Not another one…

It couldn’t be…

Well things could be worse, but not much…

When an electrical contractor does work at your premises, they are supposed to carry out certain checks under Section 8 of the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000:2018). These include checking the current carrying capacity of the consumer mains and whether the new installation is compliant.

Compliant implies a whole lot of checks, including whether a few upgrades are required.

Hmmm… The thick cable on the right seems a bit… well melted? That’s because it is!

The insulation of the cable is indeed starting to melt due to overload… probably a bit of hot joint thrown in – hard to confirm.

Several installations (and a recent extensive extension) have been  undertaken at this premises, and no-one has ever checked the capacity of the mains (or submitted their CCEW).

The thick cable to the right is the consumer mains. The insulation is starting to melt because no-one has ever done the proper checks and upgrades.

The main switch was simply a switch. It had no overload protection, and as a result the cable was starting to degrade.

What could result?

Generally a fire would result from this, and simply because the electrician didn’t do their work properly.

Can I prove what I have said here?

Yes..

Have a read through this, and scroll down to
Overload on Consumer Mains. I provide clauses to show why checks and upgrades need to be done.

As a home owner it is up to you as to what you allow to be done to your premises – and you must wear the consequences of that.

However, legally you are required to comply with the Electricity Safety Act, so there is no easy way out! It is mandatory, and you can be held liable for any electrical accident that occurs at your premises.

As a quality electrician, I am legally required to comply with the Wiring Rules – and I will in all instances. That implies telling you that you need a new main switch that includes an overload protection!

In all instances, I will comply with AS/NZS 3000:2018, supply a receipt and a Compliance Certificate (CCEW) as per my legal requirements set down by Fair Trading.

What if you want a cheaper job?

If you are happy with a cheaper job, no receipt, no compliance certificate – then I hope you are prepared for the consequences as this photos shows.

Don’t want a fire?

Get a CCEW, get a receipt and get a quality licensed electrician. Otherwise fire and dead might be the next outcome!

PS: Just in case any-one queries… Yes the small cable to left is one that I connected to an RCBO temporarily so that I could connect an asbestos vacuum cleaner. And no… it isn’t there any more and the thick cable (consumer mains) is connected into a proper 63A Circuit breaker as it should be… Just clarify’n OK!