will have to contact the electricity provider. Around here they come out pretty quick and dont charge for the service. Changing a main switch with the power on is not advisable. I had to do it one or twice in situations where switching off the power was not an option. Insulated tools and gloves is advised in a situation like that.
Great Vid. Thanks I take it that an Ac Air conditioner is also wired as a stove geyser lights cct via the Main buzz bar for neutrals and the live feed only from the Main switch?
Great vid, thank you! I'd like to get in an electrician to connect my Ellies 1440w inverter kit with 2 batteries connected directly to my distribution board. Is there a limit to the number of breakers I can connect to it?? In my case I need 2 which are crucial and as a bonus another 2 or 3 (lights and plugs - no geysers, stove or fridges).
Hi Boutit To my knowledge, the only limit is the watts that you have. (1440w) Circuits are up to you. Just remember to put in another earth leakage after the inverter so that it will still protect you in case of trouble.
Hi. Yes,they must be fed via the shortest point which in the general breakers are from the top. Im sure you can order breakers that are fed from the bottom but not the normal,everyday breakers. They will work fine if fed from the bottom but the law states the shortest contact sould be live.
To a light switch you will run a LIVE wire down to the switch and a RETURN wire up from the switch to the light and a earth wire of coarse. If you don't do a connection in the roof you come down to one plug and up the wall to another and so on.
Hi Ashraf. No,the wires size and the breaker size are matched to protect the wires. You can add lights and sockets as you like until the breaker trips because of too much amps. In South Africa the law recommends 7 socket points per circuit. (If the law is still the same) but it does not set a fixed limit. But try and keep it around 7 points. (Can be 7 double plug points) When putting in new wires always match the size off the existing wires. It is always good to check if the breakers and wires are matched as well.
Hi Ashraf. If by radial circuit you mean goes from the breaker to plug number one and jumps to number two,then three and so on,then yes it can be radial. Just be aware of the amps as it adds up faster if you have high power items plugged into the three phase sockets. If you mean just the busbar feeding the breakers then check that the busbar can handle all the amps as well as the wires feeding the busbar is rated high enough for all the amps.
To my knowledge, the old DBs were wired with supply from the bottom. The law states that the Live part sould be the "shortest or smallest" conductive part. If tge breaker is designed for the live to be at the bottom its fine. But if its not, it should be changed. That is as far as I can remember, you could always just call the inspection board.
Hi Ashraf. I did a few years working as an apprentice. After that I went to ECA yes. That was in Woodstock if I remember correctly. Was 10years + ago though!
@@p0we111 students usually go to ECA for training before starting apprenticeship. But Schneider electric also gives 2 day training on installation and fault finding. We basically just need some basic knowledge before you start working
Hi Ashraf. If I were you,I would read/memorize the SANS 10142 Wiring Code book before anything else. You should be able to get it at ECA or the Western Cape Approved Electrical Inspection Authority.
Hi. It depends on the current law in your country. The laws in South Africa has changed a great deal since this video was published. It used to be only plugs must be on earth leakage. You can put all if you want but its not necessary. Today if a stove has no stove coupler the it has to be on earth leakage. If a ceiling fan is not on an isolator switch then it must be on earth leakage. Geysers/hot water cylinders is a must for earth leakage today if Im not mistaken. So basically if you put everything on the earth leakage you will be save but can have a lot of nuisance tripping 🙂
Hi Eddie. Not sure what you mean. The earth and neutral can only be joint at the place where the power first comes in on the property, after that nowhere else.
Hi Ashraf. I'm not sure about the difference between them. You would have to decide for yourself. Just make sure that the one you choose is accredited and will be recognized by companies as a legit qualification.
@@p0we111 both the college and Schneider electric practical training isn’t accredited. But Schneider electric is the manufacturers of the products which is better getting training from them. Maybe it’s good doing the course just for knowledge that can help with your Apprenticeship. I’m completing the N3 Electrical certificate. Just need some practical training
@@ashrafkarjiker6888 Do as many courses as you can if it is an option. I did the Siemans plc training and it was eye opening to see all the new technology I did not even know about at that time.. That was 12years ago though! If you can,do it!
Hi Xavier. A double pole CBi is only necessary if you dont use a isolator within arms reach of the geyser. If you want to use a double pole instead of a isolator at the geyser the CBi doubke pole has to be lockable. To wire just take a live and neutral to the top of the breaker and the live and neutral going to the geyser at thr bottom.
Hey jean b I would like to know I want to add a light switch to my exciting lights but I don't want to go in to the roof can I wire it to the DB board If so how can I do it
Hi. Yes you can wire a new light circuit into your DB board. You will have to use the same size wire and the correct type. Check where the existing light circuit is. The live would be connected in one of the circuit breakers. The neutral should be on a neutral bar and the earth on an earth bar. Just connect your wires in the same places. Be careful and switch off all power. If you are not sure get an electrician!
How do you wire from the meter to the double pole switch without turning off electricity? i mean what is the best practice for safety since there are no switch to turn off between that and how do you strip the wire insulator while the electricity is on? Sorry i am a novice need to ask you for guidance
Hi. I always contacted the electrical supplier to switch off the electricity. You cannot open the meter with the electricity on,as this will trigger a safety cutoff and you would have to contact them anyway to switch it on. As for stripping,get yourself a good quality 1000v rated pliers. You can also get insulated gloves.
Half of the circuit on my outside lights aren’t working. Do they connect at a junction box. Each light fitting just has one set of cables. How do you find the junction box for that circuit. There’s no voltage present
Hi Ashraf. Yes,if only one set of wires run to a light fitting a junction box is present. You will have to trace the wires from the light hopefully to a roof space\crawl space. They can also all be run to the light switch,but that is unlikely. It is illegal to put a junction box in a place where you cannot access it,but that does not stop some people still doing it.
Hi Ashraf. In South Africa we have the Wiring Code (SANS) book. It is a government issued book. You can contact ECA (Electrical Contractors Association) or WCAEIA (The Western Cape Approved Electrical Inspection Authority). I'm sure there are others,but these are the ones that I remenber. I'm not sure but I think a online version is also available.
How can one do his own electrical wiring at home and get it approved. Those that’s qualified can just teach and inspect whether the DIY Projects are done Correctly
Hi Ashraf. I believe if you want your work (diy) sighed off,you will have to wire it under the supervision of a qualified electrician. Then someone can sign off on your work. That is how I worked as an apprentice,before qualifying.
There’s to much studying involved becoming a qualified Electrician so I’m only interested in learning the necessary information from experienced persons to get the job
Het jy Facebook? Sal jou graag wil kontak. Jy het my aansienlik baie gehelp! My stoof se neutral was heeltyd gekoppel aan die EL maar sy live is voor die EL gekoppel. So ek kon nie uitmaak hoekom my oond die EL trip nie maar jou video het gehelp! Hou so aan my vriend!
We don't have more of South Africans doing this great videos on TH-cam please continue doing more and thanks for that one🤝
you are one of the best people that explain this in the best way
FINALY thank you I am needing to rewire my house and have been struggling to find out the best practice for South Africa THANK YOU for this information it is life saving seriously though i cant say thank you enough.
Of all the videos I've watched yours was the most helpful. Thank you
I'm very grateful for the video Mr Jean B thank you for sharing this information
Please do more of these videos, they are really helpful. As a training artisian, I need such information.
Will try Celimpulo!
Hala @ me I need an electrician. 0662287831
@@lindokuhlekunene6269 do you have whatsapp?
My 4 Kw jacuzzi heater element trips my circuitbreaker after the breaker becomes hot. Do I need bigger breaker
Amazing video, CLEAR, UNDERSTANDABLE, and TO THE POINT, Well Done!
You are the best.. U really gave me knowledge on how to wire DB.. Thank you very much
Really great info in a simple to understand manner , great work man 👍 Your videos are very helpful and much appreciated. Another happy subscriber.
Thank you... I am now electric wiser after watching this video
great video. you explain clearly and in an understandable way.
THank you
this is exactly how teaching should be done . thank you for this information.
Well explained thank you very much ,we really need more of this videos
Thanks Jean. Mark from JHB. You helped me a lot. Thank you🙂
I like the way you explain is very clear you make it look simple thank you
Thanks a lot Jean
This is very helpful man🤝
In the UK, we use a solid copper busbar, for feeding all the MCB's
thanks B. I just made short but as soon as you told me lights and plugs does not have to go through a earth leakage, that solved my problem
Thank you am going for my installation test at the harmony training center & this was so much help
Good Luck!
Thank you Jean B, Your videos are great, please can you make a video on how to wire all the lights and plug points in a house it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, this is very clear and great!
Thank you so much this helped a ton!
Well presented and easy to understand
Thankyou for a great instruction video
Most helpful video .. Thank you ..
Very beneficial,thank you!!
You just made this thing so simple
Hey. It's so easy to understand in the way that u explain it. Tx for a real well presented video.
Can u do a video on how the wiring is for DB's for solar systems splitting the essential and non-essential loads, please?
Great stuff man. love the video. Really good explanation. Thank you - Can you please do an inverter connection on DB board. I am sure you will get lots of hits on that one;) Have a good one nice to see more south african videos on TH-cam.
Great content.
Howzit, this video was really helpful. Thanks alot make more videos
Just a small thing ,I would have liked you to fit the buss bar to the top and around the neutral wire to complete the circuit ,Thanks Great information.
Hi Jean...Thank you for your video. ITS really helpful..Please could you do a video on Loop impedance test and PSCC tests..
Thanks alot brooo very helpfull 👌♥️
Very clear.. Thank you
thank you nicely explained
Good job
Baie dankie vir die info,dit help baie
Thanks for the video
Brilliant. Thank you.
baie dankie vir die :) dit het my baie gehelp
Groot plesier!
Thanks for this 🙌 can you do a video on how the trade test goes
Use pin connectors on bigger (16mm) cable on neutral bar
excellent video thanks - how would you wire in an inverter and select which circuits will be powered by the inverter ?
Very educative
Dankie meneer!
Thanks Jean.
Thank You
Hey Jean, great video.... I have a small 600w pure sine wave inverter/ups with a plug outlet that I want to connect to my light circuit (1 x 10a). Is it possible to wire something like that to the light circuit legally here in South Africa and what other things do i need to take into consideration.... I have a 2 pole 40a din change over switch that I want to use...... perhaps a topic for your next video?
Could you do a video on how to wire electrical module socket like Veti?
i'm the very 1st person to view this
That indeed you are,and my fastest comment within 4min of me publishing the video!
@@p0we111 thx mate,love your videos,especially from a south african piont of view
Dankie Jean!
Thank you Jean B. Are you perhaps based in Cape Town? I might need your services soon.
Hi Jean. Thanks for the video. Quick question, should your SUB DB's be connected on the MAIN DB E/L or not? All my SUB DB's do have their own E/L's installed.
Hi Jacques. If each Sub DB has an EL then no,no need to connect it to the Main DB EL as well.
Hi Jean, how would one wire a solar sub board to the main board particularly the E/L and earthing?
Hi Jean, Thank you for putting up videos for South African installations. Just a question on the Water heater circuit. I see that you use a single phase CB for the water heater. How does this installation fit in with SANS 10142-1:2017
Edition 2 Section 6.16.7 Electrode water heaters, steam generators and boilers, where it is stipulated to have the water heater supplied from a multipole circuit-breaker?
Hi Hubert.
The single pole breaker is sufficient if you have a double pole isolator within arms reach of the water heater according to the Western Province Inspection Board (Aug 2020).
In regards with the water heater on earth leakage, that has changed sometime last year I think. New installations of water heaters need to be on an earth leakage.
Thanks for the comments!
Thank you for the response/ clarification
This is easy.
The bit I’m interested in is how electricians can upgrade the entire switchboard, including putting the main switch, when this switch still gets power from a meter.
Asking because there is no means to shut down electricity simply because the main switch is also changed
Hi Elena. To switch off the mains you will have to contact the electricity provider. Around here they come out pretty quick and dont charge for the service.
Changing a main switch with the power on is not advisable. I had to do it one or twice in situations where switching off the power was not an option. Insulated tools and gloves is advised in a situation like that.
Well helpfully videos 😂😂😂😂
Hi Jean. Het jy dalk n video hoe om n 7.5Kva generator direk op te koppel in db met n manual changeover switch. Dankie Eric.
merci
Hi please do a 3 phase, and give me imfamation on what size wires go on brackers
Great Vid. Thanks I take it that an Ac Air conditioner is also wired as a stove geyser lights cct via the Main buzz bar for neutrals and the live feed only from the Main switch?
Hi. Yes you are correct. Just have an isolator next to the aircon.
@@p0we111 Thanks. for the quick response The isolator is for servicing tech to isolate the AC for safe maintenance.
@@SnowyPe No problem. Yes exactly as you say.
Great vid, thank you!
I'd like to get in an electrician to connect my Ellies 1440w inverter kit with 2 batteries connected directly to my distribution board. Is there a limit to the number of breakers I can connect to it??
In my case I need 2 which are crucial and as a bonus another 2 or 3 (lights and plugs - no geysers, stove or fridges).
Hi Boutit
To my knowledge, the only limit is the watts that you have. (1440w)
Circuits are up to you.
Just remember to put in another earth leakage after the inverter so that it will still protect you in case of trouble.
Excellent stuff, thanks a million!
Jeane thanks mentor
Can you saw to me how to rewire my house in the lof from the DB
Please help
You have done very well but I didn't see you putting the live wire from the MCB to the ELB input.
on my diagram I was doing I picked that up too...The ELB needs live input from the MCB
Can you make one video demonstration how to wire backup inverter power
great
how do you install the inverter in this distribution board? are you protecting it by earth leakage?
Good stuff. Must each breaker be fed from the top?
Hi. Yes,they must be fed via the shortest point which in the general breakers are from the top. Im sure you can order breakers that are fed from the bottom but not the normal,everyday breakers. They will work fine if fed from the bottom but the law states the shortest contact sould be live.
Are cables usually run up walls for light circuits and down walls for socket circuits for new installations
To a light switch you will run a LIVE wire down to the switch and a RETURN wire up from the switch to the light and a earth wire of coarse.
If you don't do a connection in the roof you come down to one plug and up the wall to another and so on.
hi how do i connect my out building supply cable to my mian house DB board
When you’re installing more lights and sockets on one circuit do you need to use thicker wires
Hi Ashraf. No,the wires size and the breaker size are matched to protect the wires. You can add lights and sockets as you like until the breaker trips because of too much amps.
In South Africa the law recommends 7 socket points per circuit. (If the law is still the same) but it does not set a fixed limit. But try and keep it around 7 points. (Can be 7 double plug points)
When putting in new wires always match the size off the existing wires. It is always good to check if the breakers and wires are matched as well.
How would I add a second db board from main house to say Wendy or separate entrance granny flat
do more on south african laws cicurt
Are three phase sockets also have radial circuits with a busbar on breakers
Hi Ashraf. If by radial circuit you mean goes from the breaker to plug number one and jumps to number two,then three and so on,then yes it can be radial.
Just be aware of the amps as it adds up faster if you have high power items plugged into the three phase sockets.
If you mean just the busbar feeding the breakers then check that the busbar can handle all the amps as well as the wires feeding the busbar is rated high enough for all the amps.
Can you do a video on how earth and grounding works, floating earth and bonded earth.
Can you also post how a three phase Db is wired please
Where can one complete the training for Unit Standards on inspection and testing in Cape Town
Hi Ashraf. Contact the Electrical Approved Inspection Authority on 021 987 3010. I think the are in Kraaifontein.
Are the wires usually separate or come in one sleeve with live neutral and Earth
Hi Ashraf. You can buy them separate or in a multi core cable where you have to strip it to get to the individual wires.
Good day. Why do they some 12 way DB board have the busk bar installed on the bottom of the breakers? Is this correct?
To my knowledge, the old DBs were wired with supply from the bottom. The law states that the Live part sould be the "shortest or smallest" conductive part. If tge breaker is designed for the live to be at the bottom its fine. But if its not, it should be changed. That is as far as I can remember, you could always just call the inspection board.
Hi please add. Video to connect a inverter generator to the DB
Where have you studied electrical course. Did you get practical training from the ECA
Hi Ashraf. I did a few years working as an apprentice. After that I went to ECA yes. That was in Woodstock if I remember correctly. Was 10years + ago though!
@@p0we111 students usually go to ECA for training before starting apprenticeship. But Schneider electric also gives 2 day training on installation and fault finding. We basically just need some basic knowledge before you start working
where is the input line for the ELCB? I can only see Neutral input connection.
Which are good electrical books to read for South Africa electricians
Hi Ashraf. If I were you,I would read/memorize the SANS 10142 Wiring Code book before anything else. You should be able to get it at ECA or the Western Cape Approved Electrical Inspection Authority.
Does the SANS book mention the cable size for lights, plugs etc
❤should the other circuit have earth leakage as well???
Hi. It depends on the current law in your country. The laws in South Africa has changed a great deal since this video was published.
It used to be only plugs must be on earth leakage. You can put all if you want but its not necessary.
Today if a stove has no stove coupler the it has to be on earth leakage.
If a ceiling fan is not on an isolator switch then it must be on earth leakage. Geysers/hot water cylinders is a must for earth leakage today if Im not mistaken. So basically if you put everything on the earth leakage you will be save but can have a lot of nuisance tripping 🙂
Can you show how to wire a council pre paid meter sometime?
Hi Jean, is it allowed to join Neutral Bar without earth leakage and Earth Bar?
Hi Eddie. Not sure what you mean.
The earth and neutral can only be joint at the place where the power first comes in on the property, after that nowhere else.
Is it better doing basic electrical course at Schneider electric than at College
Hi Ashraf. I'm not sure about the difference between them. You would have to decide for yourself. Just make sure that the one you choose is accredited and will be recognized by companies as a legit qualification.
@@p0we111 both the college and Schneider electric practical training isn’t accredited. But Schneider electric is the manufacturers of the products which is better getting training from them. Maybe it’s good doing the course just for knowledge that can help with your Apprenticeship. I’m completing the N3 Electrical certificate. Just need some practical training
@@ashrafkarjiker6888 Do as many courses as you can if it is an option. I did the Siemans plc training and it was eye opening to see all the new technology I did not even know about at that time.. That was 12years ago though! If you can,do it!
Hallo Jean, do you have a tutorial on how to wire a home 3 phase db ?
Hi Jacques
Sorry,not yet. Maybe sometime soon.
@@p0we111 Thank you ! There is nothing on the Tube and it is quite frustrating... grrr!
Hi people usually use double pole cbi geyser breakers how does one wire that up, please explain
Hi Xavier.
A double pole CBi is only necessary if you dont use a isolator within arms reach of the geyser.
If you want to use a double pole instead of a isolator at the geyser the CBi doubke pole has to be lockable.
To wire just take a live and neutral to the top of the breaker and the live and neutral going to the geyser at thr bottom.
@@p0we111 so the live comes from the mains that goes on top and the neutral comes from the neutral bar which doesnt go on earth leakage?
Hey jean b I would like to know I want to add a light switch to my exciting lights but I don't want to go in to the roof can I wire it to the DB board If so how can I do it
Hi. Yes you can wire a new light circuit into your DB board. You will have to use the same size wire and the correct type.
Check where the existing light circuit is.
The live would be connected in one of the circuit breakers. The neutral should be on a neutral bar and the earth on an earth bar. Just connect your wires in the same places.
Be careful and switch off all power. If you are not sure get an electrician!
@@p0we111 ok but I have alot of lights like 4 of them running to the DB board can I brigde them out the live wire going from the light switch
Wow
How do you wire from the meter to the double pole switch without turning off electricity? i mean what is the best practice for safety since there are no switch to turn off between that and how do you strip the wire insulator while the electricity is on? Sorry i am a novice need to ask you for guidance
Hi. I always contacted the electrical supplier to switch off the electricity. You cannot open the meter with the electricity on,as this will trigger a safety cutoff and you would have to contact them anyway to switch it on.
As for stripping,get yourself a good quality 1000v rated pliers. You can also get insulated gloves.
@@p0we111 thank you for the insight
Half of the circuit on my outside lights aren’t working. Do they connect at a junction box. Each light fitting just has one set of cables. How do you find the junction box for that circuit. There’s no voltage present
Hi Ashraf. Yes,if only one set of wires run to a light fitting a junction box is present. You will have to trace the wires from the light hopefully to a roof space\crawl space. They can also all be run to the light switch,but that is unlikely.
It is illegal to put a junction box in a place where you cannot access it,but that does not stop some people still doing it.
Which book can we find the wire sizes
Hi Ashraf. In South Africa we have the Wiring Code (SANS) book. It is a government issued book. You can contact ECA (Electrical Contractors Association) or WCAEIA (The Western Cape Approved Electrical Inspection Authority). I'm sure there are others,but these are the ones that I remenber.
I'm not sure but I think a online version is also available.
Baie duidelik en dus baie behulpsaam.
How can one do his own electrical wiring at home and get it approved. Those that’s qualified can just teach and inspect whether the DIY Projects are done Correctly
Hi Ashraf. I believe if you want your work (diy) sighed off,you will have to wire it under the supervision of a qualified electrician. Then someone can sign off on your work. That is how I worked as an apprentice,before qualifying.
There’s to much studying involved becoming a qualified Electrician so I’m only interested in learning the necessary information from experienced persons to get the job
@@ashrafkarjiker6888 Yes I agree. You can do it yourself,but like I said,it will have to be under supervision of someone qualified.
Het jy Facebook? Sal jou graag wil kontak.
Jy het my aansienlik baie gehelp! My stoof se neutral was heeltyd gekoppel aan die EL maar sy live is voor die EL gekoppel. So ek kon nie uitmaak hoekom my oond die EL trip nie maar jou video het gehelp! Hou so aan my vriend!
🇿🇦🇿🇦
I need to watch again. I didn’t understand a thing😞😞
Hi John. Watch it again, let me know what is not clear!